EPHESIANS 5
6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not become partners with them; 8 for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), 10 and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. 13 But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, 14 for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,“Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, 20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. –Ephesians 5:6-21
EPHESIANS 5 SUBMIT TO ONE ANOTHER TO HONOR CHRIST
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
As you live your life for the Lord Jesus Christ
You’ll become aware of the devil’s tricks and lies
Walk as children of light and discern what pleases God
Take no part in the unfruitful works of this world
When you expose evil in the light, it becomes visible
It can no longer hide and keep you believing in the lies
Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ
He gave up his life so you can live life to its fullest
Submitting to the body of Christ is giving him glory
It manifests God’s presence as he keeps you holy.
In this account, Paul stresses the importance of submission to the saints who comprise the body of Christ. If you experience false religions, you will see that the relationships in these churches is an activity and not a fellowship where the saints build each other up. In other words, the social gatherings are not for maturing one another or discipling each member of the body of Christ. It is for friendships and social connections. In Romans 12:4-5, Paul explains this unity that exists between the member of believers when he says “For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” Every Christian belongs to another Christian and their roles have to do with fulfilling the plan that God has for each of his creations. When God created us, he did it for himself. So, submitting to one another is fulfilling that amazing plan of God to bring all his creation to himself so he can be glorified.
REFLECTION
· What does “submitting to one another” look like in a church setting?
