Continuing Ephesians

9/6/2019

Our summer weekly study gatherings on the book of Ephesians was a time of growth for many of us. Let's keep it going! Since we are not done with our book, we will continue with weekly blog posts to keep encouraging you in finishing up our study. We'll highlight parts of the lesson, including a few of the questions--please share your thoughts by commenting below!

This week's post is about Lesson 9 in our book, and it's based on Ephesians 5:15-21.

So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:15-21

This lesson talks a lot about how the Ephesians are to live in Christ while being "surrounded by pagans who lived for the moment, who rejected the general revelation of God in creation and the special revelation of God in the gospel of Jesus Christ." (p. 61) Paul says that being filled with the Holy Spirit is the only way to walk out their faith while living in a world that doesn't acknowledge God. So how are we to be filled with the Holy Spirit?

"To be filled with the Spirit involves confession of sin, surrender of will, intellect, body, time, talent, possessions, and desires... It is simply taking the Word of Christ (Scripture) and letting it indwell and infuse every part of our being. To be filled with God's Spirit is to be filled with His Word. And as we are filled with God's Word, it controls our thinking and action, and we thereby come more and more under the Spirit's control." (p. 65)

Friends, once again, it comes back to abiding! If we want to be filled with God's Spirit, we have to fill ourselves with His Word. It's really that simple! Why do I so often try to make it more complicated?

Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. John 15:4-5

Take some time for some honest reflection on the questions below. If you'd like to share your thoughts with us, please comment below.
(2.) According to Paul, what evidence proves that a person is filled with the Spirit?
(7.) Are you taking the time to read and meditate on God's Word? Why or why not?
(9.) How can you make the most of the time God has given you? In light of the truth that your days are numbered, what trivial activities do you need to drop from your daily schedule? What activities do you need to add?

Don't know where to start in making room for God in your life?
Our Abide Planning Sheet could help!

3 Comments

Tatum

9/10/2019 10:41:26 am

I'll get the responses started!
2. Speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs... singing from your heart to the Lord; giving thanks and submitting to one another... in summary I feel it is saying to rejoice in the Lord and be humble in your interactions with others.
7. I read the bible every day (started a "Bible in a Year" plan on January 1). It has become a guide in my everyday life... in it I get to know who God is and his role in my life.
9. I don't spend a ton of time on entertainment, but moving to having my entertainment be things that also build up my family and relationships would be better choices. I do need to do less "scrolling" in social media. I do it sometimes to just separate from the chaos and stress of life and get a break, but it really isn't serving well. I need to add more family time and time with them that is about connection and teaching.

Heather

9/17/2019 09:08:26 am

2.) The way we speak to others is evidence of being filled with the Spirit. Having His melody in our heart and being grateful no matter the circumstances I find myself in. Being humble and putting others first.

7.) Yes. I am finally at a point when I can truthfully answer 'Yes - every day!' to that question. It has made a huge difference in my life. Only when I'm in God's Word every day do I feel able to allow myself to be more controlled by His Spirit.

9.) Every season is an exercise for me in 'what do I say no/yes to'. If I am too busy I either don't take time with God or I don't give Him quality time because my mind is racing with other tasks that are on my plate.

Erica

9/18/2019 03:44:09 pm

2. Many times you can see it on the face of those who are filled with the spirit. The calm and joy in their hearts. The way someone encourages you in times of need, or can see someone who is struggling without needing to ask for help.

7.I can say that I am taking the time to read God's Word very close to everyday. My struggle is to slow down and truly meditate on God's Word, what it means to me and how to make a change to be closer to God. There is still a fear/ a little voice of doubt that I could interpret the message the wrong way.

9. 100% slowing down and enjoying each moment and each experience and person that God has put in my path. I can see looking back how much I have missed out on by rushing from one thing to the next. I think it has been said, but scrolling through social media and TV are adding little value to my life and relationship with God. Being more intentional with time, commitments, projects focusing on those that will bring me closer to God and my relationship with him as well as activities that will bring value and time to build relationships within my family, with friends and our community.

Thoughts & Encouragement