Here is my commentary on Ephesians 5:6. I am publishing these once or twice a week, but you can read all of the available articles at our web-site, http://www.new-life.org.au

Ephesians 5:6

“Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes on those who are disobedient.”

Paul wants us to beware of those who seek to deceive with empty words. The wrath of God will be poured out on those who are disobedient and continue to practise the various sins he has previously listed .

Empty words are words that have no substance to them. They are soothing phrases or comforting words, which ignore the reality of sin in the Christian community.

We can be deceived in matters of doctrine or lifestyle by outright lies. There have been many of these in the history of the church, and the church has had to deal with them vigorously. For example, early heresies about the nature of God, and of Jesus Christ were debated at great lengths in the councils of the church before definitive decisions were made.

If a preacher comes along and says that Christ was not truly human, then we know that they are trying to deceive us. If a pastor proclaims that it is acceptable to have two wives or be unfaithful to your spouse, we know that this is deception.

Empty words are different because they are seductive rather than obviously untrue. At times they may be true in general, but the application might be twisted. “ God wants the best for you” is true, but this does not mean He wants you to have the best houses, cars, or clothes.

Some preaching is little more than inspirational speaking in a christian disguise. The so-called “ feel good message” or “ seeker sensitive sermon” is deceptive because it does not address sin, redemption, or fellowship with the Lord.

In contrast to “ empty words” Paul told the Corinthians that he did not come to them with mere words alone but with the preaching of the Cross and with the power of miracles (1 Corinthians 2:1-5).

The danger of fairy floss preaching is that it lulls believers into thinking that they are leading a godly life while continually walking in habitual sin.

The wrath of God will fall on those who are disobedient.

Does this mean that God may judge his children? How can anyone be sure that they are saved?

The original Greek of this verse says “ he wrath of God comes on the children of disobedience.” In other words, there are people who might portray themselves as children of God who are in fact children of disobedience.

When we continue to walk in habitual sin that the Spirit of God and the Word of God have brought to our attention, then it is possible that we are not truly born again. This is not referring to the occasional stumble, but to a whole- hearted embrace of sin that we have carved away from the life of righteousness .

Jesus said that there will be people who worked miracles in His name, prophesied or cast out demons yet he never knew them. (Matthew 7:21-23).

This point is crucial. We live in an age when many people have been raised in church or who have prayed a prayer at a meeting to receive Jesus, but they have never entered a life of surrender to Christ. Consequently, their life is as sinful and rebellious as any non- christian. Our deeds reflect our hearts. A good tree produces good fruit, and a heart surrendered to Christ will produce spiritual fruit.

Those who have not given their hearts to the Lord, in the deepest sense of that phrase, are subject to the wrath or judgement of God. They will not be saved unless they repent and ask God for forgiveness in the name of Jesus and then live entirely for Him.

Do not be deceived by empty words and improper promises. God will not be mocked.

Key points in this verse:

• Deception can come through bad or false teaching
• Empty words deceive by offering false comfort and a sense of security that is not warranted.
• If we are truly saved, our lives will grow to be more and more like Jesus