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"The things that were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice, well
pleasing to God" (Phil. 4: 18).
Christian giving should always have the atmosphere of the altar and the sanctuary.
The children of God contribute to this and that, their gifts may be liberal, they may be
helpful, they may encourage, but, do not let them miss the highest and the best. Let them
be "even as God for Christ's sake", let them partake of the character of the offering of the
sweet savour, then such offerings will be "well pleasing unto God".
The three-fold walk.
The apostle now brings the exhortation to walk worthy of the calling and to repudiate
the old man, to bear upon things of every-day life. He exhorts us to:--
(1). "Walk in love as children of love" (Eph. 5: 1, 2).
(2). "Walk as children of light" (Eph. 5: 8).
(3). "Walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise" (Eph. 5: 15).
Each walk is expressed both positively and negatively.
Walk in love.--The positive is expressed in the one great example, "as Christ also hath
loved us". Negatively, the apostle has to run over the six-fold work of the flesh to ensure
that the child of God shall not be left without warning.
Three-fold uncleanness in act.--Fornication, all uncleanness, unbridled lust.
Three-fold uncleanness in word.--Filthiness, foolish talking, jesting (suggestive
talking).
Concerning the first three, the apostle says:--
"Let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints" (Eph. 5: 3).
Concerning the second three, he says:--
"Things not consistent, but rather giving of thanks" (Eph. 5: 4).
A further three-fold description bringing together those already named follows, and
this time with a warning of great import:--
"For this you know, for you have learned that no fornicator, or impure or lustful man,
who is nothing better than an idolator, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and
of God" (Eph. 5: 5).
We do not feel called upon here to rake over this awful heap of corruption and bring to
light that which we fain would hide, or which should "not once be named among us"
(Eph. 5: 3), "for it is a shame even to speak of these things" (Eph. 5: 12), nevertheless this
epistle is written to us and a very slight knowledge of modern life will teach us that these