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Ephesians (Part 18)

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Message Replay:

Audio Replay:

Sermon Notes:

Last Week's Reflection: Ephesians 5:3-14

  • Paul's Warning to Wake Up: A call for vigilance against practices contrary to Christian values.

    • Absolute statements on behaviors that prevent inheriting the kingdom of God, including idolatry, envy, divisions, drunkenness, and more.

    • A clear warning that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God (Vs 21).

Today's Scripture: Ephesians 5:15-21

  • Shift to Wise Living and Spiritual Fullness:

    • Encouragement towards wise living, making the most of time because of the evil days (Vs. 15-16).

    • Understanding God's will as opposed to foolish living (Vs. 17).

    • Being filled with the Spirit instead of indulging in debauchery like drunkenness (Vs. 18).

    • Expressing worship through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs; making melody to the Lord with your heart (Vs. 19-20).

    • Cultivating gratitude, always giving thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of Jesus Christ (Vs. 20).

    • Practicing mutual submission within the body of Christ out of reverence for Christ (Vs. 21).

Practical Wisdom and Spiritual Guidance

  • Living Wisely:

    • The metaphor of walking wisely, applying knowledge with wisdom.

    • The importance of making the best use of time, recognizing the maturity deficit in society.

  • Understanding God's Will:

    • Differentiating between natural and spiritual understanding.

    • Questions to consider for those uncertain of God's will or their spouse's needs in marriage.

  • Being Filled with the Spirit:

    • How to be filled with the Spirit through communal worship and personal devotion.

    • Specific types of worship: Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs.

    • The role of worship in expressing surrender, trust, and gratitude.

Application to Personal and Community Life

  • Cultivating a Lifestyle of Gratitude:

    • The transformative power of a thankful heart in all circumstances.

    • Directing gratitude towards God the Father, in the name of Jesus Christ.

  • Mutual Submission:

    • The impact of mutual submission on the Christian community and the wider world.

    • The potential for solving world issues through the Christian principle of esteeming others above oneself.

Conclusion: Living Out the Gospel

  • Paul's guidance in Ephesians 5:15-21 serves as a roadmap for Christians to live wisely, understand God's will, be filled with the Spirit, express heartfelt worship, cultivate gratitude, and practice mutual submission.

  • These practices are aimed at closing the gap between believers and the world, preaching a Gospel of hope through lived example.