This article is a Bible study on Ephesians 5:15-21.

Source: The Outlook, 1982. 3 pages.

Ephesians 5:15-21 - Living Wisely

Read Ephesians 5:15-21

This paragraph is very closely connected to the words found in the previous section. There the Apos­tle had urged his readers to imitate their God in their whole manner of life. To do this they must keep them­selves from all immorality. Their manner of life must make it clear to all men that they are serving a new Master and that they have a different goal in life. In the present paragraph Paul gives further advice con­cerning specific aspects of the way of life which is approved of God and is in tune with their own confession.

Watch Your Step🔗

They are to look carefully at their way of life. This is not an inconsequential matter. True, their profes­sion must be true to the Word of God in every respect. But, their lives may not militate against their profes­sion nor against the clear commandments He has given them. Let them, therefore, consider their walk of life carefully. This will be a witness to all those who are "watching" them. Their word of witness may not conflict with the life-style which everybody is able to see. To walk carefully is the wise manner of life. It agrees with their confession which is true. If they walk as those who have not embraced the gospel of Jesus Christ, they would live unwisely. In these words the Apostle puts the matter very mildly, but they are words which everyone will understand.

Seize the Opportunity🔗

These readers are called to "redeem," or to buy up the time or opportunities, because the days are evil. These words are very well-known but are often mis­understood. Are there many opportunities which must be bought up at any price if the days or times are evil? These evil days would seem to make these opportunities rare. And, that the days were evil in which these Ephesians were living is clear from the previous section. The Christian church had been placed in the midst of a hostile world — and that is still her place! She must now live in a manner which will reveal the depth of the iniquity of the unbeliev­ing world. The church may not have the opportunity to speak, let her therefore live her confession! It is amazing what can be done in this way. Christians must use every opportunity, they must buy them up, because they are so scarce! Much can be done by the church of Christ if each member will use the God-given opportunities to bring honor to the name of Christ. The history of the Christian church contains many names of heroes of faith who used the oppor­tunities given them in their time. We use only a small part of our intellectual capacity and that is also true concerning our stewardship of the spiritual capacities given us. How much some have accomplished! How little the majority accomplish! Redeem the time!

The things which Paul has mentioned ought to be so self-evident that everyone would be in complete agreement with his statements. However, that is not the case. These things must be taught again and again. Yet, it is certainly clear to all that his teach­ing here is the only wise course for a believer to fol­low. Paul now reiterates the things said in verse 15 but makes them somewhat stronger. Let Christians not walk as fools. Let them not be without under­standing in the manner of life which they live. This would indeed be the case if they did not heed his ad­monition. That wrong walk of life is not only sinful, it is also foolish! Many may deny the presence of sin, but nobody wishes to appear foolish. To safeguard yourselves, understand what the will of the Lord is. He has spoken clearly to them. He has made known what manner of life is well-pleasing to Him, i.e., the life which naturally flows from a true confession. Let them live their faith and the questions will not be multiplied: May I do this? Why may I not do that? etc.

Not drunk with Wine, but Filled with the Spirit🔗

Paul now gives a very clear example of his teach­ing in the previous verse. They must not be drunken with wine but be filled with the Spirit. How often the New Testament refers to the misuse of wine! It was a problem then and it has been a problem through the ages. It is not true that the Bible forbids the use of wine, but it certainly gives clear warning against its misuse. Would it not have been better if the Bible had clearly forbidden its use? Then, how­ever, we would be wiser than God. These readers of this epistle must realize that the evil one uses wine to anesthetize his victims. The days are evil for be­lievers but they were also difficult for unbelievers. They then make misuse of wine to drown their life's sorrows. But, therein is riot, or uncontrolled living. That leads to the foolishness against which Paul has warned. It does not give joy or deliverance but in­creases the pain. Instead of being drunken with wine the Apostle urges them to be filled with the Spirit. This will bring the true joy of life; it will be in keeping with their profession of their faith in Christ; and it will be the pathway of life which is wise and not foolish. What a contrast — drunken with wine or filled with the Spirit! But, so great is the contrast between believer and unbeliever!

A Life of Song🔗

The life of a believer is a life of song. The largest book of the Bible is the Psalter for Israel and for the church of all ages. Christianity is the religion of song. Other religions have nothing to sing about and consequently singing has a very inferior role in the lives of their devotees. The believer, whether of Old Testament times or of the New, has reason for song and his God has given him the inspired song book. In a measure we are even able to sing of the mighty deeds of redemption by means of the Psalms; how­ever, hymns are necessary to do justice to our jubi­lation in Christ's coming and His resurrection, etc. When the Apostle here speaks of Psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, I do not believe that he is mak­ing sharp distinctions between them. He means that believers are to edify one another with such song as is approved. There were a few hymns already at that time as well as the Psalter. They are to engage in singing and making melody with their hearts to the Lord. Their life is to be a song! Their hearts overflow with joy and this seeks expression in song.

How different is the expression of joy on the part of the believer from that on the part of the unbeliever. The latter is drunken and may sing out in a drunken inebriation, while the believer sings the praise of his God. The believer does so consciously while the unbeliever doesn't know what he is doing. Those who make melody with their hearts to the Lord do not engage in "idle" songs or "ditties." The true church sings! It sings Psalms! It glorifies God and not the singer!

By means of the songs which the redeemed of the Lord sing, they bring thanks to their God. How often the Psalmist urges the people of his day to give thanks to God for all they have received out of His hand. In Psalm 103 he even instructs himself to give thanks. This giving of thanks can be done in dif­ferent ways, but song is certainly one of the most prominent ways. The Apostle now encourages his readers to a life of gratitude. He does this in many places in his writings, but in this beautiful passage he does so in a very special way.

Thanks Always for All Things🔗

Do they have reason to be grateful? Notice that the author proceeds on the assumption that God's people always have reason to give thanks. He simply is not able to conceive of a situation in which the Christian would not have reason to be grateful. Therefore he uses sweeping terms — "always" — "for all things." How is this possible? We must real­ize that he is not just writing words which have no meaning for the everyday life of a believer. He knows whereof he speaks, and, he is writing the Word of God. He himself is a prisoner in Rome at the time he is writing to the Ephesians that they must always be thankful for all things. Can he be thankful for the fact that he is in prison in chains? Not only is this possible for him, but he rejoices therein and gives expression to his feelings concerning these matters time and again in his writings. His Savior is in control of all things and He knows what He is doing! This man, Paul, is a marvel! He truly lives his confession. He shows a Christian optimism which has seldom been equalled. He does not come with "dry" teaching; he comes with the vibrant Word of God which these Ephesian (and other) Christians desperately need.

This thanks is to be expressed to God. This re­veals the character of the approved songs too. In our songs we do not engage in subjective expressions, but God is the object of our praise and thanksgiving. Only in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ are we able to approach our God. The songs of praise must have the approval of Christ and so will they be re­ceived by the God to Whom they are sung. That which would praise man would naturally be contra­band; that which would even praise our faith or prayer would be suspect! We are to bring our praise and thanks to Him from whom all blessings flow!

In Christ's Name🔗

The praise of God and the thanks to God of which Paul has been speaking, though difficult to carry out, will, nevertheless, receive the approval of those who read these words. But, there is more. In the following paragraphs he is going to speak of the relationships which these Christians are to have toward their fel­lowmen. Then there will be many more questions in their minds. He is, therefore, going to write a few words which will form a transition to the subjects with which he will deal in the following sections. He tells them that they are to subject themselves one to another. This is not desirable in the eyes of many. However, their Lord had spoken in the same vein. No one is to seek the first place, but meekness is re­quired. This has also made Christianity odious to many. We must remember that Paul does not teach that one must always be subject to everyone. This be­comes an absurdity! One will finally emerge above another. What does he teach? This meekness must be found in the fear of Christ. It is not to be meekness for meekness' sake, but for Christ's sake! The one must be willing to subject himself to others in rever­ence for Christ. This is the life and walk of wisdom!

Questions for Discussion:🔗

  1.  Are our opportunities for service to our God well used? Do we always see the opportunities?
     
  2. Many do not care for the Christian manner of life because they believe it is too restrictive. How does this attitude reveal their foolishness?
     
  3. Heresy has often entered the church through song. Does this apply to the words only or can even the music be harmful?
     
  4.  Do we need hymns in the New Testament church? Do we sing the Psalms enough? Is some of our hymnody too subjective? Explain.
     
  5.  Can we be thankful for everything? For sickness? For losses? Are we not taught to pray for the re­moval of "obstacles" in our lives?
     
  6.  Do some Christian groups have the wrong view of meekness? Does the teaching on meekness mean, e.g., that we would never insist on our rights? That we would never go to court?

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