UncommonSample

“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.” Ephesians 5:5-6

Here is where Christians screw up the above passages in multiple ways. First, some Christians will read this and think if they are struggling, then they are not saved. This interpretation is untrue. Scripture is clear that you are saved by grace, not by works. Second, they communicate to non-Christians that they must modify their behavior to have salvation. Nope. Remember whom Paul is talking to, not the unbeliever. He’s talking to the saints. He’s talking to you and me.

Paul is saying that we have inherited the kingdom through the grace of Jesus by faith - so stop acting like people who have not inherited the kingdom. Float in grace and THEN modify your behavior to imitate God. He then says:

“...therefore do not be partakers with them; for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light (for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.” Ephesians 5:7-14

He says not to partner in these endeavors of the typical status quo. Rise above. He does not mean to look down on or condemn them but rather bring the Light of God to them through God’s status quo. In goodness, you are rightly relating to God and truth. Maybe you’re reading this and have hated the kingdom of God because it was represented incorrectly to you. I’m sorry we misrepresented the Good News because it is such Good News. Maybe you have been trying to keep yourself afloat so God will love you. Stop. It doesn’t work like that, and He loves you. He lifts you. Now, embrace this beloved grace and honor Him with how you live - not for his love but because of his love.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. In what ways are you a partaker of darkness?
2. In what ways can you become a partaker of light?

In what ways have you felt bitterness towards religious people about how they have modeled holiness? How can you deal with those feelings of bitterness?