Living Wisely: Embracing the Spirit's Guidance

In Ephesians 5:15-21, we are called to live wisely, making the most of every opportunity because the days are evil. This passage urges us to walk not as unwise but as wise, understanding the will of the Lord. The Apostle Paul contrasts two states of being: being drunk with wine, which leads to debauchery, and being filled with the Holy Spirit. Drunkenness dulls our senses and leads to foolishness, while the Holy Spirit enlightens and empowers us to live wisely and in accordance with God's will.

Understanding the will of the Lord involves more than just following a list of commands. It requires wisdom to apply biblical principles to the myriad of decisions we face daily. The will of God can be understood in two senses: His sovereign will, which encompasses everything that happens, and His revealed will, which is His moral law and commands. While God's sovereign will always comes to pass, His revealed will requires our obedience and wisdom to apply it in our lives.

Drunkenness is a metaphor for anything that dulls our spiritual senses and leads us away from God's purpose. It is wasteful and destructive, causing us to lose connection with reality and fall into patterns of behavior that are not aligned with God's will. In contrast, being filled with the Spirit heightens our spiritual awareness and enables us to discern God's will more clearly. The Spirit provides us with wisdom and revelation, enlightening the eyes of our hearts to see and understand God's purpose for our lives.

To live wisely, we must avoid the blinding effects of sin and instead seek the illuminating presence of the Holy Spirit. This empowers us to live in a way that is pleasing to God, making the most of every opportunity to do good and fulfill His will.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Wisdom in Daily Living: Living wisely involves more than following a set of rules; it requires discernment to apply biblical principles to everyday decisions. This wisdom is essential for understanding and fulfilling God's will in our lives. [06:33]
• 2. Understanding God's Will: God's will can be seen in two ways: His sovereign will, which always happens, and His revealed will, which requires our obedience. Understanding this distinction helps us align our lives with His purpose. [03:51]
• 3. The Dangers of Drunkenness: Drunkenness symbolizes anything that dulls our spiritual senses and leads to wastefulness. It prevents us from living wisely and fulfilling God's purpose, highlighting the need to avoid such behaviors. [08:41]
• 4. The Role of the Holy Spirit: Being filled with the Holy Spirit enlightens our spiritual senses, enabling us to discern God's will and live wisely. The Spirit provides wisdom and revelation, helping us see and understand God's purpose. [11:41]
• 5. Making the Most of Every Opportunity: We are called to be shrewd and seize every opportunity to do good, recognizing the evil in the world. This requires being spiritually alert and guided by the Holy Spirit. [00:45]
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Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:25] - Walking Wisely
• [00:45] - Seizing Opportunities
• [01:02] - Understanding God's Will
• [01:22] - Seeking Practical Guidance
• [01:55] - Avoiding Drunkenness
• [02:15] - The Effects of Drunkenness
• [02:54] - Two Senses of God's Will
• [03:33] - God's Sovereign Will
• [04:12] - God's Revealed Will
• [05:24] - Applying Biblical Commands
• [06:15] - Wisdom in Decision Making
• [07:22] - The Impact of Drunkenness
• [08:21] - Wastefulness of Drunkenness
• [10:41] - Being Filled with the Spirit

1. What are the two contrasting states of being that Paul discusses in Ephesians 5:18, and what are their outcomes? [01:55]
2. According to the sermon, what does it mean to "make the most of every opportunity" in the context of Ephesians 5:16? [00:45]
3. How does the sermon describe the "will of God" in two different senses, and what are the implications of each? [03:51]
4. What metaphor does the sermon use to describe the effects of drunkenness, and how does it contrast with being filled with the Spirit? [08:41]

1. How does understanding God's sovereign will and revealed will help believers align their lives with His purpose? [03:51]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that being filled with the Holy Spirit can enhance a believer's ability to live wisely? [11:41]
3. How does the sermon explain the importance of wisdom in applying biblical principles to daily decisions? [06:33]
4. What are the potential consequences of allowing anything to "dull our spiritual senses," according to the sermon? [08:41]

1. Reflect on a recent decision you made. How did you apply biblical wisdom to that decision, and what was the outcome? [06:33]
2. Identify an area in your life where you feel disconnected from God's purpose. What steps can you take to seek the Holy Spirit's guidance in that area? [11:41]
3. Consider a habit or behavior that might be dulling your spiritual senses. What practical steps can you take to address this and seek the Spirit's illumination instead? [08:41]
4. How can you make the most of opportunities to do good in your daily life, especially in light of the "evil days" mentioned in Ephesians 5:16? [00:45]
5. Think of a situation where you struggled to understand God's will. How can the distinction between His sovereign and revealed will provide clarity in such situations? [03:51]
6. What specific actions can you take this week to ensure you are living wisely and not foolishly, as urged in Ephesians 5:15? [00:25]
7. How can you cultivate a deeper awareness of the Holy Spirit's presence in your life, and what impact might this have on your decision-making? [11:41]