Scripture References: Ephesians 5:14-20; Matthew 22:37-38; Romans 1:21; 1 Corinthians 2:14; Galatians 5:7; Psalm 31:19
Intro: Happy New Year! While this season often involves resolutions, today we focus on God's essential call from Ephesians 5. Amidst life's demands and potential drifting, Paul gives urgent instructions to wake up and live differently, empowered not by self-effort but by the Holy Spirit. Let's posture ourselves to hear His Word.
Key Points:
- Wake Up & Pay Attention! (v. 14-15a): The passage starts with an urgent call: "Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead!" Paul warns against spiritual drifting, which happens passively through neglect. We must actively "be very careful... how you live," paying attention, because drifting away from God requires no effort.
- Live Wisely, Not Foolishly (v. 15b, 17): The Spirit-filled life is marked by wisdom. Conversely, foolishness in Scripture isn't about intellect but disregarding God (Ps 14:1, Rom 1:21) – living as if He doesn't matter or won't hold us accountable. Wisdom begins with the "fear of the Lord" – a reverent submission that draws us toward Him. Don't be foolish; understand His will.
- Live Urgently, Redeeming Time (v. 16): Be wise by "making the most of every opportunity (kairos - season), because the days are evil." Recognize time's value as a precious, non-renewable resource. The Spirit brings urgency to seize opportunities within our current life season (single, married, parent, etc.) for God's purposes, not wasting time.
- Be Filled with the Spirit (v. 18): This is the central command and power source. Contrast: Don't be drunk/controlled by wine (or other influences leading to debauchery). Command: Instead, continuously "be filled with the Spirit."
- It's a Command: Not optional, but essential for all believers.
- It's Passive: "Be filled" – we receive it as a gift; God does the filling.
- It's Permeating: Like wind filling a sail or salt permeating meat – total influence and control. Be filled to the brim, ready to spill out His life.
- Evidence of Fullness (v. 19-20): The natural overflow of being Spirit-filled includes corporate spiritual expression (speaking/singing psalms, hymns, spiritual songs), heartfelt worship, and pervasive thankfulness to God in everything. (Submission follows in v. 21).
Conclusion: Ephesians 5 commands us to live awake, wise, and urgent lives, redeeming our time. The essential key isn't trying harder but being continually filled with the Holy Spirit. This is a commanded gift we passively receive, which then actively empowers godly living and overflows into joyful worship and gratitude.
Call to Action: Wake up from any spiritual slumber or drifting. Ask God to reveal influences filling you other than His Spirit; repent of them. Intentionally ask the Father for a fresh, ongoing filling of the Holy Spirit. Receive His presence and power by faith. Expect the overflow in your worship, thankfulness, and daily living.
*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI.
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