Ephesians: A Worthy Walk
Background: For the next month, we will be studying the Book of Ephesians, a letter Paul wrote while he was in jail in Rome, awaiting his first trial. Ephesus was one of his best churches, and he spent a lot of time there on his missionary journeys. The church likely planted the other churches of Asia Minor that Jesus referenced in Revelation 2-3.
Ephesians is easily outlined. Chapters 1-3 speak of the great salvation we have in Christ, which comes by grace through faith alone. Then, 4:1 is the turning point, where Paul admonishes them to "walk worthy of the calling you have received." We cannot be worthy of Christ's salvation - it is a gift of grace. But having received it, we can then, by the Spirit's power, WALK worthy. Chapters 4-6 describe the worthy walk. This is a favorite template for Paul. He develops a doctrine then applies it practically.
As often as time allows, the reader is encouraged to read the entire book - it will not take more than a few minutes. Each day we will work our way through the book passage by passage.
Today's Reading: Ephesians 1-6 Focus Passage - Ephesians 5:1-5
Therefore, be imitators of God, as dearly loved children, 2 and walk in love, as Christ also loved us and gave himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God. 3 But sexual immorality and any impurity or greed should not even be heard of among you, as is proper for saints. 4 Obscene and foolish talking or crude joking are not suitable, but rather giving thanks. 5 For know and recognize this: Every sexually immoral or impure or greedy person, who is an idolater, does not have an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
Through the Bible Readings: Isaiah 52-53, 2 Corinthians 5, Psalm 107:8–14, Proverbs 23:15–18
If you wish to read through the Bible in a year, follow these readings.
Devotional: Living Clean in a Dirty World
I remember many years ago going out shopping for my elementary-aged daughter and being amazed at how provocative the clothing was the stores were selling for 7 and 8-year-old girls. That is the kind of world we live in. Pornography is our most profitable industry and the entertainment industry works hard to convince us that it is normal and acceptable for us all. We do not have to go looking for explicit entertainment today, it seeks us out, on TV, on the airwaves, and on the internet.
Attitudes among many, even Christians, have changed. It is true that people have always violated God's standard of sexual purity, but today people disregard it entirely. People live in open sexual immorality without any shame or embarrassment but are offended if the church sets forth a standard of any sort.
In Ephesians 5:1-5, Paul makes God's standard absolutely clear. After a reminder to live in real love (not to be confused with physical, sexual expressions of love) he makes it absolutely clear that sexual immorality and impurity should have no place among Christians and in the life of the church. The standard of God remains the same as it always has been - one man, one woman, pure before marriage, faithful after marriage, till death do us part.
This is no technical command Paul gives. Sexual immorality has no place, but neither does the impurity of pornography or sexually explicit entertainment. He says these things are unsuitable for those who would walk worthy and should have no place among us. Even obscene talk and coarse joking are out of place.
Verse 5 does not teach a salvation by works or the idea that sexual sin is beyond the boundaries of God's forgiveness. David's beautiful Psalm 51 makes it clear that God forgives and restores even the worst of sinners. However, sexual sin, perhaps even more than any other sin, is antithetical to the life of the believer - totally inappropriate. We cannot walk in spiritual power and sexual immorality.
Father, keep me pure in mind and body by the power of your Spirit.
Think and Pray:
Are you walking in sexual purity of mind and body?
No comments:
Post a Comment