What is the meaning of Ephesians 5:10? Context: Light versus Darkness Ephesians 5:8-9 sets the stage: “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).” Paul’s next thought is v.10, “and learn what pleases the Lord.” • The command is addressed to believers who have already been rescued from darkness (Colossians 1:13). • Walking in light means our daily choices must match our new identity (1 Peter 2:9). • Therefore, the verse answers the practical question: How do we know which deeds belong to the light? Test “Test” calls for active evaluation, not passive assumption. • Romans 12:2 urges us to “test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” • 1 Thessalonians 5:21 adds, “but test all things. Hold fast to what is good.” • Acts 17:11 commends the Bereans who “examined the Scriptures daily” to see if Paul’s teaching was true. Practical ways to test: – Measure every desire, habit, and entertainment against explicit Scripture. – Ask whether a choice produces “goodness, righteousness, and truth” (Ephesians 5:9). – Invite mature believers to speak into questionable areas (Proverbs 27:17). Prove “Prove” (or “approve”) means putting something to the test until its genuineness is confirmed, like refining metal. • Philippians 1:9-10 prays that love “may abound… so that you may approve the things that are excellent.” • 2 Corinthians 13:5 tells us to “examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith.” • Psalm 139:23-24 invites God to search the heart and reveal what must change. This step moves beyond analysis to decision: – If the test exposes sin, we repent immediately (1 John 1:9). – If the test confirms something good, we embrace it wholeheartedly (Titus 2:14). – Either way, proving keeps our walk authentic, not theoretical. What Pleases the Lord The aim is not self-improvement but God-pleasing obedience. • Hebrews 11:6: “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” Every action must spring from trusting Him. • Colossians 1:10: “Walk in a manner worthy of the Lord… pleasing Him in every way, bearing fruit in every good work.” • John 14:21 links love for Christ with obeying His commands; that obedience delights Him. What specifically pleases the Lord? – A lifestyle that mirrors His character: goodness (helpful deeds), righteousness (upright conduct), truth (honesty). – Relational integrity: forgiving others (Ephesians 4:32), honoring marriage (Hebrews 13:4), submitting to rightful authority (1 Peter 2:13-15). – Gospel witness: shining “like stars in the world” as we hold fast to the word of life (Philippians 2:15-16). Living It Out Daily • Begin each day with Scripture, allowing God’s word to set the agenda (Psalm 119:105). • Pray throughout the day, “Lord, is this pleasing to You?” (Nehemiah 2:4). • Keep short accounts—confess sin promptly and seek reconciliation (Matthew 5:23-24). • Celebrate confirmed obedience; give thanks when God’s Spirit affirms a choice through peace and fruit (Galatians 5:22-23). • Repeat the cycle: test, prove, please—because growth in Christ is ongoing (2 Peter 3:18). summary Ephesians 5:10 urges believers, already made light in Christ, to keep “testing and proving what pleases the Lord.” We actively examine every thought and action against Scripture, confirm what is genuinely good, and discard what is not. The goal is a life that continually delights the Father by reflecting His goodness, righteousness, and truth. |
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