h2l

How to Live

Ephesians 4:17-5:20

Today we are going to deal with a rather lager chunk of scripture. The reason for that is because Paul is talking about living in the Light. Here he is dealing with three general areas: 1) Living as children of light, 2) Living in the Light, and 3) Living by the Spirit's power. I could separate everything into sections, but I find that as I read the passage it is linked together as are many of Paul's writings. Technically chapter 5:22-6:9 could be part of this because you can't live these principles without doing all that precedes them. What I will do is take the main body (4:17-5:20) and deal with the principles imbedded in that text. I will deal with husbands, wives, children, etc next time around. (5:21-6:9)

Let's first deal with living as children of light. (Ch. 4:17-31) In vs. 17-19 Paul addresses the issue of hooking up with the ungodly person. Paul asserts his authority in Jesus and says don't live like they do. His reasoning is that they are hopelessly confused! Anyone who doesn't have a relationship with Jesus can't help but be confused. We are talking about their thought process. A person can have it together financially, emotionally, etc., but it's the way they process information that's faulty. They are not part of God's processing unit, the Holy Spirit.

Paul explains in vs. 18-19 how they think: they have closed minds, hardened hearts, and impure thinking. They are greedy and self-centered. Over the last few years I have seen this more and more. Even in the church people disrespect the Lord. Our television programs reflect the decadence of our society. So, Paul instructs: STAY AWAY FROM THAT TYPE OF BEHAVIOR.

In vs. 20-24 Paul contrasts the Christian Lifestyle with that of the World. Purity replaces impurity. Generosity replaces greed. Shed the 'evil way' of living, which is full of lust and deception. It is a "rotten" lifestyle! We must have a new nature, which comes from a renewed mind. (Ro 12:1-2) I find it interesting that Paul continually goes back to the 'renewed mind.' That is the key to a powerful Christian life.

In vs. 25-31 Paul gives the details of pure living: Tell others the truth---don't lie to them. Often times we tell 'little white lies' in order not to hurt someone�s feelings. This is wrong. We often tell someone they look nice when we really think that they look like something the cat brought in, or some other thing that will, when they find out the truth, hurt them more. don't sin by letting your anger control you. What this means is this: don't go ballistic over small issues that come up. Too often we let little things get to us. Usually we burry our feelings when someone wrongs us and, at the most inopportune time, we blow up at some innocent person who didn't do anything at all. This is anger out of control. There is justifiable anger such as when someone does us wrong and we say our piece about it. But it must be done in a rational, calm manner. We must be civilized! Paul tells us to hold on to anger is to exalt the devil. We really don't want to do that.

Further, we are to stop stealing from others and get an honest job. We are to use that money to bless others. This statement explains itself.

We are not to use foul language or be abusive to others. When we are new believers those attitudes are being washed out of us, if we let the spirit work. If after a few years we still act this way we have a serious problem. Those who are abusive have more than a serious problem and need not serve as a leader until it is resolved. What we really need to be doing is building up each other by encouraging and looking for the good things in a person�s life. How often do we do that? Especially to those who irritate us.

Once again, Paul says, as a command, to get rid of the following things: bitterness, anger, rage, harsh words, slander, and malicious behavior. These things are to be replaced with kindness, tenderness, generosity, forgiveness, etc. We want God to do all the work while we do nothing at all. Scripture is clear: we must do our part to practice what the Word says (partnership with the Spirit) and the spirit will make it a reality.

In chapter five Paul continues the instructions for right living. But before we get into this I would like to speak about whom we belong to and what our responsibilities are. To do this look at John 15:5. In this verse Jesus tells us "he is the vine, we are the branches. No one can get to the father without going through Jesus first." A vine holds the lifeblood of the plant. It produces the nutrients for the fruit to grow. (Study ch 15 to see how it all works) The sap of the vine produces renewal in the plant. If Jesus is the vine and we are the branches that produces the good work in us? As branches we are to be conduits for the sap and nutrients to flow through to produce fruit. We are to work on our character, but with the lifeblood of the spirit flowing in us----otherwise it won't work!! Too often we try to produce what only the Holy Spirit can produce. We try to "save" people when what we need to do is just tell them who Jesus is and how he can help them.

Now, let's get back to chapter 5. In vs. 1-2 we are charged to follow God's example (be imitators) in everything we do. The simile is this: father/child. In human terms we don't ever want to hurt our parents by doing embarassing things. The same is true with our heavenly father. (Though he is more forgiving than our parents ever were.)

In verse 3-9 Paul lists all of the sinful traits and attitudes. Read them for yourself. How many of them do you do? Those who practice these things won't make it into heaven. We all miss it now and again, but that is different than making a practice out of them. You can read in 1John 1-2 more about this subject. If you keep these people around you, you become like them. The solution: RUN FROM THEM!!!

In verses 10-14 we are told to seek out what is pleasing to the Lord. We need to let God's light shine on the dark deeds, exposing them for what they are. We can find out what is pleasing by prayer, reading the word, and being around mature believers. Thos e who lives in these sinful acts are dead, worthless people. Those aren't my words...read the passage (vs. 14).

Finally in verses 15-18 we are told to live by the spirit's power. We are told to be wise, not foolish and to do good and make the most of every opportunity. Regular reading in the book of Proverbs will help us to be wise. So will reading Paul's letters. Ask the father to show you how to see the opportunities around you, and to make the most of them. These opportunities may range from the obvious: (sharing the Word, to taking a stranger to lunch) to the less obvious: (listening to a friend who is grieving, to blessing someone just because.) Don't be reckless in what you do, but connect with the father's heart. (WWJD)

In verses 18-20 we are charged to not get drunk on wine (alcohol), but be filled with the Spirit. The word drunk here means to be 'soaked in'. I have seen many a man who was soaked in alcohol and wondered what they would be like if they were soaked in the Holy Spirit. When we are soaked in the spirit we sing song to the Lord and often become conduits for the Lord to sing through us.

So, there you have it. It's been a long study, but I believe well worth it. Next time we will deal with relationships in the church, family, and workplace. There are only two studies left: relationships and spiritual warfare.

Be Outrageously Blessed!

Pastor Earl

E-mail: Soaring Eagle Ministries

Be Outrageously Blessed!

Pastor Earl

Last updated February 20, 2004



	*How to Live* Ephesians 4:17-5:20 Today we are going to deal with a rather lager chunk of scripture. The reason for that is because Paul is talking about living in the Light. Here he is dealing with three general areas: 1) Living as children of light, 2) Living in the Light, and 3) Living by the Spirit's power. I could separate everything into sections, but I find that as I read the passage it is linked together as are many of Paul's writings. Technically chapter 5:22-6:9 could be part of this because you can't live these principles without doing all that precedes them. What I will do is take the main body (4:17-5:20) and deal with the principles imbedded in that text. I will deal with husbands, wives, children, etc next time around. (5:21-6:9) Let's first deal with living as children of light. (Ch. 4:17-31) In vs. 17-19 Paul addresses the issue of hooking up with the ungodly person. Paul asserts his authority in Jesus and says don't live like they do. His reasoning is that they are hopelessly confused! Anyone who doesn't have a relationship with Jesus can't help but be confused. We are talking about their thought process. A person can have it together financially, emotionally, etc., but it's the way they process information that's faulty. They are not part of God's processing unit, the Holy Spirit. Paul explains in vs. 18-19 how they think: they have closed minds, hardened hearts, and impure thinking. They are greedy and self-centered. Over the last few years I have seen this more and more. Even in the church people disrespect the Lord. Our television programs reflect the decadence of our society. So, Paul instructs: STAY AWAY FROM THAT TYPE OF BEHAVIOR. In vs. 20-24 Paul contrasts the Christian Lifestyle with that of the World. Purity replaces impurity. Generosity replaces greed. Shed the 'evil way' of living, which is full of lust and deception. It is a "rotten" lifestyle! We must have a new nature, which comes from a renewed mind. (Ro 12:1-2) I find it interesting that Paul continually goes back to the 'renewed mind.' That is the key to a powerful Christian life. In vs. 25-31 Paul gives the details of pure living: Tell others the truth---don't lie to them. Often times we tell 'little white lies' in order not to hurt someone�s feelings. This is wrong. We often tell someone they look nice when we really think that they look like something the cat brought in, or some other thing that will, when they find out the truth, hurt them more. don't sin by letting your anger control you. What this means is this: don't go ballistic over small issues that come up. Too often we let little things get to us. Usually we burry our feelings when someone wrongs us and, at the most inopportune time, we blow up at some innocent person who didn't do anything at all. This is anger out of control. There is justifiable anger such as when someone does us wrong and we say our piece about it. But it must be done in a rational, calm manner. We must be civilized! Paul tells us to hold on to anger is to exalt the devil. We really don't want to do that. Further, we are to stop stealing from others and get an honest job. We are to use that money to bless others. This statement explains itself. We are not to use foul language or be abusive to others. When we are new believers those attitudes are being washed out of us, if we let the spirit work. If after a few years we still act this way we have a serious problem. Those who are abusive have more than a serious problem and need not serve as a leader until it is resolved. What we really need to be doing is building up each other by encouraging and looking for the good things in a person�s life. How often do we do that? Especially to those who irritate us. Once again, Paul says, as a command, to get rid of the following things: bitterness, anger, rage, harsh words, slander, and malicious behavior. These things are to be replaced with kindness, tenderness, generosity, forgiveness, etc. We want God to do all the work while we do nothing at all. Scripture is clear: we must do our part to practice what the Word says (partnership with the Spirit) and the spirit will make it a reality. In chapter five Paul continues the instructions for right living. But before we get into this I would like to speak about whom we belong to and what our responsibilities are. To do this look at John 15:5. In this verse Jesus tells us "he is the vine, we are the branches. No one can get to the father without going through Jesus first." A vine holds the lifeblood of the plant. It produces the nutrients for the fruit to grow. (Study ch 15 to see how it all works) The sap of the vine produces renewal in the plant. If Jesus is the vine and we are the branches that produces the good work in us? As branches we are to be conduits for the sap and nutrients to flow through to produce fruit. We are to work on our character, but with the lifeblood of the spirit flowing in us----otherwise it won't work!! Too often we try to produce what only the Holy Spirit can produce. We try to "save" people when what we need to do is just tell them who Jesus is and how he can help them. Now, let's get back to chapter 5. In vs. 1-2 we are charged to follow God's example (be imitators) in everything we do. The simile is this: father/child. In human terms we don't ever want to hurt our parents by doing embarassing things. The same is true with our heavenly father. (Though he is more forgiving than our parents ever were.) In verse 3-9 Paul lists all of the sinful traits and attitudes. Read them for yourself. How many of them do you do? Those who practice these things won't make it into heaven. We all miss it now and again, but that is different than making a practice out of them. You can read in 1John 1-2 more about this subject. If you keep these people around you, you become like them. The solution: RUN FROM THEM!!! In verses 10-14 we are told to seek out what is pleasing to the Lord. We need to let God's light shine on the dark deeds, exposing them for what they are. We can find out what is pleasing by prayer, reading the word, and being around mature believers. Thos e who lives in these sinful acts are dead, worthless people. Those aren't my words...read the passage (vs. 14). Finally in verses 15-18 we are told to live by the spirit's power. We are told to be wise, not foolish and to do good and make the most of every opportunity. Regular reading in the book of Proverbs will help us to be wise. So will reading Paul's letters. Ask the father to show you how to see the opportunities around you, and to make the most of them. These opportunities may range from the obvious: (sharing the Word, to taking a stranger to lunch) to the less obvious: (listening to a friend who is grieving, to blessing someone just because.) Don't be reckless in what you do, but connect with the father's heart. (WWJD) In verses 18-20 we are charged to not get drunk on wine (alcohol), but be filled with the Spirit. The word drunk here means to be 'soaked in'. I have seen many a man who was soaked in alcohol and wondered what they would be like if they were soaked in the Holy Spirit. When we are soaked in the spirit we sing song to the Lord and often become conduits for the Lord to sing through us. So, there you have it. It's been a long study, but I believe well worth it. Next time we will deal with relationships in the church, family, and workplace. There are only two studies left: relationships and spiritual warfare. Be Outrageously Blessed! Pastor Earl *E-mail:* Soaring Eagle Ministries Be Outrageously Blessed! Pastor Earl Last updated February 20, 2004