Be Not Ye Partakers

Dear class,

Today's readings are taken from Psalms 8, Genesis 9,10 and Ephesians 5.

Some thoughts on the first part of Ephesians 5.

As with many of Paul's writings, he often includes both doctrinal and practical sections in his letters. The book of Ephesians is no different.

The concluding 2 chapters offer many practical tips and we shall look at the first 7 verses.

Verses 1 and 2, seem to belong to the previous chapter, but all the same, we could take it as a practical elaboration to the conclusion. 

1) Sweet smelling savour

We talked about this in class this week. God's love for man was manifested in the His giving of His only begotten. Christ's love for God was manifested in His perfect obedience. As "living sacrifices" (Rom 12:1), we ought to follow in Christ examples to render the perfect obedience, which is a sweet, smelling, acceptable savour to God.

2) As becometh saints

An important side note here is the biblical definition of saints. Who are they? US! Christians. As simple as that. Why are we saints? Because we have been sanctified by the Word through our obedience to Christ. The Greek word basically means - sacred/holy. In fact, it is translated "holy" in the KJV almost 3 times as many times as "saints". Peter tells us that we are "a holy priesthood" and "an holy nation" (1Pe 2:5,9). Wherefore, it is so important for our lives to be found worthy! The "Christian" is not just a name! We have the heavy responsibility to live up to that name. As we've read in the previous chapter in Eph 4:1, we are to "walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called". How are our day to day actions/behaviour, speech, and indeed, thoughts? Are they "as becometh saints", worthy of being Christian or just like any other person on the street? If we walk as men (of the world), are not not yet carnal? (1Co 3:3)

3) Be Ye Not Partakers

If any of the worldly behaviour is continually present in us, we have no part in the heavenly inheritance. Such is the sobering warning. Paul warns us that being in the world, we ought to be vigilant and not be deceived. And to help ourselves, it should not merely be a "no-man", in other words just constantly shutting out and avoiding worldly behaviour, but ON TOP of that, engage in the healthy stuff! Instead of filthy talking, giving of praise and thanks. And later on in the chapter, instead of being intoxicated with wine (or for that matter any worldly thing), be filled with the spirit. Instead of joining in, reprove the evil works.

God help us all to be not partakers of the dead works of our old selves but look forward to the lively works, which we have been created in Christ for (Eph 2:10)

in Him

Paul

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But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ~ Hebrews 3:13

Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. ~ 2John 9