Ephesians 5:3 “But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; 4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.”
Here the Apostle Paul begins to list those societal abominations that must “not be once named among you”; that is, those ungodly behaviors that are in direct contrast to walking “in love, as Christ also hath loved us” (Ephesians 5:2) and certainly not acceptable for those who are members of the Lord’s Church. These behaviors were not only accepted in the city of Ephesus but were actually promoted as part of their pagan religion, and anyone who spoke against them would imperil themselves with the people and the authorities. In our day, for the most part, there is a large part of our society that doesn’t even bother with the pagan religion aspect, they just simply feast themselves upon immorality and ungodliness, and have no respect whatsoever for the Word of God and they viciously attack anyone who speaks against their behavior. The very first thing in this list is “fornication”, which includes both adultery and intimate relationships between men and women that are not married. Like in Ephesus, this behavior seems to have become quite widely accepted in our society. This behavior is commonly promoted in modern music and movies that is fed to our children and even ignored my modern Christianity. But Paul makes it clear that this behavior must “not be once named among you”; that is, “among” the Church members, for it is unbecoming of the “saints” of God. These and, the other abominations Paul lists, are like cancers that eat away at a society and will eventually utterly destroy it. Instead of gratifying our human nature with these things we should spend our time going to Church, “giving of thanks” and “Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. 11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.” (Ephesians 5:10-11). Some think that our society can just continue on in their ungodliness with impunity; but, “Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. 7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them. 8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:” (Ephesians 5:6-8). Sometimes the Children of God are caught up in these behaviors, but it is a blessed and lovely thing when they repent, and the Church receives their repentance and embraces them with Brotherly Love.