Seeking Purity in a Sensual Culture
Ephesians 5:1-5, 8-12, 15-16
pu?ri?ty [pyoor-i-tee] noun
1. the condition or quality of being pure; freedom from anything that debases, contaminates, pollutes, etc.: the purity of drinking water. 2. freedom from any admixture or modifying addition. 3. ceremonial or ritual cleanness. 4. freedom from guilt or evil; innocence. 5. physical chastity; virginity. (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/purity)
sen?su?al sen-shoo-uhl] adjective
1. pertaining to, inclined to, or preoccupied with the gratification of the senses or appetites; carnal; fleshly. 2. lacking in moral restraints; lewd or unchaste. (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/sensual)
We live in a sensual world. Music, culture, movies and television all call us to be preoccupied with sensual gratification. This preoccupation becomes a master that demands our self satisfaction regardless of the cost, personal or relational. It causes us to see others as objects for our own gratification. It replaces God’s preeminence in our lives; it is a form of idolatry (v. 5).
It is interesting to note that the primary word in the definition of purity is “freedom.” Paul calls us to be imitators of God, to walk in love, free from the lusts that cause us to use and abuse others. I like The Message’s translation of verse 5: “You can be sure that using people or religion or things just for what you can get out of them – the usual variations on idolatry – will get you nowhere, and certainly nowhere near the kingdom of Christ, the kingdom of God.”
Paul was writing to former pagans who were not only in the dark, they were darkness (v. 8). Like us, when they became Jesus followers, they were expected to behave as children of the light. “Proving” in verse 10 means to put to the test and approve what is good. By putting into practice what is well-pleasing to the Lord, we also approve the will of God as good, acceptable and perfect (Romans 12:2, which uses the same verb). Walking in the light allows Jesus followers to expose sensual immorality for what it is: barren pursuits of darkness, scandalous shams of people wasting their lives.
Paul calls us to be wise:
So watch your step. Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times! (vv. 15-16, The Message)
In a culture so preoccupied with physical gratification, Jesus followers are challenged to walk away from self satisfaction, to prove how good God’s way is, and to make the most of present opportunities!
Scudder– Lessons in the BSL series for the winter quarter are being written by Steve Scudder, former DOM for Savannah River Association.