Don't Be Foolish Serve God

INTRODUCTION

Outline.

1. Don’t be foolish - walk circumspectly

2. Don’t be foolish - redeem the time

3. Don’t be foolish - understand the Lord’s will

Remarks.

1. In our lesson today we are going to be discussing the theme: “Don’t Be Foolish Serve God.” The theme for this lectureship is: “Serving the Lord,” taken from Joshua’s promise, regarding his house. He challenged the people: “Choose ye this day... as for me and my house, we shall serve the Lord,” Joshua 24:15. This is a recurring theme throughout the Book of Acts, that is, believers seeking to serve the Lord, with their entire house. Lydia, hearing Paul’s preaching: “Whose heart the Lord opened, as she attended unto the things which were spoken... She was baptized, with her (entire) household,” Acts 16:14-15. Paul, after teaching the jailer and his house the word of God: “Took them the same hour of the night, having washed their stripes; was baptized, he all his (house) straightway,” Acts 16:30-34. These two families were obedient; in order to serve the Lord, with their house!

2. First, we will consider Paul’s encouragement that we walk as wise, in the wisdom of God. He wrote: “See then that we walk circumspectly (carefully, observing our surroundings), not as fools, but as wise,” Ephesians 5:15. Earlier in the context he penned: “And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savor,” Ephesians 5:2. Further, he scribed: “For ye were sometime (in) darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light,” Ephesians 5:8. Finally, he composed: “Wherefore he saith, awake thou that sleepest; arise from the dead and Christ shall give thee light. See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,” Ephesians 5:14-15. Christians are to walk carefully, being observant; in wisdom as children of light. And not as “fools” as we once walk, like other Gentiles in the vanity of their minds. We are no longer asleep; but awake, raised from the dead; alive in Christ and walking in the light of Jesus Christ.

3. Second, we will discuss Paul’s charge that we walk redeeming the time. He wrote: “Redeeming the time, because the days are evil,” Ephesians 5:16. The apostles argues, that the “days are evil.” They are not going to become evil; but, they are now evil. So walk “redeeming the time.” Seizing upon every opportunity to do good and to accomplish the will of the Lord; for the days are evil in every respect. The idea here is to: “Buy up every opportunity to do good and the will of the Lord.” Time is a blessing given to us by God, and it will be misspent and lost when not use wisely accomplishing “the will of the Lord.” Once lost, it is gone forever. Walking carefully, capturing every opportunity: “To do good unto all men, and especially unto them who are of the household of faith,” Galatians 6:10.

4. Lastly, we will investigate Paul’s admonition that we walk understanding what the will of the Lord is. Here we now address the sermon title: “Don’t Be a Fool – Serve God.” It is impossible to serve the Lord; not knowing what the will of the Lord is. This was Joshua’s charge to Israel: “And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve... but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD,” Joshua 14:15. Many know that “there is a will of God”; but are ignorant of its true contents. They search for “salvation” in all the wrong places. Many need to be taught: “The way of the Lord more perfectly.” This is my work before this wonderful audience today. With this introduction, let’s consider our first point.

BODY OF LESSON

I DON’T BE FOOLISH – WALK CIRCUMSPECTLY

A. This is one of Paul’s prison letters to the saints at Ephesus. To a church that would be instrumental in the spread of the Gospel of the Son of God. He gives them words of encouragement regarding their walk of faith in Christ. He begins....

1. First, earlier in the context he wrote: “And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savor,” Ephesians 5:2.

2. Further, “For ye were sometime (in) darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light,” Ephesians 5:8.

3. Finally, “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,” Ephesians 5:15. We will consider the word “circumspectly” later in the lesson. Paul begins his discussion by quoting the Old Testament prophet, Isaiah.