Walking As Children of God Ephesians 5:1-6:9 Part III

In the Pauline epistles, the word “walking” was used as a metaphor denoting one’s personal conduct.  In the first three chapters of this grand book of Ephesians, Paul expounded on the new life of the believers and the new unity they embraced together in the body of Christ.  Beginning with chapter 4, the apostle began to apply those truths in a practical way.  The word “walk” appears five times in chapters 4 and 5 (4:1, 17; 5:2, 8, 15).

Ephesians 5:1-6:9 may be outlined as follows:  I. The Command to Walk in Love – Ephesians 5:1-7; II. The Command to Walk in the Light – Ephesians 5:8-14; III. The Command to Walk in Wisdom – Ephesians 5:15-21; IV. Following Biblical Guidelines for the Family and in Relation to Servants and Masters – Ephesians 5:22-6:9.

III. The Command to Walk in Wisdom – Ephesians 5:15-21

In view of the preceding truths, believers are exhorted to make sure (see them) that they contact theirs lives carefully, or “circumspectly”.  They are to live “not as fools, but as wise” (v. 15).  Wise living is demonstrated by making full use of the opportunities given to use to do good.  In verse 16, believers are to be conscious of “redeeming the time” which means buying back the moment for oneself.  As believers, we are to make the most of time or snatching an opportunity that will not be present for long.  The opportunities we have are fleeting “because the days are evil” (v. 16).

In verse 17, Christians are not to be “unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.”  Paul is exhorting Christians to grasp God’s moral will for their lives.  To emphasize wise living, rather than being controlled by the destructive effects of alcohol, believers are to yield themselves to the life-enhancing control of the Holy Spirit (v. 18).  The Holy Spirit should dominate every aspect of our conduct and character.  We are definitely Spirit-filled when there are some “speaking, singing, making melody and giving thanks.”

Believers who are Spirit-filled will first of all voice praise and encouragement to one another.  Second, Spirit-filled Christians will voice praise to the Lord in their hearts.  Finally, believers under the Spirit’s influence are continually thankful to God uttering their thanks for all things “in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (v. 20).  The Spirit’s control is evident as a believer’s attitude changes and he has learned to praise God, edify other believers, and to be thankful in all circumstances.

Another evidence of being Spirit-controlled is being submissive (v. 21).  Submission means adopting oneself to others, lining up one’s own interest under the interests of others.  Christians are to emulate Christ by putting others first rather than seeking to please themselves (Rom. 15:1-3; Phil. 2:3-4).

May God Bless!