Ephesians 5:5 – “For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

This verse is a strong warning. Paul tells the believers in Ephesus that certain behaviors are incompatible with the kingdom of God. He specifically mentions three types of people:

• The immoral – This refers to those who engage in sexual sin (porneia in Greek), meaning any sexual activity outside of God’s design for marriage.
• The impure – This goes beyond actions to include thoughts, desires, and motivations that are corrupt or unclean.
• The greedy – A greedy person is never satisfied, always wanting more, whether it be money, power, or pleasure. Paul equates greed with idolatry because it places personal desires above God.

Paul’s warning is serious: people who live in these sins without repentance “have no inheritance” in God’s kingdom. This doesn’t mean that a believer who struggles with sin is excluded from heaven, but rather that a life dominated by these sins reveals a heart that has not truly been transformed by God.

Historical Context

Ephesus was a city filled with immorality, idolatry, and materialism. The temple of Artemis (Diana) was a center of pagan worship, where temple prostitution was a regular practice. Sexual sin was not only accepted but encouraged in their culture.

Greed was also widespread. Ephesus was a wealthy trade city, and many people pursued riches at any cost. Idolatry and materialism went hand in hand, as people worshiped false gods in hopes of gaining wealth and success.

Paul’s warning would have stood out in this culture. Many of the new believers in Ephesus had come from this sinful background, and Paul was urging them to leave their old ways behind. He was making it clear that a person cannot continue in a lifestyle of sin and still be part of God’s kingdom.

Theological Implications

This verse highlights several key truths:

1. Sin and salvation cannot coexist – While salvation is by grace, a true believer will not live in habitual sin. Those who continue in immorality, impurity, and greed without repentance show that they do not truly belong to Christ.
2. Greed is a form of idolatry – Many think of idolatry as bowing down to statues, but Paul makes it clear that greed is just as much an act of false worship. Whatever a person values more than God becomes their idol.
3. God’s kingdom has a moral standard – The idea that “anything goes” in the Christian life is false. Those who follow Christ are called to live differently from the world.

Literary Analysis

Paul’s wording is strong and direct. He begins with “For of this you can be sure,” emphasizing that this is a truth that cannot be ignored or reinterpreted.

The phrase “has no inheritance” is significant. In the Bible, inheritance is often used to describe the blessings and promises that belong to God’s people. To be excluded from this inheritance means being cut off from God’s kingdom.

Paul’s use of “such a person is an idolater” is also important. Instead of just listing greed as another sin, he ties it directly to idolatry, reinforcing that sin is not just about bad behavior but about a heart that worships something other than God.

Biblical Cross-References

• 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 – Paul lists similar sins and says, “Do not be deceived… those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
• Colossians 3:5 – Paul calls greed idolatry and urges believers to put to death sinful desires.
• Galatians 5:19-21 – The “acts of the flesh” are listed, and those who live by them will not inherit God’s kingdom.
• Matthew 6:24 – Jesus teaches that no one can serve both God and money.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse is a wake-up call. It challenges Christians to examine their lives and ask whether they are truly living for God or for their own desires.

• Sexual sin is still a danger – In today’s culture, sexual immorality is widely accepted, just as it was in Ephesus. Paul’s warning is just as relevant now as it was then.
• Greed is often overlooked – Many people, even in Christian circles, excuse greed as ambition or financial wisdom. But Paul calls it idolatry, showing that a life consumed by the pursuit of wealth is incompatible with God’s kingdom.
• God’s kingdom is for those who are transformed – The Christian life is about change. Those who truly belong to Christ will turn away from sinful lifestyles and seek to honor God in their actions.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

Some might read this verse and think it is harsh, but it actually reflects God’s love.

• God warns us because He loves us. A loving father does not let his children run into danger without warning them. God’s warning here is a sign of His care.
• God provides a way out. He doesn’t just tell us what not to do—He gives us the strength to overcome sin through Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
• God desires what is best for us. Living in immorality, impurity, and greed leads to emptiness and destruction. God’s commands are meant to lead us to life and joy.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is the ultimate example of purity, generosity, and obedience to God. He lived a life completely free from immorality, impurity, and greed.

• Hebrews 4:15 – Jesus was tempted in every way, just as we are, yet He did not sin.
• Matthew 4:8-10 – When Satan tempted Jesus with power and wealth, Jesus refused, choosing to worship God alone.
• 2 Corinthians 8:9 – Jesus, though rich, became poor for our sake so that we might gain true riches in Him.
• John 14:6 – Jesus is the only way to the Father. No amount of worldly success or pleasure can replace Him.

Through Jesus, we receive the power to live differently. He doesn’t just save us from the penalty of sin—He saves us from the power of sin, transforming our hearts so that we desire holiness rather than impurity.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Are there any areas in your life where immorality, impurity, or greed have taken root?
2. How can you guard yourself against the influence of today’s culture in these areas?
3. Why do you think Paul equates greed with idolatry?
4. What does it mean to have an inheritance in God’s kingdom? How does that affect your daily life?
5. How does Jesus’ example help you live a life free from these sins?