Sermon Tone Analysis

Forge Life

Ephesians 5:14–17 (ESV)

14 for anything that becomes visible is light.

Therefore it says, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” 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.

Ephesians 5:14 (ESV)

14 for anything that becomes visible is light.

Therefore it says, “AWAKE O SLEEPER, and ARISE from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”

Ephesians 5:15–16 (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.

making the best use of.

This phrase translates the Greek exagorazō, which can also mean “redeem” or “buy back.”

Christians must actively take advantage of the opportunity to do good.

Also, could translate to “buy up” time.

Every moment is an opportunity to use your time wisely for the Kingdom of God.

‘Resolved: Never to lose one moment of time, but to improve it in the most profitable way I possibly can.’

Jonathan Edwards - God’s instrument for Great Awakening

Wisdom is especially needed in an evil age where the pathway of holiness is not always immediately clear until one reflects upon God’s Word and discerns his holy will.

Ephesians 5:17 (ESV)

17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

Nothing is more important in life than to discover and do the will of God.

Moreover, in seeking to discover it, it is essential to distinguish between his ‘general’ and his ‘particular’ will.

General will - to generality of God’s will, for all of us, which is to make us like Christ.

Romans 8:29 (ESV)

29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.

Particular will - extend to the particularities of our life, which is different for each of us.

What career to follow.

Who to marry.

Where to live.

What to do with children.

Things like that.

Where to find God’s general will - revealed in Scripture.

God’s Word to us.

The Bible tells us over and over what God is up to generally, in the world.

Where to find God’s particular will for you - principles found in Scripture, but detailed decisions arise from careful thought, prayer, seeking advice from mature believers.

Ephesians 5:18–20 (ESV)

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,

Continually seeking for positioning ourselves to be filled with the spirit is our aim.

We are not talking about the initial filling of the spirit that comes at being born in Christ.

We were sealed with the Holy Spirit.

This type of being filled in the spirit is progressive, ongoing, and should be sought.

Rhythms of prayer, feasting often on God’s Word, being with other believers, obeying God’s general will and His particular will for us, living on mission, doing good deeds, serving in your gift, and living a crucified life support us in our filling in the Spirit.

Next week -

We will be discussing the household order for marriage.

We will do some teaching and some exercises around marriage.

It will be a great time to invite some couples you know who are thinking about marriage.

Or, maybe some couples who are stuck and they do not know why.

Next week will be supportive for them.

Even if they only came that once.