“L.I.O.N.S.-OPPORTUNITY”

>>>The next letter in L.I.O.N. is “O”-“opportunity”.

>>>Everyone only gets one life. Each word that is spoken/action that is done in a millisecond is in the past and cannot be changed.

>>>What can be done now with the quickly arriving/escaping opportunities in your life?

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>>>Ephesus was a port city that was the home of the temple of Artemis.

>>>Ephesians was written by Paul to the Gentile believers in the pagan city (where he met Timothy).

>>>The first half is theological-understanding the meaning/implications of salvation. The last have is more practical and are lessons in Christian living.

>>>Ephesians 5 starts w/being imitators of Christ-living how He lived. Paul talks about walking in light/exposing darkness (not participating).

Ephesians 5:15–17 “So then, be careful how you walk, not as unwise people but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”

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>>>This passage is broken into three parts.

Ephesians 5:15 “So then, be careful how you walk, not as unwise people but as wise,”

>>>Paul took the teaching of walking as children of light and used it as a warning to the Ephesians to carefully consider how they “walk”.

*“walk” often means “live”-the Ephesians needed to be careful about how they live their lives as Christians.

A WARNING ABOUT HOW TO LIVE

>>>The description of how to live? Wisely.

*Paul was saying to live w/spiritual discernment (wisdom)

*BELIEVERS ARE TO LIVE IN WISDOM.

>>>The previous verses were about the Ephesian believers not living as the unsaved do. Believers were to live differently.

>>>If you are a believer, you are to be careful to live in spiritual wisdom/discernment.

>>>Walking in wisdom is not a brilliant mind w/profound statements but living in a godly way in every way (relationships/speech/conduct/calling/priorities).

*You cannot walk wisely and unwisely at the same time.

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Ephesians 5:16 “making the most of your time, because the days are evil.”

>>>Paul gives guidance of what it means to walk wisely-“making the most of you time”.

*“time” mean “opportune time” (moment/opportunity) (Gk. kairos). It is a time for a purpose (an opportunity to take advantage of).

*Lit. is “redeeming the time”-owning the moment. The Ephesians needed to own the moment in the evil time. Otherwise, they would slip.

LIVING WISELY IS REDEEMING THE TIME.

>>>Take back the time you have to use it for God. Don’t let the sin/wickedness/devil take you away from the life God has for you.

*Use the time (opportunity) for a godly purpose.

Ephesians 6:13 “Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist on the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.”

1 Peter 5:8 “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”

Revelation 12:12 “For this reason, rejoice, you heavens and you who dwell in them. Woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has come down to you with great wrath, knowing that he has only a short time.”

Luke 4:13 “And so when the devil had finished every temptation, he left Him until an opportune time.”

>>>The devil is very active. He is preparing to use his opportunities to combat you spiritually.

*Verse in Luke uses same word/sense as Eph. 5:16.

*MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR TIME, BECAUSE THE DEVIL IS MAKING THE MOST OF HIS.

>>>The devil will use any opportunity he has to take you off the path of following Jesus. Using your moment/living wisely will keep you focused on what will keep you from falling.

Romans 5:6 “For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.”

>>>“time” is used in the same sense as Eph. 5:16-taking advantage of the moment.

*At the opportune time, Jesus made the most of it by redeeming sinners.

*Jesus took advantage of the time He was given to die for our sins.

>>>Just as Jesus redeemed the time to save us (our example), we should redeem the time to grow in and follow Him. Own the moment for Jesus.

*Redeem your life and line it back up w/Jesus.

*Remove distractions to follow Him (distractions-major tool by devil).

*Make opportunities to practice spiritual disciplines (Bible reading/prayer/church fellowship).

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Ephesians 5:17 “Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”

>>>Paul concludes saying that because the days are evil, there is an urgency to not be foolish (ignorant) but know the will of the Lord.

*“soft repeat” of beginning (“walk as wise”)

*Knowing the will/desire/purpose of the Lord would guide the Ephesians in walking wisely and redeeming their time for Him.

>>>To not know the desires of the Lord is to live in ignorance (foolishness).

KNOW GOD’S WILL.

>>>The next section of verses talks about not being drunk but filled w/the Holy Spirit-not blowing life with uncontrolled behavior.

>>>An ignorant believer cannot live for Jesus/have purposeful moments.

>>>We should always be striving to know Who God is and what He wants for our lives. Knowing His will is how we can make the most of our time/opportunity.

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>>>A life that is not actively seeking to follow God is a life that is a total waste.

>>>We have been given one life. Moments only happen one time. How will you use it?

>>>Even in your mistakes, redeeming the time means using the time you have now to get it right. Right now is the perfect time for you to begin using your life for Jesus.

YOU CAN START RIGHT NOW TO LIVE FOR JESUS.

>>>Maybe using this time/opportunity means to look for ways to serve/lead/teach others.

>>>Using the time your time to be serious about spiritual growth-putting things aside/in place to stay focused on Christ.

>>>Using the time may mean choosing this day to give your life for Jesus. You can repent and place faith in Him-not just redeeming but being redeemed.