Eph 5: 7 “Therefore do not be~| partakers with them,”
There is a move today within evangelical Christianity to focus on building relationships with the unsaved, learning to like them, and making ourselves less offensive to them or sharing in their culture and activities.
The believer is to “know with certainty, that no immoral [anyone having sex outside of marriage], or impure [anything the Lord hates], covetous man [greedy for more stuff], who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God” (Eph 5:5). These are the characteristics of unsaved persons; “the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience” (5:6).
Sadly, religious people pretend to be Christians, but refuse to repent or see anything wrong with continuing in their sinful lifestyles. Stay away from such people! “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age” (Titus 2:11–-12).
Therefore, as a result of the foregoing truths about the wrath of God on the “disobedient,” believers are commanded, “Do not be partakers with them.” The imperative “do not partake,” or do not be “joint partakers,” has the connotation of intimate participation with the unsaved, especially in their immoral behaviors.
How far is this separation to be taken? This is not a distancing from contacts or friendships but an abstinence from the love of the world, from the sensual values of the world and the disregard for the commands of Scripture.
We are to be the “light” in the darkness and the “salt” in the emptiness of the world without participating in unbiblical behavior. Paul wrote, “Have no fellowship [‘participation’] with the unfruitful works of darkness” (Eph 5:11).
God’s attitude toward any sexual activity outside of marriage (fornication) has not changed. Sometimes His wrath is immediate, but He often patiently waits for sinners to repent and seek His forgiveness.
We should never get comfortable, thinking we are exempt from the “wrath of God [that] comes upon the sons of disobedience” (Eph 5:6). If you care at all for them, confront them about their need of a Savior. Beware of selfish interests in such marginal relationships.
“Dear Lord, help each of Your dear children wisely choose with whom we will spend our time and our lives. May we not partake in any kind of sinful lifestyle simply to be accepted by those who may not know You.”