Called to Christian Conduct pt.2

The Call to Christian Conduct pt. 2 ()

Ephesians 5:3–7 ESV

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;

FCF: Impurity, Immorality, Bad Language,

Proposition: Christians bear a responsibility of representation. We who are saved are called to be examples of the conduct God expects.

Introduction:

I. The Call to A Life of Purity (v. 3-4)

The life of purity includes some boundaries for which those who live it are forbidden to cross (v.3):

A. Sexual Immorality (Fornication,KJV), means sex sin, further it means a lack of sexual self-control. It is mentioned 35 times in the NT

B. All Impurity (Uncleaness,KJV), means defiled and rotten

C. Covetousness, means to be greedy wanting things that do not belong to you

Paul says don't let them be a reputation or a lifestyle. We are saints and saints live differently from the world

The life of purity includes boundaries in our thinking and speaking (v.4):

A. No filthy speaking, filthy means filled with obscenity

B. No foolish talking, means moronic behavior those who just say things

C. No crude joking, (Jesting,KJV) means to twist things with wit. To make things about sex that have nothing to do with it. Perversion through wit.

Paul says, these things are out of place. They are unnecessary forms of speech. They bring no benefit to the life of the Christian.

Transition: Paul encourages them to speak wholesome and Godly! He says, here is a characteristic of speaking the Christian should have, Give thanks. Speak of the goodness of God. Let your speech be profitable and productive.

Application: Rid yourself of all obscenity. Evaluate you life and begin to separate yourself from sexual immorality. Whatever it is, cut it away. This is not just one sex sin but all. Pornography, adultery, living together, beastiality, homosexuality, sexting, whatever it may be must be cut away from the life of the Christian.

II. The Call to A Life of Conviction (v. 5-6)

The Christian must become aware that our conduct must be aligned with the will of God and not our own opinions and misunderstandings.Our convictions must be that God is right. And if God is right, than what God does is right.

We must live according to His way not the way of the world but His way. Paul requires them to be certain that those who live opposite of this call will not inherit the Kingdom of God. He is speaking of those who make a choice to live blatantly indifferent to what God desires.

Paul say the Christian must stand on the principles of Christ without being swayed by the words of the world (v.6)

What the world offers is empty . . .

Don't become partners with them (v.7)

-this means don't think like them, don't support them with justification, etc.

Application: Live with conviction about your Christian walk. Don't be sucked into the life of impurity because everybody else is doing it. Choose to be Godly. Live with distinction from the rest of the world.