In what ways can we discern what pleases the Lord according to Ephesians 5:9? Setting the Context “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light— for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth—as you test and prove what pleases the Lord.” Key Phrase: “Fruit of the Light” “Fruit” signals visible evidence. Just as ripe fruit proves the health of a tree, goodness, righteousness, and truth prove a life that “pleases the Lord.” Three Discernment Markers in Verse 9 • Goodness — whatever actively benefits others and reflects God’s generous heart (Acts 10:38). • Righteousness — choices that square with God’s moral standards, revealed in His Word (Psalm 119:9). • Truth — anything fully aligned with God’s unchanging reality, never deception or half-truth (John 17:17). Practical Ways to Use These Markers • Ask, “Does this course of action promote genuine good for my neighbor?” (Galatians 6:10). • Measure motives and behavior against clear commands of Scripture (Romans 12:9). • Confirm facts; refuse gossip; speak plainly (Proverbs 12:17). • Invite the Spirit’s spotlight; He produces the same fruit (Galatians 5:22-23). • Seek counsel from believers whose lives display goodness, righteousness, and truth (Proverbs 13:20). • Observe outcomes: light brings freedom and clarity, darkness brings bondage and confusion (John 8:12). Other Scriptures That Echo the Pattern • Philippians 1:10 — “so that you may approve the things that are excellent.” • Romans 12:2 — “test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” • 1 Thessalonians 5:21 — “test all things. Hold fast to what is good.” • Psalm 119:105 — “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Daily Checklist: Walking as Children of Light □ Start in the Word: let truth recalibrate thinking. □ Pray for discernment before decisions. □ Evaluate planned words and actions by the three markers. □ Look back each evening: where did goodness, righteousness, and truth show? Where were they lacking? □ Adjust tomorrow’s walk in the same light. A heart and life overflowing with goodness, righteousness, and truth unmistakably “test and prove what pleases the Lord.” |
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