July 2, 2019
Ephesians 5:15-20 New Living Translation (NLT)
Yesterday, the Apostle John reminded us that we are to live in the Light of Christ. Today, the Apostle Paul teaches us that when we chose to live in the Light of Christ, we are “Living by the Spirit’s Power”. These 5 verses from the 5th chapter in Ephesians, are AMAZING! I see verse 15 as an instruction guide to a 4-step daily process found in verses 16 – 20:
Verse 15 – INSTRUCTION GUIDE: “Stop being a fool and pray for God’s Wisdom to guide your life!”
Verse 16 – Step 1: Believe every day on this earth is a gift from God! In this verse, Paul reminds us to make the most of every opportunity. Our time on this earth is limited, and God gives us each day to make an impact for His Kingdom.
Verse 17 – Step 2: Work diligently on your relationship with Christ. In this verse, Paul reminds us to not act thoughtlessly, we are to understand what the Lord wants for our lives. In order to do this, we need to grow in our relationship with Him, so we know where He is leading us.
Verses 18 & 19 – Step 3: Allow your faith to transform how you live. In these verses, Paul asks us to not be drunk because it will ruin our life, instead we are to be filled with the Holy Spirit and praising the Lord. We need to be living in the light of Christ, not in the fallen darkness of this world.
Verse 20 – Step 4: Praise the Lord for everything! In this verse, Paul wants us to acknowledge our Father God, gave His only Son Jesus, so that we may walk every second of every day in the privilege and power of the Holy Spirit. I am reminded of John 15:13, “There is NO GREATER LOVE than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Thank you, Jesus; your ultimate sacrifice allows us to experience everything covered by Your Grace and guided by the Holy Spirit.
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, saying “thank you” doesn’t seem sufficient enough for what you have done for me! I am so grateful for Your Word that ministers Truth to my life and transforms my heart. Please help me to live today by these 4 steps. I love you so much, Jesus! Amen.
Written by Jen Auer