What is the meaning of Ephesians 5:6? Let no one deceive you “Let no one deceive you…” (Ephesians 5:6) • God’s people are called to be alert; deception flourishes when truth is neglected. • Jesus warned, “See that no one misleads you” (Matthew 24:4), and John repeats, “Little children, let no one deceive you” (1 John 3:7). • Paul had already cautioned the Ephesian elders that “savage wolves will come in among you” (Acts 20:29). The consistent message: guard your mind and heart with Scripture’s light (Psalm 119:105). with empty words “…with empty words…” (Ephesians 5:6) • Empty words are persuasive but hollow—promises of freedom while ignoring God’s standards (2 Peter 2:18-19). • They often sound spiritual, yet divert from repentance and obedience (2 Timothy 4:3-4). • Jeremiah faced prophets who spoke “visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD” (Jeremiah 23:16). Paul reminds us: measure every claim by God’s revealed truth, not by how appealing it sounds (1 Thessalonians 5:21). for because of such things “…for because of such things…” (Ephesians 5:6) • “Such things” points back to verses 3-5: sexual immorality, impurity, greed, foolish talk, coarse joking. • Scripture always ties actions to consequences: “Those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:19-21). • Colossians 3:5-6 repeats Paul’s warning that these sins bring God’s wrath. Grace never excuses behavior God condemns. the wrath of God is coming “…the wrath of God is coming…” (Ephesians 5:6) • God’s wrath is real, righteous, and certain; it is His settled opposition to sin (Romans 1:18). • It is both present—revealed against ungodliness now—and future, culminating when Christ returns (Revelation 19:15). • Believers are “rescued from the coming wrath” through Jesus (1 Thessalonians 1:10), yet we still proclaim that judgment is ahead so others may flee to Christ (John 3:36). on the sons of disobedience “…on the sons of disobedience.” (Ephesians 5:6) • “Sons” reflects character and allegiance: those who persistently reject God’s authority (John 8:44). • Contrast: believers are “children of light” (Ephesians 5:8) and no longer under condemnation (Romans 8:1). • Colossians 3:6 echoes that wrath “is coming on the sons of disobedience,” underscoring a clear divide—obedience born of faith versus rebellion born of unbelief (1 John 3:10). summary Ephesians 5:6 is a sober checkpoint: don’t be lulled by smooth talk that minimizes sin. The very behaviors excused by deceptive voices are the ones inviting God’s sure and holy wrath on all who persist in disobedience. Stand firm in the truth, cling to Christ, and walk as children of light. |
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