Day 95/260: Read Ephesians 5

Paul takes great care to warn his readers against impurity. To his young friend Timothy, he wrote, “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). He also advised the young preacher, “Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart” (2 Timothy 2:22). He urged the church in Philippi to meditate on whatever is pure (Philippians 4:8).

Here in Ephesians 5, the apostle lists several sinful deeds, and says, “let it not even be named among you.” He tells them that those who use “empty words” are those who will face “the wrath of God,” and implored them, “Therefore do not be partakers with them.”
One of his strongest warnings comes in the eleventh verse. “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.”

Many people grew up with mothers who warned, “You need to choose your friends; don’t let your friends choose you.” In other words, don’t just go along with whatever crowd tries to recruit you, but pick a group of friends who have the same morals that you read about in the Bible.

Who are your friends? Are they pure? Are you?

Memory (Recite to a friend without looking)

Ephesians 1:22-23. And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

Pray

Pray for wisdom in choosing the pure path of righteousness.