Introduction: 1. Parents often give advice to their children. 2. In our text today Paul gives some words of wisdom to the church at Ephesus on how they may walk with God. 3. Eph. 5:15-20. 4. I. Walk carefully (verse 15). A. Definition-carefully, accurate, with great care, examine as you go. This is a person that knows what they believe, believes it, and the lives it holding tightly and true to it (Eph. 4:14). B. The foolish (Tit. 3:3). They do not completely believe (Lk. 24:25) and thus walk disobediently (Gal. 3:1). C. We are to walk as wise (Mic 6:8; 2 Cor. 5:7; Gal. 5:16, 25; 2 Cor. 4:11). II. Redeeming the time (verse 16). A. Defined-make good use of. Context-walk with God and live for him. Time is a fixed season, epic, etc. B. Time is fast and fleeting (Ps. 39:5; Job. 7:6; 14:1, 2; Ja. 4:14). C. We are to take advantage of every opportunity (Gal. 6:10). Examples (Noah, Lk. 10:41f.; Jn. 9:4). D. Let us (2 Tim. 4:7). III. Possess an understanding of God’s will (verse 17). A. God has revealed his will (Jn. 15:3; Eph. 3:3) and plan (1 Tim. 2:3, 4; 1 Thes. 5:9). B. He desires that we know it (Prov. 9:10; Job 28:28). C. But he desires that we live his will (Mt. 13:19, 23; Ja. 1:21, 22). A self application must be made (Ja.2:19, Rich Young Ruler). IV. Don’t be drunk with wine (verse 18). A. Condemned (Isa. 5:11; Prov. 23:19f. 20:1; Gal. 5:19-23; 1 Pet. 4:3;1 Cor. 5:11; 6:9, 10; Rom. 14:21). B. Some try to justify drinking. C. Is it….. necessary, best choice, habit forming, potentially destructive, hurtful, offensive? D. We are to be filled rather with the Spirit. This is conscience continuation. The head and the body are to be clear so you can serve the Lord (Col. 3:16; Rom. 8:14, 16, 1, 4). V. Worship God (verse 19). A. The call to worship God (Jn. 4:24; Ex. 20:3; Mt. 4:10). B. Why sing? Commanded Col. 3:17; Practiced (1 Cor. 14:15; Acts 16:25), and teaches. C. Arguments for instrumental music considered but have no weight. VI. Give thanks (verse 20). A. Always. B. For all things (1 Thes. 5:18; Job 1:21; 2 Cor. 9:12, 15).
Entered on 11/2/2008
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