Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. – Ephesians 5:15-21 ESV
A disciple is someone who both hears and obeys. So in reading this passage I began thinking through what’s being commanded and how the commands progress. Here’s what I think the word is telling us to do:
Walk Wisely because you know this is a dangerous world. Life isn’t a game
, eternity, the future of immortal souls and the building of a righteous Kingdom are on the line. Because of that . . .
Don’t waste time. Again, this isn’t a game, it’s a war. In order to know what to fill our time with we need to . . .
Understand God’s will (revealed in his word). Growing closer to God will open us more and more to his lordship over our life, so we will . . .
Be controlled by the Spirit, rather than anything else. When we’re controlled by the Spirit we will . . .
Speak/Sing God’s word/God’s song into other people’s lives. We’ll also realize it’s extremely important to . . .
Speak/Sing God’s word/God’s song into our own life. When leading a life like this we will . . .
Be full of thanks for what Jesus has done! And in this thankfulness it will become so much easier to . . .
Revere Christ by submitting to others, becoming a servant the way he became a servant.
May I hear and obey.