A note from our pastor:

“Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.”

Ephesians 5:6

Good Morning Dearly Beloved,

In verses 3-5 of this chapter, the Apostle has presented certain behaviors which the disciple of Christ and the community of believers should avoid. These behaviors are sinful. Furthermore, they are destructive to any community of people, but especially to a community of believers in Jesus Christ.

Now in our study verse this week, the Apostle issues a secondary warning regarding those who would try to convince his readers (of the original letter and of the scripture today) to still engage in those sins which the Apostle previously named.

The first aspect of the warning is the enticement will be done with vain words. The phrase “vain words” means speech which is enticing or attractive on the outside but is hollow in substance. Those who would attempt to pull a disciple back into these sinful behaviors do so by selling the enjoyment which comes from the action and attempting to minimize the negative impacts which happen as a result.

As disciples, we want to think these speakers of vain words are on the outside of the community of believers. Our minds prefer to have clear lines of demarcation when it comes to right and wrong. However, we must be cautious and be careful in our evaluation because the most destructive forces have often come from within the community of believers as they guide disciples astray.

The second portion of the warning from the Apostle is to remind the disciples of the gravity of these sins. Those speaking vain words might try to sell the idea of some sins being greater and bringing more consequences than others. But the Apostle reminds his readers, the behaviors mentioned in the previous verses bring the wrath of God. To fall into those sins is not a minor indulgence.

Ultimately, this verse is a reminder for the disciple to constantly evaluate our lives based on the word of God.

Our Prayers are with you daily,

Brother Jeremiah