“Living In Purity”
Ephesians 5:3-14
REVIEW
I. Our Wealth and Worth In Christ 1-3
II. Our Worthy Walk in Christ 4-6
A. Live in Unity 4:1-16
B. Live in Newness of life 4:17-24
C. Live in Love 4:17-5:2
Introduction
Not only does the way we treat one another distinguish us as Children of God but also how we conduct our personal lives from day to day. Our behavior identifies us as either as children of the light or as sons of disobedience. God instituted a code of conduct that corresponds to the original image He imbedded in every human being. That standard functions like a manufacturer’s operating manual for a complicated piece of machinery.
Most radios don’t perform well underwater unless specifically designed that way.
Diesel engines don’t run too well on gasoline.
Lawn mowers need oil to function efficiently.
Humans were designed to best function according to a specific standard handed down by the divine designer. That standard covers every area of function from physical health to relational health, to spiritual health to national health.
When we don’t, things fall apart.
Marriages disintegrate
Psychological disorders proliferate
Life spans diminish
Physical diseases multiply
Government and society plunge toward complete meltdown.
The Ephesian culture had strayed far from God’s standard; not unlike today’s culture.
These brand new converts to the “New Way” had grown up in a highly sensualized culture.
Ephesus was one of the most degenerate and evil cities in Asia Minor. It served as a religious center, with multiplied temples and idols. The worship in Ephesus focused particularly on the goddess Diana (Gk., Artemis), often represented by an ugly multi-breasted beast.
The temple of Diana was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and served as more than a religious center. It was an art museum with one of the world's largest collections of art treasures. A quarter mile-wide perimeter served as an asylum for criminals. It was the greatest bank in the world. A sacred temple was the perfect place for a bank in those days because the people feared reprisal from the gods. And it was also a place of business. Pilgrims came by the thousands to worship there. Where sex is the chief aspect to a religion, it will be extremely popular. Silversmiths made a fortune selling thousands of little idols there. The people would put those idols in their homes, hang them around their necks, wear them on their wrists or ankles, and some even fastened them to the front of their chariots. Acts 19:23-41 records the events surrounding a revolt of silversmiths who feared Paul's preaching would ruin their business.
Diana was worshiped as a sex goddess. Scores of eunuchs, priestesses, temple prostitutes, singers, and dancers led the people in their worship, which was nothing more than a great orgy. One writer said that the worship was a type of hysteria where the people, with shouts and music, worked themselves into frenzies of shameless sexual activity, including mutilation. Heraclitus, a Greek philosopher, from Ephesus of the fifth century before Christ, often criticized the morals of his city and the temple (cf. Diogenes Laertius: Lives of Emminent Philosophers, 2 vols., R.D. Hicks, ed. [N.Y.: Putnam, 1925], 2:409-10).
The temple was serviced by a multitude of young priests and priestesses who gave their bodies to whoever could pay the price, as an act of worship. The whole city accepted sexual intercourse as an act of worship and regarded it as normal and proper, even religious, a sign of dedication. (Steadman)
The church in Ephesus was like an island in a cesspool. What a vile, sinful world those early Christians had to live in! That's why Paul urged them to be different. (MacArthur)
To the people surrounded by those who viewed such deviant behavior as not only accepted but revered, Paul issued some clear instruction. How do we not only survive but excel in such a culture? Unfortunately, the things that had become a way of life in the time of the Ephesian church are rapidly becoming more and more practiced and accepted in the culture of our day.
God instructs all true followers of Christ to imitate the one true God who is not only love but holy. He calls us to be holy just as He is holy. He Himself is infinitely separated from all that is contrary to His own moral law. Holiness has to do with complete separation from evil as defined by God’s written standard. It is every Christian’s ultimate destiny to be holy as Jesus is holy as well as to live even now as Jesus lived; both loving and pure.
Christians are to not only be known by their genuine love, but by their godly life. So much of the New Testament deals with living differently than the world around us. Jesus told His disciples that even though they lived in the world system, they were not to part of the world. (John 17:16)
We are to live different because we ARE different. We hear in the news all the time how some so called Christian engaged in some horrendous behavior bringing shame on the family of Christ. Those who claim to follow Jesus but live a life contrary to the teachings of Jesus are only kidding themselves; they ought to question whether there has really been a heart change.
Every organization has some sort of published standard of behavior. As long as you adhere to the agreed upon standard of behavior, you can rightly be associated with the organization.
A person who eats meet three times a week can hardly expect to maintain membership in a vegetarian club. God holds Christians to a higher standard. Our culture today has strayed so far from Biblical morals that it threatens to contaminate those who desire to follow Jesus and much of the time we don’t even realize how much we have been infected.
A life worthy of the amazing call to which we have been called not only includes a new life of unity, resurrection power and love of people but moral purity as well. Paul called all true followers of Jesus Christ to live a morally pure life.
Avoid all involvement in the deeds of darkness or with any who practice them.
Live like grateful children of light who please God by their life and expose evil in the world.
D. Live in Purity 5:3-14
But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous ( that is, an idolater), has no 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 become partners with them; for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Ephesians 5:3-14
Overview
Paul isolated two specific groups of people in this section of his letter. He contrasted the sons of disobedience (those who reject God’s standard) and the children of light (those who embrace God’s standard). He provided specific instruction for children of light living amongst the sons of disobedience. What are we supposed to do? How shall we live? Just as he provided some specifics in relation to our relationships he offers some specific instructions in relation to our purity.
Let’s follow the flow of the argument laid out by Paul in this passage. He issues three basic prohibitions (Don’ts) each followed by the principles or argument why we should not start or continue such behavior followed by a positive behavior to institute. It all boils down to two basic instructions.
Avoid all involvement in the deeds of darkness or with any who practice them.
Live like grateful children of light who please God by their life and expose evil in the world.
1. Guard your reputation 5:3-6
But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous ( that is, an idolater), has no 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. Ephesians 5:3-6
a. Prohibition
Don’t let sensual behavior even be named among you.
None of this behavior should have ANY place in the life of the true follower of Jesus. There should not be even a hint or suggestion of these things in a believer’s life.
“So far should you be removed from the sins of this type that the very suspicion of its existence among you should be banished once and for all.” Hendrickson
Paul listed actions, attitudes and the language habits observed by the sons of disobedience.
He earlier addressed some of these same characteristics of the unregenerate heart (4:17-19).
So this I say, and affirm together with the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind, being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart; and they, having become callous, have given themselves over to sensuality for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness. 4:17-19
“Sexual immorality” (porneia)
This family of Greek terms came to refer to sexual misconduct of any kind. Our word pornography comes from this Greek term. It denoted harlotry, adultery, sex “outside the bun” or outside of divine boundaries, or any act of unlawful behavior. Immoral would describe behavior that violates a moral code. It even appears, from its use in Hebrews concerning Esau, to include a broader application to an out of control sensuality that causes one to reject a meaningful eternal inheritance in exchange for a brief moment of sensory satisfaction or pleasure.
Paul insists that immorality and sensuality of any kind not even be named among saints.
He warns against the habit of seeking meaning primarily through pleasure and sensation.
Pleasure finds its ultimate value when it is a byproduct of seeking the kingdom of God first.
When meaning in life is sought only or primarily through the physical senses and temporary experience rather than through intimate relationship with God, we are in danger of idolatry.
Those activities which engage the most senses simultaneously become the most addictive.
Sex is so addictive because it engages all the physical senses as well as those of the soul.
Sensuality and immorality (pornos) describe the behavior of one driven by that which appeals to the senses rather than the spirit. It is all inclusive; food, alcohol, entertainment, media, sexual stimulation, music, drugs, travel, concerts, speeches, extreme sports, even sermons.
Many of these things are evil in themselves but become evil when used to either escape pain or feel alive apart from God. God exposed the heart of the Hebrew people of Ezekiel’s day.
They come to you as people come, and sit before you as My people and hear your words, but they do not do them, for they do the lustful desires expressed by their mouth, and their heart goes after their gain. Behold, you are to them like a sensual song by one who has a beautiful voice and plays well on an instrument; for they hear your words but they do not practice them. Ezekiel 33:31-32
Some today evaluate preaching by how it stirs the senses. God gave us the senses to be enjoyed but only within His parameters. God is all for pleasure. It is how He designed us.
It must be kept in proper relation to our spiritual core. Pleasure that is not the object but only the result of keeping God our primary focus.
Since the rebellion, man ceased seeking life in God and enjoyment in God’s provisions. The appeal of Satan at the initial rebellion was to the senses rather than the spirit. In fact, Satan sought to erect a wall between the first family and God.
Saw good to the eyes.
Saw good for food.
Appeal to wisdom.
We live in a sensual generation. The media shamelessly appeals to the sensual and sexual.
It is like the Garden of Eden ploy over and over again. Our culture has an overdeveloped sensual focus to everything. Our lives revolve around our sensual perceptions. Everything is viewed from the aspect of how it will make me feel now. Like Esau, we feel like we are going to die of hunger, we cannot bear to deny these intensified drives their satisfaction and so we willingly surrender what is eternal for that which seems to bring relief and satisfaction.
The only thing that really matters in our culture is how it feels now and they become enslaved by this savage tyrant called immorality or sensuality. Satan has deluded us and desensitized us to the sin which is destroying us.
Paul exhorted the Corinthians
For I am afraid that perhaps when I come I may find you to be not what I wish and may be found by you to be not what you wish; that perhaps there may be strife, jealousy, angry tempers, disputes, slanders, gossip, arrogance, disturbances; 21I am afraid that when I come again my God may humiliate me before you, and I may mourn over many of those who have sinned in the past and not repented of the impurity, immorality and sensuality which they have practiced. 2 Cor. 12:20-21
The same things that should not even be named among saints were the very source and cause of relational turmoil in the church. Sensual addiction manifests in all kinds of ways. We will focus more next week on its corruption, cause and cure. The more of a sensual focus we nurture and is enflamed by our culture, the more dangerously close we come to sliding into severe sexual or sensual addiction. Continual focus on the sensual nearly always leads to some sort of sexual addiction. This is not just a problem in the world but has become a major problem in the people of God. Unfortunately, the things that should not even be named have become common place.
“Impurity”
The word is often translated unclean. It is the world clean or pure with a negative put in front of it. It was used to describe demons – “unclean spirit”. These are spirit beings whose character is devoid of good. There are evil. They have no relationship with God. Such deviation from God’s standard should not be named among us.
“Covetousness” (idolater)
This word refers to someone with a strong desire to have “stuff”. It is similar to the idea of lust; to be driven by sensual desire and craving. To have this kind of focus on things is equal to idolatry. To desire and pursue things to fill us up or make us feel alive rather than God is idolatry. Any struggle with the first three eventually surfaces in one’s language. Paul already exhorted them to not allow and unwholesome or worthless word proceed out of their mouth but only words that build others up and energize them in their time of need.
“Obscene or shameful language”
Followers of Jesus should use language carefully. Not only should our actions honor our gracious Savior but also our words. Today’s culture is filled with language that degrades.
You can’t get away from foul language. In contrast, we must demonstrate a purity of talk that honors God.
“Foolish talk”
The Greeks combined two words to come up with this term. “moros” and “logos” combine to refer to foolish words or talk. Foolish talk is that which ignores the priority of Christ in this life.
The fool says in his heart there is no God. Foolishness is the idea that I can do whatever I want without consequences. Foolishness is bound up in the heart of the child and the rod of discipline must eradicate it. We are not to let such talk be part of our daily conversation.
“Crude humor”
This speaks for itself. So much of the humor today is lewd and crude. People callously laugh at sexual and potty humor. Humor with double meaning and sexual reference pervade many of today’s shows and movies. This must not be so among Christians.
b. Principle
? These practices are not proper or fitting for a sanctified (saint) child of God.
This term means suitable, proper, fit, or right. To use the best china to feed the dogs would not be proper or fit. For the child of God to engage in any of these practices is not fitting for our high calling. It is not a worthy life that reflects the wonder of who we really are.
? Those who practice such things have no inheritance or part in God’s kingdom.
Such behavior has no place in God’s kingdom.
Those whose lives are characterized by such behavior will not be included in God’s kingdom.
? Such behavior will incur God’s wrath.
Finally, such behavior stirs God to wrath because it dishonors Him and His creation. It degrades the magnificence of His creation. It makes God angry and will one day be thoroughly punished.
c. Practice
Practice expressing thanksgiving with a heart of gratitude.
The antidote to bad language and living is thanksgiving. Expressions of gratitude to God will defuse any dishonorable language. It is hard to be talking crudely when you are giving thanks to God. It is difficult to live contrary to God’s code when He is your daily grateful focus.
2. Guard your associations 5:7-10
Therefore do not become partners with them; for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Ephesians 5:7-10
a. Prohibition
Don’t partner with those who practice sensual behavior.
Bad company corrupts good morals. Choose your friends and associates carefully. Those who have fallen into trouble because of peers find that in order to truly change, they must also change the kind of people they hang out with. Paul warned them to be careful about their associations. Usually the evil influences the good. He is not saying don’t ever associate but not to hang out with them and do what they do. Don’t join them in their practices.
b. Principle
What is the reason? You are no longer children of darkness but children of light. That is no longer the believer’s lifestyle. We must live differently. We are NOW children of light.
c. Practice
Live like grateful children of light by demonstrating what pleasing to God.
3. Guard your lifestyle / practice 5:11-14
This is just another way of stating what he has already said.
Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light.
a. Prohibition
Don’t participate in the barren deeds of darkness.
The things that the pagans do bear no fruit. Those without the enlightenment of Jesus have no eternal purpose. We are not to fall into the trap of such barren behavior.
b. Principle
It is shameful even to talk about evil deeds done in secret.
To talk about the things the world does is shameful, disgraceful, disfigured. The details of the world’s lifestyle should not be a subject of conversation.
c. Practice
Paul tells them rather than talk about the deeds of darkness we are to expose them.
How can you expose something without talking about it? Perhaps he means that it should not be a general topic of conversation but to rather expose the evilness of sinful behavior.
Another thought is, we expose evil by living as children of light. The contrast in lifestyles shines light on the evil. Expose evil by living as Children of light. That is the argument of the passage concerning how we are to not only survive in an evil world but shine as children of light.
The main point of the passage breaks down into two basic instructions.
Avoid all involvement in the deeds of darkness or with any who practice them.
Live like grateful children of light who please God by their life and expose evil in the world.
Guard your reputation by keeping as far from sensual behavior as possible.
Guard your associations by remembering who you are in Christ.
Guard your lifestyle by refusing to take part in evil but live in such a way that exposes it.
Conclusions
This is a vast subject and I want to do diligence to the truth of the word without violating it.
Evil needs to be exposed yet avoid shameful curiosity and overemphasis. For the next couple weeks there are some truths in this passage that need elaboration. The Bible has a great deal to say about sexual purity. In fact it is one of the main issues of spiritual maturity.
Finally then, brethren, we request and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us instruction as to how you ought to walk and please God (just as you actually do walk), that you excel still more. For you know what commandments we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that is, that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in lustful passion, like the Gentiles who do not know God; and that no man transgress and defraud his brother in the matter because the Lord is the avenger in all these things, just as we also told you before and solemnly warned you. For God has not called us for the purpose of impurity, but in sanctification. So, he who rejects this is not rejecting man but the God who gives His Holy Spirit to you. 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8
This needs some more attention. What is happening in the church today? Why is this such a pervasive issue in the church when God says don’t let it even be named? What can we do?
Paul told the followers of Jesus in that newly formed church in the middle of a decadent society to live purely. He urged them to wake up and let the light of Jesus flood their lives.
Today however is a time to examine your own heart for destructive sensuality. When we seek meaning in life at the level of the senses we have replaced God. God designed us to live on the level of the spirit which then allows us to enjoy the things he designed to give pleasure from a proper balance and perspective. What would happen if we lost all of the things providing sensory stimulation for a week? Would Jesus be enough?
