Wednesday: Snapping Up the Bargains
Paul concludes Ephesians 5:1-20 with two clusters of exhortations, Ephesians 5:15-17 and Ephesians 5:18-20, completing a section with sustained interest in sexual purity. The first cluster begins with the exhortation, “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise” (Ephesians 5:15, ESV), restated as “do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is” (Ephesians 5:17, ESV). In between is a call to make “the best use of the time” (Ephesians 5:16, ESV).
Consider Paul’s exhortations to live in a way that reflects prayerful, discerning wisdom (Ephesians 5:15-17). What is the difference between walking not as fools but “wise”? Also, what does “redeeming the time” mean?
Image © Lifeway Collection at Goodsalt.com
In Ephesians, Paul has repeatedly used the common Old Testament metaphor of “walking” for how one lives (Ephesians 2:2, Ephesians 2:10; Ephesians 4:1, Ephesians 4:17; Ephesians 5:2, Ephesians 5:8). Here he uses the metaphor to encourage intentional discipleship. Just as you should “watch your step” when walking on a rough or darkened path, believers should “look carefully then how you walk” (Ephesians 5:15, ESV). Because Ephesians 5:15 finds a parallel in Ephesians 5:17, we may look there for a definition of what it means to live as wise people. We do not look within for wisdom. To be wise is to reach beyond ourselves, to “understand what the will of the Lord is” (Ephesians 5:17, ESV).
Paul also encourages intentional discipleship with a vivid image. In the phrase “making the best use of the time” (Ephesians 5:16, ESV; compare “redeeming the time,” NKJV), Paul uses the verb exagorazo (compare Colossians 4:5). Drawn from the marketplace, it is an intensive form of the verb “to buy” and means “to snap up the bargains” on offer as we await Christ’s return. “Time” here is the Greek word kairos, which describes a moment of opportunity. The “time” until the end is a promising period to be used to the full. It is also a challenging time because “the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:16, ESV; compare Ephesians 6:13, Galatians 1:4) and because “the course of this world” is dominated by “the prince of the power of the air” (Ephesians 2:2, ESV).
As believers look toward the return of Christ, they live in a difficult time, one that Paul portrays as a hazardous but rewarding marketplace. They are to be as attentive in their use of the time that remains as are bargain hunters during a brief sale that offers steep discounts. Though we can’t buy salvation, the imagery is still apt: take promptly what is offered us in Christ.
(19)
One of the problems with being a bird photographer is that many birds live in trees. That means that we bird photographers are forever walking around with our heads in the air and not looking where we are going. Carmel is scared spitless that one of these days I will lose my footing and fall, doing myself a serious mischief. She is right - I have fallen and once I broke a camera lens. I have hurt myself a bit a couple of times as well. Nowadays, I have learned that I have to walk and look for birds sequentially rather than simultaneously. They are not activities that I can multitask, especially at my age!
Walking in the light is serious business and in our modern world, there are many "shiny things" to distract us from the path. Furthermore, there are those who will tell you that they have found a better pathway with fewer holes and more attractive scenery and that you will have a better journey on that path. Paul warns us, "Let no man deceive you with vain words:" Eph 5:6
When someone is walking carefully(with accuracy and precision),he/she has to make sure that his/her surroundings will not make him/her stumble or look out for dangers.He/she will take care,think and pay attention to how he/she walks.We have to watch ourselves.When we now have the light,we no longer walk as fools,but walk carefully.We are not to drift with the tide when we walk carefully.Daily,let us take care as we put our foot one after the other.
Watch how you walk!!
What is the difference between walking not as fools but “wise”?
To be wise in one's own eyes is the very definition of a fool. Rather, be wise in the way of God. His Son, King Jesus Christ, tells us what to do: "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." (Matthew 4:19). Follow in Christ's foot steps, every step of the way. It is the only way.
Don't be "...wise and prudent..." in the ways of the world (Matthew 11:25).
Also, what does “redeeming the time” mean?
So for me, I see it as trading my time in the world for more time to spend with Him.
I spend all of my waking hours in His presence.
If I am not learning how to become more like Him (Matthew 5:48), I am sharing what I know about Him with others through my (love-based) feelings, thoughts, words, body language and actions i.e. all my means of communication with the world (1John 4:8).
This marketplace imagery is very interesting and something that I hadn’t considered or noticed before in Ephesians. As a bargain and flea-market shopper, I can relate to the idea of snatching up a great deal when it’s offered because oftentimes, I’ve walked away to consider it and when I’ve come back, it’s no longer available.
God says that the time to accept salvation is the moment it’s first offered. God’s offer will always be there, but we may not and our hearts may have moved onto some other bargain that is no bargain. (Isaiah 45:22, 2 Corinthians 6:2, and others)
Yes, Sarah 🙂
Let us help those around us to also snap up the "...one pearl of great price..." and enter King Jesus Christ's kingdom as well (Matthew 13:45-46)
His words in Matthew 16:28 gives impetus as to why we need to work fervently on our common purpose (Matthew 4:19).
I remember when a policeman suspected that a driver had been drinking alcohol he would stop the driver and ask him or her to walk on a curb without teetering. If he couldn't "walk the walk and talk the talk", he would get a DWI ticket. Now the policeman has to wait for a traffic infraction in order to pull the suspected driver over.
Are we walking the walk and talking the talk, or just trying to impress someone what we are doing or knowing or believing? If we are empty vessels we won't be impressing anyone. "I know Who I believe in".
Yesterday the lesson was about waking up the former sleeping unredeemed, today’s lesson is about blowing the trumpet to keep the redeemed from falling asleep again. 😊
I think that how to not fall asleep is directly linked to being eagerly engaged in our new life which gives us the assurance that, in the end, it will be worth all the extra effort that comes with wanting to do it 'right'. The parable of the ten virgins and others related to living in the kingdom of God are great examples.
Personally, I have never felt so ‘alive’ as I do now as a Christian. Alife to me means to live confidently in the assurance that I am on the right track - that I know what I believe and why. Do doubt, no wavering, no wondering if the grass is greener on the other side of the fence. Everything has found its proper place in my heart and mind. I believe this to be the liberation Jesus speaks to: ”So if the Son sets you free you will be free indeed.” John 8:36.
This invitation to live by the Word of God as revealed by Scripture and the Holy Spirit is the most wonderful 'bargain' man can ever find to establish Truth and find purpose in life. We truly have been set free from aimlessly wandering in the darkness of this world! We are reassured that living the experience of life by faith leads us on the right path. I consider our born-again nature’s life the greatest bargain man can ever find - the perl of great price -, and its ‘Glory’ belongs to God!
Read these lovely words, meditate in the wisdom placed carefully together in today's Lesson,
"goodness, righteousness, and truth"
"understand what the will of the Lord is"
"giving thanks always for all things to God"
"sexual purity"
"moment of opportunity"
"intentional discipleship"
"take promptly what is offered us in Christ"
Have a great day!