Description
The letter to the Ephesians in the last few weeks has focused on how to live, and how not to live as God’s people. In Ephesians 5:15-20, as Paul is coming to the end of his letter, he reminds the new church of two things. Firstly, to make the most of every opportunity, living wise, upright and purposeful lives. Secondly, to always give praise to God in Jesus’ name, for everything. Paul also wants to remind the community that they have a wider purpose than just living for themselves.
The reading draws a contrast between wise and foolish lives. Those Greeks and Jews who gathered to listen to Paul teach would have been familiar in working within wisdom traditions. He instructs them to live wise, upright lives, showing the wider community their faithfulness and commitment to their newfound faith in Jesus. Paul points out that they live in the midst of evil and of a culture and society that harshly resists such devotion to Jesus.
The new believers have their work cut out to show the freedom Christ offers, to live authentic lives that show they are no longer bound to the oppressive and unjust rules of the ‘present age’. Paul urges them to seize the moment, living faithfully and reverently as followers of Jesus. Bit by bit Paul’s letter reveals how God works God’s purpose out – the healing redemption and reconciliation of all creation by making enemies into friends. (Ephesians 1:7-10)
This reading finishes with reminding the church to encourage one another to meet together in worship, to sing with all their heart, to drown out the negative voices, to heal divisions, and give thanks to God. Paul encourages the church to use the time wisely with what sustains and shapes to be the people of God.
