Getting a Good Start
Ephesians 5:14-17
Intro.
In this passage of Scripture Paul gives us five things that will give us a good start for the New Year.
Have you taken time to evaluate your life and where you are in your relationship with God?
First his tells us to WAKE UP. Vs 14
I. Walk circumspectly. Vs 15
-To walk with an exactness.
--To watch each step.
--Not to just stumble through life.
--To walk with a purpose.
--Eph. 2:10
--Our steps are to be ordered by the Lord.
Psalms 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered
by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.
-To walk diligently.
--Staying on track
Hebrews 12:1
--Don’t get side tracked
--Stay on course.
-The devil will do everything he can to get you off
track.
II. Walk wisely. Vs 15
-Seek God’s wisdom
-James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
III. Redeem the time. Vs 16
-Make the most of every opportunity.
--Every opportunity to serve the Lord.
--Every opportunity win a soul
--Every opportunity to obey the Lord.
-Because the days are evil.
IV. Understand the will of the Lord. Vs 17
-Have you taken time to examine your life at to whether or not you are in the will of God?
-God has a plan for your life.
-You will be the most happy and fulfilled when you are living in God’s will.
-How do you know what God will is?
--As Him.
--Search the Scriptures.
--Obey His word
--Follow His leading every day.
--God’s will is not a secret – God wants you to know.
-The problem is that we often know what His will is
and refuse to do it.
-Self gets in the way (that’s not what I want)
--We have our own plans.
--Fear if often a hindrance.
V. Be filled with the Spirit. Vs 18
-The indwelling of the Spirit and the filling of the Spirit are not the same thing.
--There is much confusion.
--How to be filled….
---We must truthfully confess all sin.
---We must fully surrender.
---We must faithfully ask.
---We must do this every day…
-The evidence of the filling of the Spirit. (not tongues)
--There is praise and worship
--There is singing.
--There is genuine heart gratitude.
--There is fruit. Galatians 5:22-23
Conclusion
-Make a commitment to walk with God on purpose.
-Make a commitment to depend on God’s wisdom
-Make a commitment to make the most of every opportunity that God gives you.
-Seek out and do God’s will.
-Make a commitment to be filled with the Spirit every
day.
