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Do Not Be Foolish - Eph 5:17
Do Not Be Foolish - Eph 5:17
[Note: most of the points below can be learned from the two passages referenced in Ephesians, but several are statements made in other books of the Bible. Hence, I chose more of an outline format rather than an article format).
As Paul writes to the brethren in Ephesus, he instructs them to “not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is” (Ephesians 5:17). Earlier he had stated that “… by revelation there was made known to me the mystery, as I wrote before in brief. By referring to this, when you read you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which in other generations was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed to His holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit” (Ephesians 3:3-5).
While, apart from revelation, man can not know the mind of God: (Isa. 55:8-9; Jer. 10:23; 1Cor. 2:10-13; etc.).
1. God HAS revealed His will unto us.
2. He chose to reveal it through chosen spokesmen (prophets, apostles).
3. He chose that such would be written down so that ALL could verify and check the truth of various “God said to me” claims. (compare 2Pet. 1:12-15).
4. He promised (and being faithful, He fulfilled His promise) to preserve His revelation. (1Pet. 1:23-25; Matt. 24:35)
5. It is stated that such reading would produce knowledge of God’s will.
6. Such knowledge provides the needed insight and instructions that we might be saved. (Acts 20:32; James 1:21, 2 Tim. 3:14-17).
In the beginning of the church, there were limited copies of such New Testament writings. The solution to ‘teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded’ was to read them to all the people – repeatedly. So, they copied these letters, shared them between the churches, and had them read aloud. (cp. Col. 4:16; 1Thess. 5:27; 1 Tim. 4:13; Rev. 1:3)
Today, you are blessed with your own copy of these writings – and a choice of many different translations, bible helps (such as lexicons, bible dictionaries, class books, etc., etc.). With such helps also come an increase in responsibility. All abilities and opportunities increase our responsibility.
There is also an increased danger as the propagation of error is also increased. Anyone can speak, write, and spread false information; hence we must be discerning in our reading and learning (1John 4:1; 2 Pet. 2:1; 1 Tim. 4:1-3; etc.)
The last aspect of such knowledge is that it must be coupled with our conformity to it and thus the changing of our very mind and character. Are you being transformed? Examine yourself, what areas of your life have been so affected by your learning? What further things do you see that yet need to be changed?
Hugh DeLong
