Ephesians 5:11-12
11 Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them;
12 for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret.
Vs. 11 - “Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them;”
“Do not participate...” - Don’t even go there. A statement heard in warning us away from some activity or action. Now this could mean any action undertaken without the guidance and control of the Holy Spirit. However, looking at the rest of this verse and verse 12, below, it appears this exhortation is aimed at warning us away from immoral, and impure acts (don’t think you need a list of those). You don’t need to ‘expose’ playing golf or reading a newspaper (well, who knows in these days of fake news).
“Instead even expose them” - This is an amazing command. Not only are you to refrain from living out sinful deeds in your life, but you are to shine the light of scripture on the unfruitful deeds. This undoubtedly will lead to an uproar of disapprobation against you. “This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil. For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But he who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God.“(John 3:19-21) This command is for church members to confront other church members about inappropriate behavior. The church is the witness to the world for Jesus Christ - living sinful lives does not show the new life God has given us in Jesus Christ!
I am not sure how this command applies to Christians confronting non-Chriatians about their sinful behavior. It seems wrong to think that people who are living moral, Christian lives would not confront those who are not - after all aren’t we supposed to be a witness to the world? But such ‘tough love’ may generate resentment and make people less willing to turn to Christ. The idea that we should not point out sinful behavior seems wishy-washy. Our Christian lifestyle must be what draws others to Jesus. When they ask about our lives - how we are content, or ask why we don’t participate in some activities - that is when we can share that Jesus has changed out lives. He has given us the grace to be able to live pure lives. He is the Lord of Lords, and wants His family to be pure, as He is pure. I think the positive approach will win more to Christ. If asked, or challenged why we don’t participate in some sinful activities, we must not hesitate or waver to give the answer - it is Christ who lives in us and gives us the power to live moral lives. We have no desire to offend the King of Kings who gave His life for us.
Vs. 12 - “for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret.”
“For it is disgraceful even to speak of the things...” - See Rom 1:18-32, All that people need is in hand, but because of their stubbornness and sin they rebel and end up in a death spiral, from which there is no escape except Jesus Christ. Look at our modern culture: the glorification of homosexuality, pornography, and hateful behaviors. We are in the midst of a complete moral breakdown. See Isa 5:20-21 “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness; Who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes And clever in their own sight!”
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