Batteries Not Included (Ephesians 5:3-14)

SCRIPTURE

Ephesians 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.”

COMMENT 

In verses 1 and 2, Paul tells us that we should be imitators of God, and why we should do that. Now he turns his attention to what that should look like. He is dealing with a specific audience, so he is going to talk about what misconceptions they might have. This is not the the conversion of your neighborhood garden club. This is the conversion of people whose religion involved temple prostitutes and other vile behaviors. It was their RELIGION, so might not they think it appropriate to transfer some of these actions to their new faith? Paul wants to nip this in the bud! (Makes me wonder what Paul would say to those who have been converted to faith today from a stale, bland, life-draining religion that could not and would not save them.)

So make no mistake, this is not a list of "to-dos" or a legalistic behavioral approach to belief in Christ. It is a description of what this new life entails, and one that is without apology. It should and likely did cut these people to the heart. It also likely weeded some of those who we not ready or able to make such a commitment. Like the rich young ruler before Jesus, Paul seems to be willing to let some walk away. (Oh, that we would have such strength of faith today!)

I think my favorite part of this section is this: try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.

It is not about me, what I think faith should look like, my comfort, ease, prosperity, etc. It is about God. To live is Christ, to die is gain.