based on the LGG Study, Secure In Christ/w5d3
Read: Ephesians 5:15-21; SOAP: verses 15-16
Therefore consider carefully how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 taking advantage of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 For this reason do not be foolish, but be wise by understanding what the Lord’s will is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, which is debauchery, but be filled by the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music in your hearts to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 and submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Ephesians 5:15-21 NET or KJV VERSION
Friends, this one stirred up some ‘ouch moments’ from the past. They are moments I wish never happened, moments I know would be great examples of the “foolish lifestyle” Paul mentions in his letter. Careless carefree moments that to anyone paying attention would have left them wondering and or whispering, why I looked more like the world than a child of the light. Friends, our carefree moments in life should never lead to careless testimonies; even if we don’t care about our reputation, we should always care about how we represent Christ and influence others for God.
As children of the light, we must first belong to and walk in the light, and we must carefully consider how we live. This takes wisdom from God (Eph 1:8 and 17). We should never be careless in our lifestyle – this doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy life and have carefree moments, but we must do so without laying aside the will and pleasure of God, the things that please Him, and those that don’t. Then we must intentionally choose to walk in the way that is good and right and steer clear of the way that leads us away from God.
As Paul taught, we must keep in mind that we are to be lights to the world, and we must “take advantage of every opportunity” to reach others who are still in sin or those who might be easily led away by believers who foolishly live and talk like the world. Keep in mind, we are called to be representatives of the Lord Jesus in whatever we say or do.
The More We Know
Me From the Inside Out 