Daily Devotions
Ephesians
"See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise."
Text: Ephesians 5:15
APPLICATION OF THE LOGIC OF OUR FAITH
Paul is a master at the art of applying the logic of faith’s propositional truths. The word that he used frequently was the simple inferential particle “oun”. This word is translated in various ways. In this text it is translated as “then”. The more common translation is the word “therefore”.
“SEE THEN…”
Paul strongly urged his readers to apply the logic of faith into daily life. There is no mistaking the strength of this word of admonition. But it is not just the imperative mode that is compelling but also the logic behind it all.
1. Redeemed from sin
If one has been redeemed, how should he then live?
2. Roused from sleep
If one has been aroused from sleep how should he live henceforth?
3. Raised from the dead
If one has been raised from the dead, how should he live out this new lease of life?
THE CHRISTIAN WALK
Paul used the word “walk” in a number of applications:-
1. Walk in love (Ephesians 5:2)
2. Walk as children of light (Ephesians 5:8b)
3. Walk circumspectly (Ephesians 5:15)
WHAT IS TO “WALK CIRCUMSPECTLY?”
A good way of understanding this word translated “circumspectly” (“akribos”) is to look at it in its natural and immediate literary context:-
1. “Not as fools” (“asophoi”)
2. “But as wise” (“sophoi”)
The key element is the word “wisdom”. The believer is to watch how he walks (“pos peripateite”). He must choose wisely the path he walks on. The light that he has received from the Lord and from the Scriptures will give him much wisdom. Walking circumspectly is a life-long choice, and not a one-off decision.