Out of Place

Ephesians 5:3-5

In absolute contrast to God’s holiness and love, such sins as these exist, by which satan seeks to destroy God’s divine work in His children and turn them as far away as possible form His image and will. As do many other Scriptures, these verses show the close connection between sexual sin and other forms of impurity and greed. Paul talks about how these sins are “out of place” in the life of the believer. He tells how the Ephesians are to obey in the light of their present identity as saints (v3). Obscenity and course joking have become so commonplace that we begin to take them for granted. Paul cautions that improper language should have no place in the Christians conversation because it does not reflect God’s gracious presence in us. Such language and licentiousness is not only “out of place”, but the person whose life is characterized by this “has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God” (v5). 


Questions for further thought:
1. In what ways have I spoken coarsely or minced words in my speech this week?

2. How will I seek to remedy my answer to question #1?


Challenge: Commit to praising God and reminding others of His goodness by speaking words of life instead of course language.