Bible Text: Ephesians 5:15-21 | Speaker: Bo Keithley | Sermon Notes for March 21, 2021
Bo Keithley
Who is in Control?
Ephesians 5:15-21: 15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, 20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.

This world is out-of-control. Its focus is on satisfaction and pleasure.  We want to be in control.  Life is hard!   In the morning, some people say: “Good Morning Lord!” while others say: “Good Lord, its morning!”

We should live life on purpose, not just exist. As believers, we are not to be driven by desires and pleasures.  2 Timothy 3:1-5: But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, 4 treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.

Our challenge is to be in the world but not of the world.  We are to make the most of opportunities to do good because we love God. We are to have an eternity perspective…doing what will make a difference in eternity.

1 Corinthians 3:11: … one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
Matthew 6:20: …layup for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.

The Bible tells us about those who are fools:

Proverbs 14:1: The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.”
Proverbs 14:16: One who is wise is cautious and turns away from evil,
but a fool is reckless and careless.

We are to walk as wise.  To do so, we must go to God’s Word and be people of prayer. We must also be filled with the Spirit. Consequences or results of being filled with the Spirit are: Heart of song; Heart of gratitude; Heart of submission.

The question is: Who is in control?  Life is hard but be filled with the Spirit.