Speaking Truthfully: Navigating Sin as Saints

In this session, we delve into Ephesians 5:3-7, focusing on the phrase "not even to be named among you" concerning sexual immorality, impurity, and covetousness. The passage challenges us to consider how we, as saints, should approach these topics. The key question is whether these issues should be completely avoided in conversation or if there's a way to address them that aligns with our identity as saints. Paul himself names these sins, suggesting that the issue is not the mere mention but the manner in which they are discussed.

The phrase "as is proper among saints" serves as a guide. It implies that there is a way to speak of these matters that is fitting for those who are set apart for God. This means avoiding discussions that are approving, casual, or indifferent, which can lead to normalizing sin. For instance, terms like "homosexual marriage" should be approached with caution, ensuring they don't lose their moral weight. The danger lies in allowing such language to become normalized, thus diminishing the seriousness of sin and its consequences, such as the wrath of God and exclusion from the kingdom of Christ.

Furthermore, this principle extends to our entertainment choices. Movies and TV shows often portray immorality in a way that makes it seem acceptable, which can desensitize us to its seriousness. As saints, we must be vigilant about how these influences shape our perceptions and attitudes.

The concept of propriety or fitness is crucial. Paul doesn't just label these actions as sinful; he emphasizes that they are not fitting for saints. This ethical framework helps us navigate areas where clear boundaries of right and wrong may not be evident. It encourages us to cultivate a sense of what is appropriate for a Christian, guiding our behavior and speech in a way that reflects our identity in Christ.

Key Takeaways

• 1. The Importance of Contextual Speech: As saints, we must be mindful of how we discuss issues like sexual immorality and impurity. It's not about avoiding these topics entirely but ensuring our conversations reflect our identity in Christ, avoiding casual or approving tones that normalize sin. [03:21]
• 2. Guarding Against Normalization: The language we use can either uphold or diminish the seriousness of sin. By qualifying terms like "homosexual marriage," we maintain a biblical perspective that prevents the normalization of sin within the Christian community. [05:48]
• 3. Entertainment and Desensitization: Our media consumption can subtly influence our views on sin. Movies and TV often portray immorality as normal, which can desensitize us to its gravity. As Christians, we must critically evaluate our entertainment choices to ensure they align with our values. [07:52]
• 4. Propriety as an Ethical Guide: Paul introduces the concept of propriety, emphasizing that certain behaviors are not fitting for saints. This framework helps us navigate complex moral landscapes, teaching us to discern what is appropriate for a Christian life. [09:20]
• 5. Cultivating a Christian Ethos: We must instill in ourselves and others a sense of what is fitting for a Christian. This involves training our children and ourselves to recognize when language or behavior is out of place, fostering a community that reflects the holiness of God. [10:23]
  ** [10:23]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:17] - Introduction to Ephesians 5:3-7
• [00:36] - The Call to Reject Immorality
• [00:58] - Understanding "Proper Among Saints"
• [01:27] - What Does "Not Even to Be Named" Mean?
• [02:09] - The Role of Context in Naming Sins
• [03:21] - Proper and Improper Ways to Discuss Sin
• [04:05] - Avoiding Casual and Indifferent Speech
• [05:10] - The Danger of Normalizing Sinful Language
• [06:00] - Maintaining the Seriousness of Sin
• [07:22] - Entertainment and the Normalization of Sin
• [08:10] - The Ethical Framework of Propriety
• [09:20] - Propriety vs. Sinfulness
• [10:10] - Training in Christian Propriety
• [10:37] - Conclusion and Next Steps

1. What specific behaviors does Paul instruct the Ephesians to avoid in Ephesians 5:3-7, and why are these behaviors considered improper among saints? [00:36]
2. How does Paul use the phrase "not even to be named among you" in relation to sexual immorality, impurity, and covetousness? What might this imply about the way these topics should be addressed? [01:27]
3. In the sermon, what examples are given of how language can normalize sin, and why is this a concern for Christians? [05:48]
4. How does the sermon suggest that our entertainment choices can influence our perception of sin? [07:52]

1. What does the phrase "as is proper among saints" suggest about the way Christians should discuss topics like sexual immorality and impurity? How does this align with our identity in Christ? [03:21]
2. Why might Paul choose to emphasize propriety and fitness rather than simply labeling certain behaviors as sinful? How does this approach help Christians navigate complex moral issues? [09:20]
3. How can the normalization of sinful language within the Christian community affect our understanding of sin and its consequences? [06:00]
4. What role does the concept of propriety play in helping Christians discern what is appropriate for their lives and speech? [09:40]

1. Reflect on your own conversations. Are there ways in which you might be speaking about sin casually or indifferently? How can you ensure your language reflects your identity in Christ? [04:31]
2. Consider the media you consume. Are there movies or TV shows that might be desensitizing you to the seriousness of sin? What steps can you take to align your entertainment choices with your values as a Christian? [07:52]
3. How can you cultivate a sense of what is fitting for a Christian in your daily life? What practical steps can you take to train yourself and others in recognizing when language or behavior is out of place? [10:23]
4. Think about the language you use when discussing topics like "homosexual marriage." How can you ensure that your words maintain a biblical perspective and do not contribute to the normalization of sin? [05:48]
5. In what ways can you help foster a community that reflects the holiness of God? How can you encourage others to be mindful of their speech and behavior? [10:23]
6. Identify a specific area in your life where you struggle with propriety. What changes can you make to ensure your actions and words are fitting for a saint? [09:20]
7. How can you support others in your community who are striving to live out their identity in Christ? What role can you play in helping them navigate complex moral landscapes? [09:54]