June 14, 2022
Intro: Seems like every day I am praying for wisdom either for myself or my spiritual family. Life requires godly wisdom, because the ways of the world are spiraling into a very foolish place. Please keep in mind the Bible describes a foolish person as an “unbeliever.” To be unwise is not to be intellectually limited. An unwise or foolish person just does not comprehend or believe the sovereign knowledge, authority, and power of God. Therefore, this person lives apart from God—against His commands, unable to comprehend the truth, or accept his or her sinful condition due to the law of sin and death (Ro 8:1-2).
As believers, we are to make the most of our time on earth as we serve our King and His Kingdom. We are to live wisely which means to live according to God’s purposes for redemption and worship—oneness with God. When we invest our time and energy into learning the Word of God, we begin to discern its value and receive its power to bring salvation. Our recognition of God’s power to draw us to Himself and grow spiritual life in us, will lead us into genuine worship and blessing. For this reason, the enemy uses deception as a way to encourage people to self-destruct.
Drunkenness is a waste of spiritual resources. However, it is more than drunkenness that Paul warns about in our passage, today; it’s debauchery. According to history, drunken orgies were associated with the pagan worship of the ancient god Bacchus; many believed they communed with spiritual deities during these sinful times. Paul basically identifies the spirits associated with these orgies as demonic and warns the Ephesians to choose to live under the influence of the Holy Spirit instead. In the gospel of Matthew, Jesus makes a similar warning about false prophets, deception, and lawlessness (24:11-12). That means when we know there is sin [lawlessness] in our lives, we must choose to embrace humility before God, confess and repent of sin [die to self], and surrender to the will and power of the Almighty. To live in harmony with the Holy Spirit is be filled with gratitude for our salvation in Christ; a rescue for our souls. So, continually be filled with the Holy Spirit, today.
Ephesians 5:15-20 Living by the Spirit’s Power
15 So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. 16 Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. 17 Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. 18 Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, 19 singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. 20 And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Prayer: Lord, every day Your children make choices that either lead us forward in our worship of You or farther away. So, help me to welcome the influence of the Holy Spirit in making me spiritually vibrant. May my choices today bring me closer to You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.