The Incompatibility of Darkness
The Incompatibility of Darkness
Tuesday
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 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 of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not become partners with them;
— Ephesians 5:3-7 (ESV)
— Ephesians 5:3-7 (ESV)
Read the passage carefully, noting the strong language: "must not even be named among you," "has no inheritance in the kingdom," "let no one deceive you." This isn't casual advice. This is urgent warning. Sexual immorality, impurity, covetousness, filthy speech—these aren't minor issues. They're identity markers that reveal what kingdom we belong to.
Notice that Scripture connects covetousness with idolatry. Why? Because covetousness puts created things in God's place. It says, "I need this thing more than I need God." It makes an idol out of possessions, status, or another person's life. Sexual sin does the same thing. It says, "My desires define me more than God's design does."
The Word warns against "empty words" that minimize sin or promise false security. Our culture is filled with such empty words: "God just wants you happy." "Love is love." "Your truth is your truth." These phrases sound compassionate, but they're deadly because they promise peace with God while practicing rebellion against God.
The antidote Scripture prescribes is thanksgiving. A grateful heart recognizes God's good gifts and His wise boundaries. Thanksgiving turns your focus from what you don't have to what you've been given. It transforms covetousness into contentment and rebellion into worship.
Notice that Scripture connects covetousness with idolatry. Why? Because covetousness puts created things in God's place. It says, "I need this thing more than I need God." It makes an idol out of possessions, status, or another person's life. Sexual sin does the same thing. It says, "My desires define me more than God's design does."
The Word warns against "empty words" that minimize sin or promise false security. Our culture is filled with such empty words: "God just wants you happy." "Love is love." "Your truth is your truth." These phrases sound compassionate, but they're deadly because they promise peace with God while practicing rebellion against God.
The antidote Scripture prescribes is thanksgiving. A grateful heart recognizes God's good gifts and His wise boundaries. Thanksgiving turns your focus from what you don't have to what you've been given. It transforms covetousness into contentment and rebellion into worship.
Prayer Focus:
Confess specific areas where you've believed "empty words" that minimize sin. Ask God to give you a heart of thanksgiving that crowds out covetousness. Pray for discernment to recognize cultural deceptions that contradict Scripture.
Confess specific areas where you've believed "empty words" that minimize sin. Ask God to give you a heart of thanksgiving that crowds out covetousness. Pray for discernment to recognize cultural deceptions that contradict Scripture.
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