Ephesians 5:8-21
Friday, 6 November 2020
"…addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart…" -Ephesians 5:19 [ESV]
Ephesians is addressed to a group of believers who are rich beyond measure in Christ, yet living deprived of their privileges, only because they are ignorant of their wealth. Paul begins by describing in chapters 1-3 the contents of Christian’s heavenly bank account [NKJV introductory note]. Christians are blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places (Eph.1:3). In chapters 4-6 the Christian learns a spiritual walk rooted in his spiritual wealth. "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works --- that we should walk in them (Eph. 2:10). Hence we understand through this letter the real meaning of the word worship- a walk of life which adores the Heavenly Father through His son.
Let us see the practical steps of a life of worship:
Walking as Children of Light: We see in Eph 5:8, the root from where this thought originates: our transformation. Once we were darkness, but now we are transformed (2Cor.5:17: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come"). As we begin to exercise this new found reality in Christ, our life will bring forth fruit which in turn will be seen by others as the fruit of light. Eph. 5:9:“…for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true.”
Be cautious about the following, regarding our daily walk in Christ:
Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness but instead expose them. (Eph 5:11).
Making the best use of time, because the days are evil. (Eph 5:16).
Be careful to be wise in our walk by:
Trying to discern what is pleasing to the Lord through His word. (Eh 5:10)
Submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. ( Eph 5:21)
2. Filled with the Spirit: Another most important aspect of a life of worship is that of a life that is filled and overflowing with His Spirit. Because, Jesus said without Him we can do nothing, we need Him as our life, to grow in holiness and lead a fruitful life. As the Lord fills our life with His Spirit, He will guide us step by step. The Holy Spirit comes into our life with the joy and peace of heaven that brings melody and harmony to our life. Our life will show forth this wonderful joy through psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Our heart's melody will be unique since it originates in heaven and will resonate into the hearts of others, bringing to them this wonderful life of joy and peace in the Lord.
One explicit characteristic of this life is a life filled with thanksgiving. The more we become aware of the work of our good Lord on our behalf, the more we are thankful to Him. A Heart of Gratitude is the outcome of a humbled life in the Lord, because our life here on earth is completely dependent on His strength. So each step we make is nothing but a step to thank the Lord. So be all the more thankful for all that He is doing, because it is not us, but Him doing His will through us.
May God enable all who are reading this meditation to walk in the light!
Prayer: My Father in heaven, I humbly submit my life before You, to be filled with Your Spirit and to daily walk in You to bring forth lasting fruit. In Jesus name. Amen.