Daily Bread 2010 - Ephesians 5
Ephesians 5
1Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children 2and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
3But among you there must not be even a hint nof sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. 4Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a man is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.[a] 6Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7Therefore do not be partners with them.
As Paul continues to describe a life worthy of the calling we have received in Christ, he gives more practical instruction on what this looks like. Although we don’t do these things to be saved, we do them because we have been saved. Paul even goes as far as to say we should imitate God. That is a tall order.
Included in his instructions are that in our lives there should not even be a hint of “sexual immorality”, and we should avoid obscene and foolish talk and coarse joking. Sounds like Paul had to contend with some “locker room” talk in his day. Then, he says no immoral, impure or greedy person will inherit the kingdom of heaven.
Paul is contending again with those who had forgotten their “first love” and perhaps had returned to some old behavior patterns when they were Pre-Christian. He uses strong language to remind them that these are the same sins that Jesus had to die for, and those who practice them are headed for a Christ-less eternity. So he asks them why they would want to be partners with those who do such things.
We all have the challenge of walking with Christ and being in the world, but not of the world. It is difficult sometimes to not join in on the obscene joking, or be someone without a hint of sexual immorality, especially in our culture where we are deluged with such messages 24/7. But Paul reminds them and us that we are now children of the light, and we must walk in the light. One day the true light will be revealed and it will be good for those who have tasted of the goodness of Christ to be walking in obedience to the way of life He has revealed. And, of course to do that we need some help. That is why in 5:18 Paul says, “Keep on being filled with the Holy Spirit.”
With the Spirit’s help we can live as God intended us to, and live in the light filled with the love of Christ.
Jesus, we thank you for the work you have done in our lives to bring us from darkness to light. Help us to live our lives that reflect your call on our lives in the power of the Spirit. Amen.
1Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children 2and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
3But among you there must not be even a hint nof sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. 4Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a man is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.[a] 6Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7Therefore do not be partners with them.
As Paul continues to describe a life worthy of the calling we have received in Christ, he gives more practical instruction on what this looks like. Although we don’t do these things to be saved, we do them because we have been saved. Paul even goes as far as to say we should imitate God. That is a tall order.
Included in his instructions are that in our lives there should not even be a hint of “sexual immorality”, and we should avoid obscene and foolish talk and coarse joking. Sounds like Paul had to contend with some “locker room” talk in his day. Then, he says no immoral, impure or greedy person will inherit the kingdom of heaven.
Paul is contending again with those who had forgotten their “first love” and perhaps had returned to some old behavior patterns when they were Pre-Christian. He uses strong language to remind them that these are the same sins that Jesus had to die for, and those who practice them are headed for a Christ-less eternity. So he asks them why they would want to be partners with those who do such things.
We all have the challenge of walking with Christ and being in the world, but not of the world. It is difficult sometimes to not join in on the obscene joking, or be someone without a hint of sexual immorality, especially in our culture where we are deluged with such messages 24/7. But Paul reminds them and us that we are now children of the light, and we must walk in the light. One day the true light will be revealed and it will be good for those who have tasted of the goodness of Christ to be walking in obedience to the way of life He has revealed. And, of course to do that we need some help. That is why in 5:18 Paul says, “Keep on being filled with the Holy Spirit.”
With the Spirit’s help we can live as God intended us to, and live in the light filled with the love of Christ.
Jesus, we thank you for the work you have done in our lives to bring us from darkness to light. Help us to live our lives that reflect your call on our lives in the power of the Spirit. Amen.
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