The phrase “unfruitful works of darkness” comes from Ephesians 5:11 which says, “Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.” In order to understand what Paul meant by “unfruitful works of darkness,” we need to look at the broader context of Ephesians 5.
In Ephesians 5:3-5, Paul instructs believers to avoid sexual immorality, impurity, covetousness, filthiness, foolish talk, crude joking, and obscenity. He warns that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Then in verses 6-10, Paul urges believers not to be deceived by empty words or become partners with those who disobey God’s commands.
Based on this context, it seems that “unfruitful works of darkness” refer primarily to various kinds of sexual sins and immorality, as well as greed and idolatry (see Colossians 3:5). Essentially, Paul is telling believers to avoid behaviors and practices that displease God and do not lead to righteous living.
Some specific examples of “unfruitful works of darkness” include:
– Sexual immorality – This includes any sexual activity outside of marriage between a man and woman, such as premarital sex, adultery, homosexuality, etc. (1 Corinthians 6:9-10, Galatians 5:19, 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5)
– Impurity – This refers to moral corruption and defilement, such as pornography, lewdness, lustful thoughts, etc. (Galatians 5:19, Colossians 3:5)
– Covetousness – An excessive desire for more money, possessions, status, etc. It is idolatry and leads to greed. (Colossians 3:5, Exodus 20:17)
– Filthiness – Obscene, indecent, or shameful speech and behavior. This includes vulgar language, dirty jokes, etc. (Colossians 3:8, Ephesians 4:29)
– Foolish talk – Silly, senseless, or foolish conversation that is unprofitable and inappropriate. (Ephesians 5:4)
– Crude joking – Course joking that relies on obscenity, vulgarity, or sexuality. It demeans others. (Ephesians 5:4)
– Obscenity – Lewd, offensive, or indecent language, images, or behaviors that are morally repugnant. (Colossians 3:8)
– Drunkenness – Drinking alcohol to excess, losing control because of intoxication. (Galatians 5:21, 1 Corinthians 5:11)
– Debauchery – Wild, reckless living. Participating in orgies, carousing, and unrestrained partying. (Galatians 5:19-21, 1 Peter 4:3-4)
– Idolatry – Worshiping anything other than the one true God. Putting other things above God. (Galatians 5:20, Colossians 3:5, 1 Corinthians 10:14)
– Sorcery – Practicing magic, witchcraft, or using illicit drugs. Seeking to manipulate or control others through demonic activity. (Galatians 5:20)
– Enmities – Hostilities, hatred, antagonism, and conflict towards others. (Galatians 5:20)
– Strife – Heated disagreements, arguments, and infighting between people. (Galatians 5:20)
– Jealousy – Resenting others successes and envying what they have. (Galatians 5:20)
– Fits of anger – Explosive, uncontrolled outbursts of rage. (Galatians 5:20)
– Rivalries – Competing for superiority, seeking prestige and recognition for selfish ambition. (Galatians 5:20)
– Dissensions – Creating divisions, discord, and disunity between people. (Galatians 5:20)
– Divisions – Splitting the church into factions and sects. Following specific leaders rather than Christ. (Galatians 5:20)
In summary, “unfruitful works of darkness” refers to sinful behaviors, speech, and attitudes that reflect the corrupt nature of unbelievers. Paul contrasts these with the fruit of the Spirit that should characterize believers, such as “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23).
The unfruitful works of darkness do not produce spiritual growth, bless others, honor God or lead to life. Rather, they represent the sinful lifestyle and ways of the world, the flesh and the devil that believers are commanded to turn away from.
Paul says believers should not only avoid these unfruitful works of darkness, but also “expose” them (Ephesians 5:11). He wants the church to reprove them and bring them into the light, because sin thrives in secret and darkness. Secrecy and silence allow evil to go unchallenged.
Here are some ways Christians can expose unfruitful works of darkness today:
– Teach clearly against specific sins from the pulpit and in small groups. Name sins directly rather than being vague.
– Write articles, books, blogs, and social media posts to biblically confront sinful practices.
– Disciple others one-on-one and in mentoring relationships to turn from sinful lifestyles and embrace holiness.
– Develop friendships with unbelievers and graciously share the gospel to transform hearts and lives.
– Promote and support ministries that rescue people out of sexual exploitation, pornography, trafficking, addiction, gangs, the occult, and other unfruitful works of darkness.
– Pray fervently against evil influences in society, institutions, government, and the spiritual realm.
– Participate in legislative action or public campaigns to restrain, restrict, and reduce unfruitful works of darkness.
– Financially support the work of Christian media that exposes the damaging effects of pornography, homosexuality, drug abuse, and other unfruitful works of darkness.
– Lovingly yet uncompromisingly confront other believers who are practicing some of these sins and call them to repentance.
– Set a pure example by avoiding participation in media, entertainment, businesses, and activities that promote unfruitful works of darkness.
– Direct people to wholesome alternatives that promote righteousness, rather than simply boycotting objectionable things.
The key is that Christians should not remain silent or turn a blind eye when they become aware of unfruitful works of darkness around them or spreading in the wider culture. Exposing does not require rudeness, attacking people’s motives, or vengeance. But it does require speaking and living the truth in Christian love.
The book of Ephesians gives believers a wealth of practical instruction for how to live and relate to one another within the body of Christ. One theme that runs throughout the book is the contrast between living as children of light versus fruitless works of darkness (Ephesians 4:17-24; 5:3-20).
Paul wrote Ephesians as a circular letter intended for multiple churches, so his instructions were not only directed to the Ephesian church but have broad application to all believers. The historical context was important, however. Ephesus was a major urban center in the Roman Empire, filled with pagan temples, sorcery, mysticism, and sexual immorality associated with temple prostitution. It was a hub for occult practices and sorcerers (Acts 19:17-20).
The new believers Paul established there in Christ had to be vigilant to avoid slipping back into the Ephesians’ former way of life. The same is true for Christians today. We live in a culture saturated with sensuality, consumerism, substance abuse, and rebellion against God’s good commands. Without the spiritual discernment illuminated by God’s Word, it’s easy for believers to excuse, tolerate or drift back into various unfruitful works of darkness.
Paul’s instructions serve as a strong warning not to take sin lightly or make compromises with the world’s standards that dishonor Christ. He makes it clear that those who persistently and unrepentantly embrace such works of darkness show themselves to be unsaved, outside the kingdom of God. They face God’s wrath (Ephesians 5:3-6).
Yet Paul’s dominant focus is on the amazing grace of God that transforms sinners into saints. Christians have been rescued from their former futile ways to become new creations in Christ (Ephesians 2:1-10). Therefore, we should put off the old self corrupted by deceitful desires and put on our new self made righteous and holy in God’s sight (Ephesians 4:22-24). We must walk as children of light, filled with and guided by the Spirit, not in futility and darkness (Ephesians 5:8-10).
The Holy Spirit produces beautiful fruit in the lives of believers such as love, joy and righteousness (Ephesians 5:9). There is no worthwhile fruit produced through participation in sexual immorality, impurity, greed, obscenity, course joking and other works of darkness. They only bring destruction.
Paul makes it clear every believer’s responsibility is to expose rather than justify or ignore these unfruitful works of darkness that dishonor God. We must reprove them and shine the spotlight of truth on them so their really nature is revealed. This includes both within the church and in our society.
Of course, we must speak the truth in love, humility, and compassion. The goal should be restoration and redemption, not condemnation. In fact, Paul reminds us we too used to live in some of the same sinful practices before God graciously intervened in our lives (Titus 3:3-7).
By walking in purity, believers give no opportunity for the enemy to work in our lives. We live as beacons of light that expose darkness rather than contributing to it. Part of exposing unfruitful works includes identifying their harmful consequences such as broken lives, damaged relationships, addiction, despair, loss of purpose, defilement of God’s temple, and separation from God.
We expose unfruitful works of darkness by contrasting them with God’s holy and nourishing commands that lead to “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:19-25). What miserable fruits come from sexual immorality compared to the joys of faithful marriage! What destruction comes from greed and covetousness compared to the blessings of contentment and radical generosity!
The book of Ephesians gives practical advice for living in purity and avoiding unfruitful works of darkness. Here is a summary:
– Remember the gospel transforms us into new creations in Christ (2:1-10). Our identity is in Him.
– Reject the futility of mind that characterizes unbelievers; renew your mind by God’s truth (4:17-24).
– Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouth (4:29).
– Remove all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, slander, and malice from your heart (4:31).
– Walk in love, light and wisdom making the best use of your time (5:1-17).
– Do not get drunk on wine leading to debauchery but be filled continually with the Spirit (5:18).
– Submit to one another in reverence for Christ (5:21).
– Wives respect your husbands; husbands love and serve your wives as Christ does the church (5:22-33).
– Children obey your parents; parents do not provoke your children to anger (6:1-4).
– Slaves work sincerely as serving the Lord; masters treat subordinates well (6:5-9).
– Be strong in the Lord and His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God (6:10-20).
When believers walk in obedience to these scriptural commands, we avoid entanglement with unfruitful works of darkness and expose them through righteous, Spirit-filled living. Our lives give clear testimony to the transforming power of the gospel. Sin no longer has mastery over us because of Christ’s salvation.
This article has sought to explain the meaning of “unfruitful works of darkness” based on Ephesians 5:11 and other relevant scriptures. In summary, this refers to all types of sexual immorality, impurity, greed, substance abuse, idolatry, occult practices and other sins that do not please God.
Paul commands believers to have nothing to do with such behaviors, which only produce bad fruit in people’s lives. Instead, Christians should seek to expose these fruitless deeds of darkness through gospel transformation, Spirit-enabled obedience, bold yet gracious testimony, and avoiding any partnership with wickedness.
Walking in the light and truth of Jesus Christ exposes what lurks in darkness. Through the power of the gospel, the unfruitful works of darkness can be overthrown and defeated, bringing great glory to God. “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light” (Ephesians 5:8).