What are the unfruitful works of darkness (Ephesians 5:11)?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The unfruitful works of darkness, as described in Ephesians 5:11, refer to actions that do not align with God's righteousness and fail to produce positive outcomes. These works, such as sexual immorality, impurity, and foolish talk, stem from a diseased spiritual root and symbolize sin, evil, and ignorance. Believers are called to avoid these behaviors and instead walk in light, embodying goodness, righteousness, and truth. Moreover, Paul emphasizes the importance of exposing these unfruitful works, encouraging a proactive stance against sin while lovingly restoring those caught in transgression. Instead of walking in the unfruitful works of darkness, we are to walk in the light as He is in the light. Ultimately, living as children of light means imitating Christ and demonstrating a commitment to holiness in our lives.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• The unfruitful works of darkness are referenced in the New Testament.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Ephesians 4—6 is chiefly concerned with the practical application of the gospel. Ephesians 5:1–21 specifically contrasts the conduct suitable for believers with that of their former lifestyles. Paul’s instruction in verse 8 exhorts believers to walk in light—that is, in truth and purity—rather than in sin, darkness, and ignorance.
• Ephesians 5:11 instructs believers to “take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.” This directive is crucial for understanding what it means to “walk as children of light” (Ephesians 5:8). As children of light, we should have nothing to do with darkness.
• The expression “unfruitful works of darkness” is rich with meaning. The word “unfruitful” suggests something that does not produce a positive outcome. The works of darkness do not accord with God’s holy and righteous standard.
• Regarding spiritual fruit, Jesus says, “You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit” (Matthew 7:16–17).
• Unfruitful works of darkness are those that come from a diseased and unhealthy root. Sin, immorality, and active rebellion against God are examples of the unfruitful works of darkness.
• In Scripture, darkness often symbolizes sin, evil, and ignorance. For instance, in John 3:19–20, we read that “people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed.”
• The association between darkness and evil aligns with Paul’s message in Romans 13:12: “The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.”
• The “armor of light” is the virtue that opposes the deeds of darkness, some of which are listed in Romans 13:13.
• Christ is “the light of the world” (John 8:12). The armor of light is His gift. He is the one who exposes sin, darkness, and evil.
• In the immediate context of Ephesians 5:11, Paul enumerates several behaviors that are characteristic of darkness. The unfruitful works of darkness are such things as sexual immorality, impurity, covetousness, filthiness, foolish talk, and crude joking (Ephesians 5:3–4). These things are opposed to the fruitful works of light, which consist of goodness, righteousness, and truth (Ephesians 5:9).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

From a theological perspective, the unfruitful works of darkness signify more than morally reprehensible actions; they also represent a fundamental misalignment with the character of Christ. Believers are called to “be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:1–2). As living and fragrant sacrifices to God, we “take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them” (Ephesians 5:11). In this way, we demonstrate that we are true children of God.

Paul exhorts believers not only to avoid the unfruitful works of darkness but also to bring them to light. This implies a proactive stance against sin, darkness, and evil. Believers should not be silent in the face of sin and immorality; instead, we should lovingly admonish those who are caught in sin, especially our brothers and sisters in Christ: “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted” (Galatians 6:1).

UNDERSTAND

• Unfruitful works of darkness represent sin.
• Unfruitful works of darkness do not produce good fruit.
• Believers must avoid and expose unfruitful works of darkness, choosing to walk in God’s light—in goodness and in truth.

REFLECT

• In what areas of your life do you struggle to avoid the unfruitful works of darkness? How can you seek God's help in these areas?
• How does walking in the light impact your daily decisions and interactions with others?
• How can you expose unfruitful works of darkness while restoring those who are walking in unfruitful works of darkness?

ENGAGE

• How do the unfruitful works of darkness relate to the broader themes of sin and redemption in Scripture?
• What are some practical ways believers can demonstrate the characteristics of light in a world that often embraces darkness?
• How can we balance the call to expose unfruitful works with the need for gentleness and restoration, particularly within the church?