The Church: A Mysterious Body of Restoration (Ephesians) Section 4 Followers Rely on an All-Sufficient God

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1 The Church: A Mysterious Body of Restoration (Ephesians) Section 4 Followers Rely on an All-Sufficient God 5:15-21 Followers are Filled with the Spirit 15 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Wherefore be not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. Followers Realize there are no Insignificant Moments for God s people In this section Paul calls us to careful conduct which comes from living as wise persons. These verses describe what it means to be filled with the Spirit. We are first told to walk circumspectly (Grk. akribos) meaning to live diligently, accurately or to carefully follow the straightest course possible. The meaning is further clarified by the phrase not as fools but as wise. In the previous section we learned living carefully includes learning to test and approve what would be pleasing to God (Ro 12:1-2). Because we have been awakened in Christ to the dangers of sin we should no longer live as though there are none. We know it is important to continuously evaluate and guard our heart, thinking and behavior by God s Word. Paul made a similar statement in Colossians 4:5-6 which helps us know we should not only live wisely but we also need to be lights or live wisely toward others. Paul said living wisely includes redeeming the time. Redeem (Grk. exagorazo) means to pay a price to recover a thing from the power of another. Time (Grk. Kairos) implies a specific moment not an extended period of time. We are to buy up or make the most of every moment we have to live as children of light. God doesn t want His people to live haphazardly or as if life has no real goal. Ecclesiastes 3 instructs us there is a time to every purpose under heaven and therefore no moment is insignificant to God. There are not times where God is disconnected from life but rather He has plans and purposes for everything on Earth. Far too often believers forget the days (Grk. Hemera) are evil (Grk. poneros) meaning full of sin and hardships. Perhaps the fact we are so abundantly blessed by such gifts as God s provisions and protection causes us to forget we live in an evil age and can even lead us to complacency. We can lose our sense of urgency to test and approve God s will and share the light of Christ with others who desperately need to hear it. It is God s will that we be delivered from Ephesians 5: of 11 this evil world not indulge in its wickedness (Gal 1:4). Because we have been awakened to the reality that the days are evil we should live as though every moment really does matter (1Co 7:29). Sadly, we tend to focus on the few big moments of life and take for granted the numerous little moments. Here Paul reminded us every moment counts and therefore the majority of our life is about little moments not big ones. Virtues such as patience, character and hope (Romans 5:1-5) are formed in life s little moments or else we wouldn t have them in the big moments. Paul cautioned us not to be unwise in every moment or opportunity of life. Unwise (Grk. Aphron) means to be without reflection, reason or to act rashly. If we re honest, large parts of our days are lived in auto pilot rather than lived out thoughtfully. As we are buying up every opportunity we are called to understand (Grk. Suniemi), consider or put together in your mind what the will of the Lord is. Contrary to popular thought, believers do not automatically know what to do in every circumstance. Knowing and doing God s will is not something that just happens irrationally but is the result of thoughtful meditation and action. Far too many of us are lacking in this area. To know and to do God s will require study, prayer and thinking. The less we think about God in every moment of life the less we will understand Him. In our evil day and age there are dangers and traps lurking everywhere and those concerned about pleasing and glorifying the Lord should be as prepared as possible (Ps 119:9-11; 1Pet 5:8; Eph 6:16). The Bible repeatedly states our sin nature deeply impacts our perception of life. We often fail to realize how short-sighted we are and are often like children who simply don t have the wisdom or experience to see the future consequences of our actions. LET THIS SINK IN apart from God s Word our minds don t have a true grasp on reality but yet we re making decisions every day that carry huge implications both now, in our future and even for eternity. We need far more help than we often realize. Our desire to live as children of light should be so great that we are constantly looking to know God and His will in every situation rather than take the chance of living unwisely or foolishly. The best way to know God and His will is to personally study the Scriptures, God s personal revelation of His character. Yet let s be reminded that being a child of light is not merely a matter of right thinking or right behavior. People can know much about God without ever actually knowing God (2Ti 3:7). Being God s child is about a relationship with the Creator, becoming a completely new or re-created being in the person of Christ (2Cor 5:17), who rules our Ephesians 5: of 11

2 hearts and who we glorify as God. Like the wind driving a sailboat (see next section), these realities then drive all we think and do. Scripture s goal is to reveal to us who God really is and cause us to savor that glory so much so that our lives are not just informed but completely transformed. All of this helps us see faith is not as much about what we do or what we think but about who God is and who we are through our union with Christ and the work of His indwelling Spirit. We re called then to be much more than intellectual debaters or to just follow what we re told to do. Certainly thinking and behaviors are important but they are not the emphasis. If we overemphasize right thinking and doctrines then the focus of our religion becomes intellectual debates and conflicts over whose doctrine is more correct. To overemphasize behaviors makes the focus of our religion judgment of self and others regarding sins for which Christ died. It is easy to see both extremes in church cultures today. We will fail often but Christ never does. He lived and died as our perfect substitute and our sole satisfaction should not come by our right doctrine and behavior but because of God s person and work. Only by resting in Christ s work will we have the desire, power and encouragement to live for Him in this dark and broken world. So the Bible teaches us something greater than just how to think and act, it teaches us who God is, how deeply in trouble humanity is and how God through Christ can rescue us and actually unites us with His perfect Son. As we will see in the next section, it goes so much deeper than information and morals to something which actually fills of inhabits our entire inner person. God s Word is primarily a book about knowing Him and thereby loving Him above all else. We don t just have right thinking and actions but actually are united with Him and walk in union with His perfect Son. 18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Followers realize it matters who or what Fills or Controls them Drunkenness is clearly forbidden in this text as in other places in Scripture (Pr 23:29-35). But Paul s point in bringing it up here is not merely for moral instruction. He was contrasting being filled with something like drunkenness with the being filled with the Spirit. Since every moment of life is apparently important, there is no time to waste. Yet how often do people want to forget life s sorrows by filling Ephesians 5: of 11 themselves with mind-altering substances like alcohol or drugs (legal or non)? How often do people attempt to escape reality by filling their lives with sleep or even illicit sex? Isn t it easy for us to turn created things into some kind of savior? Using these things as an escape to avoid life s hardships ultimately fails to trust Christ as the only true Savior. It s not always the USE but the OVERINDULGENCE of created things that can lead us away or even prohibit us from making the most of every opportunity. Our overindulgences can show us areas where we don t place the same value on life that God does. People in our evil day and age are filling themselves with all kinds of things (good and bad) which cloud or distract their ability to focus on the things of God. Paul wanted us to realize we should not fill ourselves with things which will dull or hinder our ability to think, to reason and to depend on Christ because life is far too important for that. Instead we are to be filled with the Spirit. Filled (Grk. Pleroo) means to be completely supplied or furnished to carry out or accomplish something. To be filled with the Spirit is much like a sail being filled with a stiff wind. The stiff wind would then be directing or driving the boat to which it was attached. It is interested to note the Spirit is described in John 3:1-8 as a wind that blows where He desires. We learned in Eph 4:14ff God doesn t want us tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine. The solution is to be filled with Christ, His Word and the work of His Spirit. Should we not be very careful what fills or drives us in this sense? Let s also keep in mind the Spirit is an actual person or member of the Godhead just like the Father and the Son. We need to think in terms of being filled with the Spirit in the same way we think of being filled with the Father or the Son. It is worth noting how nothing in this text gives the slightest inclination that being filled with the Spirit has anything to do with a lack of intelligence or loss of control. In fact, the very opposite seems to be indicated here and in Galatians 5:22-23 where we learn being self-controlled is a fruit of the Holy Spirit! Having no control of your spirit is not considered a good thing in Scripture (Pr 25:28; Lk 15:3; Titus 1:6; 1Pet 4:4). Even at Pentecost (Acts 2) and in Corinth (1Cor 14) the result of the Spirit s filling was to bring understanding, not confusion. Paul told Timothy in 2Timothy 1:7 God has given us the spirit of power, love, and a sound mind. So being filled with the Spirit in Scripture seems to enhance man s capabilities such as intellect and control, not distort them. We also should not fail to remember that one of the major themes in the book of Ephesians is that of being filled (1:23; 3:16-17, 19; 4:10; Ephesians 5: of 11

3 4:13). The church is the fullness of Christ and we can only be that fullness as we are filled up with Him. Throughout Scripture God empowered people to carry out certain tasks on His behalf by filling them with Himself (Ex 31:3; 35:32; Deut 34:9; Mic 3:8). This filling was not limited to any group in particular (such as leaders) and it varied depending upon its specific purpose (Lk 1:15, 41, 67; Acts 2:4; 4:8, 31; 9:17; 13:9). It is God s way of filling us with His very identity so we actually become united with Him and His representatives to the world. So what was Paul s concern by expressing such drastic ideas as being filled with wine and being filled with the Spirit? It is about what controls or enslaves us. In 1Corinthians 6:12 Paul said All things are lawful to me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power (authority or control) of any. Like Paul, we should be quite concerned about emptying ourselves of whatever could hold us under its influence. Whatever controls our hearts controls us! That should be a startling revelation to those who live like there is no tomorrow or consequences for our actions. God has given us all things to enjoy up to the point where we enjoy or value them more than the One who created them (Ecc 5:18; Ro 14; 1Tim 6:17). 19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; 20 Giving thanks always for all things to God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; 21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. Followers show they are filled with the Spirit by singing, giving thanks & submitting to each other So what exactly does it look like to be filled with the Spirit s influence? It is safe to say interpretations and viewpoints differ widely as to what this is and what it looks like in believers lives. Paul began by noting how it involves making wise use of every moment. In the remainder of our text Paul gave some specific examples of what it specifically means to allow God s Spirit to fill us and become His lights to the world. First Paul said speaking to yourselves (Grk. Laleo heautou). One of our greatest avenues of victory is to quit listening to ourselves and be constantly speaking (God s truth) to ourselves. Usually from the moment we wake up in the morning we begin listening to ourselves. Often what we are listening to is sin s distortion of reality rather than Ephesians 5: of 11 God s version of how to view life and creation. There is a big difference! We need truth spoken to us whether it comes from us or from others. In fact, in Colossians 3:16 the Greek word yourselves is translated one another. Paul said we are to Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. Thus the Bible teaches us to speak and sing (as we will see) not just to ourselves but to others in the body as well which is a big reason we spend time together (Heb 3:12-13; 10:24-25). Speaking and singing can at times be directed to the edification of others provided we are careful to do so in ways which bring glory to God. Singing is simply putting our words or speech to music. We may build each other up in the faith or simply to teach each other various ways to praise God. In Deuteronomy 31:21 God even commanded Moses to teach the Jews a song so they could very easily remember His Words. In a world which seems so confused about music, it can be helpful to know some of the many things Scripture says in regards to music. In Zephaniah 3:17 we learn God rejoices over His people with singing. Jesus sang with His disciples (Mt 26:30). It seems all three persons of the Godhead (Father, Son & Spirit) sing. Interestingly enough 1Cor 14 includes singing in the speech gifts designed to build up the body in God s truth. Our use of speech gifts is to be intelligible and understandable so all members of Christ s body might be filled with God s truth and fullness. God apparently gave us speech gifts such as singing as a means towards developing and expressing our relationship with Him and each other. It is neat to remember that in the beginning Adam sang after God created His wife (Gen 2:23), later the children of Israel sang after God rescued them from Egypt (Ex 15) and Revelation chapters 5 & 14 reveal God s people singing around His throne throughout eternity. We should not ignore the fact there are more references in the Bible to corporate singing than to individual singing which definitely implies that it should reflect our unity in the gospel. Sadly, these truths are not always considered in modern church musical (worship) battles. Bob Kauflin wisely wrote, Churches can potentially undermine this unity by offering different Sunday meetings based on musical preferences and styles. While it may mean numerical growth for the church in the short run, it also can separate families and tends to cultivate a consumer mind-set in the long run. There are other options. Diverse music teams can take turns leading on a Sunday morning. Ephesians 5: of 11

4 Different styles of music can be brought together in one meeting. More importantly, the church can be taught that setting aside their musical preferences for the sake of others is obeying Philippians 2:4...the determining factor in our unity is not musical styles-it s the gospel (Kauflin, 100; See also 1Cor 14:26) Paul said the kinds of things we should be speaking to ourselves are psalms of the Old Testament which are rich with real life outcries to God (Lk 20:42; 24:44; Acts 1:20; 13:33). We are also to speak hymns which many believe to be New Testament songs which praise Christ (Eph 5:14; Rev 5:9; 14:3; 15:3) as well as spiritual songs which are likely personal, spontaneous heart songs reflecting what God is doing in us individually at various moments or stages of life. We are to sing (Grk. Ado) which means to praise with music and make melody (Grk. Psallo) which includes both vocal and instrumental music in our hearts to the Lord. Our music is to express a true heart of love for God. Since we are filled by God s Spirit God is not only the audience but also the voice of our praise (Ps 22:3). If you think about it, we are actually vessels which God indwells and uses to bring praise to Himself. God also uses our singing as His way of sharing His message about Himself. While there is a clear vertical dimension to this command which points us to our relationship with God there is also a horizontal aspect here which points us toward our relationship with man. Though God is our primary audience, He is apparently not our only audience when it comes to speaking and singing in these ways. Next, Paul said being filled with the Spirit is about being grateful people. As we have learned in Ephesians our inclination to selfishness makes this very unnatural to us. Certainly it makes sense to be thankful when God brings something good our way. However, Paul said giving thanks always for all things to God. Does this mean we should be thankful for things God hates such as tragedy, murder, rape, etc? How could it mean this? Let s carefully notice Paul gave the context for our thanks when he said, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Invoking Jesus name in the Bible is meant to bring to mind who He is and what He has done (Acts 4:10; 8:12; Jn 1:12; 3:18; 20:31; 1Pet 4:14; 1Jn 5:13). We are not necessarily called to be thankful for every individual thing but to give thanks because we know (among many things) God is always good, sovereign, trumping evil and using all things to conform us to His image (Ro 8:28-29). So while we re not thankful for tragedy and difficulties, we can always be thankful for who God is, how God can Ephesians 5: of 11 overrule sin and use it so we see our need to be dependent on Him. Our thankfulness is for the mighty powerful name of Jesus (or His identity) who not only knows our circumstances but is performing His redemptive work in the midst of the darkness. Scripture gives us a variety of examples of when it is appropriate to give thanks (Ex 15; Ps 116; Jonah 2:1, 9; 2Chron 20:21; Phil 1:12-14; 2Co 12:10; Rev 15). Williams Hendriksen wrote, Gratitude is that which completes the circle whereby blessings that drop down into the hearts and lives of believers return to the Giver in the form of unending, loving, and spontaneous adoration. While it lasts, worries tend to disappear, complaints vanish, courage to face the future is increased, virtuous resolutions are formed, peace is experienced and God is glorified (Hendriksen, 241). Being filled with the Spirit pushes out all kinds of grumbling, complaining and discontentment because we are constantly being reminded of God s bountiful care and supply. The last quality listed in regards to what it means to be filled with the Spirit is submitting ourselves one to another in the fear of the Lord. Submitting (Grk. Hupotasso) means to voluntarily place self under someone or their lead, authority or counsel. This is what Jesus did when He gave His life for ours. So when we submit our lives to the benefit of one another, we show we are being filled with the nature of Jesus. Our submission is not just to another person but in the fear (Grk. Phobos), reverence or respect of the Lord. And so it is because we see Jesus in others (or at least His ability to use any saved or lost human) that we submit to the work He is doing through them toward us. So our submission to one another shows we are submitted to the Lord s rule over our lives. We know God constantly works through others for our benefit (Lk 6:38). We give of ourselves not because we see good in others or expect good in return but because we know it s what s needed and no matter what happens Jesus is Lord and Ruler of our lives. This final command sets the stage for the rest of the relational instructions in Ephesians 5 and 6. It is this type of submission which will allow Christ s light to shine in our churches, marriages, parenting and workplaces. These relationships are about dying to self and being vessels of Jesus in the lives of others (Mt 18:1-4; 20:28; Jn 13:1-17; Ro 12:10; Phil 2:3). We will take a deeper look at submission in the next lesson. Ephesians 5: of 11

5 Answers to the following are in the commentary above. A verse is listed to help guide you to the answer. They should lead you to meditate on verses & ideas from this study. Personal Study Questions What does it mean to walk circumspectly? What keeps you from walking in such a way? What sort of things would help you? (5:15-17) All of us struggle to live diligently in the little moments and make the most of every opportunity. Do you consider the days in which we live evil? Why or why not? How could seeing the reality of evil stir us to live redemptively? In what areas do you need to be more focused? What routines could you develop& when should you begin? (5:15-17) Memorize and meditate on Psalm 119:11. Do you take this verse seriously? Are you concerned with wise living and pleasing God? What study habits are in your life to help you in this area? (5:15-17) What was Paul s point in contrasting drunkenness with the Spirit s filling? What does it mean to be filled? How often does that come up in Ephesians? What did Paul want us to learn about it? (5:18) Why do we need to speak truth to ourselves? What sorts of lies flood your mind from the moment you wake up? What truths do you need to meditate on or speak to yourself to combat these lies? (5:19-21) What is the point of singing? Who is it for and to whom should it be directed? Why is it important our speech and singing be understandable? (5:19-21) What did Paul mean by give thanks always for all things? How can this help us and others? For what things are you struggling to give thanks? Think of something you have not thanked God for in the past. Confess that neglect & begin thanking Him for it regularly. (5:19-21) Group Discussion Questions What s the difference between the terms unwise and understanding? Which way would you say you live? What are you doing or setting up in your life to help you prepare ahead for the evils that lurk in our world? What have you encountered that made you realize you were unprepared? What did you do? Did you learn any habits that could be applied now to prepare for the future? (5:15-17) How does the fact the Spirit is a personality of God affect our understanding of what it means to be filled with Him? Does the Scripture present the Spirit s filling as some sort of unintelligent loss of control? Is that the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23? What does Galatians 5 indicate about a lack of self control? (5:18) Ephesians 5: of 11 What fills or drives you in your life? In what created things do you tend to overindulge? How do they specifically steer your life? You may need to ask others to share what they see in your life. (5:18) What types of singing did Paul say believers should do? What does the Bible teach about singing which could help us in our relationships or even in church worship services? (5:19-21) How is submitting to other believers a sign of being filled with the Spirit? What does it show? To whom are you submitted and how has that proven beneficial to you and/or them? (5:19-21) Family Discussion Ideas Keep simple (about 15mins/day). This is intended for parents to read to your family. Simply read verses & explanations; only elaborate if you have knowledge in that area. Monday Talk to your family about the importance of making the most of every opportunity. Share some personal examples of how when we are young, we tend to live as though we have all kinds of time and fail to consider the future consequences of our actions. Discuss how at times God s Word doesn t seem to be very helpful but is actually helping us prepare ahead. (5:15-17) Tuesday: Review your day today. What did you do? Did you being by filling up with God s Words and prayer so you could carefully plan and walk through your day? Did you just go with the flow? What happened today that time with God would have prepared you to see God s work or helped you remember to handle things better? (5:15-17) Wednesday: Talk about how God wants us to be controlled by Him. Read 1Corinthians 6:12 and discuss how what controls our hearts controls us. Take time to share what you each think controls each member of the family. Pray for each other and discuss how you can help each other in these areas. (5:18) Thursday: Consider singing, giving thanks and submitting to one another. How much of this goes on in each of your lives? Where do you each need help? What keeps you from them? Spend time praying for each other, your pastors, deacons and church family specifically. (5:19-21) Friday: Read a Bible story to your children, or have them read a story to you if they are old enough. Saturday & Sunday: Before you come to corporate worship, explain to your children that their ministry at church is to welcome new children, help their teachers, serve the other children in their class, to be good listeners and examples during service, talk about Jesus with any kids who are not yet Christians, and be looking for ways to pray Ephesians 5: of 11

6 for the other children throughout the coming week (Adults should review their own ministry too!). After service, please discuss with your children what they learned and how their ministry went. Keeping the gospel central to this text: How does this text display how the gospel is changing us? In what areas does this text show your need to trust Christ more? What have you learned this week to specifically STOP & START doing regarding marriage, parenting, church, job, community involvement, etc? What specifically do you need to START doing in your life regarding your marriage, parenting, church, job, community involvement, etc? What help do you need (and from whom) to implement these changes? Begin praying for who might help you. List ways you could enlist other believers to help aid your change. Pray and repent to God about your specific sins, thanking God for the good things, His patience and asking Him for His help. Pray through 2Corinthians 7:9-11 taking note of how your repentance should look in real life, asking God for strength to focus and change. What s your mission? The Mission of Landmark is Christ s mission To reach all nations and generations with the gospel and lead them on Christ s mission for God s glory. (Mt 28:19-20; Acts1:8; 1Co 10:31; Rev 5:9) Note: As with any teaching, if you have any questions or concerns about this lesson, please direct them to the speaker in the spirit of Matthew 18:15-17 and Galatians 6:1. (Bibliography will be available at the end of the series) Ephesians 5: of 11