Scripture:
Ephesians 5:3-11 ESV
[3] But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. [4] Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. [5] 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. [6] Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things, the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. [7] Therefore, do not become partners with them; [8] for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light [9] (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), [10] and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. [11] Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness but instead expose them.
Observation:
I might say some things this morning that are hard to hear. But if we take the scripture for what it says. They can’t be denied. The book of Ephesians is an awesome book. Very uplifting. It starts out by telling us that GOD has given us everything we need for godly living, explains the war that we are in, prepares us for the battle, and also decides the armor that GOD provides. It’s very encouraging. Paul also wants us to know what it looks like to live for GOD. He does an excellent job in Romans explaining the grace of GOD and how that works. Clearly, that’s something we can’t lose sight of as well. However, here in Ephesians 5:3-11, he gives a clear look at what repentance looks like as well. It’s also spelled out in chapter 4. In fact, that’s kind of where this starts. So let’s take a look at what is being said. Starting with sexual immorality. He really pulls no punches. He dealt with it in Corinth and many other places in the scripture. Covetousness and impurity are also in his sights. These are things that can not be a part of the lives of believers. But that’s not where he stops. After saying they should not even be named among the church. He moves on to the way we talk. How we express ourselves the jokes we tell and what it looks like to replace those things with gratitude. Being thankful for the salvation that has been freely given. Here’s where the heart punch comes in… in verse 5, Paul goes in for the real deal. Saying that those who participate in those kinds of things have no inheritance in the kingdom. These are things that have to be eliminated from the life of a believer. The explanation of why is in the very next verse. The wrath of GOD is coming upon the world because of these things. He clearly states that deception can happen, and we have to be careful to truly understand the scripture and what it is saying. So that no one can mislead us. Verse 7 can be a little confusing if you miss one word…and the meaning of it… partners. What Paul is saying is that joining together with corrupt people is very dangerous. We are not to avoid them. However, we are not to lock ourselves in with them either. Forming partnerships. Just like in past SOAPS, our walk matters. We have been saved from the darkness and are not supposed to walk in it anymore. The fruit of our walk shows whether or not we are who we say we are. Knowing what GOD’S word truly says and exposing the darkness is our job. Discernment comes from knowing the truth.
Application:
I know that some of this is going to be very difficult for some of us. But you can not show the love of GOD without sharing the truth. As I have said before, I strongly believe and will say again… the truth+grace=love. So here we go… what does repentance look like? Well, for me, it’s more than an “I’m sorry” and then returning right back to the same behavior. It’s a lifestyle change. In Ephesians chapter 4 verse 28, we get a picture of this. It says if a man is a thief, let him STOP stealing and work hard so that he has something to give. Changing the behavior is what it looks like. The very first thing Jesus says follows along with what John the Baptist preached repent for the kingdom of heaven is near. He said this as he walked out of the wilderness. After being baptized. Our lives must change. Yes, GOD says come as you are, but nowhere in the scripture does it say stay that way. Now that being said, I know from experience you can’t just wash away a lifetime of conditioning. But when GOD points it out so clearly, we need to take action and do something about it. We can’t live how we used to and expect the results to be different. Some of the things in this short list that Paul exposed I have been guilty of in the past, and some have been a part of my life more recently. For example, telling jokes that are inappropriate. Guilty as charged, covetousness, again guilty, not to mention others that are not on this and can be found in other places in the bible. Bitterness, for example. All these things need to go. They can’t be a part of our lives. After looking at what Paul says and how he explains repentance and grace, we can not stay the same. But here is the good news. The Bible says that if we confess our sins, GOD is faithful and just and will forgive our sins. It also says to confess your sins one to another so that you may be healed. So what does that look like… ok, here we go. I’m going to expose myself. In the past, my life has been overcome with sins of all kinds. From sexual immorality to the whole list. Sin ruled my life. It was calling the shots. It was my master. I was a slave to it. When it spoke, I listened. Pride ego, selfishness, and so many others kept me trapped. Now that I have a better understanding of GOD’S word. I do my best not to live like that… to not even have a hint of those things in my life. I want to produce good fruit. Jesus Christ HIMSELF said you will know a tree by its fruit. HE has and is pruning the bad branches from my life. So the fruit that comes from it says he not only believes in Jesus but he follows him as well. Our lives are meant to be a light to all who see us. We can’t say one thing and do another. The world is watching, and the church is an example. Our lives need to reflect Jesus the way HE walked, the way HE loved, and the way HE spoke. One last thing, and then I will close in prayer. Romans 12:2 says do not be conformed to the ways of this world but be transformed by renewing your mind so that you will be able to tell what is the good, perfect, and pleasing will of GOD. changing our lives is not has not and will not be easy. But it must be done. Repent for the kingdom of heaven is near.
Prayer:
Father, I can NOT stand here with any kind of self-righteousness. I am guilty of sin. In many ways. I stand here in need of a savior just like the rest. A sinner. Who needs your grace. I am praying for all of us this morning. Please forgive us where we have failed you and remove the sins from our lives. Whether it be sexual immorality or bitterness or gossip, whatever we are guilty of, we do not want it in our lives. Your word tells us that you will forgive us if we repent. Changing the way we live. Father, we want to be conformed to the image of your son. Help us to be more like Jesus today, then we were yesterday we can not afford to live like we used to you have made us to be a light. You have called us out of the darkness. Help us to live that way. We need you. We need your grace and mercy. We can not live this life without your Holy Spirit guiding our every step. So we are asking for a fresh anointing. Stronger than ever before. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen