BIBLE STUDY METHODS - Ephesians 5:1-21 (Part II)

I began the lesson this morning with this verse: "In the end it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper." Proverbs 23:32. I asked, what does the verse refer to? The answer: wine.

Nothing is more ridiculous, almost laughable, to me than listening to two "religious" people debate Christian liberties and acts of obedience. When I speak of "religious" I am referring to those who are either carnal (Christians walking in the flesh, not in the Spirit), or those who are without Christ altogether. Favorite topics of the "religious" seem to always be "giving" and "drinking." When you unpack both of these topics you typically find the "boxes" filled with excuses and defenses to protect and guard a dark soul.

Churches across America are replete with "religious" people who are unwilling to surrender, obey, and trust. Paul's message to the Ephesians is also a message to us. He urges those who are "in Christ" to walk as children of The Light. Christ is The Light. In verse 14, he quotes a passage from Isaiah urging those who are asleep in their spiritual lives to "AWAKE you who sleep, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give you light."

To expound on Ephesians 5:18, I shared John MacArthur's message titled "Christians and Alcohol". It is important that we understand the context of drinking alcohol from Paul's perspective at the time of his writing. 

First, I think we will all agree that scripture is crystal-clear on the matter of drunkenness. Drunkenness is a sin that separates the believer from Christ. It keeps the believer from walking in God's purpose. You are drunk when you lose your self-control at any point. This has always been an issue, both in Old and New Testament times. Those who are "in Christ" should avoid, at all cost, being drunk.

Secondly, wine in our modern world is not the same as it was in Biblical times. Religious defenders will continue to argue this point. The bottom line is not about drinking, but more importantly that we be "...filled with the Spirit." (5:18)

We continued in Ephesians chapter 5, picking up in 5:6: "Let no man deceive you..." Verse 7 says, "... Therefore, do not be partakers with them." "Them..." are those who walk in darkness.

(8-11) "...but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them."

Many believers are asleep spiritually. They are adrift with the culture, as a boat without a rudder. Their priority is being accepted by others rather than fulfilling their God-given purpose (God's will) for their lives. As a result, their lives are being "spent" on temporary pleasures.

Paul urges followers of Christ to AWAKE! Arise from the dead. (15-17) "See then that you walk circumspectly (carefully, wisely, not as fools), not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is."

Next week I will complete chapter 5 and look at what Paul has to say to the Ephesians about the relationship between wives and husbands.