Ephesians 5 Verses 15 to 21 How I Can Know God’s Will and Live as a Spirit Filled Christian
The Immeasurable Love of Christ • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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· 3 viewsTo understand that God’s word, prayer, and the wise counsel of a godly person are the most reliable methods to find God’s will for your life.
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Ephesians 5 Verses 15 to 21 How I Can Know God’s Will and Live as a Spirit Filled Christian March 16, 2025 Lesson 11 Immeasurable Love of Christ Class Presentation Notes AAAAA
Ephesians 5 Verses 15 to 21 How I Can Know God’s Will and Live as a Spirit Filled Christian March 16, 2025 Lesson 11 Immeasurable Love of Christ Class Presentation Notes AAAAA
Background Scriptures:
Background Scriptures:
• Romans 12:2 (NASB95)
• Romans 12:2 (NASB95)
2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
• 1 Timothy 2:2–4 (NASB95)
• 1 Timothy 2:2–4 (NASB95)
2 for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and
2 for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and
quiet life in all godliness and dignity.
quiet life in all godliness and dignity.
3 This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,
3 This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,
4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
• 1 Thessalonians 4:7–8 (NASB95)
• 1 Thessalonians 4:7–8 (NASB95)
7 For God has not called us for the purpose of impurity, but in sanctification.
7 For God has not called us for the purpose of impurity, but in sanctification.
8 So, he who rejects this is not rejecting man but the God who gives His Holy Spirit to you.
8 So, he who rejects this is not rejecting man but the God who gives His Holy Spirit to you.
• 1 Thessalonians 5:17–18 (NASB95)
• 1 Thessalonians 5:17–18 (NASB95)
17 pray without ceasing;
17 pray without ceasing;
18 in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
18 in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
• Psalm 119:105 (NASB95)
• Psalm 119:105 (NASB95)
105 Your word is a lamp to my feet
105 Your word is a lamp to my feet
And a light to my path.
And a light to my path.
Main Idea:
Main Idea:
• Sometimes God’s will is more being, than doing.
• Sometimes God’s will is more being, than doing.
Study Aim:
Study Aim:
• To understand that God’s word, prayer, and the wise counsel of a godly person are the most reliable methods to find God’s will for your life.
• To understand that God’s word, prayer, and the wise counsel of a godly person are the most reliable methods to find God’s will for your life.
Create Interest:
Create Interest:
• In our busy lives we have the added pressure of knowing that things tend toward degeneration and evil if we do not attend to them. Ignore your garden and it will be overrun with weeds and the fruit will fail. Forget your body and it will vegetate and degenerate. And, far more important, lack of attention to the interior life and one’s important relationships will mean personal decline. In this world there is a natural tendency toward corruption.
• In our busy lives we have the added pressure of knowing that things tend toward degeneration and evil if we do not attend to them. Ignore your garden and it will be overrun with weeds and the fruit will fail. Forget your body and it will vegetate and degenerate. And, far more important, lack of attention to the interior life and one’s important relationships will mean personal decline. In this world there is a natural tendency toward corruption.
• I have emphasized our busyness and the attendant dangers of inattention because Paul’s words in verses 15 and 16 radiate with relevance: “Be very careful, then, how you live — not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity [literally, buying up the time], because the days are evil.” Paul knew, as we well know, that the days are evil and time is fleeting, and that as Christians we must purposely engage in buying them back from the mere use of self if our life is going to amount to anything.
• I have emphasized our busyness and the attendant dangers of inattention because Paul’s words in verses 15 and 16 radiate with relevance: “Be very careful, then, how you live — not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity [literally, buying up the time], because the days are evil.” Paul knew, as we well know, that the days are evil and time is fleeting, and that as Christians we must purposely engage in buying them back from the mere use of self if our life is going to amount to anything.
• The natural question is, how are we to do this? Paul answers with a statement which, although it does not give detailed instructions, provides the inner principle which will redeem our time and, indeed, our days.
• The natural question is, how are we to do this? Paul answers with a statement which, although it does not give detailed instructions, provides the inner principle which will redeem our time and, indeed, our days.
• Hang in and read the following notes and see if you see the solution.
• Hang in and read the following notes and see if you see the solution.
Lesson in Historical Context:
Lesson in Historical Context:
• Having completed his call to the Ephesians to walk in love and in the light (5:1–14), Paul now further calls on them to embrace wisdom. He recognizes the difficulty of learning what pleases the Lord (5:10) and thus expresses his desire that they walk with discernment. This means that they must be careful and mindful of their use of time and energy (5:15–18). They are encouraged to make better use of their efforts by being filled with the Spirit, which will draw them together in praise, thanksgiving, and submission (5:19–21).
• Having completed his call to the Ephesians to walk in love and in the light (5:1–14), Paul now further calls on them to embrace wisdom. He recognizes the difficulty of learning what pleases the Lord (5:10) and thus expresses his desire that they walk with discernment. This means that they must be careful and mindful of their use of time and energy (5:15–18). They are encouraged to make better use of their efforts by being filled with the Spirit, which will draw them together in praise, thanksgiving, and submission (5:19–21).
Bible Study:
Bible Study:
Ephesians 5:15–16 (NASB95)
Ephesians 5:15–16 (NASB95)
15 Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise,
15 Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise,
16 making the most of your time, because the days are evil.
16 making the most of your time, because the days are evil.
• Vs. 15-16: Therefore refers immediately back to the apostle’s call for believers to walk as those who have been raised from the dead and are living in Christ’s light (v. 14). It also reaches even further back to build upon his call for believers to be imitators of their heavenly Father (5:1). Christians are to walk wisely rather than unwisely because they are God’s beloved children, saved through the sacrifice of His beloved Son (5:1–2).
• Vs. 15-16: Therefore refers immediately back to the apostle’s call for believers to walk as those who have been raised from the dead and are living in Christ’s light (v. 14). It also reaches even further back to build upon his call for believers to be imitators of their heavenly Father (5:1). Christians are to walk wisely rather than unwisely because they are God’s beloved children, saved through the sacrifice of His beloved Son (5:1–2).
o Only the wise walk befits the children of God.
o Only the wise walk befits the children of God.
• Paul commands believers to walk … as wise men. Just as they are to walk in humility, unity, separation, love, and light (4:1–5:14), they are also to walk in wisdom. In other words, they are to live like the people they are. In Christ we are one, we are separated, we are love, we are light, and we are wise—and what we do should correspond to what we are.
• Paul commands believers to walk … as wise men. Just as they are to walk in humility, unity, separation, love, and light (4:1–5:14), they are also to walk in wisdom. In other words, they are to live like the people they are. In Christ we are one, we are separated, we are love, we are light, and we are wise—and what we do should correspond to what we are.
• Believers then, are to walk (live) carefully, so as to be wise or skillful and thus please the Lord. The manner for this careful, precise walk is making the right use of every opportunity………………………………..
• Believers then, are to walk (live) carefully, so as to be wise or skillful and thus please the Lord. The manner for this careful, precise walk is making the right use of every opportunity………………………………..
and the reason for this careful walk is that the days are evil. Many are
and the reason for this careful walk is that the days are evil. Many are
walking in sin, and since the time is short believers must make full use
walking in sin, and since the time is short believers must make full use
of their time to help turn them from darkness to light. This necessitates wise conduct.
of their time to help turn them from darkness to light. This necessitates wise conduct.
o Colossians 4:5 (NASB95)
o Colossians 4:5 (NASB95)
Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity.
Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity.
• If there ever was a time to be on the lookout, to be careful, diligent, and to be accurate in what we believe, it is now. Temptations abound in our society that can bring us down and ruin our testimonies if we yield to them. Deception is rampant as people lie, cheat, steal, and trick others into sin or out of their possessions or their identity.
• If there ever was a time to be on the lookout, to be careful, diligent, and to be accurate in what we believe, it is now. Temptations abound in our society that can bring us down and ruin our testimonies if we yield to them. Deception is rampant as people lie, cheat, steal, and trick others into sin or out of their possessions or their identity.
• The word “redeem” here is from the word exagorazo {ex-ag-or-adʹ-zo}. It means “to make wise and sacred use of every opportunity for doing good, so that zeal and well-doing are as it were, the money by which we purchase and make the time our own.” It also means “to buy up.” We are to redeem, buy up, all the time that we have and devote it to the Lord.
• The word “redeem” here is from the word exagorazo {ex-ag-or-adʹ-zo}. It means “to make wise and sacred use of every opportunity for doing good, so that zeal and well-doing are as it were, the money by which we purchase and make the time our own.” It also means “to buy up.” We are to redeem, buy up, all the time that we have and devote it to the Lord.
• We are to redeem the time because the days are evil. As the world becomes more corrupt, its efforts to hinder God’s work and oppose Christianity will increase. One century after Paul wrote the letter to Ephesus, Rome was persecuting Christians with cruelty. Christians were buried alive, boiled in oil, burned alive, butchered in half, and fed to wild dogs and lions. Opportunities today may be gone tomorrow.
• We are to redeem the time because the days are evil. As the world becomes more corrupt, its efforts to hinder God’s work and oppose Christianity will increase. One century after Paul wrote the letter to Ephesus, Rome was persecuting Christians with cruelty. Christians were buried alive, boiled in oil, burned alive, butchered in half, and fed to wild dogs and lions. Opportunities today may be gone tomorrow.
• Dr. Wiersbe said, “Our English word “opportunity” comes from the Latin and means “toward the port.” It suggests a ship taking advantage of the wind and tide to arrive safely in the harbor. The brevity of life is a strong argument for making the best use of the opportunities God gives us.
• Dr. Wiersbe said, “Our English word “opportunity” comes from the Latin and means “toward the port.” It suggests a ship taking advantage of the wind and tide to arrive safely in the harbor. The brevity of life is a strong argument for making the best use of the opportunities God gives us.
o Buy up time while you can.
o Buy up time while you can.
o Take advantage and make the most of your opportunities to live for the Lord.
o Take advantage and make the most of your opportunities to live for the Lord.
One day, you will not be able to do so. How are you spending the sand in your hourglass?
One day, you will not be able to do so. How are you spending the sand in your hourglass?
Ephesians 5:17 (NASB95)
Ephesians 5:17 (NASB95)
So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
• God has given us a mind (v. 17a). “Understanding” suggests using our minds to discover and do the will of God. Too many Christians have the idea that discovering God’s will is a mystical experience that rules out clear thinking. But this idea is wrong—and dangerous. We discover the will of God as He transforms the mind (Rom. 12:1–2)…………………………
• God has given us a mind (v. 17a). “Understanding” suggests using our minds to discover and do the will of God. Too many Christians have the idea that discovering God’s will is a mystical experience that rules out clear thinking. But this idea is wrong—and dangerous. We discover the will of God as He transforms the mind (Rom. 12:1–2)…………………………
o Romans 12:1–2 (NASB95)
o Romans 12:1–2 (NASB95)
1 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.
1 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.
2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
………and this transformation is the result of the Word of God, prayer, meditation, and worship.
………and this transformation is the result of the Word of God, prayer, meditation, and worship.
o If God gave you a mind, then He expects you to use it. This means that learning His will involves gathering facts, examining them, weighing them, and praying for His wisdom (James 1:5-6). God does not want us simply to know His will; He wants us to understand His will.
o If God gave you a mind, then He expects you to use it. This means that learning His will involves gathering facts, examining them, weighing them, and praying for His wisdom (James 1:5-6). God does not want us simply to know His will; He wants us to understand His will.
James 1:5–6 (NASB95)
James 1:5–6 (NASB95)
5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
6 But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind.
6 But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind.
• God has a plan for our lives (v. 17b). Paul alluded to this plan.
• God has a plan for our lives (v. 17b). Paul alluded to this plan.
o Ephesians 2:10 (NASB95)
o Ephesians 2:10 (NASB95)
10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.
10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.
o Ephesians 1:9–10 (NASB95)
o Ephesians 1:9–10 (NASB95)
9 He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him
9 He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him
10 with a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth.
10 with a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth.
• God saved me and He has a purpose for my life, and I should discover that purpose and then guide my life accordingly. He reveals His plan………
• God saved me and He has a purpose for my life, and I should discover that purpose and then guide my life accordingly. He reveals His plan………
o through His Word (Col. 1:9–10),
o through His Word (Col. 1:9–10),
o through His Spirit in our hearts (Col. 3:15),
o through His Spirit in our hearts (Col. 3:15),
o through the working of circumstances (Rom. 8:28).
o through the working of circumstances (Rom. 8:28).
• The Christian can walk carefully and accurately because he knows what God wants him to do.
• The Christian can walk carefully and accurately because he knows what God wants him to do.
o Like the builder following the blueprint, he accomplishes what the architect planned.
o Like the builder following the blueprint, he accomplishes what the architect planned.
Note regarding our better understanding of the Bible, God’s love story to us.
Note regarding our better understanding of the Bible, God’s love story to us.
• This completes the section we have called “Walk in Purity.”
• This completes the section we have called “Walk in Purity.”
o The emphasis is on the new life as contrasted with the old life, imitating God and not the evil world around us.
o The emphasis is on the new life as contrasted with the old life, imitating God and not the evil world around us.
o In the next section, “Walk in Harmony,” Paul deals with the relationships of life and shows how life in Christ can bring heaven to the home.
o In the next section, “Walk in Harmony,” Paul deals with the relationships of life and shows how life in Christ can bring heaven to the home.
Ephesians 5:18–19 (NASB95)
Ephesians 5:18–19 (NASB95)
18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit,
18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit,
19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord;
19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord;
• Vs. 18: Behind this exhortation might have been the drunken and debauched ecstasies of the mystery religions, which were induced by the use of intoxicating wine. Paul insists that drunkenness is “the gateway to profligacy” (excess/recklessness).
• Vs. 18: Behind this exhortation might have been the drunken and debauched ecstasies of the mystery religions, which were induced by the use of intoxicating wine. Paul insists that drunkenness is “the gateway to profligacy” (excess/recklessness).
o Given the cultural context, most likely Paul views debauchery as including sexual immorality, but we need not limit it to that. In an environment where food was at a premium, wasteful dining meant others might go without. And the extravagant display of wealth that often attended such meals was an affront to poor believers.
o Given the cultural context, most likely Paul views debauchery as including sexual immorality, but we need not limit it to that. In an environment where food was at a premium, wasteful dining meant others might go without. And the extravagant display of wealth that often attended such meals was an affront to poor believers.
• The Christian must seek to keep a clear mind always. The day-by-day experiences of the Christian man must be that of being filled with the Spirit. The verb plēroō (filled) is a present imperative and can be translated “be continually filled with the Spirit.” But it stands to reason that a Christian cannot go on being filled until he has first been filled at some given time, as was true on the Day of Pentecost.
• The Christian must seek to keep a clear mind always. The day-by-day experiences of the Christian man must be that of being filled with the Spirit. The verb plēroō (filled) is a present imperative and can be translated “be continually filled with the Spirit.” But it stands to reason that a Christian cannot go on being filled until he has first been filled at some given time, as was true on the Day of Pentecost.
• In the New Testament plēroō is used quite frequently for the fulfilling of prophetic sayings (cf. Matthew 1:22; 2:15; et al.). When it is so used, it describes the actualizing of the word spoken beforehand. The full measure of what was prophesied is reached in the event described.
• In the New Testament plēroō is used quite frequently for the fulfilling of prophetic sayings (cf. Matthew 1:22; 2:15; et al.). When it is so used, it describes the actualizing of the word spoken beforehand. The full measure of what was prophesied is reached in the event described.
o Plēroō is also used in the New Testament in the sense of filling with something, always with a strong element of exclusiveness or totality. Thus, when a person is filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18) or with Satan (Acts 5:3), he is completely controlled by the indwelling power. Christians are described as being filled with joy, peace, and knowledge (Acts 13:52; Romans 15:13, 14; etc.); this fullness shapes their entire way of living.
o Plēroō is also used in the New Testament in the sense of filling with something, always with a strong element of exclusiveness or totality. Thus, when a person is filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18) or with Satan (Acts 5:3), he is completely controlled by the indwelling power. Christians are described as being filled with joy, peace, and knowledge (Acts 13:52; Romans 15:13, 14; etc.); this fullness shapes their entire way of living.
o God gives fullness of insight into His will (Colossians 1:9), grants abundant supply for our needs (Philippians 4:19), and bestows abundant spiritual blessings (Philippians 1:11).).
o God gives fullness of insight into His will (Colossians 1:9), grants abundant supply for our needs (Philippians 4:19), and bestows abundant spiritual blessings (Philippians 1:11).).
• Ralph Earle comments, “This is not to be a transitory experience, but an abiding one.” The verbs in the present tense which appear in 19–21 suggest that Paul is not here calling his readers to the crisis of being sanctified wholly, but rather to the subsequent life in which the Holy Spirit fills us moment by moment, having already been “sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise” (1:13, NASB; cf. 4:30). Moule paraphrases:
• Ralph Earle comments, “This is not to be a transitory experience, but an abiding one.” The verbs in the present tense which appear in 19–21 suggest that Paul is not here calling his readers to the crisis of being sanctified wholly, but rather to the subsequent life in which the Holy Spirit fills us moment by moment, having already been “sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise” (1:13, NASB; cf. 4:30). Moule paraphrases:
o “Let the Holy One, your Sealer and Sanctifier, so surround and possess you that you shall be as it were vessels immersed in His pure flood; and then, yielding your hearts without reserve to Him, you shall be vessels not only immersed but open; ‘in Him,’ and ‘filled’ in Him, as He continually welcomes, continually occupies and hallows all parts of your nature, all departments of your life.”
o “Let the Holy One, your Sealer and Sanctifier, so surround and possess you that you shall be as it were vessels immersed in His pure flood; and then, yielding your hearts without reserve to Him, you shall be vessels not only immersed but open; ‘in Him,’ and ‘filled’ in Him, as He continually welcomes, continually occupies and hallows all parts of your nature, all departments of your life.”
• Vs. 19: Paul’s word to drunkards is not only a negative one, but also a positive one. He does not simply say, “Do not get drunk with wine.” That is only half the battle; if you put aside your wine bottle, but do not replace it with a thirst for God, you will simply replace it with something else—food, television, pornography, sports, and so on. The key to Christian growth, then, is not simply to stop filling up with wine, but to start being “filled with the Holy Spirit” (v. 18). So let the Spirit satisfy you and exhilarate you the way wine does your neighbors, Paul says.
• Vs. 19: Paul’s word to drunkards is not only a negative one, but also a positive one. He does not simply say, “Do not get drunk with wine.” That is only half the battle; if you put aside your wine bottle, but do not replace it with a thirst for God, you will simply replace it with something else—food, television, pornography, sports, and so on. The key to Christian growth, then, is not simply to stop filling up with wine, but to start being “filled with the Holy Spirit” (v. 18). So let the Spirit satisfy you and exhilarate you the way wine does your neighbors, Paul says.
o Let the Spirit amplify your personality positively the way liquor has the power to do negatively. Let the Spirit control your life the way alcohol perhaps used to—with the result that you no longer belt out the drunkard’s songs to no one in particular, but instead overflow with “psalms and hymns and spiritual songs … to the Lord” (v. 19)!
o Let the Spirit amplify your personality positively the way liquor has the power to do negatively. Let the Spirit control your life the way alcohol perhaps used to—with the result that you no longer belt out the drunkard’s songs to no one in particular, but instead overflow with “psalms and hymns and spiritual songs … to the Lord” (v. 19)!
Ephesians 5:20–21 (NASB95)
Ephesians 5:20–21 (NASB95)
20 always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father;
20 always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father;
21 And be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.
21 And be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.
Note the three traits of a Spirit filled person:
Note the three traits of a Spirit filled person:
• First: A Spirit-filled person has a thankful spirit (vs. 20). Note the words “always” and “for all things.” Our lives are in God’s hands. He guides and directs us through all things. Therefore, we can thank Him for all things—no matter what the things are. He controls all. Giving thanks as we walk along throughout the day—always giving thanks—helps us to experience the fullness of God’s Spirit.
• First: A Spirit-filled person has a thankful spirit (vs. 20). Note the words “always” and “for all things.” Our lives are in God’s hands. He guides and directs us through all things. Therefore, we can thank Him for all things—no matter what the things are. He controls all. Giving thanks as we walk along throughout the day—always giving thanks—helps us to experience the fullness of God’s Spirit.
o Philippians 4:6 (NASB95)
o Philippians 4:6 (NASB95)
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
o Colossians 3:17 (NASB95)
o Colossians 3:17 (NASB95)
Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.
Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.
o 1 Chronicles 16:8 (NASB95)
o 1 Chronicles 16:8 (NASB95)
Oh, give thanks to the LORD, call upon His name;
Oh, give thanks to the LORD, call upon His name;
Make known His deeds among the peoples.
Make known His deeds among the peoples.
• Second: A Spirit-filled person has a singing spirit (Vs.19). This is in contrast to the drunken person. The mention of singing is the picture of joy and happiness. The worldly person often seeks joy and happiness in drink and partying. This is not to be the case with the true believer.
• Second: A Spirit-filled person has a singing spirit (Vs.19). This is in contrast to the drunken person. The mention of singing is the picture of joy and happiness. The worldly person often seeks joy and happiness in drink and partying. This is not to be the case with the true believer.
o He is to seek his joy and happiness by being filled with the Spirit of God and by singing to himself.
o He is to seek his joy and happiness by being filled with the Spirit of God and by singing to himself.
Note a crucial point: singing to oneself helps a person to experience the fullness of the Spirit.
Note a crucial point: singing to oneself helps a person to experience the fullness of the Spirit.
1 Corinthians 14:15 (NASB95)
1 Corinthians 14:15 (NASB95)
What is the outcome then? I will pray with the spirit and I will pray with the mind also; I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.
What is the outcome then? I will pray with the spirit and I will pray with the mind also; I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.
Ephesians 5:19–20 (NASB95)
Ephesians 5:19–20 (NASB95)
19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord;
19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord;
20 always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father;
20 always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father;
Psalm 95:1 (NASB95)
Psalm 95:1 (NASB95)
O come, let us sing for joy to the LORD,
O come, let us sing for joy to the LORD,
Let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation.
Let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation.
• Third: A Spirit-filled person has a submissive and respectful spirit. (Vs. 21)
• Third: A Spirit-filled person has a submissive and respectful spirit. (Vs. 21)
o A Spirit-filled person does not have a spirit of criticism, dissension, envy, divisiveness, or selfishness.
o A Spirit-filled person does not have a spirit of criticism, dissension, envy, divisiveness, or selfishness.
o He has a spirit of submissiveness.
o He has a spirit of submissiveness.
o The same is true of churches: a Spirit-filled church has a body of people who are submissive—going out of their way to minister and serve each other.
o The same is true of churches: a Spirit-filled church has a body of people who are submissive—going out of their way to minister and serve each other.
o There is no dissension or divisiveness, no envy or selfishness among its people.
o There is no dissension or divisiveness, no envy or selfishness among its people.
o In the fear of God, they submit to each other before they break the fullness of God’s Spirit.
o In the fear of God, they submit to each other before they break the fullness of God’s Spirit.
Matthew 18:4 (NASB95)
Matthew 18:4 (NASB95)
“Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
“Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Romans 12:3 (NASB95)
Romans 12:3 (NASB95)
For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith.
For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith.
Philippians 2:3–4 (NASB95)
Philippians 2:3–4 (NASB95)
3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves;
3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves;
4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.
4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.
1 Peter 5:5 (NASB95)
1 Peter 5:5 (NASB95)
You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.
You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.
• Vs. 21: This reminds us of a vital yet frequently forgotten fact of the Christian life: We’re not meant to live it alone. We’re meant to subject ourselves to one another, “bear[ing] one another’s burdens” (Gal. 6:2), encouraging one another in love and good works (Heb. 10:24–25), and looking out for one another’s interests (Phil. 2:3–4).
• Vs. 21: This reminds us of a vital yet frequently forgotten fact of the Christian life: We’re not meant to live it alone. We’re meant to subject ourselves to one another, “bear[ing] one another’s burdens” (Gal. 6:2), encouraging one another in love and good works (Heb. 10:24–25), and looking out for one another’s interests (Phil. 2:3–4).
• If your Christianity is making you more of a recluse, it’s not true Christianity; it’s selfishness. If what you are calling the Christian life is pulling you further and further away from others, you need to go back to the basics of Christian.
• If your Christianity is making you more of a recluse, it’s not true Christianity; it’s selfishness. If what you are calling the Christian life is pulling you further and further away from others, you need to go back to the basics of Christian.
o We are to be subject to one another “in the fear of Christ” (Eph. 5:21). Because we love, respect, and honor Christ, we are to love, respect, and honor others. It’s that simple. In the final analysis, if our Christian walk doesn’t lead us into deeper and more meaningful relationships with fellow believers, we’ve missed the mark.
o We are to be subject to one another “in the fear of Christ” (Eph. 5:21). Because we love, respect, and honor Christ, we are to love, respect, and honor others. It’s that simple. In the final analysis, if our Christian walk doesn’t lead us into deeper and more meaningful relationships with fellow believers, we’ve missed the mark.
• So important is this principle of submissive service to one another that Paul spends much of the rest of his letter dealing with how this principle is supposed to work in specific areas of our lives. These include the realms of marriage, parenting, and even employment (5:22–6:9). Because Paul goes into such depth on those topics, we’ll deal with them separately. For now, let’s review the five lessons of Christian Living 101 by taking a final exam to test ourselves on these vital principles.
• So important is this principle of submissive service to one another that Paul spends much of the rest of his letter dealing with how this principle is supposed to work in specific areas of our lives. These include the realms of marriage, parenting, and even employment (5:22–6:9). Because Paul goes into such depth on those topics, we’ll deal with them separately. For now, let’s review the five lessons of Christian Living 101 by taking a final exam to test ourselves on these vital principles.
Application: EPHESIANS 5:15–21
Application: EPHESIANS 5:15–21
A Final Exam for Christian Living 101
A Final Exam for Christian Living 101
Having completed Christian Living 101, we’re now in a position to give ourselves a comprehensive exam. Think through the following questions and rate how well you’re doing on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 showing the need for the most growth and 10 indicating maturity.
Having completed Christian Living 101, we’re now in a position to give ourselves a comprehensive exam. Think through the following questions and rate how well you’re doing on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 showing the need for the most growth and 10 indicating maturity.
Are you careful and wise in your behavior?
Are you careful and wise in your behavior?
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Are you disciplined and discerning in the way you spend your time?
Are you disciplined and discerning in the way you spend your time?
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Are you actively and correctly pursuing the Father’s will?
Are you actively and correctly pursuing the Father’s will?
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Are you living under the influence and control of the Holy Spirit?
Are you living under the influence and control of the Holy Spirit?
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Are you deliberately and frequently finding ways to honor and serve others?
Are you deliberately and frequently finding ways to honor and serve others?
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Thoughts to soak on:
Thoughts to soak on:
• From this passage we can gather certain facts about the Christian gatherings in the early days.
• From this passage we can gather certain facts about the Christian gatherings in the early days.
o The early Church was a singing Church. Its characteristic was psalms and hymns and spiritual songs; it had a happiness which made men sing.
o The early Church was a singing Church. Its characteristic was psalms and hymns and spiritual songs; it had a happiness which made men sing.
o The early Church was a thankful Church. The instinct was to give thanks for all things and in all places and at all times. Chrysostom, great preacher of the Church of a later day, had the curious thought that a Christian could give thanks even for Hell, because Hell was a warning to keep him in the right way. The early Church was a thankful Church because its members were still dazzled with the wonder that God’s love had stooped to save them; and it was a thankful Church because its members had such a consciousness that they were in the hands of God.
o The early Church was a thankful Church. The instinct was to give thanks for all things and in all places and at all times. Chrysostom, great preacher of the Church of a later day, had the curious thought that a Christian could give thanks even for Hell, because Hell was a warning to keep him in the right way. The early Church was a thankful Church because its members were still dazzled with the wonder that God’s love had stooped to save them; and it was a thankful Church because its members had such a consciousness that they were in the hands of God.
o The early Church was a Church where men honored and respected each other. Paul says that the reason for this mutual honor and respect was that they reverenced Christ. They saw each other not in the light of their professions or social standing but in the light of Christ; and therefore, they saw the dignity of every man.
o The early Church was a Church where men honored and respected each other. Paul says that the reason for this mutual honor and respect was that they reverenced Christ. They saw each other not in the light of their professions or social standing but in the light of Christ; and therefore, they saw the dignity of every man.
May you be blessed from the work of all these dedicated theologians sharing their research with us.
May you be blessed from the work of all these dedicated theologians sharing their research with us.
