Six Behaviours Christians Should Avoid

Read Ephesians 5:1-7

Last week we 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 in regards to their new found faith.

Again, the Ephesian believers Paul was talking to were coming out of idol worship and paganism that employed some of the most lewd and detestable acts you could ever imagine. It was, therefore, imperative that Paul drove home the fact that their previous behaviour of "devotion" (lewd acts, drinking blood, debauchery, orgies, etc.) towards their former gods, was not acceptable to the one true God. He continues on from Ephesians chapter four with more advice for them on how they were to behave and begins with an appropriate admonishment - 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 this verse 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 this one true 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, it is clear they are excellent examples for this generation as well. 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 are to "imitate" God (Jesus). So pay attention to this list of behaviours you must put aside as you grow in the Lord.

Six Behaviours to Do Away With
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1. 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. Now fornication in modern terms has been watered down to simply mean sex before marriage. But Paul is talking about all forms of fornication (sexual immorality), because the Ephesians were heavily involved in it because of how they worshipped their idols. This included: adultery, sex before marriage, homosexuality, lesbianism, sex with animals, incest, prostitution and orgies, etc. 
2. Uncleanness - The word used in the Greek is akatharsia and is a general term for physical uncleanness, but also it is used when referring to impure motives as well as the impurity of lustful, debased living.
3. Greed - The NKJV uses the word "covetousness" and it fits in line with the Ephesian's lifestyle. They had insatiable appetites for more and their greediness often lead them to steal, to extort money, to 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 how destructive greed can be. Paul is telling the Ephesians to put away this horrible aspect of their former lifestyle. Advice that is still relevant today.
4. Filthiness - This is different than uncleanness. The word in Greek is aischrotēs and means obscenity, shame, or disgrace. Anything that is contrary to purity.
5. 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.
6. Coarse Jesting - This is exactly how it sounds - dirty jokes, sarcasm, 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 was warning them not to listen to those in Ephesus who would make them believe that they could still worship their idols and God at the same time. 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 formed and dragged them into the theatre to exact vengeance because too many people were believing in Jesus and their businesses were suffering because of it (Acts 19:23-41). Paul therefore, urged the Ephesians not to be swayed by their "empty" words.

This is, of course, something today's Christian must also take to heart. We often hear of well-known Christians who are putting aside scripture and listening to the voices of the world instead. Particularly in regards to homosexuality and same-sex marriage. The Bible is clear where God stands on these issues, but some Christians are being swayed by "empty words" and turning from God's ways to the world's ways. But it isn't just in regards to homosexuality and same-sex marriage, it is sexual immorality in general. 

According to Focus on the Family, an estimated one-third of men and one-quarter of women have admitted to engaging in an extramarital affair (adultery). And according to the "2014 State of Dating in America" report published by Christian Mingle and JDate (dating websites for Christians and Jews), 61 percent of Christians said they would have sex before marriage. Even homosexuality is a problem in the church today, for there are  gays who call themselves Christians and believe wholeheartedly that homosexuality is not a sin and they promote that message as much as possible. 

Sadly, parts of the church today are behaving as the pagan believers in Ephesus. Their commitment to God is superficial at best. They are unrepentant sinners swayed by "empty words". 

Some of my post today came from a previous post on living a sanctified life. It seems appropriate to finish with it today: 

"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 not willing to say no to sexual immorality or "deeds done in the flesh" you are ultimately rejecting God. This is a very sobering thought and one our young people (and maybe some in the older generation as well), need to take to heart. If you are going to live for Jesus, then live the sanctified life He called you to.

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