Being Pure

Ephesians 5: 1-14

Introduction: We are called on to be pure as Christians, to imitate the purity in our heavenly father.

Just as the moon shines by reflected light from the sun, the sole source of our light, Christians are to reflect the light from Christ, our sole source of light and spiritual enlightenment.

Live in Love V. 1-2 “ Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour.”

1. Paul has been insisting on this behavior for the past two chapters

2. We are to conform to God’s example and have his image renewed upon them God is love and those that dwell in love dwell in God and He with them

3. As children

   1. Children imitate the good in their parents

   2. In disposition

   3. In conversation

4. Christ loved us so much He gave Himself for our sins—he was an offering

   NOTE: Nothing is ever said about the sin offerings being sweet of odor, but Christ’s offering of himself, but here we see in v. 2 Christ is called a sweet-smelling offering to God

Live Without Impurity V. 3-7 “3 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: but rather giving of thanks.   5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.   6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.   7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them.”

1. We are cautioned against all manner of uncleanness

2. Covetousness here, being something to not even be named, some think refers to unnatural lusts---so dreaded and detested it is not to even be named among Christians. Homosexuality and other forms of unnatural sex was rampant at this time among the Gentiles

3. V. Nor by jesting. Jesting here means a vain course that encourages folly and indiscretion.

   1. Christians are not forbidden pleasant conversation and innocent and inoffensive jesting

   2. NOTE: Christians are allowed to be cheerful and pleasant but, in the process, we must be merry and wise.

4. WE should be cheerful when in the remembrance of God’s goodness and love and take the occasion to be thankful

5. V. 5 He gives some arguments against sin and remedies for it

   1. Unclean covetous people serve man or the world

   2. God’s people will live in a kingdom composed solely of His servants and children with an inheritance

   3. Those that allow themselves to be taken in by desires will not be in the kingdom of God

   4. Those that flatter with an impunity towards sin only bring the wrath of God down upon themselves. They destroy their own selves.

6. WE are to avoid these things as well as those that would have us join them in it.

Live as Light V. 8-14 “8 For ye were sometimes darkness but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:   9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)   10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.   11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness but rather reprove them.   12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.   13 But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.   14 Wherefore he saith, awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.”  

1. You were once lost in darkness

   1. A state of sin is darkness

   2. You don’t where you are EX. Like walking in a completely dark and unfamiliar room, you have no idea where you are or which way to go.

2. V. 9 Paul begins prescribing remedies for sin

3. We are expected to bear and bring forth fruit of the Spirit

4. V.10 we are examine our selves and search diligently for anything that hinders our relationship with the Father.

5. Sinful works are darkness

   1. Things done in secret no matter how good, always cause suspicion

   2. Most things that are done in secret, are not good and profitable to us as Christians

6. We must not practice sin but avoid and those that would have us do it

7. These things are so filthy and abominable it is a shame to even speak of them NOTE: In this country there seems now to be a delight in mentioning dirty and unnatural things. Comedy now is vulgar language depicting body functions and no respect for people

8. Those works we are called upon to reprove are made known in their true colors to sinners by the light of God’s doctrine NOTE: How will they see that light if not by us?

9. V. 14 Do these things that are right and good and you can awake sinners to the light and doctrine of God, which is bearing fruit which is what we are to be about.

Conclusion:  By not only ceasing from sin but adding to that void the things, habits and attitudes and works that God would have us do, we grow, become fruitful and allow others to see the light of God within us. We must be pure if the light is to shine through for others to see.