Walk in Righteousness
Ephesians 5: 3-7
In our last study, Paul admonished believers to follow the Lord, literally being imitators of God. In order to accomplish such an enormous task, we must walk in the love of Christ the Lord. Those who are purposefully following the Lord and walking in the love of Christ will not walk and behave like those of the world. If we are following the Lord, as we should, there will be a distinct difference in our lives and the lives of those within the world.
Our text today continues the line of thought that Paul has been revealing since the beginning of chapter four. The text before us admonishes the believer to walk in righteousness rather than walking in the lusts of the flesh, according to its desires.
As I studied this text, I quickly realized how relevant it is for our day. We live in the midst of a rapidly changing culture, one that has no desire for that which is righteous and holy. The church is being pressured to abandon the truths of Scripture in order to conform to the dictates of the culture. In order to imitate the character of our Lord, we must resist the calls for conformity to the culture and live pleasing to the Lord. In doing so, we will live counter to the culture. As we examine the disciplines revealed in the text, I want to consider our responsibility to: Walk in Righteousness.
I. The Purity of our Walk (3-5) – As we begin to examine the biblical disciplines necessary to walk in righteousness, I realize these disciplines are contrary to the current culture and are no longer considered “politically correct.” However, they are expected if we are to walk in purity before our Lord and among this world. Consider:
A. The Admonition (3-4a) – But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; 4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient. Paul admonished the believer to avoid such behaviors and passions with a strong expectation – such behaviors should not once be named in regard to our lives. In essence, the believer should never be found guilty of such rebellion against God. These characteristics are not found among those who follow the Lord, imitating Him and walking in the love of Christ. Paul warned against:
Fornication – This is the Greek word porneia. It refers to all sexual sin, and all sexual sin is against God and against godly love. (i) We live in a culture that celebrates any and all forms of sexual expression and engagement. Any sexual activity outside the bounds of biblical marriage between a man and a woman is sexual sin.
Uncleanness – This is a more general term than porneia, referring to anything that is unclean and filthy. Jesus used the word to describe the rottenness of decaying bodies in a tomb (Matt. 23:27). The other ten times the word is used in the New Testament it is associated with sexual sin. It refers to immoral thoughts, passions, ideas, fantasies, and every other form of sexual corruption. (ii)
Covetousness – Every form of sexual immorality is an expression of the self-will, self-gratification, and self-centeredness of greed. It is by nature contrary to love, which is self-giving. Immorality and impurity are but forms of greed in the realm of sexual sin. They are manifestations of sexual covetousness and express counterfeit love (which is really hate, since love seeks the purity of others and is unselfish), masquerading as something beautiful, good, and rewarding. (iii)
Filthiness – This has to do with general obscenity, any talk that is degrading and disgraceful. (iv)
Foolish Talking – This word, morologia, is only found here in the New Testament. It is stupid talk, talk only befitting someone who is intellectually deficient. It is sometimes referred to as low obscenity, foolish talk that comes from the drunk or the gutter mouth. It has no point except to give an air of dirty worldliness. (v)
Jesting – This on the other hand, refers to talk that is more pointed and determined. It carries the idea of quickly turning something that is said or done—no matter how innocent—into that which is obscene or suggestive. It is the filthy talk of a person who uses every word and circumstance to display his immoral wit. (vi)
B. The Expression (3b, 4b) – let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; but rather giving of thanks. Believers are to live and present themselves differently than those within the world. Believers are not to be accused of such impurity and immorality; rather we are to be known for our gratitude and thanksgiving unto the Lord for His provision in our lives. While we must guard against self-righteousness and condemnation apart from grace, I am thankful for the provision of the Lord and His guidance in my life. Col.3:17 – And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
C. The Affirmation (5) – For this ye know, that no whoremonger (the sexually impure), nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Paul affirms that those, guilty of the sins he had just spoken, would have no inheritance in the kingdom of the Lord. You might argue this is quite strict, and I would agree that it is in fact. I will agree that saved people can and do commit sin following salvation. I am also convinced of the eternal security of the believer. It is clear that Paul is not referring to a believer who has succumbed to temptation and the lust of the flesh. He is speaking of one whose life is habitually immoral, impure, and greedy. If one can live in such behavior, without sensing the conviction of the Holy Spirit and having no desire to repent, it would appear they are unsaved and apart from God, having no inheritance in the Kingdom.
II. The Portrayal in our Witness (6-7) – Paul continues to deal with the walk of the believer among the world. Here he focuses on how we are to display a witness to the righteousness of God among an unrighteous world. Notice:
A. The Admonition (6a) – Let no man deceive you with vain words. Paul was aware of the tolerance for sin within the Roman culture. It is apparent that some argued that he was being overbearing and lacked compassion. Although the culture may have approved of such sinful behavior, Paul was certain that God was not pleased with immorality and impurity among men. He warned believers to avoid being deceived by those who chose to deny sin and the righteous standards of God.
We too live in a culture of tolerance and acceptance of sin. Many argue those who adhere to the truths of the Bible are out of touch, homophobic, and bigoted. Christians today are accused of unnecessary judgment and a lack of tolerance. While the world may embrace a “live as you please attitude”, it is clear that the Lord has defined the standard by which we are to live. We cannot be deceived by the blatant lack of regard for the moral and biblical standards revealed in God’s Word. If God said it, that settles it! While we must have compassion for those apart from God in their sin, we are not expected to condone or celebrate their sin. Gal.6:7-8 – Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
B. The Discipline (6b) – for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Paul goes on to declare the judgment that is to come for all who choose to live a life of sin, one of unbelief and rebellion toward the righteousness of God. The wrath of God will be poured out upon those who deny the truth of the gospel, choosing rather to remain in their sin instead of trusting in the finished work of Christ to atone for their sin and reconcile them to God.
This is a topic that is little preached in our day, but it remains true nonetheless. God is holy and He cannot and will not have fellowship with sin. Sin has to be atoned. For those who have never been saved, they remain accountable to God for their sin. At the Day of Judgment, those apart from Christ will stand before Him and be judged for their sin. They will endure the wrath of God being poured out upon them in judgment because of their sin. How tragic this will be for all who are yet unsaved. Jesus offered Himself the atoning sacrifice for sin. He bore our sin and endured the wrath of God in our place. If one chooses to reject His sacrificial atonement, the wrath of God waits them in Judgment. 2 Thes.1:8-10 – In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; 10 When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.
C. The Expectation (7) – Be not ye therefore partakers with them. Again, Paul offers a warning to the believer – we are not to engage in the immoral, impure, and greedy ways of the world. The life of the believer is to be lived in contrast to that of the world. We are called to be imitators of God, not to conform to the dictates and lusts of the world. Rom.12:1-2 – I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Conclusion: This has been a hard passage, but it is very needful in our day. As the church, the body of Christ, we have a responsibility to walk in righteousness before the Lord and among the world. We are to shine as lights among the darkness. We are to proclaim the good news of the gospel in word, action, and deed. In order to be an effective witness, the world must be able to see a difference. Christian, how is your walk with the Lord? Are you walking in righteousness?
For those who remain unsaved, this passage reveals the truth about the righteous standard of God and His judgment of sin. If you have yet to call on Christ for salvation, you remain accountable for your sin and stand in danger of God’s wrath in judgment. There is no need for you to face God in that condition. Come to Christ and be saved today!
i. John F. MacArthur Jr., Ephesians, MacArthur New Testament Commentary (Chicago: Moody Press, 1986), 200.
ii. Ibid
iii. Ibid
iv. Ibid, 201.
v. Ibid
vi. Ibid
