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love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and
sacrifice to God" (Eph. 4: 32 - 5: 2).
Living a "good life" is not the way of salvation. We have seen that it is by grace we
are saved; it is not of works lest any man should boast. But we are created in Christ
Jesus "unto good works". If we are to walk according to the will of God, we should
imitate Christ. He has loved us dearly; we should so love Him in return. He has freely
forgiven us our sins: we should forgive others, if they have done us any wrong. Christ
sacrificed Himself for our sakes; are we willing to sacrifice ourselves for the sake of
others? When we consider how far Christ went for our sakes (see Phil. 2: 5-8) we feel
that we fall far short of His standard. Christ's great love for us should evoke so great a
response that our lives should be a reflection of His love, as we love Him and express our
love to our fellow men.
As we read Eph. 5: 1-21, we notice that this passage falls into three sections:
The threefold walk
Section
Key text
Verses 1-7
5: 2. Walk in love.
Verses 8-14
5: 8. Walk as children of light.
Verses 15-21
5: 15. Walk circumspectly, as wise.
Having given instructions about the kind of walk that should characterize our lives, it
is remarkable that Paul gives a warning about the kind of life that is unacceptable and
unworthy of our calling. Having told us to walk in love, he speaks of uncleanness and
other evils, and says "let it not be once named among you". He mentions foolish talking
(or uncleanness in word) and says that it is not fitting or consistent; rather we should
give thanks. Further, he warns that uncleanness may result in a loss of an inheritance.
Col. 3: 24 reads "Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the
inheritance", and Col. 2: 18 "Let no man beguile you of your reward". Thus it seems
that uncleanness can result in a serious loss and Paul does not hesitate to write clearly on
this important subject.
Again, in the second section, where we are enjoined to walk as children of light, we
are warned against "the unfruitful works of darkness". The fruit of the light (A.V. spirit)
is in all goodness and righteousness and truth. The light reveals what may be hidden in
the darkness, and Paul says it is a shame even to speak of those evil things.
The third section tells us to walk circumspectly, or accurately, as wise but not as fools.
The days are evil so we should redeem the time, or literally "ransoming the time".
Stuart Allen translates it "buy up the opportunity" for Christian witness (Letters From
Prison, page 100). There is a sense of urgency. We have at the present time an
opportunity to witness: how long shall we be allowed to have this privilege? We have
work to do for the Lord, but for how long? May we treat the business of the Lord as
urgent. We are reminded of David when he said "the King's business required haste"
(I Sam. 21: 8).