As beloved Children in (agape) (vv.1-2)
Ephesians 4:1, 17; 5:2, 8, 15
as children of (vv.8-10)
Walking in light means learning what (v.10)
…do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, – Ephesians 4:30 (NIV)
…trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. (v.10)
A Christian is not sinless, but should sin-and and (vv.10)
Let our light (vv.11-12)
…let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
– Matthew 5:16 (NIV)
I’m called to be light, not an on (v.12)
… be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil. – Romans 16:19 (NIV)
Paul writes, “Awake sleeper” to (v.14)
Walking in light means walking in (vv.15-17)
…be careful (akribo’os) how you walk, not as unwise (asophos: fools (KJV) people but as wise (sophos), making the most of your time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. – Ephesians 5:15-17 (NASB)
Wise Believers:
Understand that God has a (v.17b)
“…will of the Lord”
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. – Ephesians 2:10 (NASB)
Do not leave life
Careful/circumspect: Akribo’os: exactly, accurately, diligently (Thayer’s)
it through (v.17a) “understand”
Understand that
…making the most of your time (v.16)
How to Determine God’s Plan for My Life:
Prerequisite: Spend
Be still, and know that I am God; – Psalms 46:10 (NKJV)
Begin by Asking 3 Questions:
What are my and ?
Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly:
– Romans 12:6 (NASB)
What have I ?
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. – Romans 8:28 (NASB)
Decide what is ?
(Paul) “I may do anything, but everything is not useful. Yes, I may do anything, but everything is not constructive.”
– 1 Corinthians 10:23 (Ph)
Make according to
A.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future – Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
B. God
We should make plans-counting on God to direct us – Proverbs 16:9 (TLB)
Plan carefully what you do, and whatever you do will turn out right – Proverbs 4:26 (GNT)
C. It’s the thing to do
Live life, then, with a due sense of responsibility, not as men who do not know the meaning of life but as those who do. Make the best use of your time…Don’t be vague but grasp firmly what you know to be the will of the Lord
– Ephesians 5:15-17 (PNT)