'So be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and handed himself over for us as a sacrificial offering to God for a fragrant aroma. Immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be mentioned among you, as is fitting among holy ones, no obscenity or silly or suggestive talk, which is out of place, but instead, thanksgiving. Be sure of this, that no immoral or impure or greedy person, that is, an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty arguments, for because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the disobedient. So do not be associated with them (Eph. 5:1-7).’
There is a manner of living that differentiates members of God’s household. One of the characteristics is love of neighbor as demonstrated by Jesus when he sacrificed his life for our salvation. Christ’s obedience and sacrifice were pleasing to God; ‘a fragrant aroma.’ As Christians, we are called to imitate Christ and be willing to give of ourselves completely. That is the path to holiness. Those living outside God’s household indulge in immoral activities and will not inherit the kingdom of God. Christians are to fight against immorality by leading moral lives, thereby setting examples for others. Christians are members of Christ (1 Cor. 6:15), and their bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19).’
Almighty God, do not let us be swept away by the current of immorality but be anchored by the strength of our faith firmly rooted in Christ Jesus. In the spiritual battle against immorality, we offer you our obedience and our works for you to use in accordance with your will. This we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen!
References:
Raymond E. Brown, Joseph A. Fitzmyer, & Roland E. Murphy, (Eds.). (1990, 1968). The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey: Prentis Hall, Inc.
Jose M. Casciaro, Santiago Ausin, Gonzalo Aranda, Claudio Basevi, Vincente Balaguer, Francisco Varo, James Gavigan, Brian McCarthy & Thomas McGovern (Eds.). (2017). The Navarre Bible - New Testament. Dublin 8, Ireland: Four Courts Press.
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