Ephesians: His Glorious RichesSample

Paul has been describing what living a life of love looks like (5:1–7). He now uses this metaphor in two further ways. 

We must live as children of the light (vv. 8–14). God has brought about a radical change in our lives (v. 8). We were not only in the darkness; we were darkness. The darkness was so profound that it controlled us. But now we are light. As children of the light, we must produce the ‘fruit of the light’ (v. 9). This light is made visible in a character of ‘goodness, righteousness and truth’ (v. 9). When we live like this, we will please God (v. 10). 

We are to let our lights shine (vv. 11- 14). The deeds of darkness are vile and best not described (v. 12). We must not get ensnared in them (v. 11). Instead, we are to live our lives in the open before a watching world. Christian testimony is based on Christian character, which exposes the darkness, showing up sin for what it is (v. 11). Some people may come into the light because of our testimony (vv. 13–14; 1 Pet. 3:15). 

We must also live wisely (vv. 15–20). The wise person is shaped by God’s Word rather than the patterns of this world (Ps. 1:1–3). They fear God and seek His will above anything else (Prov. 1:7). Jesus is our Wisdom (1 Cor. 1:30), who models the perfectly wise life. More than that, as Saviour, He enables us to live wise lives for God’s glory. 

Here, Paul picks three characteristics of a wise life:

A wise person will be careful (v. 15), knowing that they represent Christ before a watching world (vv. 8–14). We therefore must take great care not to damage another’s reputation, wanting instead to make him or her visible, intelligible and desirable. 

A wise person will be purposeful (v. 16), making the most of every opportunity. The way we spend our time, like the way we spend our money, is a clear indication of the passion of our discipleship. 

A wise person will be sensitive (v. 17), working hard to understand God’s will for their lives because they are keen to please Him (Rom. 12:1–2; Col. 3:16). 

Are you living a wise life now? What is the evidence?

Reflection

As His children we will be keen to find out what pleases our Father (v. 10). How do we discover the things that please God? How does Paul’s prayer in Colossians 1:9–14 help us?