Fellowship with Evil Doers
J. Lathrop, D. D. Ephesians 5:7 Be not you therefore partakers with them. I. ILLUSTRATE THIS FELLOWSHIP IN WICKEDNESS. 1. Not to oppose, in many cases, is to embolden transgressors, and to be partakers with them. 2. We have more direct fellowship with the wicked when we encourage them by our example. 3. They who provoke and incite others to evil works have fellowship with them. (1) This may be done by the propagation of licentious opinions, which confound the difference between virtue and vice. (2) This may also be effected by direct persuasions and enticements. 4. They who explicitly consent to, and actually join with sinners in their evil works, have fellowship with them. 5. To comfort and uphold sinners in their wickedness is to have fellowship with them. 6. There are some who rejoice in iniquity when they have lent no hand to accomplish it. II. APPLY THE APOSTLE'S ARGUMENTS. 1. One argument is taken from the superior light which Christians enjoy. 2. Another argument is taken from the grace of the Holy Spirit, of which believers are the subjects. 3. The apostle teaches us that the works of darkness are unfruitful. 4. This is a shameful fellowship. 5. If we have fellowship with sinners in their works we must share with them in their punishment. (J. Lathrop, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Be not ye therefore partakers with them. WEB: Therefore don't be partakers with them.