Living Belief

Ephesians 5:15-22Walking in Wisdom

How can I better stay in God’s growth and change process of . . .

5:1-14: Walking in Love & Light5:15-22: Walking in Wisdom

15So then, be very careful how you live. Don't live like foolish people but like wise people. 16Make the most of your opportunities because these are evil days. 17So don't be foolish, but understand what the Lord wants.

Walking in Wisdom-Skilled Walking [Living] asGod’s Ambassador

1.Expert – used of artisans2.Philosopher- WHY we ARE3.Integrity- privately self governed4.Priority- managing time and resources5.Strategy-plans thought through and executed

Wisdom~ 1. Values TimeGod’s Word Translation“Make the most of your opportunities because these are evil days.”American Standard Version“Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”International Standard Version“Making the best use of your time because the times are evil.”

Time is a non-renewable resource. It is the same amount for each of us and our management of it reveals our true values.

What the Bible Teaches about TIME1.Time is Redeemable Eph. 5:15-162.Time is Preparation for Eternity Col. 3:1-43.Time is Limited – 60/60/24/168/8780 Hebrews 9:27 4.Time is Passing Always 1 Kings 2:1-25.Time is Uncertain Proverbs 27:16.Time is easily Wasted therefore Lost John 9:4; James 4:14

7.Time will be ONLY suspended by God – Rev. 22:4,5

Wisdom~ 2. Values God’s Will17So don't be foolish, but understand what the Lord wants.

George Mueller – How to Ascertain the Will of God

1.—I seek at the beginning to get my heart into such a state that it has no will of its own in regard to a given matter. Nine-tenths of the trouble with people is just here. Nine-tenths of the difficulties are overcome when our hearts are ready to do the Lord's Will, whatever it may be. 2.—I seek the Will of the Spirit of God through, or in connection with, the Word of God.3.—Note providential circumstances. 4.—I ask God in prayer to reveal His Will to me aright. 5.—Thus, through prayer to God, the study of the Word, and reflection, I proceed accordingly.

5:15-22: Walking in Wisdom18Don't get drunk on wine, which leads to wild living. Instead, be filled with the Spirit 19by reciting psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs for your own good. Sing and make music to the Lord with your hearts. 20Always thank God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 21Place yourselves under each other's authority out of respect for Christ. (God’s Word Translation)

Wisdom~ 3. Values the Spirit not “spirits” In “buying up” time, numbing our minds through excessiveness “drunkenness” as representative of any activity, addition, distraction, domination that controls us so that the Holy Spirit of God becomes less than the total empowering life source in us that He IS!

Wisdom~ 4. Values Worship. . . Instead, be filled with the Spirit 19by reciting psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs for your own good. Sing and make music to the Lord with your hearts. 20Always thank God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. “Authentic worship requires our being intentional. Being focused on God. Being "soul-full.“ Worship leaders may try to create space in which God can act, planning worship services that help people connect with God. But even the most user-friendly worship format will fall flat for individual congregants unless they are attentive to God's desires rather than to human likes and dislikes or distractions.” Naomi K. Walker

Wisdom5.Values Relationship21“Place yourselves under each other's authority out of respect for Christ.”Wife/HusbandChildren/Parents/FathersEmployees/Employers

ApplicationsAs I look at my TIME account, am I Wisely “buying up” my VALUABLE opportunities?~ Seeking God’s Will

~ Empowered by the Spirit~ Filled in Worship

~ Submitting in Relationship