Ephesians 5:15-21 Click here for Bible Verses
Hi GAMErs!
Today’s passage in Ephesians 5:15-21 gives us some important advice on how to live life to the fullest. Let’s go.
Ephesians 5:15-16 (NIV)
15 Be very careful, then, how you live–not as unwise but as wise,
16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
On verses 15-17: What does Paul mean when he says “the days are evil”? He means that the age we live in is full of traps that can take people off track — distractions, deceptions and temptations. Time is limited. So rather than being unwise (v15) and foolish (v17), wasting our lives on things that will not matter in the end, we are to understand what God’s will is (v17) and make the most of every opportunity to do God’s will and to fulfill our God-given calling. Don’t spend your life worrying and chasing after things that will not matter in the end. Instead spend your life on God’s purposes: worship Jesus, grow in intimacy with Him, serve Him, lead others to Him, and live a life of love.
Ephesians 5:18 (NIV)
18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.
On verse 18: Notice Paul doesn’t say “Don’t drink wine” but rather “Don’t get drunk with wine”. It is not a sin to drink alcohol, but it is a sin to lose control when drinking. For some Christians, it works best not to get near alcohol at all. For other Christians, it’s about being responsible and careful if you drink. When expressed lovingly and lived out well, both positions I can respect.
Instead of being filled with man-made distilled spirits, we are to be filled with God’s Holy Spirit. Being filled with alcohol impairs one’s judgment and numbs the senses. In contrast, being filled with God’s Spirit sharpens the mind and awakens our senses.
Ephesians 5:19-20 (NIV)
19 Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord,
20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
On verses 19-20: The Christian faith is a singing faith. It’s because we have the greatest reason to sing and to always give thanks: Jesus Christ died for our sins and rose from the grave so through Him we have forgiveness of sins, citizenship in heaven, membership in God’s family, power, purpose and hope. You might think it strange, unrealistic or even absurd that Paul would tell his church in Ephesus to give thanks “for everything” (v20). Maybe it’s because Paul knows that in everything, God will gain the victory and that God will use everything, even the things we don’t welcome or want, to write a greater story than anything we could write ourselves.
Ephesians 5:21 (NIV)
21 Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
On verse 21: Even the most powerful of us must learn from time to time to submit to others, not out of weakness but out of reverence for Jesus. In fact, unless you’re God, you will not be able to have healthy relationships with others if you don’t learn to submit to others from time to time. If you’re always insisting on your way when you’re with other people, then maybe this is the verse God wants you to apply a little more to your life.
Thank God for giving me so many reasons to sing and give thanks every day. Holy Spirit, I don’t want to waste this day, but I want to make the most of every moment. I can’t live wisely or fully without You. So please come and fill me today. May I glorify You in the way I treat others and live life today. In Jesus’ name, AMEN!
