Ephesians 5 begins by telling us to be imitators of God. We are told of the contrast between darkness and light; also we are told not to walk in darkness. Furthermore, we are reminded that light is found in nothing in the world, but rather in the person of Christ. Ephesians 5:15-17 builds on this discussion of light, "Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is" (NASU).
This passage connects with the previous passage by using the word "therefore." Is there a bigger fool than a person whom Christ has dawned His Light upon and yet continues to walk in darkness? Is there a more unwise person than one who claims to know God and yet does not walk with Him? We are commanded to walk as wise men, rather than unwise. Those who are wise, go on with the Lord, walking with Him in His Light. Those who are unwise remain as infants, babes in Christ, walking in darkness.
It is a sad, tragic fact that many who claim to be Christians never invest the time or effort to even reach a bare minimum of biblical knowledge. They continue to walk in darkness because they refuse the light that God has graciously given them. Our refusal to receive the light offered to us causes us to go through life with one bruised shin after another and worse.
Paul addressed this issue with the church at Corinth, "And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual men, but as to men of flesh, as to infants in Christ. I gave you milk to drink, not solid food; for you were not yet able to receive it. Indeed, even now you are not yet able, for you are still fleshly. For since there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not fleshly, and are you not walking like mere men?" (1 Corinthians 3:1-3, NASU) Many Christians seem to have the idea that if they have some intellectual knowledge of Christ, then that is all that is required of them. Perhaps they cannot even explain the gospel message. And yet somehow they believe that they know all that they need to. It is sad when a Bible teacher understands that the one he should be teaching is not capable of receiving the teaching.
Hebrews 5:11-14 goes into more detail, "Concerning him (Jesus) we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant. But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil." (NASU) We Christians are expected, yea commanded, to fully comprehend the meaning of justification but to also move on to more truths of our relationship with our Creator. We ought to fully understand sanctification and glorification. We ought to be able to give a defense for Christianity to anyone who asks (1 Peter 3:15). If we are not diligent to accurately handle the Bible, then we will stand ashamed before God (2 Timothy 2:15).
Steve Ellison's years coaching and teaching in public schools have given him a love for high school students. He was on staff with Fellowship of Christian Athletes, which fostered an interest in sports ministry. His life's purpose is to teach the Bible in a way that will capture the attention of a world that needs it. He works as camp administrator at Ouachita Baptist Assembly, providing preaching, revivals and youth events. Email questions or comments to [email protected].
Religion on 09/17/2016