Devotional Tuesday: Ephesians 5
Walk in Wisdom and the Holy Spirit
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, 21 submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Ephesians 5:15–21 (ESV)
Observations:
There seems to be a clear choice in Paul’s writing. You can choose to live as someone who is wise… or you can choose to live as someone who is not wise. That is the choice we are all given.
There seems to be a link in Paul’s mind between wisdom and the will of God.
5 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.
The will of the Lord will lead to wisdom—not only in our knowledge, but in our actions.
For Paul, this plays out in the rest of this passage from v18-21:
Don’t get drunk
Praise God
Sing to the Lord
Give thanks
Submit to each other
These all play a part of wise living.
Interpretation:
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,
Paul connects drunkenness to foolishness. Rather, he says to be filled with the Spirit. Where alcohol will impair our character and actions, Paul encourages us to be filled or drunk on the Spirit of God—his goodness and wisdom spilling over into every area of our lives and visible for all to see.
Being filled with the Holy Spirit is the power from which true wisdom and godliness comes from. Without the Holy Spirit, the rest is not attainable in human strength.
Further, wisdom leads to worship.
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,
The Spirit prompts us to praise. He awakens creativity and thankfulness. I have always been fascinated by “praise breaks” which so often occur among our black brothers and sisters. (video). I love that there is an openness to spontaneously praise and publicity display our devotion to God. This looks different among different groups, but the same Spirit draws us to worship.
Wisdom leads to worship.
Finally, Spirit-filled wisdom leads to submission.
18 but be filled with the Spirit, … 21 submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Most of us spend more time focusing on the last part of Ephesians 5 and chapter 6 which gives specific examples of how to live this out (husbands and wives, slaves and masters, parents and children). Yet, this opening line is the main command.
submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Those in Christ ought to seek out submission to one another. The foundation of wisdom contrasts selfishness and power. Life in the power of the Spirit allows us to live in union and love for we all care for the other’s needs. It should be noted there are leaders and structures in place in the Christian community (Paul himself had to assert authority in times of error), but the default position should be one of submission and love for each other. Usually when this is not expressed reside problems needing authority to address.
Life Application:
The main commands are wisdom, worship, and submission. These are only attainable through the power of the Holy Spirit and his wisdom.
Today, seek his wisdom and presence.
In return, you will find worship, praise, peace, and love for God and for those around you.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus
Fill me with your Spirit today.
Give me strength to listen to him.
Fill me with wisdom.
Fill me with praise.
Fill me with peace and love for those around me.
Praise you name.
I will walk in your ways!