LIFE IN THE SPIRIT
Ephesians 5:15-21
Dr. Glenn A. Jent, Pastor
INTRODUCTION
Last Sunday, we considered the ministry of the Holy Spirit in the world and in the church. Today, I want us to think about life in the Spirit! What does it mean to live in the Spirit? What does it mean to be awake (see verse 14)? In our passage today, Paul gives us a firm understanding of what it means to live in the Spirit.
I. TWO-SIDED STATEMENTS
1. Live carefully (see vv. 15-16).
(1) Negative: Do not live as the unwise do (failing to see precious opportunities).
(2) Positive: Be wise and “make the most of every opportunity.”
2. Live correctly (see v. 17).
(1) “Do not be foolish.”
(2) “Understand what the Lord’s will is.”
3. Live cheerfully (see v. 18).
(1) “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery.”
(2) “Be filled with the Spirit.”
If we live in the Spirit, we will live make the most of every opportunity the Spirit gives us, understand what the Lord’s will is, and find our joy in being filled with the Spirit.
II. TWO-OBJECT STATEMENT
1. Life is to be filled with music that is expressed to God.
2. Life is to be filled with music that is expressed to others.
Life in the Spirit is characterized by a heart filled with music, music that is expressed in our worship with others and in our worship of God.
III. TWO-DIRECTIONAL STATEMENTS
1. Give thanks to God “for everything”—“always”!
(1) It is easy to do so when good things are happening.
(2) It is not very easy when bad things are happening.
2. “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.”
(1) It is easy to do this if the other person is important and powerful.
(2) It is not very easy if the other person is insignificant and weak.
Life in the Spirit means we live lives full of gratitude because we are living lives characterized by joy in the Spirit. Life in the Spirit means that we recognize that there is but one Lord and that we should submit to others out of respect for our Lord.
CONCLUSION
The only life worth living is life in the Spirit. All else is unwise, or foolish! How are you living your life? Are you awake? Are you living in the spirit of the world, which can easily lead to debauchery? Or are you living your life in the Spirit, seizing every opportunity to do the will of God? Are you wasting your life, or are you saving your life by living in the Spirit? Do you always thank God for everything? Do you willingly humble yourself before other Christians? If you do, you are living in the Spirit!
It might have appeared to go unnoticed,
but I've got it all here in my heart.
I want you to know I know the truth, of course I know it,
I would be nothing without you.
Did you ever know that you’re my hero,
And everything I would like to be.…
I can fly higher then an eagle,
'cause you are the Wind beneath my wings.
Fly, Fly, Fly away.… You let me Fly so high
Oh Fly, Fly so high against the sky, so high I almost touch the sky.
Thank you…thank you...thank GOD for you
~The Wind Beneath My Wings~
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