Eph. 5:15-17 - Be Careful

15 Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise,
16 making the most of your time, because the days are evil.
17 So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

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The Days Are Evil

Vs. 15 - “Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise,”

“Therefore be careful how you walk” - Take care in how you live out your Christian life. The world around you will be watching - ready to pounce if you stray, ready to cry “Hypocrite! Hypocrite!” Ready to pronounce you a failure as a Christian. Whereas others may try to keep parts of their lifestyle hidden, yours should open for all to see.

“not as unwise men but as wise” - 'Unwise' is living as if God does not exist, or doesn’t care how you live. See: “For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any double-edged sword, piercing even to the point of dividing soul from spirit, and joints from marrow; it is able to judge the desires and thoughts of the heart. And no creature is hidden from God, but everything is naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must render an account.” (Heb 4:12-13)

The essence of being ‘wise’, especially in the Wisdom writings in the Old Testament, is following God’s word or commands. Ignoring God, or turning on Him is unwise. See: “Do you thus repay the LORD, O foolish and unwise people? Is not He your Father who has bought you? He has made you and established you.“ (Deut 32:6) God is telling them, “After all that I have done for you; things you could never have done for yourself...”

Vs. 16 - “making the most of your time, because the days are evil.”

“making the most of your time” - A saying circulated a few years ago, “You are confusing motion with progress.” Another asked the question, “You say you have 15 years of experience of Christian life, are you sure it isn’t 1 year’s experience 15 times?” Paul is urging them to be sure they are focusing on Jesus and what He wants done. Listen to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Follow Him where He leads. Otherwise you are ‘running in place’, getting all sweaty and exhausted but getting nowhere.

“because the days are evil” - We live in a fallen and broken world - it seems all the days are fraught with evil. We know that Satan is always working to frustrate the cause and ministry of the church. The best way to get us to follow false teachings is to make them an admixture of the truth and lies. Most will not be sucked in by the outrageous big lie, such as stuff you see in movies - e.g., “The DaVinci Code” - or heresies such as Mary Magdalene and Jesus were sexual partners. But more subtle jabs, such the TV series “The Good Place”, or “God Friended Me”, are portraying God as needing help, or just not aware of what is happening. (I am not saying these TV comedies are evil - they don’t have a scriptural basis.) We always must be aware, checking what we are being told or taught with scripture.

Vs. 17 - “So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”

“Do not be foolish” - Don’t be deceived by false teachers. We can be lead on the wrong path, if what is being taught is almost correct; it has that hint of believability. Compare the teachings to the Bible. See: “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” (1 John 4:1)
“But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ.” (2 Cor 11:3 , Also: James 1:16; 1 Cor 15:33)
“We proclaim him by instructing and teaching all people with all wisdom so that we may present every person mature in Christ.” (Col 1:28)
“I say this so that no one will deceive you through arguments that sound reasonable.” (Col 2:4)
“Be careful not to allow anyone to captivate you through an empty, deceitful philosophy that is according to human traditions and the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.” ( Col 2:8 )

“Understand what the will of the Lord” - One of the reasons I love my faith, Christianity, is that it is simple yet deep; it is pure and uncluttered. No secret handshakes, no mysterious puzzles to solve. No secret ‘knowledge’ available to only a select few - who we must ‘trust’ since they have it and we don’t. No pilgrimages, no quests, nothing I need to do except believe on the Lord Jesus Christ as my Savior. He paid the penalty for the sin of the world - mine are lumped in there. He died. He is resurrected and sitting with God the Father, ready to welcome me to my new home with them. It will be a joyous wedding of church as the bride and the Lord Jesus as the bridegroom. God’s will is that I will be with face-to-face to commune and worship, and share His glory!

Eph. 5:13-14 - Exposed by Light

Ephesians 5:13-14

13 But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light.
14 For this reason it says, "Awake, sleeper, And arise from the dead, And Christ will shine on you."

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All Things Become Visible

Vs. 13 - “But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light.”

“all things become visible” - This is about more than exposing evil. If that was all it takes to get rid of evil, pornography, prostitution, sexual sins, any criminal act would go away when revealed. In our experience, is that so? No, it is not! We fight tooth and nail, scratch and claw at crime and evil. Yet it is still here, and sometimes seems to prevail. The hope and prayer is that as evil deeds are shown to be what they are - evil, there will be people won to Christ who compare the deeds of those doing evil to the deeds of those living the Christian life.
See: John 3:19-21 - “Now this is the basis for judging: that the light has come into the world and people loved the darkness rather than the light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone who does evil deeds hates the light and does not come to the light, so that their deeds will not be exposed. But the one who practices the truth comes to the light, so that it may be plainly evident that his deeds have been done in God

“everything that becomes visible is light” - Not that visible things emit light, or are light sources, but that everything that has light shone upon it becomes visible. We can see the evil of pornography as it is exposed. See the spiritual destruction of sexual deviations, or sexual crimes, of crime of any sort. See the coarsening of our morals and culture - all because of tolerating evil deeds. 

These types of human behaviors should never be allowed in the church - especially in the church. We can speak out against pornography, prostitution, adultery, etc., but the natural world has no remedy - they do not have Jesus. Many times they do not want to hear that what they are doing is harmful to their soul.

Vs. 14 - “For this reason it says, "Awake, sleeper, And arise from the dead, And Christ will shine on you.”

“Awake, sleeper, And arise from the dead” - Quoted from: Isa 51:17, 52:1, 60:1, 26:14a, 19a. This not a reference to the rapture, or resurrection. Wake up from your spiritual darkness. Turn from spiritual death. See: “Say to them, 'As surely as I live, declares the sovereign LORD, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but prefer that the wicked change his behavior and ‘live. Turn back, turn back from your evil deeds! Why should you die, O house of Israel?' “ (Eze 33:11 )

Indeed, why should you die in your sin? Wake from your stupor. Turn from your confusion. Let the Light of God shine into your heart and soul. Be born again to new life, eternal life in Christ Jesus!

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Eph. 5:11-12 - Works of Darkness

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.

Expose Them

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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Eph. 5:6-10 - Do Not be Deceived

Ephesians 5:6-10

6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.
7 Therefore do not be partakers with them;
8 for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light
9 (for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth),
10 trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.

The Fruit of the Light

Vs. 6 - “Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. “

“Let no one deceive you with empty words” - This warning reminds us to follow the teachings that match what the scripture commands. There will be people who will try to convince you by logic and persuasion that your freedom in Christ allows you to do what you please - not what Christ and the Holy Spirit commands. (See: Col 2:4; Eph 4:17; Rom 16:19; Gal 6:7; 1 Cor 6:19, 12:2; John 7:12; 2 Cor 11:3; 1 Tim 6:21; 2 Tim 2:18; Rev 2:20 )

- We are not saved to live in sin. We are saved to live out the holiness of Christ - to be sanctified. (See: 1 Thess 4:7). Also, “As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, ‘YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY.’" (1 Pet 1:14-16)

"because of these things” - ‘These things’ are immorality, impurity, covetousness, plus other sins of a life not founded on Jesus Christ. There are several impressive lists regarding this subject in the NT. For example: “And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what should not be done. They are filled with every kind of unrighteousness, wickedness, covetousness, malice. They are rife with envy, murder, strife, deceit, hostility. They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, contrivers of all sorts of evil, disobedient to parents, senseless, covenant-breakers, heartless, ruthless. Although they fully know God's righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but also approve of those who practice them.” (Rom 1:28-32)

Vs. 7 - “Therefore do not be partakers with them.”

This seems like a no-brainer. If sin is the reason judgement is meted out, wouldn’t you want to be as far from that as possible? If you have accepted Christ as Lord, committed your life to Him, shouldn’t you wish to live as He commands you to live? If you know better, why live in a manner that shows you do not know better? “He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God?” (Mic 6:8 )

Vs. 8 - “for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light”

“for you were formerly darkness” - Without Christ we live in spiritual darkness. “He delivered us from the power of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of the Son he loves.“ (Col 1:13) See also: Eph 6:12; Matt 6:23, 10:27; Luk 1:79, 11:35; John 3:19, 12:46; Acts 26:18; 1 Cor 4:5) God gave us the light, His name is Jesus (2 Cor 4:6).

“walk as children of Light” - Jesus is the light of the world. We who believe in Him are His children. We have gone from being enemies of God, to friends and sons of God (John 15:14). If we are His children, we are children of light (Rev 21:23-25) because God is light and not darkness. We, the church, are the light to the Gentiles (Acts 13:47); the light of the world (Matt 5:14-16). The church is the light to the darkness (Rom 2:19).

Vs. 9 - “(for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth),”

“For” - Since you are a child of light (1 Thess 5:5; ), and the Light in the Lord (Eph 5:8), the following is true:M

“Fruit of the Light” - “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control...” (Gal 5:22-23) Similarly, the three characteristics here are not singular entities but the whole of being in Christ. They are ours because Christ is in us. When we have the Lord Jesus, we have all. God is good; He alone is good (Mark 10:18). God is the source of all righteousness and truth.

Vs. 10 - “trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.”

“Trying to learn” - The product of walking as a child of Light. Peter said in his letter, “As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, ‘YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY.’” (1 Pet 1:14-16 )

None of us know what it means to be holy. We must be taught, we must learn. We can copy the behavior of others who are more mature in the faith than we. Learning also means asking the Holy Spirit to lead you, to show, to guide, to correct so your behavior begins to become a manifestation of Christ in you.

Learning also means that we open ourselves up to the light - the wisdom and teachings of Jesus. In Psalm 36:9 we see “In Thy light we shall see light.” The light that reveals God to us is from God, and is Jesus. Learning is opening ourselves to the leading and correction of the Holy Spirit. (See: John 14:26),

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Eph. 5:3-5 - No Sexual Immorality

3 But immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints;
4 and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.
5 For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.

Proper Among Saints

Vs. 3 - “Immorality... impurity... greed...” - Sexual misuse of our bodies and minds, such as prostitution and pornography must not be part of the Christian’s life. Generally unclean thoughts and actions, not just sexual impurity, must not be part of the Christian’s life. The “must not” is not a suggestion, nor a ‘should not be’,  nor a ‘best practices’ admonition. It is a command - don't take part in it; don't think about it. If tempted to think about these practices, or if tempted to take part, stop and pray! Call upon the Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit to cleanse your mind of these desires and temptations. Ask the Lord to drive Satan and these desires from your mind and emotions. Ask to be cleansed. Be on the offensive against immorality and impurity in your life. Take action. Decide to be holy in the name of the Lord. See: Matt 5:27-28

Greed or covetousness are unbecoming to a Christian. “Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, ‘I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU,’ " (Heb 13:5) Also: “Then He said to them, ‘Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions.’" (Luke 12:15)

“As is proper among saints” - There is NO WAY the type of behavior listed above is a good witness of Christ living in you. This follows the expectation, if not a command, that believers’ lives are changed and should exhibit it. Christ indicated that our lifestyle should be different than non-believers. “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them.” (See: Luke 6:32 ) Non-believers love their family and friends, just as you Christians love your family and friends. Jesus' love should flow through you to people who are not your close allies. He loved us first; that is why He came and died to pay for our sin that we might fellowship with Him.

“Peter reminded the church, “so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.” (1 Pet 4:2) Your non-believing friends will see a change and wonder why you aren’t partying with them. 

This command to live your life with God in the forefront of your decision making is prevalent in scripture. For example, repeated often in Exodus through Leviticus is 'You shall be holy, for I am Holy' (See: Lev 20:26) The command, “Be Holy” is repeated 23 times in the Pentateuch. The Israelites were expected to be different than the pagan nations around them. Today, in America, it might be said we are living in a ‘pagan nation’.

“For example, we live in one of the most “unchurched” areas of the United States. Polls indicate that many people do not believe there is a God. And about half of those that do believe God do not look favorably on the church or Christians! The church has not been a good witness for Christ. I will admit that some of the animosity to the church is because of its stand against abortion and its belief about homosexuality; or the church has not spoken forcefully enough against true racism. 

Vs. 4 - and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.

“No filthiness and silly talk... coarse jesting...” - Filthiness: Cursing, “f”-word, vulgar sexually charged and sexually laden language. This is more, or at least different, than the list in verse 3 above, which are actions, or behaviors. The second list in verse 4 are verbal manifestations of attitude. The things done first show a life not in control of Jesus. The second show life that is dismissive of allowing Jesus to be in control.
Both are indicators of rebellion and rejection. Sometimes mocking or belittling with humor, denigrating with foul epithets can seem sophisticated and intelligent. This is not a ‘ranking’ of sin - i.e., the sin of speaking is not as ‘bad’ as acting out. Wrong! There is no such thing as a good or acceptable sin, or a sin so insignificant that God will look the other way. (“I didn’t see anything. Did you see anything?”)

Any sin separates us from God. Confess and repent!

In the midst of the Coronavirus scare, there were people enraged that a Christian organization (Samaritan’s Purse) would provide medical care and treatment in New York City. New York may have been one of the worst locations for the virus outbreak in the United States. Some will curse and mock the Christian organization for its involvement. They would rather have people die than take help from a Christian group. But we don’t answer to human judgements, but to the Lord.

Making jokes (“slightly soiled”, if not outright dirty) and double entendres are a way of ‘fitting in’ with the non-believers - “See. I belong.” (“Wink, wink.” “Nod, nod.” “Say no more!”) (See note 1, below) These show a person looking askance at faith; being sophisticated by not being sucked into a more simple chaste lifestyle. This is not saying all humor is bad or evil. Paul is not commanding us to be “strait-laced, sober and sad”.

They can tell we are Christians by our love; but they may be confused by our lifestyle or behavior. Our life demonstrates whether or not Jesus Christ is living in us and controlling us. 

“Giving of thanks” - The object of temptation is to get you to do something; (See note 2, below) usually to do something under your own power and direction, in lieu of by the power of the Holy Spirit. If you feel tempted to make a coarse joke or comment, you can be sure it is not Jesus urging you to do so. As a suggestion, when under such desire, allow the Holy Spirit to change your direction, to lead you into giving thanks for salvation and growth in Jesus Christ. I don’t mean being proud that you are saved, unlike those others (a fairly Pharisaical attitude), but that Jesus loves you and has an abundant life for you. There is no need to be off-color, slightly soiled, or silly or filthy.

Vs. 5 - “For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.”

“For this you know with certainty” - This steps into the middle of a theological controversy: Who can be saved? For example: If a person says they have accepted Christ as Lord and Savior, but still lives a life violating most Christian mores, is that person ‘saved’? The safe answer is, “I don’t know. Only Christ knows. Only Christ makes that decision.” But, it kind of makes you wonder...

“inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God” - We can know, because it is in the scriptures, that there will be NO unsaved persons in eternity with the God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. See: “Now to the one who is able to keep you from falling, and to cause you to stand, rejoicing, without blemish before his glorious presence, to the only God our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, power, and authority, before all time, and now, and for all eternity. Amen.” (Jude 1:24-25 )

And: “But to the cowards, unbelievers, detestable persons, murderers, the sexually immoral, and those who practice magic spells, idol worshipers, and all those who lie, their place will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur. That is the second death." (Rev 21:8 )

Or: “For from within, out of the human heart, come evil ideas, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, evil, deceit, debauchery, envy, slander, pride, and folly. All these evils come from within and defile a person." (Mark 7:21-23 )

It is also true there will be former immoral, impure, and greedy persons in heaven. If you have been an immoral person, you are demonstrably a sinner - there is no place for you in God’s kingdom. But, if you have been an immoral person and have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, your sins are forgiven.You are now without spot or blemish, pure and suitable for His kingdom.

By the way, even if you are not immoral you are a sinner because of the sin passed down from Adam to you. You still need, you will always need, the saving grace of Christ’s blood shed for you.

The rub comes in the question: can a practicing immoral, impure person be a Christian? Or conversely, can a practicing believing Christian be immoral, impure and covetous? This question is harder to answer with a firm yes or no. I am not copping-out, but the answer is not mine to make. On the other hand, the nomenclature 'immoral, impure Christian' is an oxymoron. There might be one of several reasons why a 'Christian' would act an immoral manner - one of which is the person has not accepted Christ as savior at all. God knows for sure. “All creation lies open and exposed before His eyes, and it is to Him that we must give an account for ourselves.” (Heb 4:13)

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Note 1: From a “Monty Python’s Flying Circus” skit.
Note 2: From “The Normal Christian Life”. Watchman Nee. chapter 10.

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Eph. 5:1-2 - Imitate God

Chapter 5 Outline

1-2: - Be Imitators
3-6: - No impurity
7-10: - Let no one deceive 11-14: - All will be exposed
15-17: - Do not be foolish
18-21: - Walk in light, not darkness (Be filled with the Spirit)
22-24: - Wives
25-33: - Husband/wife and Christ/church likenesses
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Eph. 5:1-2 - Be Imitators

1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children;
2 and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma. 

Christ Is Our Example

Guidelines for Christian living continue in the following verses. (They start in 4:25 and go through 6:20.) There are some major subjects in these verses. They all flow from the fact that you are in Jesus.
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Vs. 1 - “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children” -

“Therefore...” - Go back to Eph. 4:20-24. Let's look at the wherefore of that therefore - Whereas:  

• You have learned about Christ and what He has done for you. 
• You have the truth in Jesus; so now you can lay aside that old sinful nature and live a new life in Christ, 
• because of the new spirit and renewed mind, and new self. 
• Based on those facts, and the fact you have been forgiven in Christ (See: 4:32, above), you can do the following...

“Be imitators of God, as beloved children” - (See: Luk 6:36; Matt 5:48, Eph. 4:32; Rom 15:7; Heb 13:7; 3 John 1:11; 2 Tim 2:2; Phil 4:9; 1 Pet 1:14-15) We are loved by God. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.” (John 3:16) The opening line from “The Four Spiritual Laws” is ‘God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life’. Return that love by doing as Jesus commands.

Rebellious children do not tend to follow the example or the wishes of their parents. God saved the Israelites from Egypt. Were they thankful and obedient? For maybe thirty minutes! (See: Deut 9:6; Judg 2:19; Neh 9:16; Jer 5::23; Acts 7:51)

Some of the saddest words uttered, “If only...” (Isa 48:18) applies to the Israelites and to us when we refuse to follow Jesus’ commands.

Vs. 2 - “and walk in love, just as Christ al6so loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma”

“Walk in love” - Let’s start with "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

Jesus’ commands to us, his followers, believers were to love.

"This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you.” (John15:12) "This I command you, that you love one another.” (John 15:17)

This was emphasized in one of the last conversations Jesus had with His apostles. ‘So when they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?"
He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You."
He said to him, "Tend My lambs."
He said to him again a second time, "Simon, son of John, do you love Me?"
He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You."
He said to him, "Shepherd My sheep."
He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love Me?"
Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, "Do you love Me?" And he said to Him, "Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You."
Jesus said to him, "Tend My sheep.” ‘ (John 21:15-17 )

Love is emphasized throughout the letters to the churches. See for example: 1 Cor 13; 1 John 3:11-24.

“Gave Himself for us... an offering and a sacrifice” - Jesus demonstrated love. It is not just an emotion, an infatuation. Love is an action. Jesus loves me and wants me to have a permanent loving relationship. I, a human, am sinful and that sin prevents me from have the relationship. Nothing I can do will overcome that sin. Jesus loves me, loves me enough to substitute Himself for me. A popular recent book and movie, “The Hunger Games” starts with this theme. The heroine offers herself for the gladiator-type games in order to save her sister from being forced to participate. Jesus took the penalty of sin, my sin and yours, upon Himself so that I may experience that love.

The sacrifices the Israelites offered on the altar of the tabernacle, were to cover their sins committed. I don’t quite understand the idea of the “aroma” from the burning sacrifice. (See: Gen 8:21; Exo 29:18, 25) God is a Spirit, and we worship Him in Spirit and Truth. (John 4:23-24) So, that makes me think the idea of an aroma is for us to know that God has us on His mind. Just as when you walk into the house, and the aroma of dinner or baked cookies brings good images and memories to your mind.

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Eph 4:30-32 - Do Not Grieve the Holy Spirit

30 Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.
32 Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.

Be Kind to One Another

V. 30 - “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”

“Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God” - You cannot come to the Father without believing and accepting Christ as Lord and Savior. This is not a mental acquiescence only, but a full surrender of your life, your mind, your heart to Him. Likewise, you cannot live the Christian life fully unless you surrender to the Holy Spirit and let Him live in and through you.
If you tend to try to do it yourself, there will be failure. The failure to live in the power of the Holy Spirit leads to an life that is not abundant. Trying to live by your old nature is what grieves the Holy Spirit. He has been given to you to lead and teach you. (See: John 14:16, 26) We can rest in Him.

The Holy Spirit is God, and as such you can blaspheme the Holy Spirit (Mark 3:29; Luk 12:10). The debate about what constitutes ‘blaspheming the Holy Spirit’ has been discussed almost forever. I think the Holy Spirit is blasphemed the same way that God the Father is blasphemed, or that Jesus is blasphemed. Blasphemy is always against a person, especially the person of God.
Generally it means to ascribe to evil or evil forces acts that are clearly from the Holy Spirit or God. It can also be when a person claims to be God but is not. (Jesus was accused of blasphemy when He claimed to be the Son of God. Their thought was no man could be God, therefore Jesus was sinning.)

“By who you were sealed” - (See: Eph 1:13; John 7:39, 14:17, 15:26, 16:7, 13, 14:23, 26; 2 Cor 1:22, 5:5; Matt 28:19; Luk 11:13, 12:12) The Holy Spirit was promised and is given to us when we believe. He is the guarantee that Jesus’ death paid the full price for our sin. The Holy Spirit is not something that is to be put away somewhere safe like you would a legal document - a deed or a license. The Holy Spirit is a person, fully God, and given to us for our benefit. We have the Holy Spirit and are to be filled with Him. The Holy Spirit is not an essence or a feeling, but a real person - God Himself living in us. We are to be filled (Acts 1:8, 2:4, 4:33, 38, 9:17; Rom 5:5, 8:2, 9, 16, 26-27) by the Holy Spirit.

V. 31 - “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.”

“Let all bitterness... wrath... anger... clamor... slander... malice” - Let's look at these characteristics:
Bitterness - hard feelings because of a perceived or real insult.
Wrath - getting revenge because of the bitterness and anger.
Anger - harboring bitterness and hurt feelings. The end result is hating the person and seeking ways to harm them.  
Clamor - Loud and boisterous demanding that you get your way in circumstances.
Slander - making false accusations, spreading lies about another person.
Malice - Letting your anger build to the point you seek to do harm to another. This is letting anger take over your life. Decisions made in anger or fear will almost always lead to personal disaster.

V. 32 - “Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.”

“Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other” - These are the opposites of the behaviors and attitudes in verse 31. No bitterness, replaced with kindness. No anger or wrath, replaced with love and compassion. No slander or malice, replaced with forgiveness.

“Just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” - These are not changes you can will yourself into. That is why this list follows the verse 31 list: kindness, tender-heartedness, and forgiveness all coming from the Holy Spirit working in you. God’s kindness and grace is demonstrated by Jesus coming to earth and sacrificing Himself for us. God’s tender heart is demonstrated by Him taking your burden away in Christ. You do not need to prove yourself to God. You cannot pay the price for your sin. Only a perfect sacrifice - that is Jesus Christ - can satisfy God’s justice without sacrifice of His love and compassion. We are not worthy to be forgiven. God did it anyway. God loves you and wants you to be with Him. He wants that for you.

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