Walk In Righteousness

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.