May 29th | Do Not Live as Gentiles Do - They Indulge in Every Kind of Impurity

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

DO NOT LIVE AS GENTILES DO – THEY INDULGE IN EVERY KIND OF IMPURITY   

Ephesians 4:19 “Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed. 

Thomas Winger writes, “There is no such thing as moral neutrality.” Remember the quote from Jesus in yesterday’s devotion, “ I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” Jesus also taught, “Whoever is not with Me is against Me, and whoever does not gather with Me scatters.” (Matthew 12:30) 

Those who are a captive of Satan, the world, and their sinful flesh, who St. Paul refers to as Gentiles in today’s devotional verse, are actively pursuing “every kind of impurity.” Without receiving the cleansing of Holy Baptism and the saving work of the Holy Spirit through the power of the Gospel, they will remain captives of these impure ways of living.   

You, by God’s grace through the Sacrament of Holy Baptism have been washed, cleansed, having had “every kind of impurity” removed from your heart, soul, mind, and body. Daily the Holy Spirit desires to renew you in Baptismal Grace to continue this cleansing work as Satan, the world, and your sinful flesh attempts to draw you back into “every kind of impurity.”   

While Gentiles are led to believe they can do whatever they want the Holy Spirit leads you by the Gospel to a life that is in alignment with God’s will. The Ten Commandments become a guide, given you by God, for you to fear, love, and trust in Him above all things. In this new life you have been given, through your faith in Jesus, you now live to give glory and honor to God. You are a light unto the world reflecting the light of Christ who is “light unto the world” (John 9:5) where there is no darkness at all. (Remember, the Gentiles walk in the darkness of unbelief and separation from Jesus)  

Prayer: O Lord Jesus, pour out Your light upon me that the path to forgiveness of my sins and the way to heaven is revealed to me by the power of Your Holy Spirit. Amen. 

Walk in the light! So shalt thou know That fellowship of love  His Spirit only can bestow Who reigns in light above. 

Walk in the light! And thou shalt find Thy heart made truly His,  Who dwells in cloudless light enshrined, In whom no darkness is.  Walk in the light! And Thou shalt own Thy darkness passed away, Because that light hath on thee shone In which is perfect day.  Walk in the light! And e’en the tomb No fearful shade shall wear; Glory shall chase away its gloom, For Christ hath conquered there.  Walk in the light! Thy path shall be A path, Tho thorny, bright; For God, by grace, shall dwell in thee, And God Himself is light.  (Barnard Barton, 1784-1849, Public Domain)