Instructions for Christian Living Part 2

June 26, 2016

Ephesians

Chapter 5, Part 1
Instructions for Christian Living Part 2

Ephesians 5:1-2
1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Why would we follow in His example? Because we are dearly loved children and as his children, he wants us to walk in the way of love. We need to remember what’s really important, and see the character of God that we want to imitate.

Ephesians 5:3-7
3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7 Therefore do not be partners with them.

There is a lot of similarity between Ephesians 4:19 and Ephesians 5:3.

Ephesians 4:19
19 Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed.

Ephesians 5:3
3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people.

Impurity - akatharsia in Greek
which can mean: being unclean or impure

Greed - pleonexia in Greek
which can mean: an intense and selfish desire

Sensuality - aselgeia in greek
which can mean: lewdness, depraved conduct, lustfulness, or anything having to do with physical “sensing”

Sexual Immorality - porneia in greek
which can mean: fornication, illegitimate sexual contact, immorality, adultery, sex with a prostitute … basically, everything you can do wrong with sex

This verse uses the different verbiage to hone in on specific issued in the church.  So, there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. It’s not about just not doing those things, it’s going to extreme extents to cover yourself so no one can rightly blame you for it.

2 Corinthians 5:20
We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.

Ephesians 5:8-14
8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. 14 This is why it is said:
“Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”

If we choose to live in the light, we will show goodness, righteousness and truth.

When we expose sin in our lives, that darkness gets exposed by the light for what it truly is!  Satan wants more than anything for us to keep sinning and keep it covered up, but when things are brought to the light, they can be dealt with.

Ephesians 5:15-20
15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Debauchery means - excessive indulgence in sensual pleasures

What’s your motive in drinking?  Losing any control at all because of alcohol, is just foolishness.  This scripture calls us to be very careful, how we live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity.  So, we need to ask ourselves in every opportunity: is this wisdom?

Communication Card

I will get rid of any and every “hint of immorality” in my life.
I will bring my sin to light this week with a Christian friend that I trust.
I will read through Ephesians once this week.