A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON PAUL’S LETTER TO THE EPHESIANS 

WHAT IS IMPROPER IN GOD’S SIGHT  

Ephesians 5:3 “But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people.” 

Perhaps you have heard this question: “If you were legally charged for living your life as a Christian, that is, as God said you are to live, would there be enough evidence against you to present in a court of law to convict you?”   

The question is quite sobering, isn’t it? Think about this question in the context of Paul’s words in Ephesians 5:3, “. . . there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed . . . “ in your life. Outwardly, you may look pure, righteous, and holy. But, how about your thoughts? In the privacy of your home what T.V. shows do you watch? What magazines do you read? What websites do you access on your computer? 

The Greek word that is translated as “improper” in today’s devotional verse means “to be fitting or right, with the implication of possible moral judgment involved.” (Greek-English Lexicon) The prefix “im,” of course means that what you are doing is in God’s sight, not fitting or right.” A study of the Ten Commandments will enable you to self-examine to determine whether your behavior, the choices you make, the things you think, say, and do both publicly and privately are in accord with God’s moral standards.   

Not a “hint” doesn’t give you any wiggle room, does it? It is a word under the umbrella of God’s law. It tells you that you are a sinner as are all human beings. John writes in 1 John 1:10, “If (you) claim (you) have not sinned, (you) make Him out to be a liar and (His) word is not in (you.) Thanks be to God, “If (you) confess (your) sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive (you your) sins and purify (you) from all unrighteousness.” You have an advocate, one who pleads with God to forgive you, Jesus Christ, the one who lived, died, and rose again, Who is the atoning sacrifice for your sins.” (1 John 2:1-2) 

Prayer: Holy Spirit, through the God’s Law show me my sin and through the Gospel show me my Savior and God’s forgiveness. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Drawn to the cross, which Thou hast blessed
With healing gifts for souls distressed,
To find in Thee my life, my rest,
Christ crucified, I come. 

Thou knowest all my griefs and fears,
Thy grace abused, my misspent years;
Yet now to Thee with contrite tears,
Christ crucified, I come. 

Wash me and take away each stain;
Let nothing of my sin remain.
For cleansing, though it be through pain,
Christ crucified, I come. 

And then for work to do for Thee,
Which shall so sweet a service be
That angels well might envy me,
Christ crucified, I come.  (LSB 560)