Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Spiritual Warfare – Understand What The Lord’s Will Is – Ephesians 5:15-21- Growing As Disciples
Be very careful, then, how you live–not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 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. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Ephesians 5:15-21 (NIV)
Be Filled
Watch your step. Be very careful how you walk. Why is that? The times that you live in are filled with evil. You must be wise about how you live. I want you to make the most of your time. How will I do that? You can know my will by meeting with me in my word as you have been doing. I will show you my will and my ways as you study and pray through my word. The truth that is in my word will set you free so that you can serve me and bear fruit for my glory. I will show you the next steps that I want you to take in life. I will guide you to where I want you to go. I will give you all that you will need to follow and serve me. That’s exactly what I want and desire above all else.
Make sure that you think and act wisely. What do you have in mind when you say that to me? Don’t waste and misuse your time. What do you consider to be time wasters? I’d like you to answer that question for me. I know that I have wasted a lot of time when I have relied on my own wisdom, strength or guidance. I have gone off in the wrong direction to try to do what I was not called or gifted to do. Yes, you have. How did that feel to you? I felt very frustrated, discouraged and weary. I also felt weak and alone in all my efforts. But, you made a very important discovery didn’t you? Yes, I did. Tell me about it. I learned that it is very unwise for me to try to take charge and be in control of my own life. Yes, it is. Who then should be in control of your life? You are the one that I want to be in control of my life. I want to be filled with your Holy Spirit. I can’t live the life you want me to live unless I am filled with your Spirit.
What do you mean by that? If I’m not filled with your Holy Spirit I don’t feel like singing at all. Why is that? I’m too tired and worn out because of all my self-effort. Who wants to sing because they can hardly breath? If I’m not filled with your Holy Spirit I don’t feel very thankful either. Why is that? Instead of being thankful for all the great things that you have done through me, I’m more likely to be proud of my small and pathetic accomplishments. Oh and this very same self-centered pride makes it very difficult for me to be submissive to others in any way. So, what are you asking of me? I’m asking you to fill me with your Holy Spirit so that I can wisely live the life that you have called me to live for you. Do you believe that I will hear and answer your prayer? I know that you have been answering and will continue to answer my prayer. Yes, you are right about that.
Lord, help me to live and walk carefully in this world so that I am making the most of every opportunity that you give to me. Fill me Holy Spirit so I will be able to encourage others and give thanks to God for all that I have been given. Amen
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