LIVING THE NEW LIFE IN LOVE, LIGHT AND WISDOM

“No longer live as the Gentiles do…”Ephesians 4:17 (NIV)

“Walk in the way of love…”Ephesians 5:1 (NIV)

“Live as children of light…”Ephesians 5:8 (NIV)

“Live—not as unwise but as wise…”Ephesians 5:15 (NIV)

Background

Today’s reading highlights the way Paul went about discipling new Gentile believers. Rather than laying down the law and requiring them to keep the commands of Moses, he appeals to the new self they have received in Christ. This new self is part of their inheritance and naturally reflects the righteousness and holiness of God (4:17-24).

Observation

After calling for unity amid the church’s diversity of gifts (4:1-16), Paul explains how an identity in Christ is reflected in a person’s daily life. He instructs regarding the kinds of behaviors to avoid (4:17-31) and the ones to pursue (4:32-6:9). His message in today’s reading can be summed up by three contrasts in 5:15-18: (1) live not as unwise but as wise; (2) do not be foolish but understand what the Lord’s will is; and (3) do not get drunk on wine but be filled with the Spirit. He then gives a list of the ways a believer demonstrates being filled with the Spirit: (1) speaking to one another in psalms and hymns; (2) making music to the Lord; (3) always giving thanks; and (4) and submitting to one another in Christ (5:19-21).

Interpretation

The Ephesian church was made up of real people. It would not have always been easy for them to practically apply Paul’s message about their identity in the midst of a culture that held very different values. Additionally, the diverse backgrounds of each church member contributed to its difficulty. How were people from various ethnic origins and religious backgrounds, who had avoided each other until now, supposed to get along? Consider the real struggle of real people as you read through the instructions Paul gives the church in today’s reading.

Application

Paul gets practical here. As you read, notice if any of his instructions stand out to you in a personal way. Take some time to ask the Lord to help you to grow in living out your identity in wisdom, in understanding His will, and in being filled with His Spirit.