02/02/03 - "Living Purposefully" - by Pastor Mike Baker

Eph 5:15-21

There are seven admonitions (instructions) in this passage.

1. v.15 - last week we learned to "walk circumspectly". To walk in this way is a "wise" walk.
2. v.16 - "redeem the time"
   • There is an urgency involved
     • God's calls are not optional or to be done when we feel like it.
     • Live our lives on purpose.
     • I Tim 4:12
       • We do not live in a vacuum.
       • What we do not only affects ourselves, but also those around us.
3. v.17 - need to understand what the will of the Lord is.
   1. "General Will" - Need to understand His will for us as Christians.
   2. "Specific Will" - Need to understand His will for us individually.
      • This can only be done by spending time in His Word.
4. v.18 - be filled with the Holy Spirit
   • We need to be filled with the will of God.
   • continually filled
     • not a one time experience
     • God pouring himself into us
   • We are not to be filled with other things
     • the enemy wants to push the Spirit out
   • Jn 2:1-11 - Jesus was at the wedding for us.
     • The wine represents our human efforts, human plans, the Law, and religious tradition
     • We are out of wine and Jesus takes the water of our tears and turns it into His power.
     • Jesus, your wine is so much better; Jesus, we need your wine.
     • Don't be filled with your own stuff.
5. v.19 - Be a worshiper & an encourager.
   • The most powerful form of ministry.
6. v.20 - "Be thankful"
   • Give thanks always for all things.
   • Your "problem" is just an opportunity to show how great He is.
     • When we focus on ourselves, it disconnects us from the blessings.
7. v.21 - Submitting to one another in the fear of the Lord.
   • Make sure you have the proper connections
   • Submission - come under the mission
   • Separation does not please God.
   • Submitting to one another is what pleases the heart of God.