Our Hallelujah: Living as Easter People

Ephesians 5:15–21 ESV

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.

Big Idea: Easter People Walk in Purpose and Praise

Text: Ephesians 5:1 - "Walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us."

The foundation for living life as Easter People is the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. Our faith is grounded in this.

PURPOSE: Be WISE

Scripture: Ephesians 5:15 - "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil."

What is Biblical Wisdom?

Biblical wisdom is the God-given ability to discern and apply divine truth to life’s decisions, aligning our actions with God’s will. As Proverbs 9:10 reminds us, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." It’s not just knowledge or human reasoning—it’s a life rooted in Scripture, humility, and dependence on the Holy Spirit. Unlike worldly wisdom, which leans on fleeting trends or self-reliance (1 Corinthians 1:20-25), biblical wisdom gives us clarity to navigate life’s complexities with purpose.

The Challenge: Distractions

Wisdom requires focus, but our world is full of distractions. A 2009 study on media multitasking showed that constant distractions impair our ability to switch tasks effectively, increase stress, and cloud our judgment. This creates a mental fog where we’re not choosing our path—we’re stumbling through notifications, trends, and algorithms. Instead of living with intentionality, we become products of our environment, shaped by external forces rather than God’s vision for our lives.

Tigger’s Lesson

Consider Tigger from Winnie the Pooh. Tigger is famous for his boundless energy and signature bounce. As he says, "Bouncing is what Tiggers do best, and that’s all there is to it!" For Tigger, bouncing is who he is. But his reactive bouncing often leads to trouble—broken honey pots or destroyed carrot crops.

Like Tigger, we often bounce reactively through life. Paul calls us to walk wisely, to make the best use of our time, but distractions rob us of agency—the capacity to act intentionally and shape our lives according to God’s purpose. Our choices are shaped by social media algorithms, societal pressures, or mindless habits. We’re like pinballs in a machine, nudged along by what’s trending, not by what aligns with God’s will.

The Solution: Be Filled with the Spirit

Ephesians 5:18 says, "Be filled with the Spirit." When we’re filled with the Spirit, we’re anchored in God’s truth. The Spirit sharpens our focus, cuts through the fog of distraction, and empowers us to live with purpose. Our lives take on a rhythm of intentionality—rooted in worship, grounded in Scripture, and directed toward God’s glory.

Your Unique “Bounce”

God has given each of us a unique “bounce”—a spiritual gifting, a purpose, a way to reflect His love and truth in the world. Wisdom is about embracing that purpose with focus and confidence, not letting the world’s distractions pull us off course. When we walk wisely, we don’t just react to the algorithm of the day. We live intentionally, making the best use of our time, because we know who we are in Christ and what He’s called us to do.

Application

This week, reflect:

What’s distracting you from your God-given purpose?

Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you, sharpen your focus, and guide you in walking wisely.

Write down one intentional step you’ll take to align your time and choices with God’s purposes. This may mean setting boundaries on distractions, spending time in Scripture, or serving others through your giftedness.

Let’s be a people who walk in the wisdom and joy of the Spirit, making every moment count for God’s glory.

PRAISE: Be JOYFUL

Paul doesn’t stop at wisdom. If we stopped here, we might think following Christ is a drudgery. HOW DARE US?!?!

And believe me, I see it, people who act like salvation is something that happened to them, not a gift.

We must live like Jesus is worth following! Like joy is foundin following him.

But God isn’t calling us to live like Eeyore from Winnie the Pooh!

Eeyore’s Gloom

Eeyore is the kill-joy of the Hundred Acre Wood, known for his gloomy outlook. His comments are memorable:

"Good morning, Pooh Bear," said Eeyore gloomily. "If it is a good morning, which I doubt."

When Pooh tries to cheer him up, Eeyore responds, "We can’t all, and some of us don’t. That’s all there is to it."

Eeyore is often a dark cloud, even in the most joyful moments of Pooh’s stories.

The Call to Joy

Paul is not calling us to a joyless life. In fact, he commands against it! Ephesians 5:18-20 gives us a call to joy: "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."

Living Joyfully

Being filled with the Spirit leads to a life marked by joy. This joy isn’t dependent on circumstances but flows from the assurance of Christ’s victory over sin and death. It’s a joy that sings in the face of trials, gives thanks in every season, and reflects God’s goodness to others. Unlike fleeting happiness tied to worldly success or comfort, this joy is anchored in the unchanging love of Christ, who gave Himself up for us.

Joy in Action

What does this joy look like? It’s not just an inner feeling—it’s an active expression. Paul describes a community filled with the Spirit, where people encourage one another with songs of praise, worship with heartfelt gratitude, and live in a posture of thanksgiving. This joy is contagious, drawing others to the hope we have in Christ. It’s the opposite of Eeyore’s gloom—it’s a radiant light that shines even in the darkest moments.

Think back to Tigger. His bounce isn’t just energy; it’s a reflection of his exuberance. When we’re filled with the Spirit, our unique “bounce” becomes a joyful expression of God’s work in us. Whether through serving, teaching, encouraging, or creating, we reflect Christ’s love in a way that brings life to those around us.

Jesus doesn’t want a group following a set of rules but a people in relationship with HIM!

Application

This week, consider:

Where have you let gloom or complaints overshadow your joy?

Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you with a song of praise and a heart of gratitude.

Take one practical step to express joy: sing a worship song, share an encouraging word with someone, or write down three things you’re thankful for each day.

Walk Like Easter People

As Easter People, we’re called to live differently. The resurrection isn’t just a past event—it’s the power that shapes our present and future. Distractions will try to derail us, pulling us into reactive patterns or gloomy outlooks. But Christ’s Spirit directs us, filling us with wisdom to walk purposefully and joy to live radiantly.

"Easter People walk with purpose and praise. Jesus doesn’t want a group of rule followers but peopel who are in relationship with Him. This is our calling.

This is our

Hallelujah!”

Let’s reject the world’s fog and Eeyore’s gloom. Instead, let’s embrace our God-given “bounce,” walking wisely and joyfully as a testimony to Christ’s love. This week, commit to walk in PURPOSE and in PRAISE. Let the Holy Spirit guide you, and let your life sing of the resurrection hope we have in Jesus.