Bible Text — Ephesians 5:11–20 (NASB)

11 Do not participate in the useless deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them;

12 for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret.

13 But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light.

14 For this reason it says, “Awake, sleeper, And arise from the dead, And Christ will shine on you.”

15 So then, be careful how you walk, not as unwise people but as wise,

16 making the most of your time, because the days are evil.

17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

18 And do not get drunk with wine, in which there is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,

19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your hearts to the Lord;

20 always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to our God and Father;

1. Do not participate in the deeds of darkness (vv. 11–14)

• Expose fruitless works; a recurring Pauline theme (cf. Romans 12:1–2).
• Fruitless because they are dead and sterile; contrast flesh vs. Spirit.
• Expose “disgraceful things” to the light so lies and deception are revealed (Luke 8:17).
• Possible background: magic cults in Ephesus (Acts 19:17–18).
• v14 likely echoes an early hymn or mixed OT allusions.

2. Walk as wise Christians (vv. 15–17)

• Our “walk” = our lived Christian life; wake up wisely for the sake of the gospel.
• Conduct with wisdom toward outsiders in speech and behavior (Col 4:5–6).
• “The days are evil” — expect increasing difficulty; redeem the time.
• Understand and do the Lord’s will (see v10).

3. Be filled with the Spirit (v. 18)

• Contrast: intoxication with wine vs. fullness of the Spirit.
• Related passages: Prov 20:1; Isa 28:7; Prov 23:20–21; 1 Cor 5:11.

4. What “Walk as Children of Light” looks like (vv. 19–20)

• Speak to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs (cf. Col 3:16).
• Sing and make melody to the Lord from the heart.
• Always give thanks in the name of Jesus to God the Father.