Ephesians 5:16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 1. The reasonableness of this proposition will appear, in regard of God, who is pleased to stand by us in the worst times, and therefore we are obliged to stand up for Him. 2. In regard of those whom we live amongst, we are concerned in the worst times to look most carefully to our lives and conversations. For in such a season as this we may light on a happy opportunity of converting others, and of reforming the world by our exemplary behaviour. 3. In regard of ourselves, it is our concern in evil times to walk strictly and circumspectly, and to be very exact in our lives. Because(1) hereby we evidence to ourselves, that we have in us the truth and life of grace. Yea, true goodness and virtue are always exalted and made more vigorous by the corruption and wickedness of the times. There is a moral or religious antiperistasis as well as a physical one. There is a repulse in bodies, whereby either heat or cold are made more strong and active by the restraining of the contrary on every side. So there is something like this to be seen in those that are truly and sincerely good, when they are encompassed with contraries, when they live in the midst of vice, and are environed with evil men; their virtue grows more vigorous and strong; the true spirit of zeal and fire of love are hottest in them in the sharpest and coldest seasons; their graces are more inflamed and increased by opposition, which is as great a testimony as can be of the true vital energy of saving grace in them. (2) When the days are evil, that is perilous and calamitous, we know not how long we may be permitted to appear for religion, we know not how soon we may be cut off by its implacable adversaries, at least be deprived of the opportunity of doing that good which at present it is in our power to do. Therefore we ought to be more than ordinary stirring, and to muster up all our forces, and to make our last effort as it were, because we cannot tell but that it may really prove to be so. (3) This is the only way to provide for yourselves an ark, a refuge, a sanctuary in the days of God's indignation. When the times are not only sinful, but calamitous, when God's judgments are abroad in the earth, you must prepare yourselves to receive them by a blameless life and conversation. In this you may be encouraged by the example of the most eminent servants of God, who have striven to be signally virtuous and good in times of general impiety; and this their singular practice is taken notice of and commended by the Holy Ghost in Scripture. Lot lived in a great city, and very populous, but where there were very few righteous men to be found, and yet he was not corrupted by those wicked people amongst whom he sojourned. Job was perfect and upright in the land of Uz. The place of his habitation is remarkable. It is no wonder to be good in good company, but Job feared God and eschewed evil in a country where there were but few that had the true knowledge of God, and walked in His ways, which redounds to the eternal honour of this holy man. Elias stood firm and unshaken amongst a people that were almost overspread with idolatry; he had as great a zeal for the true God as they had for their false one, which was very great indeed. We read of Joseph and Moses in Pharaoh's Court (for all the Egyptian kings in those times were Pharaohs). We read of Obadiah in Ahab's court, of Daniel in Nebuchadnezzar's, and of believers in Herod's house, and even saints in Nero's palace. Joseph of Arimathaea, though a counsellor belonging to the high priest's consistory, would not consent to the counsel and deed of the other counsellors and chief priests that contrived our Saviour's death (Luke 23:51). (John Edwards, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. |
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