A Walk through Ephesians - Pt 21

 

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. (Ephesians 5:15–21 ESV).

 

Our reading today continues the Apostle Paul’s instruction for believers to live distinct, careful, and holy lives that contrast sharply with the surrounding secular culture. This is one of those verses that the King James Version uses a word that is very interesting in the English translation of the first verse: “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise” (v. 15). In the original language (ἀκριβῶς) it may be translated as exactly, accurately, carefully, or diligently. Helps Word Studies says, “The root of this word (akrib-) refers to gaining exact information with the highest level of accuracy ("exactness") and is acquired by probing investigation to provide a comprehensive circumspect (precise) view in strict adherence to the facts.” I believe the apostle chose this word to emphasize that the life of believers is based on opinion or worse, false teachings. So, he says there are some core themes the apostle touches upon.

 

First, he says we are to look carefully at our choices. Believers must evaluate their choices and consider consequences rather than living carelessly. This is the basis of the often-cited idiom “look before you leap.” Some things often sound so appealing that we are tempted to rush headlong into them only to realize that the consequences are destructive.

 

Second, he says we should make the best use of time. Because the cultural climate is evil and hostile to God, Christians should treat time as a precious, fleeting resource. I often encouraged others to realize that time is the only non-renewable resource we possess. Doing that we can plan the use of our time accordingly. We budget our money far better than we do our time; and, that’s often a mistake.

 

Third, we should understand God's will. Wisdom means grasping God's overarching purpose to unite all things under Christ and applying it practically in daily life. This may be one of the most challenging things about the believer’s life. Since we do not have the same perspective as God, it is often difficult to see purpose in all of our circumstances until much later. This is when we must trust the goodness of God, knowing that His desire is to produce only good in our lives.

 

After Paul writes these larger principles, he says some things that are a bit more specific. He says we are to avoid drunkenness. Drunkenness is a destructive mark of the ungodly world and explicitly forbidden. He also says we should be filled with the Holy Spirit. Instead of being controlled by substances, believers are to be constantly directed and empowered by the Holy Spirit. This leads us to be filled with worship and gratitude. The Spirit-filled life naturally overflows with communal singing, mutual encouragement, and constant thankfulness to God the Father. And then, he concludes with the admonition toward mutual submission. It is a calling to all church members to put others first out of reverence for Christ. This will set the stage for specific household roles that follow.

 

How does your life measure up against these principles?