Word@Work Eph57 - Ephesians 5:5
Published: Mon, 12/15/08
Word@Work from BeaconLight
ALL CHANGE
Ephesians 5:5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person--such a man is an idolater--has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. (NIV)
Wrong desires, thoughts and speech are not a benign cultural difference, like a regional accent; they reveal a heart that is set against God being at the centre. They are not only an expression of self-assertion against the sufficiency of God's provision they practically defy the rule of God, and give that right away to another. The Bible name for an idea, thing or person that takes God's place is an 'idol'.
The Old Testament is full of examples of God's wrath against idols and those who worship them (cf Ps 135:15-18). In the West, most of our idols are found in the greedy lust for people or possessions - rather than in ritual worship of natural things (paganism) or false deities, or false ideas about God. But whatever the flavour of false worship, this verse tells us that those who indulge in it have no place in God's Kingdom. It is as stark as it is serious. This may not sit well with the compromising tolerance of our day, that values personal happiness more highly than letting God rule; but it is essential information if the nice pagan or sincere sinner is to be saved. If they were really as acceptable to God, there would be no need for them to be told the Gospel or urged to obey its call to repentance.
However this verse is directed first to the Christians. It was a warning for those who have believed in Christ not to be seduced back into old ways. It remains essential advice for new Christians who might have thought that they could merge their old life style with the new - they must not, nor can we. That is why we have to keep close to the Lord. It is also good to have other believers around at work, with whom you can pray regularly and who can call you to account. The work environment is now used to Eastern faiths expecting a room to be made available for prayer, so why not ask the management for somewhere where Christians can meet to pray?!
Prayer: Dear Lord. Thank You for this reminder that I cannot live a split life, and that I must discard those attitudes, thoughts, words and actions which cut across Your right to rule in my life. Help me to find other believers to hold me accountable, and to encourage them also - especially those who are new in the faith or who are struggling with old habits. For Christ's sake. Amen.
You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and Spanish
Wrong desires, thoughts and speech are not a benign cultural difference, like a regional accent; they reveal a heart that is set against God being at the centre. They are not only an expression of self-assertion against the sufficiency of God's provision they practically defy the rule of God, and give that right away to another. The Bible name for an idea, thing or person that takes God's place is an 'idol'.
The Old Testament is full of examples of God's wrath against idols and those who worship them (cf Ps 135:15-18). In the West, most of our idols are found in the greedy lust for people or possessions - rather than in ritual worship of natural things (paganism) or false deities, or false ideas about God. But whatever the flavour of false worship, this verse tells us that those who indulge in it have no place in God's Kingdom. It is as stark as it is serious. This may not sit well with the compromising tolerance of our day, that values personal happiness more highly than letting God rule; but it is essential information if the nice pagan or sincere sinner is to be saved. If they were really as acceptable to God, there would be no need for them to be told the Gospel or urged to obey its call to repentance.
However this verse is directed first to the Christians. It was a warning for those who have believed in Christ not to be seduced back into old ways. It remains essential advice for new Christians who might have thought that they could merge their old life style with the new - they must not, nor can we. That is why we have to keep close to the Lord. It is also good to have other believers around at work, with whom you can pray regularly and who can call you to account. The work environment is now used to Eastern faiths expecting a room to be made available for prayer, so why not ask the management for somewhere where Christians can meet to pray?!
Prayer: Dear Lord. Thank You for this reminder that I cannot live a split life, and that I must discard those attitudes, thoughts, words and actions which cut across Your right to rule in my life. Help me to find other believers to hold me accountable, and to encourage them also - especially those who are new in the faith or who are struggling with old habits. For Christ's sake. Amen.
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