Ephesians 5:10 – “and find out what pleases the Lord.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
This verse is a call to actively seek God’s will in how we live. Paul is encouraging believers not just to avoid sin but to pursue what pleases God. The Christian life isn’t just about saying “no” to darkness—it’s about saying “yes” to light, goodness, and obedience to God.
The phrase “find out” suggests effort. It means testing, discerning, and learning what is right. This isn’t a passive process where we automatically know what God wants. Instead, we must seek Him daily, study His Word, and rely on His Spirit to guide us.
Paul’s point is clear: As children of light (Ephesians 5:8), we should live in a way that honors God, not just ourselves. Instead of following the world’s values, we are called to align our lives with what is truly pleasing to God.
Historical Context
The Ephesian believers lived in a world filled with idolatry, immorality, and deception. The surrounding culture did not seek to please God. Instead, people worshiped false gods, pursued selfish desires, and made decisions based on their own pleasure.
Paul was writing to a church that had recently come out of this darkness. Many of them had once lived in sin, but now, as followers of Christ, they needed to relearn how to live. They were not to simply follow their feelings or what society said was right—they were to actively test and discover what pleases God.
This was especially important in a world where false teachers and pagan influences tried to distort the truth. Paul wanted the believers to seek God’s wisdom and not be deceived by the values of their culture.
Theological Implications
- Christian living is active, not passive. We are called to intentionally seek what pleases God, not just avoid sin.
- God’s will can be known. He does not leave us guessing—He has revealed His will through His Word and His Spirit (Romans 12:2).
- True wisdom comes from God. The world offers many opinions, but only God’s truth is reliable.
- Pleasing God requires discernment. Some things are obviously sinful, but other choices require wisdom and prayer.
Literary Analysis
This verse is short but powerful.
- “Find out” – This implies a process of testing, proving, or examining. It’s not about blindly following rules but understanding God’s heart.
- “What pleases the Lord” – The focus is on pleasing God, not ourselves, culture, or other people.
Paul doesn’t say, “Do whatever feels right.” He tells believers to actively seek what God desires, showing that not everything that seems good is actually right.
Biblical Cross-References
- Romans 12:2 – “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
- Colossians 1:10 – “So that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way.”
- Hebrews 11:6 – “Without faith it is impossible to please God.”
- Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse is a daily challenge for believers. We are constantly faced with decisions, choices, and influences that either bring us closer to God or pull us away from Him.
- Are we making decisions based on what pleases God or what pleases ourselves?
- Are we seeking God’s wisdom in prayer and His Word, or just following our own opinions?
- Do we take time to discern what is right, or do we just follow the crowd?
Christians today live in a culture that often rejects God’s standards. Many things are labeled as “good” that go against God’s truth. This verse reminds us that we must test everything and make sure our choices align with what pleases the Lord, not just what feels right in the moment.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Some people think of God’s commands as restrictions, but they are actually expressions of His love.
- God desires what is best for us. His ways lead to life, joy, and peace, while sin leads to destruction and regret.
- God doesn’t leave us in confusion. He has given us His Word, His Spirit, and godly wisdom to help us know what pleases Him.
- God invites us into relationship. He doesn’t just demand obedience—He calls us to walk with Him, learning and growing as we follow Him.
Seeking to please God is not about trying to earn His love. It’s about responding to the love He has already given us.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus perfectly pleased the Father in everything He did. He is our ultimate example of a life that honors God.
- John 8:29 – Jesus said, “I always do what pleases him.”
- Matthew 3:17 – At Jesus’ baptism, God said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”
- John 4:34 – Jesus said, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me.”
- Hebrews 10:7 – Jesus came to do God’s will, fulfilling Scripture.
Jesus not only shows us how to please God, but He also makes it possible for us to do so. Through His death and resurrection, He gives us the power to live a life that honors God.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How do you actively seek what pleases the Lord in your daily life?
- Are there any areas where you have been following your own desires rather than testing what pleases God?
- What steps can you take to grow in discernment and understand God’s will more clearly?
- How does Jesus’ example help you in your desire to please God?
- What influences (media, friendships, habits) shape your decisions? Are they leading you toward or away from a life that pleases the Lord?