Ephesians 5:10

Ephesians 5:10 (KJV) instructs believers on the active pursuit of understanding God's will and pleasing Him in their daily lives. This verse is a direct continuation of Paul's exhortation for Christians to live distinctively, reflecting their new identity in Christ.

Context

This verse follows Paul's profound declaration in Ephesians 5:8 that believers, once darkness, "are now light in the Lord: walk as children of light." The subsequent verse, Ephesians 5:9, describes the "fruit of the Spirit" (or light) as "all goodness and righteousness and truth." Therefore, "proving what is acceptable unto the Lord" is presented as the natural and necessary outcome of living as children of light, bearing this spiritual fruit. It emphasizes the practical outworking of their transformed nature.

Key Themes

• Discernment and Testing: The core message is about actively discerning and evaluating what truly aligns with God's desires. It's not about guessing, but about a deliberate process of examination.
• Pleasing God: The ultimate goal of the Christian walk is to live in a way that brings delight and approval to the Lord. This theme underscores that our actions have spiritual significance and impact our relationship with God.
• Ethical and Moral Conduct: By "proving what is acceptable," believers are called to a high standard of conduct that is distinct from the world's ways, reflecting righteousness and truth in all areas of life.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "proving" is dokimazo (δοκιμάζω). This term signifies more than just a casual examination; it implies a process of testing, scrutinizing, and ultimately approving something after careful evaluation. It's akin to assaying precious metals to confirm their purity. For believers, it means actively testing their actions, thoughts, and attitudes against God's revealed will to ensure they are genuine and worthy. The word "acceptable" comes from the Greek euarestos (εὐάρεστος), meaning "well-pleasing" or "agreeable." This highlights that God's approval is not merely tolerance but genuine delight in what is good and righteous.

Practical Application

For modern believers, "proving what is acceptable unto the Lord" means consistently seeking to understand and apply God's will in every decision. This involves:

• Studying Scripture: God's Word is the primary guide for what is acceptable (2 Timothy 3:16).
• Prayer and Wisdom: Asking God for wisdom and guidance in specific situations (James 1:5).
• Reliance on the Holy Spirit: The Spirit helps believers discern God's will and empowers them to live it out (John 16:13).
• Evaluating Actions and Motives: Regularly examining whether our actions, words, and even thoughts align with God's character and commands. This active discernment is crucial for spiritual growth and a life that truly honors God, as further emphasized in Romans 12:2, which speaks of being transformed by the renewing of our minds to "prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." This pursuit leads to a life that is truly "worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing" (Colossians 1:10).