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Live a Life of Purity

Words of Faith Final

Live a Life of Purity

Words of Faith 3-24-2021

Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy © 2021

Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com

Faith Fellowship Church - Melbourne, FL

www.faithfellowshipweb.com

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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.

 

      The foundation of family life is the imitation of God-- surrendering to the character qualities of His Spirit.  We are to live a life of love sacrificially, laying our lives down as an offering for our families.  That does not mean that we are to submit to a spouse's abuse or that we are to behave like a doormat, but we are to place the needs of family above our own.

       The first area of sacrifice is in the so-called "freedom" to behave in ways that are immoral or amoral—impure or filled with greed.  We are called to live above reproach without even a hint of sexual immorality, impurity, or greed. 

       The words used here are powerful.  "Sexual immorality" come from the Greek word "porneia" which means any kind of sexual sin-- sex that is outside of the context of marriage between one man and one woman.  This is where we get the word pornography.  Impurity means all of that which surrounds sin and entices.  Greed is active desire that is not confined to sexuality but implies "the lust for more."  All three of these are characteristic of secular existence.

       As the Body of believers, there should not be even a hint of these three things.  The Greek means "not one instance." These are unfitting for God's people, but even more, these are the very things that undermine family relationships and destroy the ties of marriage.  Without these fundamental commitments, marriage and family will not work.  Marriage and family are all about surrendering our selfishness.  This is why all basic vows of Christian marriage relate to fidelity and purity, and exclusive commitment.

       The enemy will often creep into the family through these open doorways either by impure enticement or greed.  The most common conflicts in marriage are usually tied to sex, money, or control.  When we get lost in the world or even just overly influenced by the world, these issues become contention points between spouses and between parents and children. 

       Families or couples will often enter into counseling or study primarily because they are not getting what they want in some aspect-- either fulfillment in the marriage or behavior from the children.  When we start with that goal-- to get our family to do or give what we want-- we start with a flawed motivation and direction. 

       Let's go back to verse one of this passage. We see that the foundation of the family is to imitate God and His sacrificial love displayed in Christ's fragrant offering.  This is also the goal of marriage and family.  The purpose of marriage is not to "meet our needs."  It is to glorify God. Marriage functions to make us more Christ-like so that the glory of God may be revealed in us.  This means that we are called to set aside those worldly pursuits which are plans leading to failure and instead pursue God in our homes. 

       Here are the practical questions:  Is there any worldly pursuit that you need to set aside, either to prepare for your marriage or strengthen it?  You might say that you are not sure you will ever be married, but Scripture says that if you are a believer, we will all be married at the marriage feast of the Lamb.  Some of us will have earthly marriages as well.  In preparation for both—are you walking in purity?  Imitating the character of God in staying clear of even a hint of immorality?  Are you building your character upon the fruit of the Spirit and the pursuit of generosity rather than greed?  These are the foundations of family life and the goal.

 

      Father God, forgive my sin. Cleanse me and make me as white as snow.  Clear aside all sexual immorality and impurity.  Free me from worldly temptations and greed.  Free me from the lust for more.  Set the foundation of life in me as I anticipate the marriage feast of the Lamb.  In Jesus' Name.