ODJ: not a hint
May 8, 2011
Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you (v.3).
READ: Ephesians 5:1-10
You know, I’m really, really happy that I chose to sleep around while I was in my teens and twenties.” “Pornography has made my marriage so much better.” “Letting my lust run wild has really drawn me closer to God.”
Okay, I’ve never heard someone say anything even remotely close to these statements. After having counseled many individuals and couples over the years, what I have heard is this: Impurity only leads to pain and destruction.
God is well aware of that fact. His Word tells us over and over to pursue purity and bolt from sexual sin (1 Thessalonians 4:3-7; 1 Corinthians 6:18). The apostle Paul wrote, “Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you” (Ephesians 5:3-10). In the NIV, this verse is rendered: “Among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity.”
Paul explains that these sins “have no place among God’s people” (v.3), or His holy ones. Instead of living in darkness, we’re called to “live as people of light!” (v.8). As we walk in His holy ways, we will avoid the ugliness and heartache that comes with impurity, but—most important—we will be doing “what pleases the Lord” (v.10). It’s not enough to simply know God’s commands. We’re called to obey them.
Recently I was talking with someone whose pain and remorse over previous sexually immoral choices had affected her current relationships. By God’s grace, she has repented of her sin, but the past continues to haunt her.
Paul wrote, “You will always harvest what you plant” (Galatians 6:7). By turning from impure temptations, you’re “planting” seeds that will lead to spiritual health, bring glory to God, and sow true joy that comes from Him.
Remember, to be pure, means “not even a hint.” —Tom Felten
What impurity in your life do you need to bring to God in repentance? Why does one impure choice often lead to others?
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