Being Careful

Ephesians 5: 15-21

Introduction: We are warned by the apostle Paul to be careful in our behavior and to make the most of opportunities that come out way.

Be Wise With Your Time v. 15-17

1. One remedy against sin is circumspection, caution and care

2. IF we are to reprove sin we must ourselves be clean of it

3. The teaching here is that it is impossible to be clean and pure without a vigorous effort at it

4. V. 16 “redeeming time” comes from an expression of that time for merchants, meaning to literally “buying the  opportunity” described how the merchants observe and improve the seasons for merchandise and trade

   1. Our time is a talent given from God for good—an investment

   2. NOTE: IF we lose our time we must diligently try to make it up in doing our duty in the future

5. The days are evil; every hour for a Christian was dangerous at this time. In order to understand how to use their time, they must know the will of God

6. To know the will of God called for studying God’s ways

Be Filled With The Spirit v. 18-20

1. The apostle warns against other particular sins

2. Drunkenness. Drunkenness is a sin that rarely walks by itself but is accompanied by other sins

   1. Our judgment is clouded

   2. Instead of being filled with wine, he says to be filled with the Spirit

3. Men should labor for good things, this helps our behavior and we spend our time wisely

4. V.19 Drunkards usually sings songs that are bawdy, not praising to God. Christians should sing songs praising God

   1. Though Christianity is an enemy of profane mirth, it encourages joy and gladness and the proper expressions of such

   2. NOTE: It is appointed to Christians to sing psalms of worship and praise to God—and to continue to do so throughout the entire course of our lives

5. We sing not only for ourselves but for the glory and praise of God who is worthy of such

Be Subject One to Another v. 21

1. We exhorted to have mutual submission to one another

2. To bear each ones burdens

3. Not advancing above one another at another’s cost

4. Not domineering over one another

5. Paul was an example “he became all things to all men”—yielding and submissive of spirit.

6. The motivation of this submission is the fear and respect of Christ