3 But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints;
The vices listed in verses three and four are the opposite of the virtues of verses one and two. There is a shift from the example of Christ’s sacrificial giving to extreme examples of selfishness.
3 But
The “but” here shows contrast to 4:25-5:2. The previous section concerned itself with conduct Christians should adopt. Now the Holy Spirit speaks to things believers should avoid (5:3-14). The previous section dealt with sins against others, but this section deals with sins against ourselves.
fornication
“Fornication” is any kind of sexual sin. It is far more than sex between single people who are not married.
and all uncleanness
“Uncleanness” is impurity. Impurity is anything thing that is sexually filthy. This word occurs 10 times. All but one time (Mt 23:27) “uncleanness” refers to sexual sin. This can carry ideas such as sexual perversion and immoral passion, thoughts, or fantasies.
or covetousness,
“Covetousness” is greed or the desire to have more. Sexual sins are often connected to greed. The idea is self-gratification sexually. Love gives but greed takes. Greed is the motivation for all sins.
let it not even be named among you,
The previous sins were not to be named among the saints. It does not say “practiced.” The sins of this verse should never be mentioned among the saints. Transformed people should act like converted saints. Saints should not in any sense speak with approval about these things.
as is fitting [proper] for saints;
The three sins of this verse are fitting for sinners but not for saints. The sins of this verse are contrary to what it means to be a Christian. Sins of sensuality are completely inconsistent with the character of being a believer.
PRINCIPLE:
Sexual sins cannot be justified or tolerated among the saints.
APPLICATION:
The purpose of sexual sins is to get, not to give. It is the desire to exploit others for selfish ends. A concept that we are not to allow to be once named is now pervasive in western Christian culture. Pornography is rampant among Christian men today. The core problem behind this sin is not pornography itself but the belief in what ultimately fulfills the individual. The desire for explicit imagery is an idolatry that inserts itself in the place of God. It is the attempt to displace what only God can fill.
The problem with sexual sin is that it is incompatible with Christianity because it debases and defiles humanity. That is, Christians are not even to “name” these sins among themselves. It is important to note that this is not a prohibition against discussing sex, but it is a prohibition against portraying or speaking of aberrations of sex as normal.
how does a believer who loves God and want to live for Him be delivered from struggles with homosexuality, filthy and perverted thoughts that come to mind spontaneously, without any provocation. when these thoughts come to mind I rebuke them and don’t have the desire to commit these sins but I am constantly harassed by them.
Brenda, Thanks for your question. It is encouraging that you want to address the issue.
Your question pertains the issue of spirituality and maturity. These are two different issues. If we confess our sin, we want to have fellowship with the Lord; this is spirituality. We do not want anything between us and Him. However, overcoming a sin is an issue of maturity. As we grow in maturity we are able to overcome sin at a higher rate and with greater stability. Here is a brief description of the issue: https://versebyversecommentary.com/articles/living-by-the-book/ Here is a more developed study of maturity: https://versebyversecommentary.com/articles/the-edification-construct-discussion-guide/ The problem with trying to cast out a sinful thought with you will is that as soon as you stop thinking about throwing it out of your mind, it comes back. The mind cannot stand a vacuum. The way to correct this problem is to displace the sinful thought with a principle from Scripture that deals with the particular sin you are tempted with. It is good to put a verse on a card and when the temptation comes, then bring it out and read it. After a while you may want to memorize that verse then quote it in your mind when you are tempted. If you do this regularly enough it will begin to form an attitude, an attitude is a habit of thinking. In other words you will become spiritually strong in establishing that particular principle in your life.
Hope this helps
Thank-you this is very helpful.
What will happen to those of us who sinned as Eph 5 tells us not to? Did I lose my salvation since sexual sin, cursing, and hatred is now named of me? I deeply regret sinning against God.
Julie, thanks for your post. This passage does not argue that a person who commits sexual sin or other sins is not a Christian or has the possibility of losing her salvation. The point is that it is not “proper” for a true Christian to engage in immorality. You have acknowledged that truth by admitting that you violated God by committing sexual sin. All God requires is that you confess the sin as a believer (1 John 1:9).