BEING MORE LIKE CHRIST

EPHESIANS 5:3-7

3But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality,or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. 4Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.5For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person— such a person is an idolater has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.6Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient.7Therefore do not be partners with them.

5: 4   Obscenity and coarse joking are so common that we begin to think they are fine and normal. Paul cautions, however, that improper language should have no place in the Christian’s conversation because it does not reflect God’s gracious presence in us. How can we praise God and remind others of his goodness when we are speaking crudely?

5: 5-7   Paul does not forbid all contact with unbelievers. Jesus taught his followers to befriend sinners and lead them to him (Luke 5: 30-32). Instead, Paul writes against the lifestyle of people who continue in their sinful, immoral behavior and encourage such practices in others— whether they are in the church or outside it. Such people quickly pollute the church and endanger its unity and purpose. When we befriend unbelievers, we must be wary of those who oppose all that Christianity stands for. Such people are more likely to influence us for evil than we are to influence them for good.Tyndale. NIV Life Application Study Bible

In todays society it is so hard to get away from foul language and even sexual imorality is being taught to our childrens at such a early age that society says is OK. But paul is warning us to keep seperated from ALL these kinds of sin. ON THE WAY HOME WALK WITH JESUS and do more each day to become MORE LIKE CHRIST!!

onthewayhomeministries.org by RICHARD DEAN BROOKS