Ephesians 5:8-10

5:8

For – reason for not partnering

you – I/we

were once – in the past, former condition that has since been changed

darkness – not simply “in” darkness; but I “was” darkness: obscurity, hiddenness, secrecy. Darkness provides a cover for evil deeds. Darkness is the time and place when/where evil more often occurs.

but now – that was then, this is now; contrast, change

you – I/we

are – present tense, current state of being

light – again, interestingly, not “in” light, but I “am” light: openness, clarity, honesty. Light enables us to see clearly, makes evil more difficult. If/since I am light, then to a degree I enable others to see the pitfalls in their lives.

in the Lord – Absolutely essential to clarify that any degree to which I am light comes as a result of being, living “in the Lord.” Elsewhere, NT talks about us being or walking in the light. Here, the imagery is slightly different. But the light that is me/us still depends on Jesus Christ as its source.

Live – command, imperative

as – in the style of

children of light – cf. above for “light.” Children of: Begotten by, carrying the nature of, practicing the lifestyle of the “Light” family.

5:9

(for – because, practice the lifestyle of light in order to enjoy its fruit

the fruit – harvest, benefit, result, outcome

of the light – openness, clarity, honesty

consists in – involves

all – adjective applying to all three qualities that follow; to all three I am called to exhibit a full measure of...

goodness – [from dictionary.com] moral excellence, virtue; kindness, generosity. Synonyms: integrity, honesty

righteousness – [ibid.] cf. righteous: Morally upright, without guilt or sin; in accordance [in line] with virtue or morality. Synonyms: blameless, above suspicion, clean, faultless, innocent, unblemished, virtuous

and truth) - [ibid.] conformity with fact or reality; state or character of being true; honesty, integrity, truthfulness

These are terms we use freely, especially those of us in religious circles. We/I tend to think of them almost as synonyms. And they certainly are intertwined; if I exhibit one, I will probably exhibit all 3. So I ask myself, “How do I score on these qualities?” At first, I try to grade myself on a curve—in comparison with other people and other Christians I know. Quickly I remember, God does not grade on a curve. We are all called to measure up to the full stature of Christ. When I lay the goodness, righteousness and truth of my life alongside that of Jesus Christ, I feel a mix of emotions: I feel grateful that He has brought me as far as He has. At the same time, I feel concern and disquietude that I still have so far to grow in each of these qualities.

5:10

and – continues with second half of the command that arises from my now being “light in the Lord.” Because I am “light in the Lord,” (1) live as a child of light … and (2) find out…

find out – learn, explore, discover

what pleases – makes Him happy, brings pleasure, satisfies

the Lord – the Boss, Master