Being Careful
Ephesians 5:15-21
Know – what the Word says
Main idea of the passage: Paul urges the saints in Ephesus to live life on purpose!
Explanation: This passage easily divides into two sections. In verses 15-18, Paul calls the saints in Ephesus to make the most of their time on earth through four specific ways. First, they are to examine their lives “carefully” (15). Second, they are to manage their time in a way that honors God, realizing that the “days are evil” (16). Third, they are to take seriously the task of discerning the will of God for their lives. This, of course, is the opposite of living “foolishly” (17). Finally, Paul contrasts this type of intentional living with alcohol abuse.
He writes, “Do not get with drunk with wine,” “but be filled with the Spirit” (18). Why would Paul choose to use the particular sin of drunkenness? The answer lies in the similarities between intoxication and being Spirit-filled. Both alcohol and the Spirit of God are put inside a person. Both have the power to change one’s behavior, speech, perceptions and demeanor. The primary difference, however, is that one is obviously destructive, but the other gives eternal life!
In the second part of this text, Paul takes his call a step further by applying this urgent living to the way Christians relate to one another. There should be a tenderness and sincerity found in the way believers address one another, similar to the soothing and hopeful messages found in hymns and spiritual songs (19). Christians should be a grateful people who submit to one another, “out of reverence for Christ” (20-21).
Live – what the Word says
Main application of the passage: All Christians should have a sense of urgency about them related to loving, pleasing, and serving God. This should be seen in the way a Christian monitors his life, manages his time, follows the Spirit, and relates to his brothers and sisters in the Lord.
Application: Carpe diem is a Latin phrase that translates “seize the day.” It was often used as soldiers entered battle. In essence, it is the battle cry of anyone who chooses to live life with a sense of purpose and intentionality. Recently, Ken, a very successful businessman and member of my church, passed away. At his funeral, the assisting pastor shared a phrase Ken coined that served as a great eulogy of his life. He is quoted as saying, “most people let life happen to them, but I’ve always wanted to happen to life.” God is in complete and sovereign control of all things. But this does not negate His call for all Christians to squeeze the most potential and faithfulness out of every single day they are blessed to live. Carpe diem!
D.J. Horton– Lessons by D.J. Horton, pastor of Anderson Mill Road Baptist Church, Spartanburg, since 2004. Horton is a graduate of Auburn University and New Orleans Seminary.