Ephesians 5:11-12

5:11(Jan 1, 2010)[No particular reason; but in my notes, I observed that this was the date for this entry.]

Have – start of another command, instruction. Does this continue the list started in v. 8? Or does it answer what it means to find out what pleases the Lord? Either way, Paul gives another example of leaving darkness and being light (v. 8)

Have nothing to do with – completely avoid, don’t come close, don’t even watch (as on TV in my case)

the fruitless – pointless, no benefit, futile, empty, waste of time

deeds – activity, energy; investing time, thought and involvement

of darkness – “Men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.” Darkness: obscure, hidden, secret. How many “fruitless deeds of darkness” do I participate in vicariously by watching them on TV? How much adultery and immorality do I condone through the TV programs I watch? What does God want me to do about that this new year? Today?

but rather – strong contrast, instead of silently watching and thereby tacitly approving and vicariously participating…

expose – shine light upon, bring into the open, draw attention to, reveal, name names

them – the fruitless deeds of darkness; and their "doers"?

5:12

For – reason for avoiding and exposing

it is shameful – embarrassing, humiliating, disgraceful, stain on my character, loss of face

even to mention – just talking about it, much less watching it performed on the tube

what – fruitless deeds of darkness

the disobedient – the dichotomy has switched from “Jew versus Gentile.” It is now between “the disobedient versus the obedient.” Disobedient: Those who choose to make their own rules, who do not follow the Boss/Lord.

do – “sow a deed, reap a habit; sow a habit, reap a lifestyle; so a lifestyle, reap a destiny.”

in secret – hidden from public view; but not hidden from God. [Added, Jan 26: I really need to work on my secret life. Lord keep me sensitive to Your presence and how my secrecy hurts You.]