January 20
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SONS OF DISOBEDIENCE
See that no one deceives you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not become partners with them; 8 for you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), 10 as you try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Do not participate in the useless deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; 12 for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. 13 But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light. 14 For this reason it says, “Awake, sleeper, And arise from the dead, And Christ will shine on you.”
-Ephesians 5:6-14
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In this letter, Paul warns the Ephesians of God’s wrath and judgment to all those who continue to live in darkness. He calls them “sons of disobedience.” A commentary says that “sons of disobedience” are believers before they were saved. “Sons of disobedience” is also a title given only to non-believers in the Bible, although it is possible for believers to also disobey God. However, believers do not experience the wrath of God, but they do experience God’s discipline when they sin. It speaks about man’s nature before he is born again. Before knowing Christ, men live in darkness and in sin.
In verse 7, Paul reminds all the believers that they shouldn’t have anything to do with those who are unregenerate and living in sin. In verse 8, he warns them to walk as children of light and explains that the fruit of light is goodness, righteousness and truth. One cannot experience this fruit if they choose to live in darkness and sin.
He explains to them that as they continue to be in the light, they will do what is pleasing to God instead of what they used to do which is only pleasing and gratifying themselves. He tells them not to be involved in evil and wicked deeds but instead, bring them into the light so it will be exposed. He says that darkness cannot hide in the light. Exposing them is not tolerating sin to propagate. In verse 14, Paul asks the believers to spiritually wake up, meaning, they can not regress in their spiritual growth, but grow towards living as children of light and not sons of disobedience.
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REFLECTION
• What happens when believers turn back into habitual sinning? Does that mean they lose their salvation?