Historical Posts
Ephesians 05:01-21 Walking in Love, Light and Wisdom
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Text: Ephesians 5:1-21
Introduction
1. Though we now enter chapter five, we are still noticing how to “walk worthy of the calling with which you were called” – Ephesians 4:1
a. We have been “called” to be
1) “holy and without blame before Him in love” – Ephesians 1:4
2) “sons by Jesus Christ to Himself” – Ephesians 1:5
3) “fellow citizens with the saints” – Ephesians 2:19
4) “members of the household of God” – Ephesians 2:19
5) “a holy temple in the Lord” – Ephesians 2:21
6) “fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ” – Ephesians 3:6
b. What sort of “walk” is worthy of such a calling? So far we have seen that it is one in which we are
1) “Walking Together in Unity” – Ephesians 4:1-16
2) “Walking In Truth and Holiness – Ephesians 4:17-32
2. As we come into the fifth chapter, we learn that our “walk” (or conduct) which is worthy of our calling is one in which we
a. Walk In Love – Ephesians 5:1-7
b. Walk As Light – Ephesians 5:8-14
c. Walk As Wise – Ephesians 5:15-21
Body
I. WALK IN LOVE (Ephesians 5:1-7)
A. FOLLOWING CHRIST AS OUR EXAMPLE (Ephesians 5:1-2)
1. Jesus certainly has loved us and given Himself for us
2. He offered Himself to God as an offering and sacrifice in our behalf
3. Let His example teach us how to “walk in love” – cf. John 13:34-35; 1 John 3:16-17
B. WITH A LOVE THAT IS PURE (Ephesians 5:3-7)
1. Our love should be free from any hint of immorality or greed – Ephesians 5:3
2. Even words or jokes suggestive of immorality or greed are unbecoming those who are “saints” (holy, set apart for God’s purpose) – Ephesians 5:4
3. This is a serious concern, for immoral or greedy persons have no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ, but instead will experience the full wrath of God! – Ephesians 5:5-7
II. WALK AS LIGHT (Ephesians 5:8-14)
A. WE ARE NOW “LIGHT IN THE LORD” (Ephesians 5:8-10)
1. Before coming to Christ, we were once “darkness” (remember Ephesians 2:1-3); but now we are “light in the Lord” and should walk as “children of light” – Ephesians 5:8
2. The fruit expected of those children of light is goodness, righteousness and truth – Ephesians 5:9
3. By bearing such fruit, we fulfill our role as “light” by “proving” (demonstrating) what is well-pleasing to the Lord – Ephesians 5:10; cf. Romans 12:1-2
B. AS “LIGHT” WE MUST NECESSARILY EXPOSE “DARKNESS” (Ephesians 5:11-14)
1. We are not to have fellowship with “unfruitful works of darkness” – Ephesians 5:11, 5:3-4
2. Instead, our task is to “expose” them – Ephesians 5:11b-13
a. Things that we must expose are often so disgraceful, it is shameful to speak of them
b. But by “walking in the light” ourselves, we can through example and word expose by contrast these “works of darkness”
3. Thus the need to be “light” ourselves, something that comes only from Christ – Ephesians 5:14
a. Christ gives “light” to those who were spiritually asleep and dead – cf. Ephesians 2:4-6
b. Some scholars think this verse (Ephesians 5:14) may have been an early “baptismal hymn”, sung at a person’s baptism
III. WALK AS WISE (Ephesians 5:15-21)
A. CHARACTERISTICS OF “WALKING AS WISE” (Ephesians 5:15-17)
1. Doing so with great care – Ephesians 5:15
a. The word translated “circumspectly” means “exactly, accurately, diligently”
b. Unlike fools, who care little about where they are going or what is happening
2. Taking advantage of the time available to one – Ephesians 5:16
3. Understanding the will of the Lord – Ephesians 5:17
a. Only by understanding the will of the Lord can we be a “wise people”
b. Just as Israel was to demonstrate their wisdom by doing the will of the Lord, so we can “walk as wise” only if we understand His will for us – Deuteronomy 4:5-6
B. TO WALK AS WISE REQUIRES BEING “FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT” (Ephesians 5:18-21)
1. While those who “walk as fools” delight in being filled with wine, those who walk as wise” will endeavor to be filled with the Spirit!
2. What evidence is there that one is “filled with the Spirit”? Paul describes three indications…
a. One indication is singing praises – Ephesians 5:19
b. Another indication is giving thanks – Ephesians 5:20
c. A third indication is submitting to one another in the fear of God – Ephesians 5:21
Conclusion
1. Children of God who delight in:
a. Singing praises and making melody in the heart
b. Giving thanks always for all things to God
c. Submitting to one another in the fear of God
d. Demonstrate that they are “filled with the Spirit”, and as such, truly are “followers of God as dear children” – Ephesians 5:1
2. As children of God, and “filled with the Spirit”, they are able to walk in a manner worthy of their calling, as they:
a. “Walk in love”
b. “Walk as light”
c. “Walk as wise”
3. Brothers and sisters in Christ, we live in a world:
a. That has perverted the meaning of “love”
b. That takes perverse pleasure in works of darkness
c. That stumbles around aimlessly, like drunken fools
d. Can we not see the need for the people of God today to live up to their “calling”, and to “prove what is acceptable in the Lord”?
4. May God fill His children with His Spirit:
a. So that we can truly “walk in love”, “walk as light”, and “walk as wise”
b. And thereby show to the world the fruit of the Spirit, goodness, righteousness, and truth
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Galatians 05:05 Eagerly Awaiting Our Hope
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Text: Galatians 5:5
Introduction
1. A few questions to stimulate your thinking
a. What is your hope as a Christian?
b. How strong is that hope?
c. Can you say that you are eagerly awaiting your hope?
2. Much of the joy of being a Christian is related to our hope
a. How real that hope is to us
b. How eager we are to one day realize that hope
c. How it enables us to serve the Lord with joy and patience
3. Paul writes concerning his hope – Galatians 5:5
a. What he was waiting for
b. How he was eagerly waiting for it
4. From his words in this verse and elsewhere we can glean truths that can make a great difference in our attitude and service as Christians.
Body
I. WHAT WE ARE TO EAGERLY WAIT FOR
A. THE HOPE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
1. The hope of justification
a. Paul had been writing about justification – Galatians 5:4
b. Justification and righteousness come from the same Greek word
c. Thus Paul is talking about the hope of being made right, not guilty of sin
2. They had no other hope of justification than by faith in the Redeemer
a. This was Paul’s hope expressed to the Philippians – Philippians 3:9
b. A hope that sustained him in his last days, his darkest hours – 2 Timothy 4:8
3. We are to have a strong desire plus expectation (the meaning of hope) regarding our standing before the Lord guiltless of sin
B. THE SAVIOR FROM HEAVEN
1. The Corinthians were eagerly waiting for the revelation of Jesus – 1 Corinthians 1:7
2. Paul also was eagerly waiting for Jesus from heaven – Philippians 3:20
3. For those who so eagerly await Him, Jesus will bring salvation – Hebrews 9:28
4. We are to eagerly await the coming of the Lord, for He will bring the righteousness (justification) we hope for!
C. THE REDEMPTION OF OUR Body
1. Paul also wrote of eagerly awaiting the redemption of our bodies – Romans 8:23
2. This pertains to the hope of the resurrection – Acts 23:6; 24:15
3. In which our mortal bodies will be raised and put on immortality – 1 Corinthians 15:42-44, 48-54
4. Made possible by the coming and power of our Lord Jesus Christ! – Philippians 3:20-21
5. We are to eagerly await that glorious transformation in which our bodies as well as our souls will be redeemed by the Lord!
D. Such are the things we are to hope for and await eagerly: Our justification from sin, our Savior from heaven, our resurrection from the dead!
II. HOW WE CAN EAGERLY WAIT FOR IT
A. BY FAITH
1. This is our part
a. We are to have faith – ESV “For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait…” – Galatians 5:5 ESV
b. Faith in Christ and His sacrifice, faith in His coming
2. A faith that is Bible-based
a. A strong conviction in things unseen; in particular, Jesus – Hebrews 11:1; John 3:36
b. Which comes through the Word of God-Rom 10:17;John 20:30-31
c. Which gives us hope, like a light shining in darkness – Romans 15:4; 2 Peter 1:19
3. The eagerness with which we wait is proportional to the degree of faith we have
B. THROUGH THE SPIRIT
1. This is God’s part
a. Strengthened by the Spirit we wait for the fulfillment of the hope which righteousness by faith instead of the law insures to us.
b. Paul wrote of God helping us to abound in hope via His Spirit – Romans 15:13
2. We receive the Spirit’s aid as we:
a. Walk in the Spirit – Galatians 5:16
b. Set our minds on the things of the Spirit (i.e., the Word) – Romans 8:5-6
c. Ask God for strength by His Spirit (via prayer) – Ephesians 3:16,21
3. The eagerness with which we wait is proportional to the strength we receive from the Spirit
Conclusion
1. What is your hope (desire plus expectation) as a Christian? It should include
a. The hope of righteousness (justification)
b. The Savior’s revelation from heaven
c. The glorious resurrection from the dead
2. How strong is your hope? It all depends
a. Are you growing in faith (through the Word)?
b. Are you being strengthened by the Spirit (through prayer)?
3. If so, then we will eagerly await that for which we both desire and expect to see…!
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Galatians 03:01-05 Bewitched and Fooled
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Text: Galatians 3:1-5
Introduction
1. When Paul wrote of his concern to the churches in Galatia
a. He described them as “foolish” – Galatians 3:1, 3
1) For seeking to be perfected by the flesh – via circumcision
2) For suffering many things in vain, as their salvation was endangered – Galatians 5:4-8
b. He wondered if they had been “bewitched” – Galatians 3:1
1) A word (baskaino) which means “to be fascinated” (Strong), “charmed”
2) Led astray by charming misrepresentations
c. He sought to reason with them – Galatians 3:1-5
1) Was not Christ clearly portrayed to them as crucified?
2) Had they not received the Spirit by the hearing of faith rather than by the works of the Law?
3) Had not the One who supplied the Spirit done so through the hearing of faith?
2. Could we face similar dangers today…?
a. Might someone bewitch and fool us through false representations?
b. Should we not be led by calm reasoning rather than fascinating claims?
Body
I. A CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER
A. DANGER CLEARLY DECLARED
1. Jesus and John warned of false prophets – Matthew 7:15; 1 John 4:1
2. Paul warned of false apostles, ministers of Satan – 2 Corinthians 11:13-15
3. He warned of being cheated through philosophy and principles of the world – Colossians 2:8
4. He warned of some departing from the faith- 1 Timothy 4:1-3
5. He warned of being turned aside to fables – 2 Timothy 4:3-4
6. Peter warned of false teachers with destructive heresies, by covetousness exploiting with deceptive words – 2 Peter 2:1-3
7. Such warnings clearly confirm the danger of being bewitched and fooled
B. DANGER CLEARLY PRESENT
1. We are beleaguered by traditions of men (e.g., Catholicism and denominationalism)
2. We are assaulted by philosophies of men (e.g., humanism, secularism, postmodernism)
3. We are allured by false teachers who appeal to greed (e.g., gospel of health and wealth)
4. We are challenged by false doctrines denying God and Jesus (e.g., evolution, the ‘Jesus Seminar’)
5. We are assailed by changing trends (easy divorce, same-sex marriage)
6. The world has clearly been bewitched and fooled”; what about us?
7. Yes, there is “a clear and present danger” that we face today. If we are to avoid being bewitched and fooled”, then consider our text.
II. THE SOLUTION
A. REMEMBER WHAT HAS BEEN CLEARLY PORTRAYED
1. Jesus and Him crucified – Galatians 3:1
a. Proclaimed by the apostles – 1 Corinthians 1:23-24; 2:2
b. Proclaimed in the Lord’s Supper – 1 Corinthians 11:26
2. Never forget that Jesus was crucified for our sins
a. Thus the Law of Moses with its works (e.g., circumcision) can’t save us
b. Nor can any doctrine which denies God and the need for Jesus’ death
3. There is no other gospel that can save us – Romans 1:16; Galatians 1:8-9
B. REMEMBER HOW ONE RECEIVES THE SPIRIT
1. It is by the hearing of faith – Galatians 3:2
a. Promised to those who believe, repent and are baptized – John 7:37-39; Acts 2:38
b. Given to those who are the children of God – Galatians 4:6
2. Never forget that our spiritual lives began in the Spirit – Galatians 3:3
a. We are born of the Spirit – John 3:5; Titus 3:5
b. We are strengthened by the Spirit in the inner man – Ephesians 3:16
3. There is no other means by which we can grow as Christians – Romans 8:9-14
C. REMEMBER WHO SUPPLIED THE SPIRIT AND WORKED MIRACLES
1. It was God – Galatians 3:5
a. Who poured out the Spirit abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior – Titus 3:6
b. Who bore witness by the signs, wonders, miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit – Hebrews 2:4
2. Never forget that God bore witness to Christ and His apostles – Hebrews 2:3
a. Miracles confirmed those sent out by the Lord – cf. Mark 16:19-20
b. What miracles have been done by false teachers, foolish professors, pompous theologians who would mislead us today?
3. There is no other way to know the will and word of God other than through the apostles of Jesus Christ – 1 John 4:5-6
Conclusion
1. Many people today have been bewitched and fooled
a. Evidenced by the many different religions
b. Exhibited by the rapidly changing moral standards
c. Too many people are being misled so they do not obey the truth
2. If we desire not to be bewitched and fooled
a. Then follow Jesus who was crucified for our sins
b. Listen to Him and His apostles with “the hearing of faith”
3. Only then can we be sure to “know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” – John 8:31-32
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Spiritual Growth is a Choice
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Introduction
1. The blessings enjoyed in Christ include not only redemption, but renewal
a. We undergo a “washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit” in baptism – Titus 3:5
b. From baptism, we rise to “walk in newness of life” – Romans 6:4
2. The renewal we find in Christ involves the concept of spiritual growth
a. Just as a healthy physical life is one of growth
b. So a healthy spiritual life is a process of growth
3. Sadly, not all Christians grow spiritually
a. Many have been Christians for years, with little change or improvement
b. They are no more, often less; useful to the Lord than when they first became Christians
c. Failing to grow, they become stagnant, like a pool of water
4. That is because Spiritual Growth Is A Choice
a. It doesn’t happen by default (unlike physical growth)
b. Spiritual growth (like emotional maturity) occurs only when we choose to grow
5. If we do not make that choice, and stick to it, there will be no spiritual growth!
Body
I. COMMANDED BY GOD
A. IMPLICITLY STATED IN THE GREAT COMMISSION
1. The Great Commission is found in Matthew 28:18-20
2. Jesus commanded His apostles to make disciples
a. Baptizing them
b. Teaching them to observe all things He commanded
c. Implicit in the command to teach, is that disciples would be obedient learners
B. EXPLICITLY STATED IN THE APOSTOLIC EPISTLES
1. Peter ends his second epistle with a command to grow – 2 Peter 3:18
a. We are to grow in grace
b. We are to grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ
2. Peter begins his second epistle describing how we are to grow – 2 Peter 1:5-8
a. Adding to your faith such graces as virtue, knowledge, self-control, etc.
b. Abounding in these graces, being fruitful, this implies growth
3. Christians who did not grow, were sternly rebuked – Hebrews 5:12-6:1
4. Spiritual growth is a not an option, reserved for a few select Christians. The Word of God commands us to grow
II. REQUIRES DILIGENT EFFORT
A. UNLIKE PHYSICAL GROWTH
1. People grow physically by default (unless there is some disorder)
2. No effort is required on our part; we mature physically whether we want to or not
3. Don’t think that just because you grow older, you are growing spiritually!
B. SPIRITUAL GROWTH REQUIRES CONCENTRATED EFFORT
1. Jesus said it requires labor – cf. John 6:27
2. Paul wrote that it requires work, pressing on – Philippians 2:12; 3:13-14
3. Peter wrote that it requires diligence – cf. 2 Peter 1:5, 10
4. Like physical health, spiritual growth requires regular exercise – 1 Timothy 4:7-8
5. Spiritual growth is not easy. We must work at it. Today. Tomorrow. Always.
III. ASSISTED BY GOD
A. WE ARE NOT ALONE IN OUR EFFORTS
1. While we work out our salvation, God is at work in us – Philippians 2:12-13
2. Just as He was with us in producing our new birth – Titus 3:5
3. God desires to complete the work He started when He saved us – Philippians 1:6
B. WE ARE STRENGTHENED BY GOD IN OUR EFFORTS
1. He strengthens us by His Spirit in our inner man – Ephesians 3:16
2. He empowers us with unimaginable power that is in us – Ephesians 3:20
3. He provides the armor to stand strong in the power of His might – Ephesians 6:10-11
4. There is no excuse not to grow, for Christ strengthens us! – Philippians 4:13
5. With God as our aid, spiritual growth is possible. And not mediocre growth, but spiritual growth beyond what limits we might think hinder us!
IV. BLESSED BY GOD
A. THE BLESSINGS BEGIN IN THIS LIFE
1. As we grow in grace – cf. 2 Peter 3:18
a. We experience the blessings of the grace in which we stand
b. Such as peace with God, rejoicing in hope – cf. Romans 5:1-2
2. As we grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ – cf. 2 Peter 3:18
a. We experience the blessings of adding virtue, knowledge, self-control, etc. to our faith
b. Such as a victorious life, in which we do not stumble so as to fall – 2 Peter 1:10
3. Indeed, it is spiritual growth that ensures the “abundant life” now that Jesus promised! – cf. John 10:10
B. THE BLESSINGS CONTINUE INTO THE LIFE TO COME
1. We will experience an “abundant entrance” into the everlasting kingdom – 2 Peter 1:11
2. In some way, our works do follow us – cf. Revelation 14:13
3. At the very least, we know that our labors will not be in vain! – 1 Corinthians 15:58
Conclusion
1. We have been talking about growth; but not just any growth, for not all growth is good
a. The hearts of some grow dull – cf. Matthew 13:15
b. The love of many grow cold – cf. Matthew 24:12
c. There is the danger of growing weary in doing good – cf. Galatians 6:9; 2 Thessalonians 3:13
d. There is possibility of growing corrupt according to deceitful lusts – Ephesians 4:22
e. There is danger of growing wanton against Christ – cf. 1 Timothy 5:11
f. There are those who grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived – 2 Timothy 3:13
g. Like the growth of cancerous cells, the wrong growth can be deadly!
2. We have been talking about spiritual growth, the kind of growth that is:
a. Commanded by God
b. Requires diligent effort
c. Assisted by God
d. Blessed by God
e. It is this kind of growth that Peter enjoined as he closed his epistle – 2 Peter 3:18
3. What kind of growth is taking place in our spiritual lives?
a. Is it a deadly kind of growth, creating dull hearts, love that is cold, weariness in doing good, even moral corruption?
b. Or is it a vibrant kind of growth in which we are abounding in love, joy, and peace, being faithful and fruitful in our service to Jesus Christ?
4. The one kind of growth is often the result of neglect, the other kind of growth comes only when we make the right choice! If we desire to experience the blessings of the right kind of growth, then never forget that “Spiritual Growth Is A Choice”! Are we making the right choice today and every day…?
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” – Matthew 11:28-30
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Beggars
I was getting off the interstate last week when I saw a man at the bottom of the exit ramp holding a “NEED FOOD” sign. I’m always stirred by different feelings when I see this – compassion, curiosity, even a bit of guilt and shame (for not doing more to help). Why doesn’t he have food? Should I give him money?
But it’s also interesting to recognize that this is the image Jesus used to start the most famous sermon ever preached. Most of his people thought the Messiah would come riding on the back of a white stallion at the front of an army of liberation. He would be strong, proud, powerful, and he would restore them to their former glory.
But his first words were nothing like what they expected.
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:3).
Coming to God’s kingdom, Jesus said, involves first of all admitting that we are spiritually poverty-stricken. We are powerless to attain salvation, and we depend on God for everything that is good.
Beggars. That’s what we are. We come to Jesus without “a righteousness of our own” and receive that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith (Phil 3:9); “In him,” Paul writes, we “become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21).
What all this means is that being in the Lord’s kingdom involves emptying ourselves of pride, achievement, and accomplishment. We don’t bring our goodness to the table and exchange it for forgiveness. We don’t bring our impeccable morality and integrity to the Lord and hope it’s enough to be saved.
“Poor in spirit” means recognizing that there is “none righteous, no, not one” (Romans 3:10), including me.
It means admitting that “no one understands; no one seeks for God,” that “no one does good, not even one” (Romans 3:12)… including me.
That is very hard for most of us. Naturally, I want to point to a few of the good things I’ve done. I want to compare myself to some of society’s dregs and take a little pride in, “Well, at least I’m not like that.”
That’s why pride has always been the biggest obstacle between us and salvation. It takes our eyes off of God and puts them on us.
You can’t be a part of the kingdom until you recognize that you are utterly dependent upon God for salvation. Blessed are the spiritual beggars, for theirs is the kingdom.
Nothing in my hand I bring, Simply to the cross I cling; Naked, come to Thee for dress; Helpless look to Thee for grace; Foul, I to the fountain fly; Wash me, Savior, or I die. . . . When I soar to worlds unknown, See Thee on Thy judgment throne, Rock of Ages, cleft for me, Let me hide myself in Thee (Augustus Toplady).
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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