Walk in Wisdom Ephesians 5:15-21

Walk Circumspectly Circumspectly – (carefully), mindfully. Deliberate With accuracy – Luke 1:3 – perfect understanding Acts 18:25-26 – Apollos taught accurately 1 Thessalonians 5:2 – you know perfectly

Walk Circumspectly Not as fools (unwise – NASB) – (ἄσοφος, asophos), “without wisdom” Fools: Psalm 14:1, says there is no God Proverbs 1:7, despise instruction and wisdom Proverbs 1:22, hate knowledge Proverbs 14:9, mock at sin

But as wise– (σοφος, sophos), Walk Circumspectly But as wise– (σοφος, sophos), Wise – one who applies wisdom. Wisdom is understanding knowledge Walking in wisdom – one applies his knowledge, Colossians 4:5 Proverbs 15:21, a man of understanding walks uprightly Our walk is not one based upon emotions and feelings (i.e. “I think”), rather it is learned from God’s word and applied!

How to walk in wisdom (16-21) Redeem your time Wisdom is not gained overnight, or by osmosis. It comes with time and application Redeem – to buy up something. Paying the price for something Make the most of your opportunities – time is valuable Philippians 4:8 Why? Because the days are evil

How to walk in wisdom (16-21) Understand the will of the Lord Do not be unwise – foolish or devoid of wisdom, or sound judgment Understand what the will of the Lord is The proper source - Colossians 1:9, Romans 12:2 We CAN understand it – cf. Ephesians 3:3-4

How to walk in wisdom (16-21) Understand the will of the Lord 1 Peter 2:15, by doing good you put to silence the ignorance of foolish men Let us go to HIS source- 1 Corinthians 2:1-5

How to walk in wisdom (16-21) Be sober You will not gain wisdom while in a state of stupor or rage. Wisdom comes from controlled contemplation Do not be drunk with wine – any substance that dulls the senses, alters our thinking, etc. Why wine is not wise – Proverbs 20:1 Be alert – 1 Thessalonians 5:6-8, Romans 13:13, 1 Peter 5:8

How to walk in wisdom (16-21) Be filled with the Spirit A life with purpose has direction! It does not come from an empty shell! Cf. Luke 11:24-26 INSTEAD of wine! Fill yourself with that which comes from God Cf. John 16:13 The fruit of the Spirit – Galatians 5:22-23 Romans 8:1, 5-6, Colossians 3:16

How to walk in wisdom (16-21) Worship together The wisdom from above will follow HIS instructions. That is why we only sing. Instruments do not give us wisdom! Specifically, singing is mentioned Our worship, when done properly, will ultimately build us up 1 Corinthians 14:15

How to walk in wisdom (16-21) Giving thanks always Gratitude lends to humility. Humility toward God will provoke us to see His will. Wisdom will help us find it! Gratitude emphasized in scripture 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Colossians 3:17

How to walk in wisdom (16-21) Submitting to one another Wisdom reminds us of who our brethren are. We cherish our family relationship and maintain it carefully (i.e. with wisdom) Submitting in the fear of God Philippians 2:3-4 1 Peter 5:5

Are we walking in a manner fully pleasing to Him? In love (5:1-2) In light (5:8-14) In wisdom (5:15-21)