LIFE OF CONTRAST, or COMMUNICATION ROSS SMITH 050816
Ephesians 5:11 (AMP) Take no part in and have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds and enterprises of darkness, but instead [LET YOUR LIVES BE SO IN CONTRAST as to] expose and reprove and convict them.
A ”CONTRAST” generally consists of BLACK AND WHITE, and so the Bible is saying we need to be white, not black. In our study on “LIGHT” we referenced the following:-
Ephesians 5:8 For once you were darkness, but NOW YOU ARE LIGHT in the Lord; WALK as CHILDREN OF LIGHT [lead the lives OF THOSE NATIVE-BORN TO THE LIGHT].
So we have opposite ends of the spectrum if we are to have a “LIFE OF CONTRAST”. It is of note that there are no shades or hues, no dark black or white white, unless you make washing machine powder! Any variation in between may indicate that although we are serious, we are inconsistent, which almost suggests an oxymoron,” seriously inconsistent”!!!
We can also consider that a “LIFE OF CONTRAST” is a life of “COMMUNICATION”, for it is by the way we live that we will communicate the difference. The way we act often speaks more loudly and clearly than what we say.
Another interesting statement in Ephesians exhorts us to (a) take no part and (b) have no fellowship with fruitlessness”. Is this another test we can apply to see if we are walking in the light, for fruit is only produced where there is light, a formidable evidence of our contrast.
There is more than one way of communicating, and in this day and age we are being exposed to a much wider range of techniques and technologies than has ever been available before. Letter writing has fallen by the wayside due to email, phone calls declining due to social media and sms, telegrams and telex long gone, and even the faithful old fax machine is relegated to occasional usage, face to face has been replaced by Face book. But the need to communicate seems to be greater than ever.
In looking at Ephesians 5 the means of communication again has different facets, and all of them are not as obvious as it would seem. We are prone to communicate in ways we have become accustomed to over generations, mainly using our mouth instead of our demeanour, and it may be necessary to integrate both, but what does scripture say?
In this verse there were several components that attracted my attention. Not the least of these was the principle that we have discussed, that of “APODOSIS”, or where there is a proposal with a consequence, the “IF’S AND THENS”.
So we can rewrite the verse like this “IF you take no part in darkness, THEN your life will be a contrast”. So the proposition does not seem so difficult and the results seem quite attractive. But if we extend this example, where the “THEN” seems to be lacking CONTRAST, we must go back to the “IF” department to evaluate where there are any “tints”.
The proposal of Ephesians 5 looked attractive, that is, until I looked more closely at what the terms “EXPOSE, REPROVE AND CONVICT” really meant, and how do we put these characteristics to good effect. With this in mind, words used today may not reflect the true meaning of scripture, and we need to determine what scripture intended originally.
So firstly we need to look at the dictionary definitions of these three terms and then identify what scripture means by them.
“EXPOSE” to leave (something) without covering or protection
to cause (someone) to experience something or to be influenced or affected by something
to reveal (something hidden, dishonest, etc.)
“REPROVE” to criticize or correct (someone) usually in a gentle way (this is not just an expression of our disapproval)
“CONVICT” to find or prove to be guilty, to convince of error or sinfulness, to find a defendant guilty. (Only a vague acknowledgement of this is given by the church today as there is little discernment)
So now we should really explore the scriptural meanings to see if they are the same as today’s usage, because we need to know what we will face when we meet the conditions and evidence the result, that BLACK AND WHITE, keeping in mind that there is more than one way of accomplishing this. The KJV uses only one word where Amplified uses three, but the word in KJV, which is “REPROVE” carries the full spectrum of meaning as follows:-
G1651 “REPROVE — Confute, Admonish, Convict, Convince, Tell a fault, Rebuke, Reprove.”
Part of our exploration of this subject should be to evaluate the meaning of each of the above words so that we are living in accordance with the directions of God’s Word.
So my ambition to have a life of contrast suddenly has implications that on first glance would not be what I would choose. The responsibilities are quite onerous, the results debatable and not the least of which is found in,
Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider and give ATTENTIVE, CONTINUOUS care to watching over one another, studying how we may stir up (stimulate and incite) to love and helpful deeds and NOBLE ACTIVITIES, (these “activities” are the direct opposite to the “fruitless deeds and enterprises of darkness”)
This sort of behaviour is not greatly appreciated in most quarters because it is confrontational and also seemingly repetitious, for Paul says “attentive and continuous care”, and who likes to be regarded as nagging on a subject, and more particularly if we intrinsically know that some trait within us is not really God glorifying and we know we need to deal with it. When we embark on this journey, the “attentive continuous” is not random, not just when we feel like it. YOUR CONTRAST IS MEANT TO SHOW ME UP!
Also we need to know what means or methods are to be employed so that God is glorified and the person is not destroyed, not just for our satisfaction.
I can equate this sort of personality, that “LIFE OF CONTRAST”, with that of the Dentist, I have no fond and enduring appreciation of the Dentist. They have always been the sort of professional I avoided, but his task is to do me good, to preserve my teeth and improve my ability to eat, and smile, but I continue to avoid him assiduously as I do not like his “ministry”, he doesn’t make me feel good, and we should have the same effect on those who are spiritually “unhealthy”.
When we can comply with Ephesians 5 I would suggest that we may find people try to avoid us, inferring that we “bang on” about the same theme or matter, but it seems that we need to be reminded of those things that are important so that we do not miss out on hearing Father say, “Well done” (Matthew 25:23)
But let us explore the other injunctions of Ephesians 5 as spelled out in the Amplified version, as they add other greater responsibility and greater promise than seen at first glance.
”EXPOSE” Much direction is given in God’s Word with regard to those things that are not as they seem. As a consequence we are exhorted to practice “DISCERNMENT” so that we are not trapped by devious or spurious doctrine or behaviour patterns. The Bible states that “The devil goes around as a roaring lion” (1 Peter 5:8), and in those cases he is not too difficult to unmask, but is still potentially lethal.
But the Word goes further to state
Matthew 7:15 Beware of false prophets, who come to you DRESSED AS SHEEP, but inside they are devouring wolves.
(Also John 1:7-11)
The well worn saying, “If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it is a duck”, but doesn’t say “if it LOOKS like a duck, looks can be deceiving, and Matthew confirms this, the devil only looks like a sheep. A persons “walk” as well as their “talk” is frequently the best way to inspect their fruit, it “EXPOSES” them, despite what they would look like.
The occasion and promotion of false doctrine can be expected to increase in this day and age because the devil knows that time is drawing to a close, he is very aware of the prophetic word and is very capable of discerning and distorting the state of the world. Therefore we must be able to EXPOSE” those defects and distractions that would detour God’s people and we need to become the “salt” that is a preservative in spiritual matters.
I don’t think that “EXPOSE” means to “EMBARRASS”, at least not in the first instance, that is not the nature of our Father, but there are procedures that scripture puts in place here.
TheMatthew 18:15 If your brother wrongs you, go and show him his fault, between you and him PRIVATELY. If he listens to you, you have won back your brother.
I would think that if our life is a ”CONTRAST” then the necessity for this approach would be minimised, because our example would address the issue before it reached such a need to raise the matter with the person.
(Also see Galatians 6:1 and 2 Thessalonians 3:15)
Acts 23:19 The commandant took him (the son of Paul’s sister) by the hand, and going aside with him, ASKED PRIVATELY, What is it that you have to report to me?
This may not always be the case however, if there is a person who is not amenable to correction then there is a different remedy, for his fault is to be considered by the church, his misdemeanour is to be “EXPOSED”.
1 Timothy 5:20 As for those who are guilty and persist in sin, (this is probably after we have given the “attentive and continuous care of Hebrews 10) rebuke and admonish them in the presence of all, so that the rest may be warned and stand in wholesome awe and fear. (This is not “scary fear” but is intense reverence)
Matthew 18:15-17 If your brother wrongs you, go and show him his fault, between you and him PRIVATELY. If he listens to you, you have won back your brother. But if he does not listen, take along with you one or two others, so that every word may be confirmed and upheld by the testimony of two or three witnesses. If he pays no attention to them [refusing to listen and obey], tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a pagan and a tax collector.
A word of caution, the “one or two others” need to have and exhibit the impartiality as recorded in James 3:17, that impartiality that is part of “THE WISDOM FROM ABOVE”. The “EXPOSING” in such a case is after considerable effort has been expended in trying to recover the individual, but if there is no positive response then the consequences are dire.
There are other more subtle ways however to expose sin and distress. And this is the way that Ephesians 5:11 is recommending. It takes a decisive dedication and complete obedience to be able to manifest this trait.
1 Timothy 4:12 Let no one despise or think less of you because of your youth, BUT BE AN EXAMPLE (pattern) for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.
Here are five (5) traits that need to be cultivated, so need to be identified as to their characteristics, BUT NOTICE WHICH ONE COMES FIRST —- SPEECH!
1 Peter 2:21 For even to this were you called [it is inseparable from your vocation]. For Christ also suffered for you, leaving you [HIS PERSONAL] EXAMPLE, SO THAT YOU SHOULD FOLLOW IN HIS FOOTSTEPS.
It may be difficult under some circumstances to set a positive example, like if we have perverse in-laws, or rebellions children, or aberrant spouses, but that shouldn’t stop us trying, setting the example is where our backbone shows. If we have character, if our character has integrity, that ethos of the “Wisdom from Above”–that is, if who we are on the outside is lined up with who we are on the inside–it will accomplish far more than might be imagined.
This “process” may not be visible to us in the results in those we are “Exampling”, the exposing may only be necessary “to and for” the individual to internally recognise how different and attractive or confronting our character is, and so adapt their life and character to reflect the integrity of a Christian profession, or example.
The Apostle Paul was well aware of this principle and he used the example of his own life for the people of Corinth to follow
1 Corinthians 2:4 And my language (can be replaced by “SPEECH .. comments mine) and my message were not set forth in persuasive (enticing and plausible) words of wisdom, but they were in DEMONSTRATION of the [Holy] Spirit and power [A PROOF by the Spirit and power of God, operating on me and stirring in the minds of my hearers the most holy emotions and THUS PERSUADING THEM],
The “operation” is “ON” me and “IN” them, meaning that the function for me is to be obvious, so that people observing may be able to see the Life of Christ manifest, with the consequence that the “CONTRAST” works IN their life, for good.
“REPROVE”
We have seen from the Greek word used in KJV what a spread of actions this covers, but it may be helpful for our purposes if we condense this into terms that apply today, but in accordance with scripture, not just in accordance with our concepts. We are inclined to use our standards or concepts to try and bring others to our way of thinking and acting, but the basis for all “REPROOF” must be soundly based in scripture.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 EVERY SCRIPTURE is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and PROFITABLE for instruction, FOR REPROOF and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God’s will in thought, purpose, and action), SO THAT the man of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work.
It is convenient here to make a list of those results that scripture can produce in our life, so that we are “enabled” to be a “CONTRAST”.
- Instruction
- Reproof
- Conviction
- Correction
- Discipline
- Training
- Holy Living
- Conformity
When we can accept, embrace, employ, demonstrate these 8 characteristics we can join with the song writer who wrote “THE WORD IS WORKING MIGHTILY IN ME”, and we can have the “SO THAT” which is the fruit of practice.
I like the word used in this verse where it says “PROFITABLE”, because that infers that there was a good result. When we offer reproof from our own minds, the consequences are not always profitable, and the results not always beneficial, and so the necessity for great discernment is required when this remedy is required.
And I like it even further because God is true to His Word, and so where the matter addressed is based on and supported scripturally and produces a “PROFIT”, then I can be sure Father is at work in this situation and the individual is embarked on the route of being “complete, proficient, well fitted, thoroughly equipped”, a comprehensive compendium of qualifications for further study.
It is not always someone else that needs reproof however if we are going to attain to that elevated position in God where we have a life of “CONTRAST.” Even in this case we can find direction that is directly posed to us, that we might gain the qualification.
Proverbs 15:32 He who refuses and ignores instruction AND correction despises himself, BUT HE WHO HEEDS REPROOF GETS UNDERSTANDING.
Basically this means, “TO GET IT RIGHT”, the instruction part is the “how to” and the correction part is the “how do”. We can be given instruction but fail to implement the correction.
It is worth noting that we not just to “HEAR” the reproof but that we “HEED” the reproof. Scripture abounds in examples of where people were addressed by the Prophets of old with directions straight from the throne room, but to their discredit, they would not listen. Has anything changed today, is that why there are so few that can claim to have a “LIFE OF CONTRAST”, does it apply to the New Testament era?
John 9:27 He answered, I already told you and you would not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Can it be that you wish to become His disciples also?
1 Corinthians 14:21 It is written in the Law, By men of strange languages and by the lips of foreigners will I speak to this people, and not even then will they listen to Me, says the Lord
If we would be “heedful” (this is “hear and do”) of what the Word requires of us in respect of “REPROOF” we only need to read the book of Proverbs where the word is used 14 times in the Amplified version and spells out concisely the benefits and alternatively, the penalties of either heeding or ignoring reproof. Let me give you a list for further study
Proverbs 1:23 and 25, 1:30, 3:11, 5:12, 10:17, 12:1, 13:18, 15:5 and 10, 15:31 and 32, 17:10, 29:15
An example from this list is found in the following:-
Proverbs 15:31 -32 The ear that listens to the REPROOF [that leads to or gives] (This is called “THE PROCESS” .. comments mine) life will remain among the wise. He who refuses and ignores instruction and correction DESPISES HIMSELF, BUT HE WHO HEEDS REPROOF GETS UNDERSTANDING.
“CONVICT”
The day in which we live seems to be devoid of any sense of shame or embarrassment, the behaviour patterns exhibited in our society are replicating those that existed in the days of Noah and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Even our magistrates are slow to “convict” felons today, even when they have been caught in the act.
Micah 7:3 Both their hands are put forth and are upon what is evil to do it diligently; the prince and the judge ask for a bribe, and the great man utters his evil desire. Thus they twist between them [the course of justice].
Luke 17:26-30 And [just] AS IT WAS IN THE DAYS OF NOAH, so will it be in the time of the Son of Man. [People] ate, they drank, they married, they were given in marriage, (maybe there was even same sex marriage because the days were so evil .. comments mine) right up to the day when Noah went into the ark, (120 years later .. comments mine) and the flood came and destroyed them all. SO ALSO [IT WAS THE SAME] AS IT WAS IN THE DAYS OF LOT. [People] ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built; But on the [very] day that Lot went out of Sodom, it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed [them] all. THAT IS THE WAY IT WILL BE ON THE DAY THAT THE SON OF MAN IS REVEALED.
Isaiah 1:9 EXCEPT the Lord of hosts had left us a VERY SMALL REMNANT [OF SURVIVORS], we should have been like Sodom, and we should have been like Gomorrah
The occasion of “CONVICTION” is the consequence of “JUDGEMENT”, for this result is due to the exhibition of God’s light in our life, it illuminates the dark corners of an individual so that they can see their need, and even more rewarding is the fact that we don’t have to do or say anything, because it is OUR LIFE THAT CAUSES THE CONVICTION, not our comment.
Titus 2:6 In a similar way, urge the younger men to be self-restrained and to BEHAVE PRUDENTLY [taking life seriously].
1 Timothy 4:12 Let no one despise or think less of you because of your youth, BUT BE AN EXAMPLE (pattern) for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.
So having explored some of the negative aspects of a “LIFE OF CONTRAST”, is it still a goal worth pursuing? What a silly question!!!
Ephesians 2:7 HE DID THIS (He made us alive together in fellowship and in union with Christ) that He might CLEARLY DEMONSTRATE through the ages to come the immeasurable (limitless, surpassing) riches of His free grace (His unmerited favor) in [His] kindness and goodness of heart toward us in Christ Jesus.
(See Philippians 3:8 and Ephesians 1:19)
NOW IT IS OUR TURN TO “DEMONSTRATE” HIS LOVE BY OUR CONTRAST
oOo
Ross Smith 