TEXT:  Eph. 5:15-21

INTRODUCTION:

A.      THE CHRISTIAN HAS UNDERGONE A GREAT CHANGE IN CHARACTER

          AND BEHAVIOR.

B.      IN OUR TEXT WE ARE TOLD TO THEREFORE WALK WISELY AND

          CAREFULLY SO THAT THESE CHANGES WILL BE EFFECTED IN OUR LIVES.

I.      WE ARE TO LOOK CAREFULLY HOW WE WALK.

A.      CIRCUMSPECTLY – KJV;  ACCURATELY – Literal.

B.      OUR WALK IS TO BE IN WISDOM (vs. 15).

          1.       Not in our own wisdom (Prov. 14:25;  Jer. 10:23).

          2.       God’s wisdom is much greater than our own (1 Cor. 3:18-21).

          3.       The wisdom of God is seen in the gospel (1 Cor. 1:22-24).

          4.       How are the wise characterized? (James 3:13, 17-18).

          5.       Where does wisdom begin? (Prov. 1:7)

C.      WE ARE TO REDEEM THE TIME (vs. 16).

          1.       ftnote. – “buying up the opportunity.”  Taking advantage of the present;  using the

                   time and opportunities that we have.

          2.       We don’t know how much time we have.

                   a.       The Lord may come (2 Pet. 3:10).

                   b.       We may die (James 4:13-14).

          3.       The man who knows God’s will, but ignores it is without excuse (James 4:17).

          4.       Therefore we ought to do what we can now (2 Cor. 6:2).

D.      WE ARE NOT TO BE FOOLISH BUT UNDERSTANDING (vs. 17).

          1.       We are to be of a disposition to follow God’s will with open minds.

          2.       The foolish don’t understand.  Why not? (1 Cor. 2:14).

          3.       Understanding comes from experience and application (Heb. 5:14;  Phil. 1:9-11).

          4.       In the past they were darkened in their understanding (Eph. 4:17-18).

II.     OUR LIVES AND MOTIVATIONS ARE CONRASTED WITH

      THE OLD MAN (vs. 18-21).

A.      THE OLD MAN IS FILLED AND MOTIVATED WITH WINE.

          1.       The idea has to do with the fulfilling of fleshly appetites, and not just wine.

          2.       Wherein is excess (riot) Eph 5:18; Literally, "unsavingness." (Vincent)

                   “an abandoned, dissolute, life; profligacy, prodigality Eph 5:18” (Thayer).

B.      THE NEW MAN IS FILLED WITH AND MOTIVATED BY THE SPIRIT.

          1.       The result?  (Gal. 5:22-24).

          2.       ftnote.  “in spirit.” In contrast to serving fleshly appetites (Matt. 6:33;  2 Cor. 4:18).

C.      THE RESULT OF SERVING THE SPIRIT RATHER THAN THE FLESH IS

          ENGAGING IN SPIRITUAL ACTIVITIES AND ATTITUDES.

          1.       Serving the Spirit results in worshipful singing (vs. 19).

                   a.       We are to sing to one another (Col. 3:16).

                             – Our songs should be understandable and scriptural.

                             – Our purpose is to teach and admonish – not entertain!

                   b.       To the Lord (John 4:24).

                             – In spirit and truth.

                             – Not just for enjoyment

                                                 Matt. 15:7-9

          2.       Serving the Spirit results in appreciation (vs. 20).

                   a.       All good things come from God (James 1:17).

                   b.       They are ours through Christ (Eph. 1:3).

                   c.       “With thanksgiving”  (Phil. 4:6;  Col. 3:17).

          3.       Serving the Spirit results in serving one another (vs. 21).

                   a.       This means putting others first (Phil. 2:1-4).

                   b.       The fear of Christ moves us thus.

CONCLUSION:

A.      CHRISTIANS MUST BE CAREFUL HOW THEY LIVE.

B.      A WISE MAN WILL REDEEM THE TIME BY SERVING GOD.

C.      WHAT DOES GOD EXPECT OF ME?