Ephesians bible study
A good man will be ashamed to speak of what many wicked men are not ashamed to do. If we do not reprove the sins of others, we have fellowship with them. And if we share with others in their sins, we must expect to share in their plagues. There are many ways of abetting, or taking part in the sins of others by commendation, counsel, consent, or concealment. These works of darkness are unfruitful, whatever profit they may boast for they end in the destruction of the impenitent sinner. Walk as children of light, as having knowledge and holiness. But the grace of God wrought a mighty change in the souls of many. Dare we make light of that which brings down the wrath of God? Sinners, like men in the dark, are going they know not whither, and doing they know not what. When the vilest transgressors repent and believe the gospel, they become children of obedience, from whom God's wrath is turned away. Those who allow themselves, either in the lusts of the flesh or the love of the world, belong not to the kingdom of grace, nor shall they come to the kingdom of glory. A covetous man makes a god of his money places that hope, confidence, and delight, in worldly good, which should be in God only. Our cheerfulness should show itself as becomes Christians, in what may tend to God's glory. that they pollute and poison the hearers. But these things are so far from being profitable. Here are not only cautions against gross acts of sin, but against what some may make light of. Verses 3-14 Filthy lusts must be rooted out. In Christ's sacrifice his love triumphs, and we are to consider it fully. Resemble him especially in his love and pardoning goodness, as becomes those beloved by their heavenly Father.
Verses 1-2 Because God, for Christ's sake, has forgiven you, therefore be ye followers of God, imitators of God. (15-21) The duties of wives and husbands are enforced by the spiritual relation between Christ and the church. (3-14) Directions to a contrary behaviour, and to relative duties.