Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

³ But immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints; 

⁴ and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. 

⁵ For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.”  Ephesians 5:1-5.

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The reason why we are able to be imitators of God is that we have this “new self” described in the prior chapter.  The “Therefore” in verse 1 is based on our “new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.”  See Ephesians 4:24. 

We feel uneasy when we hear filthy jokes, because of this “new self”.  We should not quench that feeling of uneasiness, “and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.”  Verse 4. 

Do we want to be like the one who told the joke or like the One Who loved us and gave Himself up for us?

“For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”  Colossians 1:13-14. 

“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children”.

After being washed clean by Christ’s blood, do we want to return to the filth of immorality and impurity?

“For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world by the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and are overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first.  For it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn away from the holy commandment handed on to them.  It has happened to them according to the true proverb, “A DOG RETURNS TO ITS OWN VOMIT,” and, “A sow, after washing, returns to wallowing in the mire.”  2 Peter 2:20-22. 

“For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.”  Verse 5.

“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children”.

In our natural world, children imitate their parents.  How much more in the spiritual world should we children imitate our Father in Heaven?!  “Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”  Matthew 5:48

“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children;  and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.”  Verses 1 and 2.