THE LIFE-CONTROLLING MINISTRY OF THE SPIRIT

Ephesians 5:18-6:9

When the church fully comprehends the greatness of God's plan, we will glorify Him and live as Paul prays that we will –IN UNITY.

APPLICATION: WALK WORTHY OF OUR CALLING 4:1-6:9

The second half of the letter presents the logical implications that should result from the doctrine presented in the first half.

The structure of the practical application section of the letter is marked by the parallel phrase "therefore walk."

Each recurrence of the phrase indicates a logical result of the doctrinal premises of the first section of the book.

WALK IN UNITY 4:1-16

First, and most significant, implication of what God has provided in His plan: walk in unity.

DON’T WALK LIKE PAGANS 4:17-32

We should no longer walk the same way as we used to walk.

WALK IN LOVE 5:1-2

If God has so loved us, we ought to imitate Him and love one another.

WALK IN HOLINESS 5:3-14

We should walk in the light.

DON’T WALK AS FOOLISH BUT AS WISE 5:15-6:9

Walk as wise, understanding people, rather than as foolish people.

Three pairs of contrasts presented: 15-16, 17, 18

     Living as wise rather than foolish 5:15-17 (# 1 & 2)

Wise men make the most of their time because they understand what the right priorities are for their lives.

In this case, they know the character of the times they live in.

They also understand what God wants from us, and they do it.

CONTROLLED BY THE SPIRIT rather than by wine 5:18-6:9

     THE FILLING OF THE SPIRIT

A specific revelation of a wise person is the recognition of the harm wine can cause and the good God's control can bring.

If we want a truly valuable, memorable experience, we should let God control our lives.

     It is commanded

In contrast to the ministry of the Spirit in our lives which we considered last week, which are stated as a fact.

                  When we trust Christ the Spirit of God comes into our life:

                      He gives us new life–regeneration.

He resides IN us and empowers us to live a godly life–indwelling.

He unites us with the body of Christ and gives us a function for ministry in the body–baptism.

His presence within us and His work in our life is a guarantee that God will finish what He started in us–sealing.

         This is not a statement of fact–something already true of us.

         It is command.

             We are instructed to DO something about this!

     It is repeated.

         Present tense.

         Acts 2:4; 4:31

     It produces Christlike character–Galatians 5:22-23

     It is not universally true of all genuine believers.

         That’s why it’s commanded.

         The ministries that relate to His living in us are true of ALL believers.

         This may or may not be true of us at a given moment in our life.

     The method of obtaining the filling of the Spirit

         Trust in Christ for salvation is a prerequisite.

Fellowship with God, on the basis of confessed sin is a prerequisite –1 John 1:9

Acknowledge His right to rule in your life and present your life to Him –Romans 12:1-2

Submit yourself to the authority and direction of the Spirit –Galatians 5:16

The results of the control of the Spirit

         Christlike character Gal. 5:22-23

         Ministry Acts 2:4-14; 4:31-33

         Results mentioned in Ephesians 5-6 

The control of the Spirit will be accompanied by several characteristics which will give evidence of His control:

             Praising God in fellowship with others 5:18-19a

We’ll praise God when we’re together, rather than complain and criticize.

             Praising God in our own heart 5:19b

                  Our personal attitudes also reflect His control.

Rather than be angry and critical, we will have songs of praise in our hearts (19b), and be thankful continually for everything (20).

             Giving thanks for everything 5:20

             Submitting to one another 5:21-6:9

Principle presented 5:21

Especially significant for a church characterized by divisions, when the Spirit controls our lives, we will submit to one another.

Our mutual submission will be evidenced in our relationship between wives and husbands (5:22-33), between children and parents (6:1-4), and between slaves and masters (6:5-9).

                  Application for wives and husbands 5:22-33

                  Application for children and parents 6:1-4

                  Application for slaves and masters 6:5-9

An order of authority is recognized in each sphere but the attitude of mutual submission is demonstrated in the use of that authority.