Scripture Reference

Ephesians 5

Complementary Reading: Proverbs 15: 21-33

Sermon Audio

Sermon Notes

• Introduction
  
  • Paul knew the world was evil (Galatians 1:4)
  • The “god” of the world was at work (2 Corinthians 4: 4)
  • Paul experienced first-hand the evils of being a 1st century follower of Jesus. Evil comes in a different form today but 2nd century followers of Jesus feel it.
  • Paul understanding the present evil provides us with a series of commands on how to live as followers of Jesus in an evil world.
• Walk This Way
  • In Chapter 4 Paul starts to use the analogy of “walking”
    • Ephesians 4: 1-16: “walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called”
    • Ephesians 4: 17-32: “that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds”
    • Ephesians 5: 1-6: “walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
    • Ephesians 5: 7-14: walk as children of light”
    • Ephesians 5: 15: “walk as those who are wise.”
  • Paul is showing us the pattern of how to imitate God. What C. S. Lewis says, “Little Christ.” Analogy of a child putting on his father’s shoes, he wants to be like dad. So how do we walk like Christ in a world that is evil?
• To walk carefully in an evil world, we must use your time wise, understand the will of the LOrd, and be filled with the Holy Spirit.
• Use your time wisely.
  • Must think carefully how you spend your time each day
  • Why am I on this planet if my home is in heaven?
  • Apply God’s Word to your life (Proverbs 9: 10)
  • Every opportunity for the will of God… ‘ do EVERYTHING for God’s glory”
• Understand the Will of the Lord
  • His purpose for Creation
  • Five to Thrive
  • Apply the will to your life
• Filled with the Holy Spirit
  • Results: Fruit of the Spirit (Ephesians 5: 19-21)
  • A lifetime of constantly being filled up not a single moment in history. Ongoing and responding to it
  • The spirit shows us that even though the evil is working God uses it for good.