Exploring the Scripture

The simplicity of today’s lectionary passage can lull the preacher into a superficial, feel-good message about song and thanksgiving. Looking deeper, one discovers layers of meaning intended to enrich life as a disciple and challenge Christians to stay true to the teachings of Christ. 

Verses 8 through 14, preceding today’s passage, remind Christians they are “children of the light.” The light of Christ shines through their lives and makes them visible to others. “Be careful then how you live…” because others are watching to see if following Christ makes a difference in your life (v. 15). Ephesians was written mainly to converts from Roman and Greek gods, contrasting the old ways of behaving and new life in Christ. Our passage must be read considering that transformation.

Wisdom is equated with “making the most of time, because the days are evil” (v. 16). Christ’s followers believed his return was imminent, and he would usher in the last days. Jewish apocalyptic thought predicted evil days of persecution, conflicts, wars, and natural disasters. The letter calls Christ’s followers to use wisely the few days they have been given and hold true to the values that epitomize Kingdom-living. Whether the evil days refer to the end times or a specific moment, disciples recognized the urgency of working while there is yet day.

The wise understand the will of the Lord: “thy kingdom come; thy will be done…”  Which will triumph, God’s will or human will? We think today in either-or, but in the first century world, it could be both-and.

Greek and Aramaic had a verb tense that has dropped out of use, called the middle voice. The subject and the object of the verb acted cooperatively in the middle voice, to create action.  English comes closest to a middle voice when we say, “Let us take counsel together.”  To understand the will of the Lord is to align our human will with God’s in collaboration toward a common goal. Those who are wise understand God invites humans into cooperative action to bring about transformation and new life.

In verses 18–19, joyful celebrations of song, thanksgiving, and praise arise from the promptings of the Holy Spirit, not from artificial stimulation. It was not uncommon in Greek and Roman rituals to use wine to heighten religious fervor. Those who had taken part in such celebrations in their previous life would recognize the subtle reference to human-induced ecstasy. 

Christian worship, however, arises in the heart, is inspired by the Spirit, and finds expression in praise and gratitude to God “at all times and for everything” (v. 20). This is the standard by which to measure the authenticity of Christian worship and celebration. Does it praise God and recognize God’s blessing in everything? If not, something is amiss, either in motive, execution, intent, or process.  

Music can unite our reasoning ability with our emotional life, touching memories, creating vision, and intensely challenging us to act. As we sing in worship or in secular gatherings, this text reminds us to direct the melody of our hearts toward thanksgiving to God, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Project Zion Podcast

Hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith consider how this week's scripture connects to our lives today.

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Central Ideas

1. We are called to live as children of the light, leading exemplary lives that make visible the Christ within. 
2. Regardless of the difficulties or evils of life, Christ’s followers make the most of the precious and limited time given us. 
3. The Holy Spirit inspires genuine worship, not from human efforts to create spiritual fervor.   
4. Thanks and praise to God for everything always is the standard by which to measure the authenticity of Christian worship and celebration. 

Questions to Consider

1. What old ways need to be transformed in your own life, to make Christ’s light more visible in the world?
2. When have you suddenly been intensely aware of the preciousness of one moment? What was it like? How did it transform your day?
3. Which hymns or songs deeply touch your heart during worship? How do they turn your attention away from yourself and toward praise of God?
4. When have you been aware of human efforts to manufacture spiritual ecstasy in worship? What are the guidelines Community of Christ provides for avoiding artificial spiritual manifestations?