The Thirty Seventh Sermon, the Fifth on the Fifth Chapter - Ephesians 5

"See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit." - Ephesians 5:15-18

The concern we have for temporal profit will be sufficient to condemn us before God for the negligence evident in our lives when we consider our eternal well-being. We may try to escape blame by claiming that we did not think of it, but is it a tolerable fault that, when God calls us to Himself and offers us the gift of heavenly life, especially when He has revealed how this life was purchased and requires only that we glorify Him through true obedience, we neglect all of this? It seems that we are too shallow-minded, concerning ourselves with trivial matters that fade away, while simultaneously despising the kingdom of heaven and God's service, regarding the salvation of our souls as insignificant. St. Paul exhorts us to be more vigilant than we have been in the past. He emphasizes that in such cases, we must rely on God and not assume that God will forgive us simply because of our ignorance when we are ensnared in worldly matters. We must not forget about the kingdom of heaven. He suggests that we should walk circumspectly, acknowledging that even if we are watchful of ourselves, we will still be susceptible to our weaknesses. We commit many faults, not only through ignorance but also knowingly. Often, we are not strong enough to resist temptation as we should. However, if we consider that we are constantly in the presence of God and His angels, we would conduct ourselves differently. This is why he calls for great care and circumspection so that no one falls into evil due to carelessness. To further motivate us, he adds that we must redeem the time because the days are evil. This implies that we cannot afford to misuse God's grace even slightly, as it would mean wasting precious time that cannot be recovered.

Now, let's summarise the key points here. Firstly, it is important to understand that the days are filled with evil influences, which can hinder our spiritual growth. We face numerous corruptions and temptations that can divert us from the path to salvation. Therefore, we need to put in extraordinary effort to overcome these obstacles that Satan places in our way. Satan regards us as his captives because of our sinful nature, and we, in turn, often lead others into wrongdoing. We are easily swayed by various influences, and the devil exploits this to his advantage. Therefore, we must remain vigilant and cautious of his tactics. In today's world, sin and iniquity have reached alarming levels, with people engaging in all sorts of wickedness. There seems to be an increase in craftiness, malice, extravagance, robbery, cruelty, and extortion everywhere. This text and the guidance provided by the Holy Ghost in it are especially relevant in these times when the world is filled with such rampant wickedness.

And therefore, as Paul said, the days are evil, and in times when there was a hundred times more righteousness than today, we ought to be even more vigilant and watchful due to the increasing evil of our times. When there is a fear of war, each of us will take precautions and consider that we should not risk everything at once, but save something for later, both in terms of provisions and other necessities. Similarly, when facing other troubles, we tend to think ahead and prepare ourselves. We say to ourselves, "Let's be careful; necessity will drive us to it." But now, when we can clearly see the evilness of the days – when everything seems to be against us – and even if we were diligent and circumspect in the world, we still often find ourselves hindered from serving God, we simply passively let it all slip away without minding it at all. Therefore, let us be wise and learn to redeem the time. By this, I mean that the more opportunities there are to lead us into sin and away from God, the more each of us should strive to do good. Even when faced with the corruption of the times, we should not use it as an excuse to cover our own sloth and carelessness. We should not assume that it's permissible to engage in deceit or dishonesty in our daily lives just because it's common practice.

If someone tells us to live indifferently and uprightly, we may respond, "How can I do that when even buying a small item involves some form of deceit? How can I live modestly and avoid idleness when it's clear that everyone around me acts contrary to these principles?" Or when advised to be patient and gentle, we might think it's impossible since everyone else behaves in the opposite manner. This common behavior should not serve as our justification; rather, we must remember that it is our duty to resist the prevailing ungodliness and live according to God's standards. We need to be vigilant and prayerful, asking God for the strength to resist the devil's schemes. Our efforts to redeem the time should not be driven by a desire for temporal and worldly gain, as we are already inclined towards that by nature. Instead, when we see the devil attempting to lead us away from serving God, we should redeem the time by forsaking our own sinful desires. This redemption does not always require the use of gold and silver, but rather, it involves forsaking our own sinful tendencies. When we notice that our worldly desires are pulling us away from following God's calling, we must redeem the time by casting those desires aside.

In essence, we should evaluate how the devil might lead us astray or cause us to waste our time on sinful pursuits and take steps to rectify our conduct. This means that considering the corruption and rampant vice in the world today, as well as the disorder prevailing in society, even those who strive for righteousness are somewhat affected by these vices and disorders. Instead of making weak excuses and claiming our inability to overcome the numerous obstacles that surround us, we must seize the opportunity to redeem the time.

The only means to do this is to understand that Satan's attempts to drag us down are not sufficient excuses before God. If we turn to Him, He will provide us with the armor and weapons to withstand the battle until we achieve victory. So, let us not hesitate to set aside other things we desire and to confine our sinful affections as if they were imprisoned. Then, it will become easier for us to heed what St. Paul is saying here, which is to be watchful and discerning, to walk with wisdom rather than foolishness.

As we have previously discussed, if we learn in God's school as we should, we will have a reliable guide and cannot be deceived or led astray. God knows what we need, and He has not neglected to instruct us in anything. Therefore, St. Paul assumes that even though we may be spiritually blind or overwhelmed by the darkness of this world, or even though the devil employs numerous cunning strategies against us, if we become good students of God's Word and allow ourselves to be governed by Him, we will possess sufficient wisdom. In such a case, we will not be able to claim that we sinned unknowingly because God is wise enough to direct our entire lives, provided that we listen to all He says and willingly accept His guidance.

Therefore, we can indeed attain the wisdom St. Paul requires. He clarifies this by saying that we should not be foolish but rather be prudent and understand what the will of God is. He explains what kind of wisdom he means, distinct from worldly notions of wisdom. The world often regards a person as wise if they are crafty and shrewd, able to deceive others and protect their own interests through cunning and deceit. Worldly wisdom is often about securing personal gain by any means, irrespective of the fear of God, justice, or honesty. Those who act truthfully may be perceived as foolish, making themselves vulnerable to exploitation.

In contrast, true wisdom, according to Scripture, begins with the fear of God and finds its perfection in it. Therefore, St. Paul's intention in these words is to condemn all the cunning, deceit, and subtleties that people rely on, boasting of their worldly wisdom. He emphasizes that all such practices are detestable and unacceptable before God. So, what kind of wisdom should be in us? It is enough if we know and understand the will of God. However, in our interactions with the world, God will bless our simplicity in such a way that we will not fall into the snares of the wicked. As we learn from our Lord Jesus, He desires His disciples to be as innocent as doves, even though doves are simple creatures easily startled.

Nevertheless, we should also be as wise as serpents. God will not allow us to be exploited and devoured by the wicked, even if we live modestly and honestly without relying on worldly schemes to defend ourselves. We only need to entrust ourselves to His protection, and He will grant us sufficient wisdom. However, the primary matter is not merely acquiring the skill to protect ourselves in this world and thwart the wrongs and injustices of others. We must begin on a higher plane, namely, governing our lives in a way that God approves, understanding the purpose for which He has placed us in this world, and recognizing the ultimate goal of our creation and redemption – to inherit heaven. This is the path to true wisdom.

Although this doctrine may seem foreign to those deeply immersed in the world and utterly pagan, without knowledge of their divine calling, upon closer examination, we find it is not unjustly said that the fear of God is the only true wisdom. Consider the actions of those who seek to advance themselves through greed, ambition, and other worldly pursuits. It is evident that they are openly provoking God's anger and often reap the consequences they deserve. Their pursuit of wealth and status, which they hoped would bring them prosperity, recognition, and a lasting legacy, often ends in disaster. God may curse their efforts to such an extent that the higher they rise, the more devastating their fall, turning the wealth they accumulated into their downfall. Even if, for the sake of argument, their prosperity remained stable, we must acknowledge that our true happiness does not reside in this fleeting life, which is as transitory as a vanishing shadow.

Now, consider a person who was created in the image of God, redeemed through the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, and adopted to be a companion of angels. Yet, they willingly act like beasts, forgetting their own nature and the price paid for their salvation. If a person, who was created to inherit eternal life, contentedly indulges in a few days of pleasure here on Earth, forsaking the greater purpose, it would appear as if Satan has bewitched them, robbing them of understanding and reason, and rendering them like brute beasts. If a child abandons their father's home and the sustenance provided there, embarking on a reckless pursuit of a brief pleasure, whether in revelry or other debaucheries, and eventually becomes a beggar with nothing to eat, would not the world judge such a child as utterly blind, senseless, and worse than mad?

Now, let us compare the heavenly inheritance prepared for us and purchased at great cost to the world's wicked and cursed estate. Let's consider the fate of those who turn away from God and what awaits them when they distance themselves from the source of life, well-being, and joy. If we had a sound understanding, we would no longer find it strange that true wisdom for humanity lies in living in the fear of God, for that is where our well-being ultimately resides.

In essence, we must pay close attention to the lesson here, where St. Paul tells us that we will always be strangers to all forms of well-being as long as we do not seek to obey God. Additionally, we should not rely on our own understanding, nor should we become overly conceited, thinking, "This seems good to me, so it must be right." Let us guard against such arrogance and humbly offer ourselves to God's guidance, recognizing that we cannot go wrong by obeying Him, as our wisdom lies in seeking His will. Has the Lord hidden anything from us that would benefit us? No, for He has promised to show us the way of life, provided we are not stubborn but humbly submit ourselves to His Word.

This was previously declared in the law, which, though less clear than the gospel, still provided guidance. In the gospel, we have full and perfect insight. Therefore, let us not use the excuse of ignorance or claim we are not scholars, for God has condescended to teach all of us, from the greatest to the least, through His Word. We have no valid argument or resistance to offer, but rather, we should allow ourselves to be guided and governed by His will, which is clearly revealed to us, as proclaimed by the prophet Isaiah: "I have not spoken in secret; from the beginning, from the time it came to be, I have been there. And now the Lord God has sent me and His Spirit."

Paul assumed here, as he did in his letter to the Colossians, that when the gospel is preached to us, we will find a perfect wisdom by which we can walk a sure path. Therefore, let us be cautious not to deviate from this path in any way.

It is true that not all individuals will be as well-informed as required. But upon whose fault and negligence can this be attributed, except our own? Additionally, even if many simple souls do not attain the knowledge that could guide them perfectly towards serving God according to their desires, those who humbly submit themselves to God's Word, receive it, and show the reverence it deserves will have a reliable guiding star leading them to the heavenly inheritance, even if they progress slowly and are not as wise as we might wish them to be. Thus, Paul rebukes all those who are ungrateful and obstinate when the gospel is preached to them, even if they are uncertain about God's will. For this rebuke applies as much to their benefit.

It is true that God will not satisfy our curiosity by indulging in speculation or entertaining our desire for constantly changing discourse to tickle our ears. He will teach us what is essential for our salvation and for drawing us closer to Him. Therefore, this is the point to remember from St. Paul's statement. No one should be surprised that the world is in such disarray, with everyone going their own way and confusion reigning everywhere. This can be seen among the misguided Papists who martyr themselves excessively yet fail to come closer to God due to their misguided and fanatical zeal. They do not wait for God's will; instead, each follows their own desires, all while excusing themselves under the pretense of good intentions. This has led to the perversion of the world, disorder in all things, and the removal of all certainty. All this has happened because men have chosen to follow their own inclinations instead of God's clear and evident will. Therefore, given the great extent to which God's will has been despised and men have been audaciously self-assured, behaving as they please, it has caused profound confusion. The disorder is so extensive that contemplating it should make us shudder. Consequently, it is all the more necessary for us to exercise great self-restraint and submission to God and His pure Word. We should not be amazed that our entire wisdom comes down to this: acknowledging God's sole will as the complete rule for everything. But we cannot conform to it unless we relinquish our unstable desires and abandon what seems good in our own eyes. We must allow God to reign over us, with such dominion that we do not need to add or subtract anything from His pure Word. St. Paul could simply have said that we should walk wisely, but he added the opposite as well to emphasize that it is not a mere joke when people say, "I am uneducated; I lack the means to pursue knowledge to do good with it," or "I am a simple person, a farmer, a labourer, or a craftsman." To eliminate these excuses, it must be understood that even if such individuals consider themselves wise, they should, nevertheless, rely on God's remedy by submitting to His Word. However, let us note, as mentioned before, that people should not elevate themselves with pride, assuming that they can self-govern as required. The beginning of our wisdom is to consider ourselves foolish in our own eyes, as previously discussed in 1 Corinthians.

On one hand, there is presumption, and very few can humble themselves enough not to be constantly held back and hindered by their own opinions. On the other hand, some are so reckless that despite hearing God's word daily, they remain obstinate. Therefore, it is all the more important for us to pay close attention to the warning given here, which is that to be welltaught in God's school, we must not rely on our own reasoning or think our own ideas are good. Instead, we must empty ourselves of our own reasoning and make way for God's word, accepting without dispute whatever He proclaims.

St. Paul then returns to specific and special exhortations, as he had done before. First, he advises the faithful to avoid becoming drunk with wine, which leads to disorder. In other words, we must exercise self-control in our eating and drinking and use the good things God has provided for our sustenance moderately, not indulging in excess like beasts. To understand and benefit from this teaching, we must first consider the purpose for which the Lord has given us food and other provisions. The lawful use of wine, water, bread, and all other foods is to nourish us according to our physical needs, sustaining our lives so that we may not live idly. Instead, we should honour God, the source of our life and sustenance, and express gratitude for His fatherly generosity. Secondly, we should engage in productive work according to our station and abilities. Thus, the lawful use of food and drink should lead us to God, remind us of His blessings, and motivate us to glorify Him in all things.

Therefore, while eating and drinking may seem to hinder our ability to do good at first glance, we must also consider the compensations. The time spent eating and drinking may temporarily limit our ability to serve our neighbours, but it can also serve as a reminder to turn to God. We should reflect on His goodness, which He continually bestows upon us, even as we partake of His provisions. It would be unbecoming to accept His blessings without acknowledging Him. So, while eating and drinking may seem to interfere with our worldly activities, they can also encourage us to seek God with greater joy and fervour.

Now, let us consider the consequences of excess. When a person overindulges to the point of becoming unwieldy, they undergo a transformation that defies God, nature, and all order. As I've mentioned before, food and drink are meant to strengthen us so that we can fulfil God's commandments and the requirements of our vocations. When a person indulges to the extent that they can no longer find sustenance from what God has provided, they debase themselves into a state resembling a beast and move further away from the image of God. Furthermore, they forget God, displaying ingratitude as though they were mixing heaven and earth together. Isn't this monstrous and unkind, akin to mingling the sacred and the profane?

St. Paul makes it clear that the culmination of all excess is found in drunkenness and riotous behaviour. In such a state, individuals cast aside all shame, forget all propriety, and behave like wild animals. We witness one of the consequences of drunkenness as it leads people into debauchery and a profound slumber where they remain oblivious to mockery and insults. Whatever comes out of their mouths, whether right or wrong, goes unchecked. They may even blaspheme God and speak unjustly of others, displaying a complete lack of discretion. When individuals are carried away by such behaviour, they transform from beings created in God's image, designed to be rational creatures with a superior status, into creatures resembling swine and dogs. It's evident that drunkenness is a reprehensible vice.

St. Paul intended to convey that even without the fear of God to restrain us or the discretion to recognise the proper and lawful use of God's blessings, we should still abstain from such behaviour due to societal shame. A drunken individual is a spectacle of confusion who disrupts all order. In this state, God's image is defaced, reason is extinguished, and all things fall into disorder. Therefore, since we can observe the extremities associated with drunkenness, we must abhor it. While St. Paul briefly mentions the enormities associated with drunkenness, we should recognise that he encompasses all excesses in general. The lesson here is that we must be temperate and exercise self-control in our eating and drinking. Even when there is an abundance before us, we must be prudent in our consumption, remembering that bread, wine, and food are meant to sustain us, not to make us gluttonous. The heathen understood this, and it is common knowledge that we should eat and drink to live, not live to eat and drink. These provisions are meant to give us strength and vitality to fulfil our duties, not to make us sluggish. It is certain that bread, wine, and meats are not meant to debilitate us but rather to strengthen us. As the Psalm says, "wine gladdens the heart of man and bread strengthens it." Therefore, let us remember to eat and drink in moderation, using these blessings as intended by God's ordinance and the guidance provided by His Word and imprinted on our hearts.

Even without hearing a single word of the law or the gospel, we can be sufficiently convicted by observing the order of nature, a fact acknowledged even by the heathen. It is essential to remember that people gradually descend from one evil to another, which does not diminish their fault. Many resort to this as a final excuse when caught in their wrongdoing, saying, "Oh, you can see I was overtaken with wine, and my wits were intoxicated after I had a drink." They hope that their drunkenness will serve as an excuse before God. However, this will not absolve them; in fact, they become even more guilty. If the laws were properly structured, drunken individuals would face double punishment when committing an offense due to their inebriation. Firstly, they are deserving of punishment for misusing the benefits that God provided for our use. These benefits were meant to draw us closer to God as a testimony to His fatherly goodness, but the drunkard perverts them. Secondly, because they are drawn into wrongdoing as though they had conspired with Satan from afar, they should be punished again for their attempts to excuse and cover up their actions.

While not everyone may consider this, those who abandon themselves to such behaviour and indulge in all manner of licentiousness through their drunkenness will have to answer to God for defiling the things sanctified for His service. These things were marked by God's goodness to draw us closer to Him. When everything is perverted in our eating and drinking, we must answer to God for abusing the benefits He bestowed upon us, contrary to His intentions, as if we intentionally provoked His anger. Drunkenness makes people so bestial that they forget themselves, God's image is obscured in them, and they resemble dogs, swine, and asses. Considering this, we should each, at the very least, exercise caution and control our desires when God provides us with food and drink. We should not succumb to excess. So, in essence, we must remember to be moderate in our eating and drinking, to honour God not only by thanking Him for our lives but also by allowing our meals to continually remind us to turn to Him.

We must understand that God gives us a taste of His love now so that we may learn to forsake the world and willingly serve Him. He is not only our master with all authority over us but also our father, desiring to win us over with His goodness. Let us humbly acknowledge our faults before the majesty of our good God, sincerely repent of them, and always turn to Him seeking forgiveness in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. May He bear with us until He cleanses us from the corruptions of the world and our flesh, reforming us so that we seek only to attain perfect righteousness, as He has exhorted us. Let us all say, "Almighty God, Heavenly Father."