What does "no immoral, impure, or greedy person" mean in today's context? Ephesians 5:5 in Focus “For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure, or greedy person—that is, an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.” Key Terms, Plainly Stated • Immoral (porneia): sexual sin of any kind—outside the covenant of one-man/one-woman marriage. • Impure (akatharsia): moral uncleanness in thought, word, or deed; anything that contaminates the heart. • Greedy (pleonexia): covetous craving for more; a grasping spirit that treats stuff or status as a god. • Idolatry: worshiping anything in place of the Lord—whether pleasure, possessions, or self. Immorality in Today’s World • Sex before or outside marriage (1 Thessians 4:3-5). • Adultery, affairs, co-habitation (Hebrews 13:4). • Pornography, sexting, hookup culture (Matthew 5:27-30). • Same-sex acts, prostitution, human trafficking (1 Corinthians 6:9-10). Unrepentant pursuit of these sins marks a life not submitted to Christ. Impurity in Today’s World • Entertaining the mind with obscene media, vulgar humor, hateful speech (Ephesians 5:3-4). • Drug or alcohol abuse that fogs discernment (1 Peter 1:13-16). • Bitterness, envy, malice nesting in the heart (James 3:14-16). • Any practice that dulls sensitivity to the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:19-21). Greed in Today’s World • Materialism, consumer debt for unnecessary luxuries (Luke 12:15). • Workaholism and career idolatry (Mark 8:36). • Gambling, get-rich schemes, dishonest gain (Proverbs 13:11). • Envy of others’ success or possessions (James 4:1-3). • Withholding generosity though able to give (1 John 3:17). Why Greed Equals Idolatry • Trust shifts from the Lord to money (Matthew 6:24). • Affection shifts from the Giver to the gifts (Colossians 3:5). • Identity shifts from “child of God” to “owner, consumer, collector” (1 Timothy 6:9-10). The Warning: No Inheritance • Persistent, unrepentant practice shows a heart unchanged by the gospel (1 John 3:9-10). • Such a life forfeits citizenship in the kingdom Christ will consummate (Revelation 21:8). • The issue is direction, not perfection: believers may stumble, yet they repent and fight sin (1 Corinthians 6:11). Living as Children of Light (Ephesians 5:8) Put Off: – Sexual immorality, impurity, greed. – Filthy talk, coarse jokes, covetous thoughts. Put On: – Thanksgiving and praise (Ephesians 5:4). – Purity in relationships and media choices (Philippians 4:8). – Contentment and cheerful generosity (Hebrews 13:5; 2 Corinthians 9:6-8). – Accountability with faithful believers (Hebrews 10:24-25). Summing It Up “Immoral, impure, or greedy” describes lifestyles that dethrone Christ and enthrone desire. In every age—and especially in ours saturated with sexual license, moral compromise, and consumer excess—Ephesians 5:5 stands as a clear, loving call: forsake the idols, cling to the Savior, and walk as heirs of the kingdom. |
    |