Six Behaviours Christians Should Avoid

Read Ephesians 5:1-7

Previously I talked about how Christians should live in light of their faith in Christ. In today's reading, Paul continues to instill in the Ephesian Gentiles the importance of how they behaved regarding their newfound faith.

Again, the Ephesian believers Paul was talking to came out of idol worship and paganism that employed some of the lewdest and detestable acts you could ever imagine. It was, therefore, imperative that Paul drove home that their previous behaviour of "devotion" (lewd acts, drinking blood, debauchery, orgies, etc.) towards their former gods was unacceptable to the one true God. He continues from Ephesians chapter four with more advice for them on how to behave. He begins with an appropriate admonishment in the first two verses - "Be imitators of God, as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma."

The significance of these verses was not lost on the Ephesians. They knew what Paul was referring to, for they often burned incense and gave offerings to their former gods that were "sweet-smelling." Paul is impressing upon them one fact - Christ was now the sacrifice and final offering. A truly sweet-smelling aroma before the one true God. Jesus' gift of his life to save them from their sinful lifestyles was not lost on the Ephesians. Let it never be lost to us!

While the examples Paul sets forth in Ephesians 5 are geared toward the pagan attitudes and beliefs of the new converts, they are also excellent examples for this generation. To the young person reading this, pay attention to how you behave with your friends. Remember, you are emulating Christ to them. As Paul says, we must "imitate" God (Jesus). So pay attention to this list of behaviours you must put aside as you grow in the Lord.

Six Behaviours Christians
Should Do Away With​

Fornication - ​The Greek word used for sexual immorality in the original text is porneia. It is translated in some Bibles as fornication. It means "illicit sexual intercourse." Fornication, in modern terms, has been watered down to mean sex before marriage. But Paul is talking about all forms of fornication (sexual immorality) because the Ephesians were heavily involved in it due to how they worshipped their idols. This included: adultery, sex before marriage, but also pedophilia, sex with animals, incest, prostitution and orgies, etc. 

Uncleanness - The word used in Greek is akatharsia. It is a general term for physical uncleanness. But, also, it is used when referring to impure motives and the impurity of lustful, debased living.

Greed - The NKJV uses the word "covetousness" to align with the Ephesian's lifestyle. They had insatiable appetites for more, and their greed often led them to steal, extort money, and use sex for gain. Whatever they had to do to get what they wanted was okay with them as long as the end result was that their desires were fulfilled. In today's society, covetous living is the norm, with people always wanting more and the best. We only have to look at Black Friday sales to see how destructive greed can be. Paul tells the Ephesians to "put away" this horrible aspect of their former lifestyle. Advice that is still relevant today.

Filthiness - This is different than uncleanness. The word in Greek is aischrotēs and means obscenity, shame, or disgrace - anything contrary to purity. 

Foolish Talking - The Greek word used is mōrologia and comes from the word mōros and legō, meaning "to say." Generally speaking, "foolish talking" is idle chatter.

Coarse Jesting - This is exactly how it sounds - dirty jokes, sarcasm, and ribald remarks do not emulate the heart of Christ.

The beginning of Ephesians 5 is clearly geared to the licentious behaviours the Ephesian converts formerly indulged in. As Paul says, "no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God" (Ephesians 5:5). He made it very clear these behaviours would not be tolerated. He finished by reminding them not to be swayed by "empty words." In other words, he warned them not to listen to those in Ephesus who would make them believe they could still worship their idols and God simultaneously. 

Remember, Ephesus was the major idol capital of the ancient world. In fact, at one point, those merchants who profited off the sale of idols were enraged at Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul's travelling companions from Macedonia. A mob dragged them into the theatre to exact vengeance because too many people believed in Jesus, and their businesses suffered (Acts 19:23-41). Therefore, Paul urged the Ephesians not to be swayed by their "empty" words.

Sadly, parts of the church today behave like the pagan believers in Ephesus. Their commitment to God is superficial at best. They are unrepentant sinners swayed by "empty words." According to a 2020 Pew Research Poll, "Half of Christians say casual sex – defined in the survey as sex between consenting adults who are not in a committed romantic relationship – is sometimes or always acceptable."

"1 Thessalonians 4:8 makes it very clear: 'Anyone who rejects this instruction does not reject a human being but God, the very God who gives you his Holy Spirit.' In other words, if you are unwilling to say no to sexual immorality or "deeds done in the flesh," you are ultimately rejecting God. This is a very sobering thought that our young people (and maybe some in the older generation) need to take to heart. If you are going to live for Jesus, then live the sanctified life He called you to.