October 23
“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you, and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma. But do not let immorality or any impurity or greed even be named among you, as is proper among saints; and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.
“Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them; for you were formerly darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.
“And do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light…” (Ephesians 5:1-13a)
“Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” (Ephesians 5:15-17)
Ephesians 5, following the passage from Ephesians 4 which we looked at the previous few days, also has a lot to say to those of us caught in immoral lusts and pornography. Here Paul starts by exhorting us to be imitators of God, since we as Christians are His beloved children. How are you doing in this regard? Are you purposely thinking of yourself as being like God in everything you do? How do your immoral thoughts and pornography viewing square with being an imitator of God?
And Paul emphasizes the seriousness of these sins, lest anyone try to deceive themselves or others by thinking or saying that these sins are not all that serious or that everyone is doing it so it is okay. He states that immorality and impurity should not be named among us or have any part of us as Christians, as God’s Church, and no impure thing. Obviously, immoral behavior and pornography are highly impure, and must be eliminated from our minds and bodies.
Paul then gives us a much needed reminder that no immoral or impure person “has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God,” which I take as a clear indication that these people are not going to heaven and are not true Christians. If immoral lusts and behaviors characterize you, if you make allowances for them and retain your “secret sins” without repentance, then how can you make a claim to have the life of Christ abiding in you? How can you be so confident that you are going to heaven? Are you full of “empty words” trying to convince yourself and others of things that are not true? Paul gives us a sober warning that we ought not try to deceive ourselves or others that we are good Christians when we practice such things. The wrath of God falls on those who do.
More on this passage tomorrow.