Daily Devotions
Ephesians
"And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret."
Text: Ephesians 5:11-12
WORKS OF DARKNESS
These works have already been mentioned. They include the following:-
1. Fornication (Ephesians 5:3)
2. All uncleanness (Ephesians 5:3)
3. Covetousness (Ephesians 5:3)
4. Filthiness (Ephesians 5:4)
5. Foolish talking (Ephesians 5:4)
6. Coarse jesting (Ephesians 5:4)
7. Deceiving words (Ephesians 5:6)
UNFRUITFUL WORKS
These works may indeed be called “unfruitful”. What would the pursuit of these works end up with?
1. The individual is harmed.
2. The unsuspecting and the naïve are harmed too.
3. The final consequence is “the wrath of God” (Cf. Ephesians 5:6).
EXPOSURE OF THESE WORKS OF DARKNESS
No believer will want to have “close and continuing fellowship” (“sugkoinoeite”) with these works of darkness! The positive slant to this statement is the challenge of exposing the wicked and shameful works of darkness. How may this exposure be done? Two suggestions may be made.
1. Speak as children of light
By speaking as children of light, darkness is exposed. Children of light must not be tempted to use the language of those who live in darkness.
2. Choose to live as children of light)
By walking in the light, the lifestyle of those who live in the dark would also be exposed.
None of the above must be attempted self-righteously though!