Men of God 1

Walking Wisely: Living by the Spirit’s Power

Bible Passage: Eph 5:15–20

Summary: In this passage, Paul encourages believers to live wisely and carefully, making the most of their time by being filled with the Holy Spirit instead of indulging in foolishness or drunkenness.

Application: This message helps Christians understand the importance of intentional living through the Holy Spirit, which empowers them to make wise choices and avoid the pitfalls of worldly distractions and sins.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that being filled with the Spirit leads to wise living, characterized by unity, thanksgiving, and joyful worship, contrasting the chaos of a life led by the flesh.

How this passage could point to Christ: Throughout scripture, Christ is presented as the ultimate source of wisdom and the very embodiment of the Spirit's power that believers tap into for righteous living. The call to be filled with the Spirit reflects the transformative work of Christ in our lives.

Big Idea: True wisdom and a fruitful life come from being filled with the Holy Spirit, enabling us to glorify God in every aspect of our lives.

Recommended Study: As you prepare, consider using your Logos library to explore the cultural context of Ephesians and the implications of being filled with the Spirit. Look into the Greek terms Paul uses for 'wisdom' and 'foolishness' to deepen your understanding of their significance. You might also find it helpful to examine commentaries on the theological implications of the Spirit's work in both individual and community life.

1. Pursue Purposeful Paths

Ephesians 5:15-16

Perhaps you could emphasize living intentionally, as Paul urges believers to be careful how they walk—not as unwise, but as wise, making the best use of time. Suggest that Christians, filled with the Holy Spirit, are called to assess their lives and choices aligned with God's will. As followers of Christ, they can avoid the distractions that lead to futile living and instead focus on what glorifies God. This avoids the chaos of secular life and instead points to a path marked by divine purpose and fulfillment in Him.

2. Choose Conscious Control

Ephesians 5:17-18

You could stress that understanding the will of the Lord and avoiding drunkenness is a matter of spiritual discernment. Being filled with the Spirit contrasts the emptiness found in earthly indulgences. Suggest to the audience that, by being Spirit-filled, they inherit a power that leads to self-control, clarity, and spiritual depth. This ties into Christ's transformative power at work in our hearts, moving us away from sin and into wisdom. Thus, embracing Spirit-led living demands a conscious choice away from superficial fulfillments.

3. Exhibit Expressive Encounters

Ephesians 5:19-20

Maybe highlight that speaking to one another with psalms and hymns represents a life characterized by joyful worship and gratitude. These expressions of faith, aided by the Spirit, transform community and personal worship, shifting attention from self to God. Encourage believers to live in constant thanksgiving, acknowledging Christ's redemptive work and its implications on everyday life. It is in this Spirit-filled overflow of the heart that believers glorify God, establishing a dynamic of unity, joy, and sincere devotion.