Ephesians 5.5-7
“For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.”
Those who reject God’s grace and who continue to live in opposition to his standards are called “the sons of disobedience” (verse 7). The followers of Jesus, on the other hand, are referred to as “beloved children” (verse 1).
The apostle is not warning Christians about God’s wrath, because those who trust in Jesus have been sealed by the Holy Spirit (4.30) and will therefore never experience God’s wrath. Rather, the apostle is admonishing the Lord’s beloved children not to live like the sons of disobedience who will experience the wrath of God.
The sons of disobedience reject the Lord and his standards, and therefore engage in all kinds of sexual immorality. They are covetous and idolatrous, and they will not inherit God’s kingdom.
Paul’s message is this: You are children of God who are saved by grace. Therefore, have nothing to do with the behavior of the sons of disobedience.
The apostle also gives this warning, “Let no one deceive you with empty words.” The world seeks to pull you into sexual sin with attractive lies. This, again, is the danger of the seductress, the forbidden woman frequently spoken of in Proverbs.
“Why should you be intoxicated, my son, with a forbidden woman and embrace the bosom of an adulteress? For a man’s ways are before the eyes of the Lord, and he ponders all his paths.” (Proverbs 5.20-21)
Why would you want to be under the influence and control of someone or something that wants to do you harm? That is the nature of sexual sin. It is pleasurable in the beginning, but it is also intoxicating … that is, it impairs your judgment and distorts your decision-making.
Under the influence of lust and lies, you do foolish things that damage you and others.
This is also the nature of false religion, idolatry, materialism, greed, and certain political philosophies. They intoxicate you and impair your judgment. They seduce you into embracing them, and then lead you astray.
Note that Proverbs 5.21 says the Lord is watching. You might be seduced and intoxicated by sexual sin, but the Lord is not. You may not see clearly, but the Lord does. That is why you must trust God’s standards. That is why the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Turn away from the intoxicating deceit of the forbidden woman and turn to God’s truth.
You are a child of God and blessed by his grace. Do not live like the sons of disobedience who are destined for God’s wrath.
