Ephesians 5:12-13

"For it is a shame even to speak of or mention the things that [such people practice in secret." Ephesians 5:12

If these things are practiced in secret, then how is it that he knows what to speak or mention that is so shameful? Well, Paul is obviously talking to you and I, but for the whole church, the next verse reveals an amazing truth to this question. The point is that it "is" shameful what we revert to and we shouldn't need to deal with these things in the church, but we do. And for a Christian to not know that there are no secrets from God is even more shameful, And for a Christian to know their deeds are not a secret and believe they are free to continue is really scary, as we consider the next verse in this same thought. Two good studies are the sin of Achan in Joshua 7 and 8, and of Ananias and Sapphiras in Acts 4:32-5:11.

13. "But when anything is exposed and reproved by the light, it is made visible and clear; and where everything is visible and clear there is light..."

The amazing thing about being a Christian, is that while the old nature is still struggling with the transformation into Christ's likeness, and it is allowed (by our flesh) to continue... not only is it NOT done is secret, Christ "will" expose it. It may last a day, a week, who knows but God, but our deeds of darkness will be exposed.

Whenever our dark deeds are exposed, our testimony is shattered. Those weak in the body of Christ will move far away from us and those few whom God has placed near will demand much more of us... our "more personal time"... accountability, and rightfully so. Be sure, it would have been far easier to have listened to the Holy Spirit long before you followed your temptation!

Verse 13 refers to the Word of God... and the work of the Holy Spirit also, as they bring the light of truth to the darkness of our carnality. The sooner we allow these two forces to change the way we perceive our reality, the less we will fall to temptations.

Let's pick up with Ephesians verse 5:14 next time.

I love you.