Paul is now dealing with how we are to walk as witnesses of our restored and true identity, while we struggle to do so in the world but are no longer counted among those of it. This was also the problem that he and Jesus (YWHW, Asher, or Isra, I am who is to be revealed more and more Joshua, of the ancient Hebrew text) faced and is our allotment also. A sub title for this could well be, be imitators of GOD. I might point out that the area we are now covering can be considered the third generation of humanity even though in the ancient languages it is said to be that of Israel or of Jacob, being Isra-El, where "Isra," means humanity and EL is GOD.
Ephesians 5:3-5, 6-14 "But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking(G3473), nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath(G3709) of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them. For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth); Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light." (KJV)
Ephesians 5:3-5, 6-14 "But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk(G3473) nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.
Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath(G3709) of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not become partners with them; For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, "Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you." (ESV)
Ephesians 5:3-5, 6-14 "Agape has nothing in common with lust, immoral acts, or greed. The absence of these motives even in the way we talk sets a standard of excellence. Any [1]distorted language, sarcasm, or below the belt jokes are uncalled for; much rather let gratitude grace be our conversation. (The word, [1, G3473 from a compound of G3474 and G3004] morologic, means disfigured, exaggerated speech. The word (3474), mōros, means dull or stupid, while (G3004), legō, means to lay forth a set dis course.) The Christ-life gives distinct definition to the kingdom of GOD within us. We cannot live a double-standard life. Abusing people through adultery, lust, and greed is like worshipping a distorted image of ourselves, which is what idolatry is all about.
Avoid any association with those who employ hollow words to entice anyone; [1]unbelief only produces more unbelief in a breed of people that distorts the pattern of their original design as an image bearer of GOD; this certainly does not [2]please GOD. (The phrase, [1] uious tes apeitheias , translates as unbelief produces a breed of people; not sons of disobedience as most translations read here! The word, [2, G3709 from G3713] orge, means excitement of mind, and it is from the word, (G3713) oregomai, meaning to stretch one's self out in order to touch or to grasp something, to reach after or to desire something.) Do not allow their unbelief to include you in their company. For we all were there once, trapped in the same darkness, but now we are light; our life confirms that light now rules. The spiritual harvest of light is evident in all that is excellent, innocent, and of impeccable integrity. This gives certain evidence to the life of GOD's delight. Do not tolerate anything in your life that associates you with darkness; there is no profit in it for us. Let light dispel any residue of darkness in you. By gossiping about shameful acts that other people do in secret, we are giving those thing undue mileage and credit. Darkness loses it grip upon thos in which light is manifested. Light displaces darkness (as seen in Genesis 1; John 1) This is the message of light: Christ awakens us from our intoxicated slumber and resurrects us all, out of the death trap on enslavement thought patterns." (The Mirror)
In our next visit we shall again hear a warning against a walking with the unwise. Until then the LORD willing may you and yours mediate on the light.
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