Daily Devotions
Ephesians
"Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience."
Text: Ephesians 5:6
BEWARE THE EMPTY WORDS OF DECEIVERS
Paul was aware that there were deceivers who preached eloquently. But on closer analysis, their speech was little more than “empty words”. Deceivers have always existed. The following text from the ancient book of Jeremiah serves to prove this point.
The prophets prophesy lies in My name.
I have not sent them, commanded them, nor spoken to them;
they prophesy to you a false vision, divination, a worthless thing,
and the deceit of their heart.
JEREMIAH 14:14
Paul’s admonished his readers to take heed of those who came into their midst with false teachings. Each one is ultimately responsible for his own reaction.
THE SONS OF DISOBEDIENCE
Who are these sons of disobedience? Let us ponder the following texts:-
1. Unregenerate people
a) Earlier mention
Paul first used this phrase, “sons of disobedience” in the earlier portion of his epistle (Cf. Ephesians 2:2).
b) Under the influence of the evil one
In this context, Paul noted that these sons of disobedience “walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air”. (Cf. Ephesians 2:2)
c) The activity of these sons of disobedience
Those who continued to be unregenerate, because they refused the gospel of salvation offered to them, continued to obey the dictates of “the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience”. (Cf. Ephesians 2:2)
d) The goal of these sons of disobedience
These sons of disobedience worked hard at deceiving people with empty words, seeking to add more to their company.
e) Children of wrath
Paul called those who persisted in doing evil, “children of wrath”. (Cf. Ephesians 2:3).
2. The Wrath of God
Paul warned all “sons of disobedience” that they face the wrath of God if they persisted in their wicked ways. And the wrath of God was not something any one should make light of!