Sermon: Wise Living
Bible Passage: Ephesians 5:15-21
The main point of Ephesians 5:15-21 is that Christians need to live under the two influences of biblical wisdom and the influence of the Holy Spirit. This is how you grow in discerning and doing the Lord’s will.
1. Watch your walk – in other words, live as wise people (verses 15-17)
a. “Therefore” – This is a wake up call. See v 14.
b. “Walk” refers to lifestyle, habit or conduct.
c. “Not as unwise, but as wise” – the values of the world, like our local roads, are full of things to watch out for.
d. “Making the most of the time” – literally “redeeming/buying back the time.” Time is a valuable commodity.
e. “The days are evil” These are the “last days” before the coming of Christ. We can expect rampant wickedness as well as Satanic and demonic activity to abound (see Eph 6:12). We’re told to put on the armor of God.
f. “Do not be foolish” – A fool is someone who is morally and spiritually bankrupt and in rebellion against God. Even smart people can be fools (Ps 14:1). “The Book of Proverbs describes fools as lazy, having uncontrolled tongues, those who lie and slander, quarrelsome, quick tempered, proud, hate knowledge, despise advise or correction, reckless, and careless.”
2. Be filled (guided by/led by) the Holy Spirit (verses 18-21)
a. “Do not get drunk with wine” – The opposite influence of the Holy Spirit is alcohol. This prohibition extends to all forms of addictive behaviors (substance abuse, TV, cell phones, etc.)
b. “Dissipation/Debauchery” – literally “wastefulness.”
c. “Be filled with the Spirit” – “Filled” means to come under the influence of the Holy Spirit. The powerful influence of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God working in a yielded Christian leads to certain effects:
i. Speaking…singing…making music – to one another and to the Lord
ii. Giving thanks to the Father – consistent gratitude
iii. Submitting to one another – because of Christ, not human persuasion
Takeaway
Pray and seek for greater sensitivity to God’s purposes and guidance of the Holy Spirit