Walk in Wisdom

“What were you thinking?” If you’ve been asked this question, it’s probably not because you did something brilliant or helpful. Some of the most embarrassing, painful moments of our lives have been accompanied by this very question, because this question arises when something foolish takes place.

The Old Testament, especially the book of Proverbs, has much to say about the differences between wisdom and folly. In the New Testament, James 3:13-18 describes what a wise person looks like.

Ephesians 5:15-21 reminds us that the Christian’s life is to be marked by a change in how we live. Last week we read that we are to walk as children of light – there are things we should be doing and things we shouldn’t. Today we will continue on that theme of “walking,” emphasizing our need to walk in wisdom, as seen in verses 15-21.

Prioritize Wise Living over Foolishness (verses 15-17)

Ephesians 5:15-18a emphasize prioritizing wise living over foolishness. All behavior will be exposed – either wise living or foolish living. Be careful, make the most of your time, and understand God’s will – these directives guide how we should live as Christians, because it’s easy to be foolish, especially in evil days. Life is like walking through the woods; if you aren’t careful, you may end up in a lifestyle that mirrors darkness rather than light. Christians should be mindful of their time and make the most of it.

We are also told to “understand what the will of the Lord is,” similar to the phrase in verse 10, “try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord.” God’s Word speaks to everything, but it doesn’t speak about everything. Christians must cultivate discernment, applying what we know to be true to assess whether our actions are pleasing to the Lord.

The context of the letter of Ephesians involves Jews and Gentiles being united by Christ and needing to develop discernment in their daily lives. A practical example of “understanding what the will of the Lord is” is given: don’t get drunk and live a debauched life. Peter echoes this in 1 Peter 4:3-5, urging Christians to avoid reckless, wild living. Drunkenness leads to debauchery, which causes harm to oneself and others.

At Grace, whether you have a past of drunkenness or not, everyone is equal in Christ. There’s no one better or worse. We all have sins that put Jesus on the cross. Christ’s sacrifice was needed for all our wrongdoings. There is no such thing as damaged goods in God’s family.

Ephesians 1:3 and onward reinforces our identity in Christ. Because these truths are now certain for you, prioritize wise living over foolishness. Walk in wisdom, making the most of your time, and seek to understand God’s will.

Prioritize Spiritual Maturity over Living for the Moment (verses 18-21)

Ephesians 5:18-21 emphasize prioritizing spiritual maturity over living for the moment. Being filled with the Spirit is not about getting more of Him. When we are saved, we are sealed with the Spirit, and He indwells us fully and permanently. It’s not a feeling or an experience to pursue, nor is it about gaining spiritual super-powers. Being filled with the Spirit happens at the moment of salvation and continues as an ordinary and ongoing reality for Christians.

Acts 6:3, 6:5, and 7:55 show that being filled with the Spirit was ordinary for the first deacons, and Acts 13:52 shows that the disciples were continually filled. This ministry of the Spirit starts at salvation and continues without needing our initiation. We are to live lives in harmony with the Spirit’s presence, showing evidence of His filling through our spiritual lifestyle.

Being filled with the Spirit is an extraordinary approach to life, in contrast to the unfortunately ordinary approach of drunkenness leading to debauchery. Christians should instead be filled with the Spirit, speaking to each other in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, giving praise to God, giving thanks in all circumstances, and mutually submitting to each other.

Four evidences of being Spirit-filled include:

1. Speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs: This is not about breaking into song randomly or substituting parties with hymn recitals. It’s about Christians coming together to voice truth in song, building each other up. The impact of singing with each other shows that worship is not just a personal experience but a communal affirmation of God’s truths.
2. Singing and making melody in your hearts to the Lord: This involves music directed towards praising God, similar to how we celebrate life events with songs. It’s a natural expression of being filled with the Spirit.
3. Always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to our God and Father: This disposition reflects a Spirit-filled life, a general outlook of gratitude rather than reciting every single thing to thank God for every moment.
4. Submitting to one another in the fear of Christ: This foundation for relationships, including marriages, means putting others’ interests ahead of our own. It’s an essential part of being filled with the Spirit.

Returning to verse 18, “Don’t be drunk with wine which leads to debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,” the question of “Who benefits?” arises. Drunkenness benefits oneself in a selfish, live-for-the-moment way, but living a Spirit-filled life benefits God, others, and oneself as one grows in maturity in Christ.

Prioritizing wise living over foolishness and maturity over living for the moment is walking in wisdom. May God use His Word through His Spirit to change us and bring glory to Himself.