#1464. Not a hint of sexual immorality (3/3/26)
- Matt Beaney
- Mar 3
- 5 min read
Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional (posted, at present, every weekday) as we continue our Ephesians series: Ephesians - To the praise, for the purpose, in the power of God.
From Ephesians 5:3-4, we see that we are to put off all forms of sexual sin and corresponding speech and, rather, put on thanksgiving which purifies the heart.
To watch this devotional, please select the link below:
‘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. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.’ (Ephesians 5:3-4)
Paul continues with the theme of the things we are to ‘put off’ and ‘put on’ now that we are in Christ. In our last devotional, we saw how we as ‘dearly loved children’ who are to know and imitate Jesus’ love in giving Himself on the cross.
This idea of being loved and loving leads us to put off damaging attitudes and behaviour such as ‘sexual immorality … any kind of impurity… obscenity… foolish talk… coarse joking’ - none of these things are in keeping with Jesus’ character and His love.
1. Put off sexual immorality?
The word ‘porneía’ is a broad term encompassing all sexual activity outside of marriage. Clinton Arnold writes:
‘The term has a long history of being translated “fornication” … which was commonly used to refer to two unmarried people having consensual sex. The term clearly encompasses this, but should be understood in the broadest possible sense of any kind of sexual activity outside of a committed marriage relationship. This would include premarital sex, adultery (Matt 19:9), sex with a prostitute (1 Cor 6:12–20; see also Hos 1:2; Nah 3:4), homosexual liaisons (Rom 1:29),2 and incestuous relationships (1 Cor 5:1). (Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on The New Testament)
This was a massive problem for the first recipients of this letter, and it continues to be a problem for us. This issue has become more of a problem as our cultural norms around marriage based upon our Christian heritage have been eroded. Later in this chapter, Paul will teach that marriage, between a man and a woman, is the only place for sexual intimacy:‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.’ (Ephesians 5:31 quoting Genesis 2:24)
Put off Impurity
They are also told to put off ‘impurity’. The word ‘akatharsía’, is linked to sinful sex and may well point to sexual sin - pornography and sexual intimacy - that do not include actual sex.
Put off Greed
The word pleonexía refers to an insatiable craving - a grasping desire for more. While it can apply broadly, here it likely points to greed for sexual indulgence (see 4:19).
Sexual sin is often driven not by love but by appetite - by taking rather than giving.
Because these are improper for God’s holy people.
Paul gives the reason: ‘because these are improper for God’s holy people.’
We belong to God. We have been chosen and set apart for Him. Holiness is not about cold moralism; it is about reflecting the character of the One who has claimed us as His own.
2. Put Off Corrupt Speech
Paul then addresses speech:
Obscenity (aischrótēs) - Shameful or indecent behaviour and talk.
Foolish talk (mōrología) - Empty, senseless, morally careless speech.
Coarse joking (eutrapelía) - Vulgar or suggestive humour.
The Christian life includes how we joke.
In particular, humour that normalises sexual sin or treats impurity lightly is “out of place” among God’s people. We must remember: what we repeatedly laugh at, we may eventually justify. And what we justify, we may one day practise.
Our jokes shape our culture. Our culture shapes our lives.
Response - Put on thanksgiving
Finally, Instead of corrupt speech, Paul tells us to “put on” thanksgiving (eucharistia).
Gratitude reshapes desire. A thankful heart is less hungry for counterfeit pleasures. When we are deeply grateful for Christ — for forgiveness, for covenant love, for the dignity of holiness — our speech, behaviour and relationships are transformed
Community Group Notes - This week is 'SIV Week'
1. Notices
It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News.
Please ensure that everyone is aware and is signed up to our 50-hours of prayer that is starting on 11th March. Here’s the link to get the app:
2. Icebreaker
Something that builds relationships and confidence to share; it’s good to regularly use this moment to ask the group: How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you?
3. Worship together
Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.
4. Study and pray together
This week is SIV (Serve, Invest, and InVite) Week, so we’ll focus more on the reaching our community aspects in our study.
What is SIV?
SIV stands for Serve, Invest, and Invite. This is our very simple strategy to help bring our community to Jesus. We believe that God has placed us in relationships and in specific locations to be 'salt and light.' and to ‘fish for people’. We can effectively bring people to Jesus by:
'Serving' them - demonstrating the love of Christ in practical ways;
'Investing' in the ‘people of peace’ (See note below) those whom we feel the Spirit is leading us.
'Inviting' them into our homes by showing hospitality and inviting them to church events, to Alpha, and ultimately, inviting them to come to Jesus through the gospel.
On Sunday, we continued our new series entitled: Ephesians: to the praise, for the purpose, in the power of God.
Our message was, Wake Up Sleeper. We saw, from Ephesians 5:1-14, that:
Those who have been woken up and have Christ shining on them - Seek light, refuse darkness and shine light
Please read Ephesians 5:1-14 and discuss:
Personal Reflection – From Sunday’s message and this passage, what stood out to you? Was there anything the Spirit particularly impressed on your heart?
SIV - Why are godly sexual ethics, and godly language, essential for a healthy life, healthy church, and why do these things make us shine like a light in this dark world?
SIV - V.14 ‘Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you’, is considered an early Christian hymn. What does this phrase say about how one becomes a Christian, and how does this inform how we are to pray for our non-believing friends?
SIV - Share Stories – Have you had any recent opportunities to Serve, Invest in, or Invite someone toward Jesus? Let’s encourage one another by sharing stories of how we’ve seen God at work through simple faithfulness.
Practical Next Steps – Who might God be placing on your heart at this time? Are there any “people of peace” (see note) in your life—those who seem open, welcoming, or receptive to spiritual conversation?
Let’s Pray Together
Let’s pray for one another in light of what we’ve studied and bring any other needs before God.
Pray for courage, wisdom, and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit in our Serve, Invest, and Invite opportunities.
Pray specifically for the ‘people of peace’ in our lives - that God would open hearts and deepen relationships.
General prayer: From our study, or from personal needs, how do people want prayer?
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