NOT EVEN MENTIONED AMONG YOU

Intro.

1. Just as light exposes things hidden in a dark corner, truth exposes the shame of our sin - Eph. 5:13; Jno. 3:19-21. We expose our character when the light of truth exposes our sin!

2. Eph. 5:1-14: Clear contrast between the children of God & the children of disobedience. The apostle Paul (inspired by the Holy Spirit) minces no words in revealing the differences.

Ephesians 5:1-14

WHO?

Sons of God (5:1)

{Gal. 3:26-27}

Saints (5:3)

{Set apart by God to be His very own! - Eph. 1:1; 1 Cor. 1:3; 1 Thess. 4:3}

Sons of Disobedience (5:5)

{Eph. 2:1-3}

Sinners (5:5)

{1 Jno. 3:4; cf. Phil. 3:17-19: Enemies of the cross of Christ!}

TRAITS?

· Self Sacrifice -

{Like Christ (5:2), to willingly surrender oneself in words, thoughts, intents of the heart, desires, etc. - Rom. 12:1}

Imitate God/Christ (5:1)

{Mimic Him as children mimic others.}

Light in the Lord (5:8)

{Truth; Walk in light of truth - Jno. 8:12; 17:17; 1 Jno. 1:7}

Fruit of the Spirit (5:9)

{Produce, result of light: Goodness, righteousness & truth - Gal. 5:22-23}

· Self Indulgence -

{Gratification of the flesh via words, thoughts, intents of the heart, desires, etc. - Rom. 8:5-7}

(1) Serve Satan (cf. 2:1-2)

{The sinner is imitating Satan! Jno. 8:44}

(2) Darkness of sin (5:8, 11)

{Error/Lie - Matt. 6:22-23}

(3) Unfruitful (5:11)

{Faithless & spiritually barren life}

SPECIFIC CONDUCT?

· Love (5:2

)

Not Even Named Among You! (5:3)

{Christians are to be so far removed from these sins that the very suspicion of their existence among us should be banished once & for all!!}

· Love’s Perversion:

-Fornication {unlawful sexual contact - cf. 1 Cor. 7:2; Heb. 13:4}

-Uncleanness {Impurity of all kinds, sensuality - cf. Eph. 4:19}

-Covetousness {Greediness, a desire to have more, & so to take advantage of others - cf. Eph. 4:19}

-Filthiness {Obscenity in act or gesture; baseness, shamefulness - cf. Phil. 3:19. Does not live with a constant recognition of the presence of God.}

-Foolish talking {The talk of fools; Dull, idle, stupid - Matt. 12:36-37}

-Coarse jesting {eutrapelia, Profane versatility (lit., "easily turning"); turning a phrase into vulgarity, shameful wit - cf. Col. 4:6} Innuendo, double entendre, risqué language. - Prov. 26:18-19

· Give thanks (5:4)

{eucharistia - grace, thanks, cheerfulness of spirit in contrast to worldly jesting - Eph. 5:20; Psa. 34:1}

RESULT (Reward)?

Inheritance (5:5)

{Eph. 1:11; Heirs - Rom. 8:17}

- Acceptable to the Lord (5:10) -

{cf. 5:2 - Like Christ’s sacrifice, ours pleases God!)

Wrath (5:6)

{Col. 3:6; Rom. 1:18}

-Rejected As Shameful & Indecent (5:12)-

{Gal. 5:19-21}

WARNINGS:

Do Not Be Deceived (5:6) Þ

{Gal. 6:7-8}

Do Not Be Partakers (5:7, 11) Þ

{1 Pet. 4:4}

These sins will be punished by God!

{2 Ths. 1:8-9; Heb. 10:29}

Have nothing in common!

(2 Cor. 6:14-17)

Conclusion

1. As children of God our light of truth, decency & morality must shine in the world.

2. Eph. 5:14 - We need a spiritual awakening so that the light of Christ shines on us & in us.

3. Eph. 5:3 - Sin ought to be conspicuous among us because it is not fitting!