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Last Week's Reflection: Ephesians 5:3-14

• Paul's Warning to Wake Up: A call for vigilance against practices contrary to Christian values.

  • Absolute statements on behaviors that prevent inheriting the kingdom of God, including idolatry, envy, divisions, drunkenness, and more.

  • A clear warning that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God (Vs 21).

Today's Scripture: Ephesians 5:15-21

• Shift to Wise Living and Spiritual Fullness:

  • Encouragement towards wise living, making the most of time because of the evil days (Vs. 15-16).

  • Understanding God's will as opposed to foolish living (Vs. 17).

  • Being filled with the Spirit instead of indulging in debauchery like drunkenness (Vs. 18).

  • Expressing worship through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs; making melody to the Lord with your heart (Vs. 19-20).

  • Cultivating gratitude, always giving thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of Jesus Christ (Vs. 20).

  • Practicing mutual submission within the body of Christ out of reverence for Christ (Vs. 21).

Practical Wisdom and Spiritual Guidance

• Living Wisely:

  • The metaphor of walking wisely, applying knowledge with wisdom.

  • The importance of making the best use of time, recognizing the maturity deficit in society.

• Understanding God's Will:

  • Differentiating between natural and spiritual understanding.

  • Questions to consider for those uncertain of God's will or their spouse's needs in marriage.

• Being Filled with the Spirit:

  • How to be filled with the Spirit through communal worship and personal devotion.

  • Specific types of worship: Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs.

  • The role of worship in expressing surrender, trust, and gratitude.

Application to Personal and Community Life

• Cultivating a Lifestyle of Gratitude:

  • The transformative power of a thankful heart in all circumstances.

  • Directing gratitude towards God the Father, in the name of Jesus Christ.

• Mutual Submission:

  • The impact of mutual submission on the Christian community and the wider world.

  • The potential for solving world issues through the Christian principle of esteeming others above oneself.

Conclusion: Living Out the Gospel

• Paul's guidance in Ephesians 5:15-21 serves as a roadmap for Christians to live wisely, understand God's will, be filled with the Spirit, express heartfelt worship, cultivate gratitude, and practice mutual submission.

• These practices are aimed at closing the gap between believers and the world, preaching a Gospel of hope through lived example.