Opening Prayer
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me (Psa 51:10).
Text: Ephesians 5:1–9
Therefore be followers of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any 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. Therefore do not be partakers with them. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth).
Devotion
The ungodly have their joy in lust and sensuality and all kinds of uncleanness. However fine they appear, their heart is still a miry pit, from which flows filthiness, foolish talking, and coarse jesting. With their filthy tongues they soil their own body and poison the mind of others. It’s unbelievable what disgusting language can be found on the street, in the market, and at the table. And it is incredible how much poison can be in the seemingly beautiful words of corrupt hearts.
But you who believe in Christ have gotten a new heart and this should be evident by your whole life and conduct. Hear the holy Apostle’s exhortation and walk in Christ’s footsteps! Seek after holiness; do not allow wicked unclean desires in your soul! You are God’s dwelling, the workplace of the Holy Spirit, and He will sanctify you in spirit and soul and body. Look at Jesus; that’s what you should be like, to that end He will give you His Spirit and grace. A pure heart is humble before God and His angels, and it is like a fragrant field for all the saints. When speech becomes pure and edifying, it gives grace to those who hear it. Out of unclean hearts proceed evil thoughts and sinful words (Mat 15:19; Mar 7:21), but pure hearts are a fountain of holy words, which put the devil to flight. Be diligent, O be diligent in this!
Think how dangerous it is to neglect sanctification and let your tongue rattle on unbridled. If the unclean spirit has gone out, he will try to come in again. If you do not watch and daily wash yourself in Jesus’ blood, then the devil will accomplish his purpose. And then your last state is worse than the first (Mat 12:45; Luk 11:26). Let your heart be eagerly on fire to be sanctified. Never let your eagerness cool off! Never let the devil lead you into foul language or dubious thoughts. Watch, watch, – for Jesus’ sake watch yourself, especially when you are happy and successful with God and with your fellow believers, or when fortune and wealth come upon you in the world. Don’t rely on yourself, don’t imagine that the enemy is far away. Don’t forget that you always carry your flesh and blood with you. Pray night and day for a clean, sanctified mind.
Closing Prayer
Hold us close to Yourself, and draw us to You, Lord Jesus. Grant us grace to walk in love from a sanctified heart as dear children. Keep us from all uncleanness in spirit and words and life and deeds. Help us live as befits Christians, and let all the world see that there is a holy people on earth. Lord Jesus, have mercy, for we are called by Your name. Amen.
Devotion
Stand fast, my soul, stand fast
In Christ thy Savior:
Lose not the war at last
Through faint behavior.
It is of no avail
That thou hast known Him,
If, when the foes assail,
Thou shalt His banner fail
And thus disown Him.
To draw the Spirit’s sword,
For war preparing,
And meet the devil’s horde,
Their challenge daring,
Is brave and well begun
And merits praises.
But from the strife to run
Before the war is won,
The soul disgraces.
Let Satan vainly rage,
By hordes attended,
The war for Christ I wage
Until it’s ended.
When leaning on His arm
With firm reliance,
I need not take alarm;
To me can come no harm
From hell’s defiance.
Within a little while
The war is ended;
From Satan’s craft and guile
For aye defended,
In heaven I shall rest
In peace and glory,
And there as welcomed guest
Shall dwell with angels blest
And tell the story.
Brorson: Staa fast, min Sjæl, staa fast L 284:4-7 ALH 249 tr. P. C. Paulsen. Translation © 1930, 1958 Lutheran Intersynodical Hymnal Committee. Used by permission of Augsburg Fortress.;
tune: Nu rinder Solen op (ELH 83); alternate hymn: Jesus, still lead on ELH 587:1-2