Christianity: it’s a serious faith, not for the faint of heart! People often think that Christianity is for the weak, and only those that are weak minded are attracted to a religion that promotes the necessity of a savior to help them with their “weaknesses”. Furthermore, it’s the helpless who seek guidance by a benevolent being, and without this psychological crutch, they won’t be able to effectively operate in life. However, people of this mindset fail to understand that it’s quite the contrary. You can not be weak and be a Christians; that’s simply an oxymoron. As a matter of fact, you can not walk in the life of the faith by your own strength either. No amount of human courage can prepare you for constant bombardment, persecution, and physical attacks that Christians endure daily by those who hate and despise the truth.
The Christian faith is not about weakness. As a matter of fact, our title, Christianity, it’s a serious faith, not for the faint of heart summarizes the walk in the faith that God requires. As we continue our study in the book of Ephesians, this Bible study will focus on chapter 5 verses 1 – 20. We’ll dissect the verses and categorize them into three groups: Abstinence (1-10), Awareness and Exposing Darkness (11-14) and Wisdom/Seriousness (15-20).
- Abstinence
Let’s read verses 1-10.
5 1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. 3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.[a] 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7 Therefore do not be partners with them. 8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord.
To summarize these verses, Paul the Apostle states that a Christian must not resemble the world and act in ways that is acceptable to the world. Automatically, this means that as a Christian you are to swim against the tide, and follow a different set of moral principles, that is counter to the world. Returning to our theme, how can the weak pursue such a task, when what’s asked from the believer is not a feel-good message. On the contrary, this is an act of war against the Satanic principles and ways of this world. What’s being asked is to deny yourself, your carnal lusts and refrain from your former self – ways of your sinful nature. The comparison of the former/sinful life is that of darkness, however a genuine conversion in Christ transforms the person into light which is in the Lord. Thus, our pursuit is to do what is pleasing to the Lord.
- Awareness and Exposing Darkness (11-14)
11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. 14 This is why it is said:
“Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”
The second lesson that Paul teaches us is the role the believer is to engage in. He states that we must expose darkness, and be the model, the salt and light that Jesus requires us to be. There is a function that the believer must fulfill, which is firstly mentioned by Christ in the Gospel of Matthew 5:13- 14 – 13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. 14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Secondly, Paul states the following in 2 Corinthians 5:20 – We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. We can dissect these verses and connect it in conjunction to the acts required of us in verses 11-14 of Ephesians chapter 5.
Firstly, the role of the ambassador is that of representation, and communication of messaging from the nation or kingdom the ambassador represents. Our role as ambassadors of Christ is to represent the Kingdom of Heaven, our Lord Jesus Christ and the message to the world which is on behalf of our God is the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Secondly, the requirement of being the salt and light is based on purpose and action. Salt and light have a function, each one with its specific role and impact. Therefore, when Paul states that we must expose darkness, it’s precisely this role which he is restating what was said by Christ. Exposing the darkness are the actions sinful actions committed by the unsaved and this corrupt world.
- Wisdom/Seriousness (15-20)
15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
This final message by Paul simply reminds the believer that every moment of our life must be lived for Christ. The Christian walk is a very serious endeavor, and we don’t have the luxury of spending our time frivolously, being distracted with self-indulgences. Furthermore, we can not abdicate our responsibility of service to the Lord which is to serve in the Church/body of Christ, evangelism and pursuing a life of holiness. Additionally, what we must understand is that the enemy understands this objective as well and executes a strategy of distraction to derail the Christian soldier from his/her calling in the faith. The enemy distracts with pleasure and with pain. Pleasure is simply the luxuries of this life, focusing on a selfish pursuit of simply focusing on our wants, rather than focusing on seeking Christ first. Secondly, distraction through pain is in reference to the problems that Satan catapults at us, creating an impediment and recentering our focus on our issues rather than service to the Lord. This requires us to be as shrewd as the serpent – as stated by Christ, and to exercise God given wisdom which is endowed upon us through the Holy Spirit for those who are in tune with the Lord.
Ultimately, the life of the believer is a very serious walk hence the title, Christianity, it’s a serious faith, not for the faint of heart. Seek the Lord and ask God to give you the discernment to live the life that Paul outlines in these verses. If you haven’t already accepted the Lord and are If fed up living a life of sin and realize that you are on path to destruction, on a path to hell, it’s time for you to repent and to receive the Lord. If you are ready to receive Jesus, pray this prayer: If you are ready to receive the Lord and to join the body of Christ, pray this prayer, Lord Jesus I know that I am sinner and I ask you forgive me of my sins. I believe that you were crucified for my sins and through your blood I have redemption and salvation. Please come into my heart and I receive you as my God. I pray in Jesus name. AMEN
