Meaning of Ephesians 5:10

This verse, Ephesians 5:10, is a call to discerning intentionality in Christian living, urging believers to actively seek and understand what is acceptable to God, moving beyond mere outward compliance to a genuine heart-orientation. It is situated within a broader exhortation in Ephesians 5 to live a life worthy of the calling received, contrasting formerly dark and sinful behavior with the new life in Christ characterized by love, light, and wisdom. The imperative "find out" (Greek: dokimazō, meaning to test, examine, approve) implies a diligent, ongoing process of evaluation and confirmation, not a passive reception of knowledge. This active pursuit is motivated by a desire to please God, a core tenet of the Christian faith, and it undergirds the subsequent instructions on how to walk wisely, make the most of every opportunity, and understand God's will.

Context and Background

Ephesians 5:10 is found within the second half of the epistle, which focuses on practical Christian living. Paul has just exhorted believers in verses 8-9 to "live as children of light" and to produce the "fruit of light in all that is good and right and true," contrasting this with the "darkness" of their former lives. This verse serves as a bridge, explaining the how of living as children of light. The preceding verses speak of avoiding sexual immorality and impurity, greed, and foolish talk, all of which are displeasing to God. The immediate context, therefore, is one of ethical transformation and holy living, moving from the old ways of the world to the new life in Christ.

Key Themes and Messages

The central theme is discernment and pleasing God. The verse emphasizes that pleasing God is not a matter of guesswork or assumption but requires active investigation and understanding. This involves:

• Active Pursuit: The Greek word dokimazō implies testing, scrutinizing, and approving. It's an intentional effort to ascertain what aligns with God's character and commands.
• Knowledge and Understanding: It's not enough to do things; believers are called to understand why they do them and what their ultimate purpose is in relation to God.
• Holiness and Righteousness: The implied standard for pleasing God is His own perfect holiness and righteousness, as revealed in Scripture and embodied in Christ.
• Intentionality: This verse calls for a deliberate choice to orient one's life towards God's approval rather than self-gratification or societal norms.

Spiritual Significance and Application

Spiritually, Ephesians 5:10 is a cornerstone for a life of conscious discipleship. It calls believers to a mature faith that moves beyond basic obedience to a deep, intimate understanding of God's desires. This involves:

• Prayer: Seeking God's wisdom and guidance through prayer to understand His will.
• Scripture Study: Immersing oneself in God's Word to learn His commands, character, and promises.
• Community: Learning from and being accountable to other believers who are also seeking to please God.
• Self-Examination: Regularly assessing one's motives and actions in light of God's Word.

The application is practical: every decision, every word, every action can be evaluated against the question, "Does this please the Lord?" This transforms everyday life into an opportunity for worship and obedience.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This verse is deeply integrated into the overarching biblical narrative of redemption and reconciliation. From the Garden of Eden, where humanity's primary calling was to live in fellowship and obedience to God, to the ultimate restoration in Revelation, the desire for God's approval and the pursuit of His will are central.

• Old Testament: Prophets consistently called Israel to obedience and to discern God's ways, often rebuking them for straying.
• New Testament: Jesus Himself exemplified perfect obedience to the Father, stating, "I always do what pleases him" (John 8:29). The Holy Spirit is given to believers to guide them into all truth and empower them to live righteously.
• Theological Framework: This verse aligns with the doctrines of sanctification and Christian perfection, where believers are progressively conformed to the image of Christ, actively seeking to align their lives with God's will.

Analogies

To illustrate the concept of "finding out what pleases the Lord," consider these analogies:

• A Loving Child: A child who genuinely loves their parents doesn't just follow rules grudgingly; they actively try to understand what makes their parents happy, anticipating their needs and desires. They learn their parents' preferences, their values, and their expectations, and strive to live in accordance with them.
• A Dedicated Athlete: An athlete preparing for a competition doesn't just train randomly. They seek out their coach's specific instructions, study their opponents' strengths and weaknesses, and meticulously follow a training regimen designed to achieve peak performance and ultimately please their coach and achieve victory.
• A Loyal Employee: A valuable employee goes beyond merely fulfilling their job description. They seek to understand their employer's vision, anticipate company needs, and proactively contribute in ways that demonstrate their commitment and enhance the organization's success, thereby earning their employer's approval and trust.

Relation to Other Verses

Ephesians 5:10 resonates with numerous other passages throughout Scripture:

• Colossians 1:10: "so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way; bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God." This verse echoes the call to a life pleasing to God and links it to fruitfulness and growth in knowledge.
• Hebrews 11:6: "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." This verse highlights faith as essential for pleasing God and emphasizes the active seeking.
• Romans 12:2: "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." This passage directly parallels the idea of discernment and understanding God's will through transformation.
• 1 Thessalonians 4:1: "As we have therefore received of you by us how ye ought to walk and to please God, even so ye would abound more and more." Paul here refers to previous instruction on how to live and please God, demonstrating that this is a foundational aspect of Christian teaching.
• Philippians 4:18: "I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am generously supplied with the gifts you sent by Epaphroditus, which are the fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God." This verse uses sacrificial imagery to describe the Philippians' gift as pleasing to God, illustrating that our actions, when done in faith and love, can be offerings of pleasing aroma to Him.