Page 141 - Ephesians

Light, against darkness. He is contrasting “Beloved children” in
verse 1 with, “Sons of disobedience” in verse 6.

The Spirit of God longs that we be real. Not saying empty words,
but having reality deep in our beings. The fact is, the argument
here is rather forceful. He says, in effect, “Here are some
characteristics of darkness, and here are some characteristics of
light. Now look at your life. Do you have the characteristics of
darkness, or the characteristics of light?” Because it’s easy to
confess light with your mouth, and not have the characteristics of
light in your life. The tongue can be religious. Satan’s tongue is
very religious. Satan could quote the doctrinal creed of any local
church. He’s very kosher. He believes it all, but, like many of
us, will not surrender to the King and His truth.

In 5:3-7 he lists the characteristics of darkness. Immorality,
impurity, greed, filthiness, silly talk, coarse jesting, covetousness,
and idolatry. Then He says in verse 5,

“This you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure
person or covetous man who is an idolater has an
inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.”

You may say, “These are the characteristics of the lost and the
unsaved. Those separated from God”. But before I continue, let
me give a strong warning. Be careful how you talk about a carnal
Christian. Some people teach that you can be saved, trust Christ
as your Savior, and live for the devil. They call that “Carnal
Christianity”. They say, “At least he’s saved, he just not walking
with the Lord. He’s full of darkness, but at least he accepted
Christ. He raised his hand, or signed a card, or came forward at
some meeting.”

They say that you can be born again, yet never have grown in
Christ. Remain a baby all your life, and continue in darkness.
That is not Bible truth. If you live like Ephesians 5:3-7, you are
going to be separated and in danger of hell. That’s what the Bible