Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. – Ephesian 5:11
Recently, the people of France rioted in the streets. Were they angry that they had no food? Did they need medical provisions that were taken from them? No. They rioted because the government was anticipating a need to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64. Maybe some protestors wanted more time to begin community service, helping others in different ways. However, the perception was that they wanted to enjoy the “good life.”
Often, what is considered the “good life” involves living in darkness. While for some the “nightlife” may be a draw, it is not just a time of day. Darkness is a way of life that may involve deception, immorality, or sins of the flesh, as well as crimes against others. Paul calls them the “unfruitful works of darkness” (Ephesians 5:11). He gives a long list of works of the flesh in Galatians 5:19-21.
Unfruitful works come from people who do not know the Lord, who have rejected God, whose lives are encompassed by the darkness of unbelief. As minister and medical doctor Martyn Lloyd-Jones wrote: “Charles Darwin… maintained that man was no special creation of God! – if there is a God at all – man stands at the end of a process! So the view of man becomes degraded; and men forget God.” This life of unbelief leads to destruction.
There is a reason Paul speaks of the unfruitful works of darkness versus the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). It is a matter of worth. Believer, you are light in the darkness to bear fruit as God’s witness. Be bold to testify of His truth, exposing the lies of evil. Then pray that the leaders in this nation do so as well.
Today’s Verse: Ephesians 5:11
Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Galatians 5:19-24
19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
