Bible Study - Going Right - Seeking Purity in a Sensual Culture - Ephesians 5 - January 8, 2012
Bible Study – Going Right – Seeking Purity in a Sensual Culture – January 8, 2012
This is lesson two (2) in our series entitled “Going Right in a Culture Gone Wrong.”
Our scripture is Ephesians 5:1-5, 8-12, 15-16.
When did the human culture make a wrong turn?
Let’s consider Genesis 2:9, 16:
9 The Lord God caused to grow out of the ground every tree pleasing in appearance and good for food, including the tree of life in the midst of the garden, as well as the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.[10]
16 And the Lord God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree of the garden,[16] Gn 3:1–2 17 but you must not eat[17] Lit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for on the day you eat from it, you will certainly die.”[18]
Genesis 3:1-7, 8-9, 22:
1 Now the serpent was the most cunning of all the wild animals that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You can’t eat from any tree in the garden’?”[1] 2 Co 11:3 2 The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat the fruit from the trees in the garden. 3 But about the fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden, God said, ‘You must not eat it or touch it, or you will die.’ ”[2] Gn 2:17 4 “No! You will not die,” the serpent said to the woman.[3] Jn 8:44 5 “In fact, God knows that when[4] Lit you eat it your eyes will be opened and you will be like God,[5] Or , or knowing good and evil.” 6 Then the woman saw that the tree was good for food and delightful to look at, and that it was desirable for obtaining wisdom. So she took some of its fruit and ate [it]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. ; she also gave [some]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. to her husband, [who was]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. with her, and he ate [it]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. .[6] Jms 1:14–15; 1 Jn 2:16 7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made loincloths for themselves.
8 Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden at the time of the evening breeze,[7] Lit and they hid themselves from the Lord God among the trees of the garden.[8] Jb 34:22–23 9 So the Lord God called out to the man and said to him, “Where are you?”
22 The Lord God said, “Since man has become like one of Us (The FATHER, The SON, The HOLY SPIRIT), knowing good and evil, he (Adam) must not reach out, and also take from the tree of life, and eat, and live forever.”[17] Rv 2:7
The fruit of the forbidden tree was appealing physically and intellectually. When Adam and Eve ate from the “tree of the knowledge of good and evil” the dynamics of their lives and all mankind changed. The eyes of their hearts were opened. They had basked in the light of GOD. They had the most intimate, loving, personal relationship with GOD possible but all of a sudden they had a contrast. They saw darkness and the light of GOD in their lives grew dim.
They went from having the most intimate, loving, personal relationship with GOD to experiencing the loss of that utopia experience. Their loss of this relationship was the opposite of the joy many people experience when they give their lives to CHRIST, receive salvation and are indwelled by the Holy Spirit. Adam and Eve’s sin condemned all of mankind to physical death and separation from GOD. Fellowship was broken because of sin. The world changed from being ruled by GOD to being ruled by Satan, the prince of darkness. Christians seek to regain that utopia with GOD through CHRIST.
All of mankind was now living in darkness. Notice in verse 22 that GOD quickly stated that since man had become like them (The FATHER, The SON and The HOLY SPIRIT), They had to place a flaming sword to guard the “tree of life” lest he (Adam) would partake of it and live forever. If Adam had eaten from the tree of life, would he and his offspring have lived forever or would it have been for all mankind?
The power for reproduction is in the sperm. The sperm united with an egg produces physical life which is subject to death. If Adam had eaten from the tree of life, his offspring would have lived forever in their fallen state. But GOD had a better plan. The power of physical life and eternal life is in the divine sperm of GOD that produced JESUS through the seed of woman, the Virgin Mary, and the divine sperm of GOD, the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit still produces a miracle in all who accept JESUS as their Savior. This is the miracle of rebirth in the spirit through JESUS. Those reborn in the spirit become the children of GOD.
It is scary to think of living in our sinful, fallen world without any hope of escaping through death or from ever being redeemed from everlasting physical life in a dark, decaying world. We must keep in mind that when Adam and Eve sinned, all of nature was condemned to death and decay as well.
Yet, because GOD so loved the world, HE gave all of mankind (and nature) hope by allowing HIS ONLY SON, JESUS, to give HIS life to pay for the original sin, which was physical death and separation from GOD. CHRIST redeems all who believe in HIM and restores them to Son-ship or Daughter-ship with all the rights and privileges of being GOD’S Son or Daughter. The first Adam and his wife, Eve, existence was dependent upon GOD. Through the second Adam, JESUS, our eternal existence is based upon the decision that each individual makes regarding their faith in CHRIST’S passion. The proof that HIS passion paid the price for sin is HIS resurrection and ascension.
Until JESUS returns or they go to HIM in death, all people must live in an imperfect world. Christians live in this world with the hope and joy of knowing they have been redeemed from death and eternal separation from GOD. Christians are to share the Good News of salvation with those lost in sin. Christians and non-Christians live in a world subject to the sensual nature of their human bodies. That is one reason CHRIST tells all who follow HIM that they must die daily. A dead body has no feeling. But dying to self is a hard thing to do. That is why Christians must have the right relationship with CHRIST and the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit to walk as GOD desires for HIS children to walk and obediently serve HIM. JESUS is a Christian’s example of obediently walking in the Spirit. GOD gives Spiritual gifts to all of HIS children. But even though Christians are gifted, they still live in sensual bodies and in a world ruled by the flesh. That is why Christians must die to self daily and maintain their relationship through the indwelling Holy Spirit.
Let’s read Ephesians 4:11-32: (Background for our focus verses.)
11 And He personally gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, 12 for the training of the saints in the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ, 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God’s Son, [growing]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. into a mature man with a stature measured by Christ’s fullness. 14 Then we will no longer be little children, tossed by the waves and blown around by every wind of teaching, by human cunning with cleverness in the techniques of deceit. 15 But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into Him who is the head—Christ. 16 From Him the whole body, fitted and knit together by every supporting ligament, promotes the growth of the body for building up itself in love by the proper working of each individual part.
Living the New Life
17 Therefore, I say this and testify in the Lord: You should no longer walk as the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their thoughts. 18 They are darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them and because of the hardness of their hearts. 19 They became callous and gave themselves over to promiscuity for the practice of every kind of impurity with a desire for more and more.[8]
20 But that is not how you learned about the Messiah, 21 assuming you heard Him and were taught by Him, because the truth is in Jesus: 22 you took off[9] Or (as a command) your former way of life, the old man that is corrupted by deceitful desires; 23 you are being renewed[10] Or (as a command) in the spirit of your minds; 24 you put on[11] Or (as a command) the new man, the one created according to God’s [likeness]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. [12] Col 3:10 in righteousness and purity of the truth. 25 Since you put away lying, Speak the truth, each one to his neighbor,[13] Zch 8:16 because we are members of one another. 26 Be angry and do not sin.[14] Jms 1:19–20 [15] Ps 4:4 Don’t let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and don’t give the Devil an opportunity. 28 The thief must no longer steal. Instead, he must do honest work with his own hands, so that he has something to share with anyone in need. 29 No rotten talk should come from your mouth, but only what is good for the building up of someone in need,[16] Lit in order to give grace to those who hear. 30 And don’t grieve God’s Holy Spirit, who sealed you[17] Or for the day of redemption Gn 3:5 Pr 3:18
Let’s read Ephesians 4:31-32 and 5:1-5:
31 All bitterness, anger and wrath, insult and slander must be removed from you, along with all wickedness. 32 And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you[18] Other mss read in Christ.
1 Therefore, be imitators of God,[1] 1 Co 4:16; 11:1; 1 Th 1:6; 2:14 as dearly loved children. 2 And • walk in love, as the • Messiah also loved us and gave Himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God. 3 But sexual immorality and any impurity or greed should not even be heard of[2] Or among you, as is proper for saints. 4 And coarse and foolish talking or crude joking are not suitable, but rather giving thanks. 5 For know and recognize this: no sexually immoral or impure or greedy person, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of the Messiah and of God.
The Apostle Paul was writing to the Christians in Ephesus. “Therefore” in verse 1 refers back to Ephesians 4:31-32. How in the world do you remove - 31 All bitterness, anger and wrath, insult and slander must be removed from you, along with all wickedness. 32 And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you[18] Other mss read in Christ? It is impossible without the indwelling, empowering, guidance and total dependence upon the Holy Spirit. It is all about a Christian’s relationship with CHRIST. According to Paul, since Christians have mastered their relationship with GOD through CHRIST, they live like they know how GOD wants them to live in this world.
This is a growth process and GOD’S desire is for HIS children to know HIM and live according to HIS plan for them. This process is called sanctification.
Since, Christians know the truth; they must apply it in their everyday life. They do this by walking in the Spirit. How do Christians know how to walk? GOD sent JESUS to live on earth to be the example of Christian living. But Christians must keep in mind that JESUS did and said only what the FATHER told HIM to do and say. JESUS was completely obedient to GOD. HIS life was a sweet fragrance to GOD. Since, Christians know truth; they must apply it and not let the flesh lure them back to their old way of life.
Christians must be careful of what they say because they represent GOD to those lost in sin and in need of salvation. What comes out of a Christian’s mouth, their actions or inactions are either a sweet smelling fragrance or foul smelling. The Apostle said it best in 2 Corinthians 2:14-17:
A Ministry of Life or Death
14 But thanks be to God, who always puts us on display[6] in Christ,[7] and spreads through us in every place the scent of knowing Him. 15 For to God we are the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. 16 To some we are a scent of death leading to death, but to others, a scent of life leading to life. And who is competent for this? 17 For we are not like the many[8] who make a trade in God’s message [for profit]* , but as those with sincerity, we speak in Christ, as from God and before God.
Verse 5 in our focus scripture is interesting. It seems to indicate that Christians can bounce in and out of heaven. I believe that once saved, always saved. So what does it mean if a Christian does these things - no sexually immoral or impure or greedy person, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of the Messiah and of God? A Christian does lose his/her rewards when they engage in these things and lose their focus on obediently serving GOD. But they will not lose their salvation. The kingdom of the Messiah and of GOD is life upon earth. This does not mean they lose their salvation or eternal life in heaven. My basis for saying this is found in 1 Corinthians 3:9-15:
9 For we are God’s co-workers. You are God’s field, God’s building. 10 According to God’s grace that was given to me, as a skilled master builder I have laid a foundation, and another builds on it. But each one must be careful how he builds on it, 11 because no one can lay any other foundation than what has been laid—that is, Jesus Christ. 12 If anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, or straw, 13 each one’s work will become obvious, for the day[4] The Day of Christ’s judgment of believers will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire; the fire will test the quality of each one’s work. 14 If anyone’s work that he has built survives, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone’s work is burned up, it will be lost, but he will be saved; yet it will be like an escape through fire.[5]
As Christians we are building either with the materials of obedience which will withstand the test of fire or with materials of the flesh which will be consumed by the test of fire.
Let’s read Ephesians 5:6-12: Light versus Darkness
6 Let no one deceive you with empty arguments, for because of these things God’s wrath is coming on the disobedient.[3] 7 Therefore, do not become their partners. 8 For you were once darkness, but now [you are]* light in the Lord. walk as children of light— 9 for the fruit of the light[4] [results]* in all goodness, righteousness, and truth— 10 discerning what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Don’t participate in the fruitless works of darkness, but instead, expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to mention what is done by them in secret. 13 Everything exposed by the light is made clear, 14 for what makes everything clear is light. Therefore it is said: Get up, sleeper, and rise up from the dead, and the Messiah will shine on you.[5]
Verses 6-7 are a caution to Christians who might consider going into partnership with a non-Christian. This includes any contractual agreement such as business or marriage. It is akin to the scripture that tells Christians not to be unequally yoked with non-Christians which is found in 2 Corinthians 6:14 - 14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? (KJV)
A Christian’s walk in everyday life is important as he/she ministers to those lost in sin and in need of salvation because they are children of light. Christians are the light of the world but they once knew what it was like to live in darkness because they “were” once living in darkness, as Paul stated in verse 8. Christians know that what is accomplished in the flesh upon this earth will be tested by fire on judgment day and consumed. When Christians walk in the light, they are not walking in darkness and can build a more intimate, dynamic relationship with CHRIST as they learn of HIM and interact with HIM. It is the greatest on-the-job-training a person will ever receive. It is not easy but rewarding.
Paul linked verses 8 and 10. Verse 9 was a parenthetical Paul used to reveal the results of walking in the light – goodness, righteousness and truth. Goodness is a reflection of those things morally honorable and pleasing to GOD. Righteousness defines GOD but also reflects what CHRIST has done for all who believe in HIM as their Savior as stated in Romans 4:1-5 - 1 What then can we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, has found? 2 If Abraham was justified[1] by works, then he has something to brag about—but not before God.[2] 3 For what does the Scripture say? Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him for righteousness.[3]4 Now to the one who works, pay is not considered as a gift, but as something owed. 5 But to the one who does not work, but believes on Him who declares righteous[4] the ungodly, his faith is credited for righteousness.
Righteousness is a gift and part of the process of sanctification to all who believe in CHRIST as stated in 2 Corinthians 5:21 - 21 He made the One who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
Truth is reality and can be counted upon every time and in every circumstance. Truth does not waiver. JESUS stated in John 14:6 - 6 Jesus told him (Thomas), “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. As Christians walk with CHRIST, they discern or understand what is pleasing to HIM. This results in building an intimate relationship with HIM and getting to know HIM as they obediently serve HIM.
Walking in darkness is Spiritually fruitless and produces shameful results which are so bad they cannot even be mentioned. Anything done in the light is worthy for discussion and useful for Spiritual growth and development. So Christians, it is time to wake up and live in the light because you are the light. Light dispels darkness. Let the light of your life reveal the darkness in the lives of others who need CHRIST or to those who need to rededicate their lives to CHRIST and walk accordingly.
Since we are starting a new year, let building a more intimate relationship with CHRIST be a top priority for this year.Let’s read Ephesians 5:15-16: Consistency in the Christian Life
15 Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk—not as unwise people but as wise— 16 making the most of the time,[6] because the days are evil.
The King James Version of the Bible renders verse 15 - 15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
Years ago, I recall a lay Bible teacher teaching on this verse. He focused on the word “circumspectly.” He said, “You could think of a cat carefully walking across a very high fence with danger below and watching it’s every step of where it placed its feet.” As Christians, we must be careful of our walk in life. This includes what we do, what we say and how we say it.
Paul cautions Christians that they all have 24 hours in a day and once that is gone it is gone forever. Paul did not use the word “chromos” for time, which refers to calendar time e.g. days, weeks, hours. Paul used the word “kairos” for time which means “opportunity.” This requires Christians to be in relationship with GOD and walking in the light of HIS presence for them to recognize and seize the opportunity to obediently serve HIM. The value of the opportunity to be light to those who need salvation, encouragement, comfort, cheering up, a listening ear and the list goes on is for a moment.
The word “kairos” is used in the Book of Esther, Chapter 4, and verse 14b – Who knows, perhaps you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this.”[7] Gn 45:7–8; 50:19–20
What a joy it is to realize that GOD placed you upon this earth at this time in your life for a very important reason. GOD has a plan for each Christian. That plan may be revealed to you while you are on earth or only in eternity. Someone may say, “Because of you, I am here in heaven. Thank you.”
During any 24 hour period there will be opportunities to serve HIM. Christians must walk in the Spirit to recognize and respond to these opportunities. Christians must consider their actions, inactions, words or deeds as they go through the day because they either reflect the light of GOD in them or blend in with those living in darkness. The days were evil in Paul’s day and they are still evil today. Christians are the light of the world and have the message of hope for those living in darkness and in need of Spiritual light as they journey through a world in darkness and appeals to the sensual. Christians are living is a world where the light of Christianity is growing dim.
Christians, let the light of CHRIST flow through you as you walk in your daily life and be the example GOD desires for you to be as HIS representative to those living in darkness. Be prepared to face opposition because the times are evil. Blessings and strength!!!
posted by Bible Study | 8:52 AM
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