5.14.44 9.30.2018 Ephesians 5.15-21 What's in Your Wallet?

Start:

▾ Start:

Entice: The thrust of the commercial is clear.

▾ Entice: The thrust of the commercial is clear.

• Image result for what's in your wallet

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• You and the retailer are at an advantage if you have a Capital 1 Rewards card.

You and the retailer are at an advantage if you have a Capital 1 Rewards card.

The implication is

• The implication is "you get out what you put in."

you get out what you put in.

• Engage: Haven't you found that life in general and the Christian life in particular are like that? What you invest. What you are willing to do. What you work at defines

Engage: Haven't you found that life in general and the Christian life in particular are like that? What you invest. What you are willing to do. What you work at defines the content of your character, the direction of your walk, and the trajectory of your life.

the content of your character, the direction of your walk, and the trajectory of your life.

Expand: Paul uses the analogical term "walk" 8 times in Ephesians to talk about our lifestyle or conduct. This is one of the major themes of the book. He thinks it is important. The Holy Spirit thinks it is important. This pericope gives a rapid-fire summary of things that will be present in our lives if we are walking in a manner pleasing to God. Those things can't be in our lives if we don't intentionally fill our lives with them.

• Expand: Paul uses the analogical term "walk" 8 times in Ephesians to talk about our lifestyle or conduct. This is one of the major themes of the book. He thinks it is

important. The Holy Spirit thinks it is important. This pericope gives a rapid-fire summary of things that will be present in our lives if we are walking in a manner

Ephesians 5:15–20 ESV

15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, 20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

pleasing to God. Those things can't be in our lives if we don't intentionally fill our lives with them.

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• Excite: What's in your Life? What's in your heart? What do you invest in? Only a fool promises specific outcomes, but I can say without a doubt that if apply what

Excite: What's in your Life? What's in your heart? What do you invest in? Only a fool promises specific outcomes, but I can say without a doubt that if apply what this text says you will get the outcomes God wants and you will have a richer Christian life.

this text says you will get the outcomes God wants and you will have a richer Christian life.

Explore:

• Explore: What's In your Wallet?

What's In your Wallet?

• Explain: Paul commands us to fill our life with behaviors that help us to please God and to enjoy a fruitful walk in Christ.

Explain: Paul commands us to fill our life with behaviors that help us to please God and to enjoy a fruitful walk in Christ. 1

▾ Body of Sermon:

1 Fill your life with Wisdom

▾ 1 Fill your life w/

vv. 15-16

1.1 Be Careful.

• 1.1 Careful.

1.2 Be Observant.

• 1.2 Observant.

2 Fill your life with God's Will.

▾ 2 Fill your life w/God's Will. 17-18

vv. 17-18

2.1 Discernment.

• 2.1 Discernment.

2.2 Self-control.

• 2.2 Self-control.

3 Fill your life with Worship

▾ 3 Fill your life w/Worship 19-21

vv. 19-21

3.1 Instruction in Community.

• 3.1 Instruction in Community.

3.2 Singing In Community.

• 3.2 Singing In Community.

3.3 Thanksgiving In Community.

• 3.3 Thanksgiving In Community.

What’s....

▾ Shut Down:

The content of our individual lives has a direct bearing on what we bring to the community of faith.

• The content of our individual lives has a direct bearing on what we bring to the community of faith.

Conversion brings you into the already functioning body of Christ. We need you. We need your Spirit-giftedness. We need your wisdom in the assembly. We need your discernment. We need your voice in worship.

• Conversion brings you into the already functioning body of Christ. We need you. We need your Spirit-giftedness. We need your wisdom in the assembly. We need

your discernment. We need your voice in worship.

And just maybe, you need Jesus. He saves us from our sin to save us into His body. We wish to welcome you in His name, baptize you into His body, and join you in your journey. Is today the day that you become a part of our walk of faith?

• And just maybe, you need Jesus. He saves us from our sin to save us into His body. We wish to welcome you in His name, baptize you into His body, and join you

in your journey. Is today the day that you become a part of our walk of faith?