Having emphasized the contrast between light and darkness, Paul now turns to the contrast between wisdom and foolishness. 1

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1 Date: April 09, 2014 Title: Filled to the Overflow Diligence Text: Theme: The work of the Holy Spirit in the life of His people causes them to put off sin s stronghold and put on the very Life of Christ. Introduction: Having emphasized the contrast between light and darkness, Paul now turns to the contrast between wisdom and foolishness. 1 If we were to read Ephesians 5:1-14, we would see how verse 15 is a call to attentiveness. It seeks to awaken us to the ever present danger of living in a world under the influence of the prince of the power of the air with responding flesh (Eph. 2:1-3). The ground work has already been done in Ephesians 5:1-14. The dangers before us are real. We speak of the world, the flesh and the devil in the abstract, but their reality is very tangible. Sexual sins have faces and names. They are not done in the intangible as if there was no immediate or physical impact. Filthy, silly and course jesting are not done in the abstract. When we slander and gossip and use malicious speech, there is a name and face in all of it. You do not slander people and destroy reputations in the abstract. You destroy flesh and blood. You destroy people and families when you walk in darkness. Such people who are the perpetuators of such things deceive themselves and will not inherit the kingdom of Christ and God. Such people as these are to be exposed and removed from the children of light. The call and hope is always repentance and restoration, but such things have distinct acts and expressions. Repentance and restoration are not done in the abstract, they have faces and names. Because the threat is so imminent and invasive it is for this reason it says, Awake, sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you (v. 14). It is inside of this context we read verses 14 through 21. Outline: I. The exhortation - Since the days are evil, be careful as to how you live (vv ) Verse 15 begins a conclusion or summary based on the previous paragraph. Ephesians 5:1-20 bristles with imperatives. If they have a weight of their own alongside the radiant indicatives, then they include an appeal to man s will and do not exclude or condemn human decisions and acts. 2 Because all these qualities are intrinsic to the Trinity, they by default equally exist within those indwelt by God. This does not however, bypass our intellect, our volition or our emotion. God works powerfully and completely in and through 197

2 His people. He works with (and at times contrary to) our wills so that we want what He desires. You and I are to intentionally order our lives so that we live God-like lives. When the text speaks of evil days, it is not simply referencing some abstract, non-real entity. Evil days are such because of evil people. There is nothing evil about a day. There are those within any fellowship who will seek to undermine the body. These people are not living in a manner that is reflective of the Lord s Body. They are to be guarded against. As strong as Paul s words are in Ephesians 5:1-14, there is always a face and name attached to such things. Theology in the abstract is easy. But when it takes on flesh and blood, bones and sinew, then it becomes personal and problematic because it changes and impacts long-standing relationships. The reality of our Christianity is often a partial or complete ignoring of the biblical text. It has little if any impact on how we live our lives at home, at work or at church. When the text encroaches on my life or makes me uncomfortable, then I am prone to dismiss its weight or silence its voice. There is a way of living one s life that is distinctly Christian or non-christian. This lifestyle is distinguishable and observable. There are three phrases separated by the Greek word alla. Each enables us to understand what characterizes a careful walk. It is a careful walk that guards against the darkness and empowers light to be openly manifested as noted in the previous paragraph. The three statements help us understand what is meant by be careful how you walk (v. 15). Unwise alla wise (v. 15) Do not be unwise alla understand God s will (v. 17) Do not be drunk alla be Spirit filled (v. 18) The comparison and contrast of verse 18 is not to teach abstinence, but to speak of coming under the influence of something or someone outside oneself. Paul says, For example, just as one can come under the power of alcohol in a negative way, you should come under the power of the Holy Spirit in a positive way. It is this positive influence that enables and empowers us to avoid the works of the flesh and darkness and to continue walking in the light. This is more than a prohibition of simple drunkenness. Paul probably refers to an orgiastic form of worship such as was practiced by the cult of Dionysus (Bacchus), the god of wine. Worship of Dionysus involved drunken states in which the god was thought to enter the bodies of worshipers, inspiring prophecy and frenzied dancing and music. 3 Understand what the will of the Lord is This does not mean that a person tries to discern God s secret counsel but that he applies God s general guidelines for life as found in the Bible

3 The means for living diligently is the Spirit s indwelling. It is His indwelling that produces a careful/diligent lifestyle. When you live carefully, you are making the most of your time. The word Paul uses in verse 16 is redeem. It has a redemptive overtone. How do you buy back time? Since Paul speaks of walk in verse 15, I believe we are safe in saying the time in verse 16 is equally referencing one s lifestyle. It is not time one redeems, but one s habits and activities. I redeem the time when I live my life with God and the Story He wrote in mind. There is no area of life that falls outside of His Story. When you live with this mindset, then you are living redemptively. The indwelt Spirit-life looks like the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit edifies, sings, gives thanks and submits. Suniete present active imperative. To understand; the ability to bring things together and see them in relation to one another. 5 Basically, we need the Holy Spirit to connect the dots. Since Colossian 3:15-4:1 is very similar to Ephesians 5:18-6:9, we may assume that Paul intends to convey a basically similar thought in the introductory sentences to each passage. When he speaks here of being filled with the Spirit and when he speaks in Colossians of being under the rule of the peace of Christ and indwelt by the word of Christ, he means to be under God s control. 6 II. The description - Here is what the Holy Spirit looks like in and through His people (vv ) In Eph 5:18 the author gives the command to be filled by means of the Holy Spirit. In 5:19-21 there follows five participles: (1) speaking; (2) singing; (3) making music; (4) giving thanks; (5) submitting. These participles have been variously interpreted, but perhaps the two most likely interpretations are (1) the participles indicate the means by which one is filled by the Spirit; (2) the participles indicate the result of being filled by the Spirit. The fact that the participles are present tense and follow the command (i.e., be filled ) would tend to support both of these options. But it seems out of Paul s character to reduce the filling of the Spirit to a formula of some kind. To the extent that this is true, it is unlikely then that the author is here stating the means for being filled by the Spirit. Because it is in keeping with Pauline theology and has good grammatical support, it is better to take the participles as indicating certain results of being filled by the Spirit. See ExSyn Because you and I as His Church are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, we take on His qualities. We are invited to speak edifying words to one another in psalms, worship God through song, always give thanks and submit to one another because the Holy Spirit exists in this same manner within the God-head. The Trinity is expressly stated throughout this short paragraph: Lord (vv. 17, 19, 20, 21), Spirit (v. 18), and Father (v. 20). 199

4 Many have taken ἐν νεύµατι (en pneumati) as indicating content, i.e., one is to be filled with the Spirit. ExSyn 375 states, There are no other examples in biblical Greek in which ἐν + the dative after ληρόω indicates content. Further, the parallel with οἴνῳ as well as the common grammatical category of means suggest that the idea intended is that believers are to be filled by means of the [Holy] Spirit. If so there seems to be an unnamed agent. The meaning of this text can only be fully appreciated in light of the ληρόω language in Ephesians. Always the term is used in connection with a member of the Trinity. Three considerations seem to be key: (1) In Eph 3:19 the hinge prayer introducing the last half of the letter makes a request that the believers be filled with all the fullness of God ( ληρωθῆτε εἰς ᾶν λήρωµα τοῦ θεοῦ). The explicit content of ληρόω is thus God s fullness (probably a reference to his moral attributes). (2) In 4:10 Christ is said to be the agent of filling (with v. 11 adding the specifics of his giving spiritual gifts). (3) The author then brings his argument to a crescendo in 5:18: Believers are to be filled by Christ by means of the Spirit with the content of the fullness of God. 8 The following four participles indicate the outworking or practice of being filled with the Spirit. 9 The actions we are called upon to live are Trinitarian in nature. This is how the Trinity functions within itself. Consider with me the following four actions. All four of these qualities are worship-filled. They are present participles, supporting the command or descriptive to be filled. As you think of these four things, place them within the Trinity and then within the community of faith. As a geographically defined assembly with a biblical structure and mission these are the qualities God the Holy Spirit is working in us and through us. Let us consider the following four actions. A. A positive use of words for edification (v. 19a) It is assumed that the content of the psalms and hymns and spiritual songs are for mutual edification. Many suggest verse 14 is an early church hymn. This is the kind of communication that exists within the body of Christ. Here is the horizontal aspect of our community of faith. B. A celebrative worship seen through song (v.19b) Here is the vertical aspect of our community of faith. As we share with one another we reach upward toward the One who continues to knit our hearts together. C. A comprehensive expression of gratitude (v.20) Under all circumstances God is to be praised. 10 There is never a time or occasion when we are not to return thanks to God. When the shadow is valued for what it is, God is seen in all action. 200

5 D. A submissive response toward others (v.21) This transitional verse is last in a series of expressions explaining the effects of being filled with the Spirit. Regardless of their social rank, all Christians should pattern their social behavior on the humility and kindness of Christ. This submission to one another is the basis for the forms of authority in specific relationships discussed in 5:22-6:9. 11 Being Spirit-filled has less to do with spontaneity and exuberance, and more to do with living a life marked by the ordinary and glorious fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23). 12 Grammatically, submitting is a participle in Greek and is dependent on the verb in v. 15. It explains further how to walk in wisdom (vv are one long sentence in Gk.). it also states a general principle of submission, which is illustrated in 5:22-6:9. 13 "Submitting" = To arrange under, to subordinate; to submit to one's control; to yield to one's admonition or advice. A Greek military term meaning "to arrange [troop divisions]; in a military fashion under the command of a leader." In non-military use, it was a voluntary attitude of giving in, cooperating, assuming responsibility, and carrying a burden (1:22; 5:21, 22, 24). Used in a military sense of soldiers submitting to their superior or slaves submitting to their masters. The word has primarily the idea of giving up one s own right or will; to subordinate oneself. 14 Again, these are the qualities existing within the Godhead proper. Within the Godhead there is mutual edification, celebration, thanksgiving and submission. Each interacts with the other in unhindered fellowship. This same idea is to be present within His Church. All submission finds its motive in a fear / reverence for Christ. It is because of who God is, what He has done and who His people are that they hold Him in reverential awe. In Christ I do not fear His punishment, but I am overwhelmed by His presence and power. What is of interest is how these four notable qualities are what color the church of Christ at large. What is of significant interest to me is how these four notable qualities impact the wife, husband, child, parent, and employer/employee relationships. Within hierarchy there is to be mutual edification, celebration, gratitude and submission. O how wonderful such a life and community would be. When we contrast the light with darkness or hate with love, it becomes evident how Spiritindwelt people are significantly different. In summarizing this paragraph Marcus Barth notes how, The Christian s life is described as a demonstration of exuberant joy. Inspiration (or enthusiasm) caused by something better than alcohol makes the congregation resemble a group of singing children who are assembled by Christ and whose gratitude to God the Father overflows

6 Shepherding the Sheep: (What s the NEXT STEP?) 1. The indwelling Holy Spirit sets us in contrast to the unbelieving. Is this contrast notable in your life? 2. Although it is the Holy Spirit who produces such fruit in and through His people, this passage calls us to commit ourselves to... a. Use our words for the purpose of positive edification. b. Sing songs of celebrative worship to the Trinity. c. Give ourselves toward perpetual gratitude. d. Mutual submission in every circumstance and relationship. 3. May we with diligence live our lives with our eyes opened wide to see God in all we do, say and think. 1 The NIV Study Bible, Ephesians 5:15, Walter L. Liefeld. 2 Marcus Barth, Ephesians 4-6, The Reformation Study Bible, Ephesians 5:18, General Editor, R.C. Sproul. 4 ESV Study Bible, Ephesians 5:17, S.M. Baugh. 5 Rogers and Rogers on Ephesians 5:17. 6 The NIV Study Bible, Ephesians 5:18, Walter L. Liefeld Rogers and Rogers on Ephesians 5: Marcus Barth, Ephesians 4-6, The Reformation Study Bible, Ephesians 5:21, General Editor, R.C. Sproul. 12 Gospel Transformation Bible, English Standard Version, Ephesians 5:19-21, Kevin DeYoung. 13 ESV Study Bible, Ephesians 5:21, S.M. Baugh. 14 Rogers and Rogers on Ephesians 5: Marcus Barth, Ephesians 4-6,

7 Slide 1 Ephesians From Garden Ruin to Resurrection glory God Dwells in the Local Church for the Joy of All People Slide 2 As with any passage of Scripture, we need to ask ourselves why Paul wrote this paragraph. What is his intended meaning? Slide 3 Paul s Letter Format The Diagnosis [chapters 1-3] The Prognosis [chapters 4-6] The Imperative [4-6] Prescriptive Descriptive 203

8 Slide 4 Prescriptive Take these two aspirins and call me in the morning Descriptive Cats cannot be anything other than a cat and will walk, act and sound like a cat [even if it barks like a dog]. BelieversinJesuscannomore notdowhat is described then a cat can be anything other than a cat[evenifitthinksit sadog]. Slide 5 Filled to the Overflow - Deliberately The work of the Holy Spirit in the life of His people causesthem to put off sin s stronghold and put on the very life of Christ. Slide 6 Prognosis [4-6] Unity (4:1-16), Purity (4:17-32), Charity (5:1-6) Luminosity (5:7-14) and now Deliberately (5:15-21) 204

9 Slide 7 We speak of the world, the flesh and the devil in the abstract, but their reality is very tangible. They are not done in the intangible as if there was no immediate or physical impact. When we slander, gossip, and use malicious speech, there is a name and face in all of it. You do not slander people and destroy reputations in the abstract. You destroy flesh and blood. You destroy people and families when you walk in darkness. Slide 8 Theology in the abstract is easy. But when it takes on flesh and blood, bones and sinew, then it becomes personal and problematic because it changes and impacts long-standing relationships. Slide 9 Verse 15 is really a call to arms in the face of real and palatable spiritual warfare. The Church, His people, are the hands and feet of Christ, God, in their immediate and extended circles of influence. Although the flesh mars the presentation, there are still notable revelations of Christ in and through His church. Ephesians tells us what that looks like in and through the church. Each part compliments and fills the whole. 205

10 Slide 10 I. The exhortation-since the days are evil, be careful as to how you live (vv ) II. The description- Here is what the Holy Spirit looks like in and through His people (vv ) Slide 11 Ephesians 5: Unwise allawise (v. 15) [alla = contrasting conjunction but ] Do not be unwise allaunderstand God s will (v. 17) Do not be drunk allabe Spirit-filled (v. 18) Slide 12 Ephesians 5:18-21 I. The exhortation -Since the days are evil, be careful as to how you live (vv ) II. The description - Here is what the Holy Spirit looks like in and through His people (vv ) 206

11 Slide 13 Ephesians 5:18-21 Four Participles The Consequence of Spirit Filling A. A positive use of words for edification(v. 19a) B. A celebrative worshipseen through song (v.19b) C. A comprehensive expression of gratitude(v.20) D. A submissive response toward others (v.21) Slide 14 Where does this leave us? You tell me. 207

12 "From Garden Ruin to Resurrection Glory" God Dwells in the Local Church for the Joy of All Nations GROUP DISCUSSION STUDY 12 EPHESIANS 5:14-21 [Write down first impressions] 1. Why should we be careful as to how we walk? How does the previous paragraph (5:6-14) help us answer that question? 2. What are your thoughts concerning God s will? 3. If Spirit-filling is conditional, what conditions are laid out in this paragraph? 4. What does Spirit-filling look like? 5. Is it possible for a believer not to have the fruit noted in verses 18-21? 209