Word@Work Eph64 - Ephesians 5:17-18
Published: Fri, 01/02/09
Word@Work from BeaconLight
A CLEAR HEAD
Ephesians 5:17-18 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. (NIV)
New Year is celebrated around the world. In many places, homes as well as clubs, cities and beaches, all seem to be alive with excitement. Much of this is fuelled by alcohol and the party atmosphere accelerated by fireworks at midnight. But apart from the incessant movement of the clock, nothing has changed. Nothing, except a reduced ability to work for the next few days and a sense that things ought to be better in the New Year; but they probably won't be. So much expense and party energy burnt off into the night, and yet the cold light of the next few days brings the realism that nothing has changed.
That is one definition of foolishness, the expenditure of time, money and energy for no lasting purpose or even the pleasure of clear memories. That is the inevitable result of not understanding the Lord's will (which always has an eternal purpose in view). To live within a framework of passing pleasure and pointless activity is to ignore the God who wants to include us in His plans for the world and heaven to come. It is to ignore that we have been bought at great cost, and therefore have an obligation to serve our Master.
His remedy is to fill repentant sinners with His Holy Spirit, so that they may understand that they have been saved for a purpose. That purpose does not included systematic personality damage as they live for sensual thrill, but rather to please our Saviour and store up treasure in heaven. As has often been noted, the end of this verse really says, "Go on being filled with the Spirit"! Is that what you want? A perpetual thirst for the person of God in your life will be rewarded by Him - filling your understanding with truth, your heart with passion to do what is right and motivating your body to serve Him wholeheartedly. It is more of the Lord that we need this year, so that we can take our proper place in His heavenly business.
Prayer: Dear Lord God, I need your presence with me and in me - more than anyone or anything else this year. Help me to be hungry for you every day and please fill me with your Holy Spirit today and every day - so that I can work with you, understanding your purpose for my life. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and Spanish
New Year is celebrated around the world. In many places, homes as well as clubs, cities and beaches, all seem to be alive with excitement. Much of this is fuelled by alcohol and the party atmosphere accelerated by fireworks at midnight. But apart from the incessant movement of the clock, nothing has changed. Nothing, except a reduced ability to work for the next few days and a sense that things ought to be better in the New Year; but they probably won't be. So much expense and party energy burnt off into the night, and yet the cold light of the next few days brings the realism that nothing has changed.
That is one definition of foolishness, the expenditure of time, money and energy for no lasting purpose or even the pleasure of clear memories. That is the inevitable result of not understanding the Lord's will (which always has an eternal purpose in view). To live within a framework of passing pleasure and pointless activity is to ignore the God who wants to include us in His plans for the world and heaven to come. It is to ignore that we have been bought at great cost, and therefore have an obligation to serve our Master.
His remedy is to fill repentant sinners with His Holy Spirit, so that they may understand that they have been saved for a purpose. That purpose does not included systematic personality damage as they live for sensual thrill, but rather to please our Saviour and store up treasure in heaven. As has often been noted, the end of this verse really says, "Go on being filled with the Spirit"! Is that what you want? A perpetual thirst for the person of God in your life will be rewarded by Him - filling your understanding with truth, your heart with passion to do what is right and motivating your body to serve Him wholeheartedly. It is more of the Lord that we need this year, so that we can take our proper place in His heavenly business.
Prayer: Dear Lord God, I need your presence with me and in me - more than anyone or anything else this year. Help me to be hungry for you every day and please fill me with your Holy Spirit today and every day - so that I can work with you, understanding your purpose for my life. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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