Ephesians 5:15-21

          The believer’s walk is a worthy walk, a new walk, a love walk, and a walk in the light.  In this passage we are told to walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise.  Again we see that the Spirit has used just the right word to describe the lifestyle of one called to be holy and blameless.  

          Earlier in Eph. 5 we saw that fornication and covetousness were simply wrong.  Sexual sin is always wrong.  Greed is always wrong.  But now we are coming to some matters that are not as easily discernible.  The Apostle Paul is about to teach on marriage (5:22-33), family (6:1-4), and how to be a Christian in the workplace (6:5-9).  These are areas of life where there is not one simple set of answers.  No two Christian marriages look the same.  Two children in the same family will be handled differently depending on temperament and age and many other things.  For all of this the believer needs insight to choose the right actions and words.  This is the wise walk.

¨     The wise walk is again in contrast with the former lifestyle.  We are not to walk as fools (v15).  Knowledge of all the Scriptures is critical for this walk, including (but not limited to) the books of wisdom (Job through Ecclesiastes).

¨     The wise walk makes the best use of each moment knowing that there is evil all around that seeks to destroy that walk (v16).  To take time off for a little foolishness is to open the door for failure in the issues of home and society.

¨     The wise walk understands the will of the Lord for given situations (v17).  God has an answer for each of the practical issues that come up in the course of our lives and that will is found in His wisdom.  Lest you think this is too difficult, note the powerful truth that follows …

¨     The wise walk is produced by the Holy Spirit.  God gives to the believer His Spirit.  He dwells in the believer.  But in the same way that alcohol controls the words, attitudes and actions of the drunk person so the believer needs to be under the influence of the Spirit.  In John 7:37-39 Jesus called believers to Himself that the Spirit might produce an overflowing spring of life in them.  Such is the case in our passage.  The one who is controlled by the Spirit …

·        Has a melody in his heart so that he encourages others (v19).

·        Has a thankful attitude in every situation (v20).

·        Has a submission to those around him (v21).  

          To be filled with or controlled by the Spirit happens when the believer is filled with the Lord Jesus Christ (after all, the Spirit testifies not of Himself but of Christ, John 16:14).  In the companion passage in Colossians being filled with the Spirit is equivalent to letting the word of Christ dwell in you richly (3:16).  As you are controlled by the Spirit He is able then to help you choose the will of God in each situation in life.  

          Think about how too many beers controls everything about a person.  Does the Spirit of God have that kind of influence in your life?