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Scripture Commands

{Sermons on Ephesians 5:15

Evidence for the Absolute Necessity of Precise Godliness

From Scripture

Scripture Commands}

For Scripture commands, consider these:¹¹⁶

• “Strive to enter in at the narrow gate” (Matthew 7:13–14).

• “Look diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God” (Hebrews 12:14–17).

• “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12–13).

• “Not lagging in diligence, but fervent in spirit, serving the Lord” (Romans 11).

• “Put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:22–24 NKJV; see also vv. 20–21).

• “Wash your heart from evil, that you may be saved. How long shall your wicked thoughts lodge within you?” (Jeremiah 4:14 ESV).

• “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers” (Ephesians 4:29 NKJV).

• “Walk in love” (Ephesians 5:2).

• “Love one another” (John 13:34–35; 15:2; Romans 13:8; 1 Thessalonians 4:9; 1 Peter 1:22; 1 John 3:11, 23; 4:7; 4:11–12; 2 John 5).

• “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you” (Matthew 5:44 NKJV).

• “Repay no one evil for evil” (Romans 12:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:15; 1 Peter 3:9).

• “Overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21).

• “Put to death what is earthly in you” (Colossians 3:5).

• “Walk in the Spirit” (Galatians 5:16, 25).

• “Abstain from every appearance [form]¹¹⁷ of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:22).

• “Be watchful” (Ephesians 6:18; 2 Timothy 4:5; 1 Peter 4:7; Revelation 3:2).

• “Let your waist be girded¹¹⁸ and your lamps burning” (Luke 12:35).

116Alleine often gives brief snippets here; the reader unfamiliar with the entirety of a referenced Scripture passage is strongly encouraged to read the passage for himself or herself. References in this section are inserted by the editor.

117The Greek is εἶδος (eidos), which may be translated as “appearance” or “form.” The KJV renders “appearance,” most others “form.”

118girded: a reference to the ancient practice of binding the end of a long garment around the waist so as to enable one to do work, especially in the field.

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