Ephesians 5:15-17

 

Ephesians 5:15-17

Redeem the Time!

 

Eph 5:15  See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 

Eph 5:16  Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 

Eph 5:17  Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. 

 

        1.     Live Circumspectly – vs. 15a*

a.     Philippians 1:27 

             2.     Live Wisely – vs. 15b*

a.     Do not be a fool

                                               i.     The fool denies the existence of God

1.     Psalm 14:1 

                                             ii.     The fool is unthankful to God

1.     Romans 1:21-22 

                                           iii.     The fool cannot discern spiritual things

1.     1 Corinthians 2:14 

                                            iv.     The fool is arrogant

1.     Proverbs 12:15 

                                             v.     The fool thinks sin is funny

1.     Proverbs 14:9 

                                            vi.     The fool produces only more foolishness

1.     Proverbs 15:2 

                                          vii.     The fool learns but never comes to the knowledge of the truth

1.     2 Timothy 3:7 

b.     Be wise

                                               i.     Wisdom begins with a fear of God

1.     Proverbs 9:10 

                                             ii.     Wisdom comes from the Bible

1.     2 Timothy 3:15 

                                           iii.     Wisdom is given to the redeemed

1.     Ephesians 1:7-8 

                                            iv.     Wisdom is given generously to those who ask for it

1.     James 1:5 

                                             v.     Wisdom is found in Jesus

1.     Colossians 2:3 

2.     Colossians 3:16 

             3.     Live Purposefully – vs. 16a*

a.     How do I redeem the time?

                                               i.     The word “redeeming” was used, in Paul’s day, for buying a slave in order to set him free

1.     Galatians 3:13 

                                             ii.     Purpose to number your days

1.     Psalm 39:4-5 

2.     James 4:13-14 

                                           iii.     Purpose to not incumber yourself with the affairs of this life

1.     Hebrews 12:1 

                                            iv.     Purpose to fight with determination

1.     2 Timothy 4:7 

                                             v.     Purpose to live a life of service to others

1.     Galatians 6:10 

            4.     Live Intentionally – vs. 16b*

a.     The days are increasingly more evil

                                               i.     We live in an era of demonic control

1.     Ephesians 2:1-2 

                                             ii.     We live in the age of the anti-Christ

1.     2 Thessalonians 2:7-8 

                                           iii.     We live in a world that is blinded

1.     2 Corinthians 4:4 

                                            iv.     We live in a time of war

1.     Ephesians 6:12 

            5.     Live Intelligently – vs. 17a*

a.     The grace of God frees us from the foolishness of this world

                                               i.     Titus 3:3-6 

           6.     Live Rationally – vs. 17b*

a.     What is God’s will for my life?

                                               i.     God wants you to get saved

1.     1 Timothy 2:3-4 

                                             ii.     God wants you to be sanctified

1.      1 Thessalonians 4:3 

                                           iii.     God wants you to suffer well

1.     1 Peter 2:20 

                                            iv.     God wants you to be grateful

1.     1 Thessalonians 5:18 

                                             v.     God wants you to live a life of praise

1.     Psalm 101:1-2