Paul the
apostle shared with the Ephesian church members how it was “a
shame even to speak of those things which are done in secret” by
workers “of darkness”. Not only were they not to
participate in their activities, but they were to “reprove”
their works and never “speak” about them with each other.
In chapter five and verse thirteen of his letter, Paul told the
Ephesians how “all things are manifested by the light”
where we read:
But all
things that are reproved are made manifest by the light:
for
whatsoever does make manifest is light.
The
verse begins, “But all things that are reproved are made
manifest by the light:” Paul
began with the word, “But” which
is a disassociation conjunction that means what is about to be
written takes precedence over what was just stated, “moreover,
nevertheless and nonetheless” “all things”
or “each, every, any, the whole and everyone”
“that are reproved” which
means “convicted, refuted, confuted and found fault with” “are
made manifest” or “made
visible, realized, made know by teaching, viewed, appeared, plainly
recognized and thoroughly understood” “by the light”
which refers to “a star, lamp, torch or anything that sheds light”.
When “light” appears, everything is “revealed, convicted and
refuted”.
The
verse continues, “ for whatsoever does make manifest is light.”
Paul added, “for whatsoever” or “each, every, any,
the whole and everyone” “does make manifest” which means
“made visible, realized, made know by teaching, viewed, appeared,
plainly recognized and thoroughly understood” “is light”
or “a star, lamp, torch or anything that sheds light”. The
“agent” of “manifestation” is “the light”, and
those who bear “the light” of Jesus Christ make “visible”
those things which are in “darkness”.
When
we consider these words of Paul, we understand the importance of the
position of those who align themselves with Jesus Christ. Christians
are to be “a light unto the world”, and their very lives
and lifestyles should “reveal” and “expose” works of
“darkness”. Paul knew the power and necessity of “reproof”,
and when we align ourselves with God the Father by help of the Holy
Spirit, we illuminate the “works of darkness” and
“reprove” them as we are positioned to do.
Next
time Paul declares, “awake you who sleep”,
so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow…there is more…
Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.
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