Bible study on Purity - is it just about sex?

Bible study on Purity - is it just about sex?

Ephesians 4:17-5:

Ephesians 4:17-24 (NIV)

So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. [18] They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. [19] Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more. [20] You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. [21] Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. [22] You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; [23] to be made new in the attitude of your minds; [24] and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

As Gentiles life was ...

Futile

Separated from God

Lost of all sensitivity

Not ashamed of ways of behaving

Indulging in all forms of impurity

Continual lust for more

The Gentiles were on a downward path which could be described as ...

Ephesians 4:18 (NIV)

They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts.

- obstinacy 

- darkness

- separation from life of God - death

- recklessness 

As Christians we are told to ...

Put off your old self

Made new in the attitudes of your mind

Created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness

- Christ is the substance of Christian teaching

- Christ is the teacher

- Christ is the context

What is the role of the mind in how we live, think and act?

Pagans can't see what is wrong, too much of a good time. Happy in a sinful state of mind.

Christians - need a whole new mind set, we need to make new the attitudes of mind.

Ephesians 4:25-26,28-32 (NIV)

Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. [26] "In your anger do not sin" : Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, [28] He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need. [29] Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. [30] And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. [31] Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. [32] Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Ephesians 5:1-4 (NIV)

Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children [2] and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. [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. [4] Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.

Six examples of sins we should put off.

Ephesians 4:25 (NIV)

Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body.

- Put off falsehood.

- Speak truthfully.

Ephesians 4:26-27 (NIV)

"In your anger do not sin" : Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, [27] and do not give the devil a foothold.

- Do not sin in Anger.

- Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry.

Ephesians 4:28 (NIV)

He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.

- Don't steal

- Do something useful and give back to those in need

Ephesians 4:29-30 (NIV)

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. [30] And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

- Watch what you say

- Only say what is helpful for building others up

Ephesians 4:31-32 (NIV)

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. [32] Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

- Get rid of bitterness and malice

- Be kind and compassionate to one another

Ephesians 5:3-4 (NIV)

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. [4] Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.

- No sexual immorality

- Watch what you say

They all separate us from God and God hates it. If we put off these things we will please God.

Why does Paul introduce the Holy Spirit in v30?

Ephesians 4:30 (NIV)

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

The Holy Spirit is God promise and will teach us about Jesus. Although God still loves us when we mess up we do upset and grieve Him.

Who do we keep our eyes on? 

Who are we are trying to put first in our lives?

If we are trying to put a smile on God's face and not grieve his heart rather than pleasing others we will be on the right path.

This whole passage promotes unity in the church and in our relationships.

What areas of sin do I need to it off?

How does who you are in Christ affect the way you want to live?

Holiness is not a mystical condition in isolation from other people - how can others make us more pure?