May 10, 2020
Authentic Spirituality, Pt. 11
Bearing the Fruit of Light, Eph. 5:5-21
By Louie Marsh, 5-10-2020
To Live An Authentically Spiritual Life I Must…
1) IDENTIFY & FORSAKE my idols.
5 For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not become partners with them; Ephesians 5:5-7 (ESV)
The concept of sin as idolatry is furthered in other passages, and leads us directly the conclusion of this passage, which we’ll get to in a few minutes.
Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Colossians 3:5 (NIV)
How can I do this?
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! 24 And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting! Psalm 139:23-24 (ESV)
“grievous way” = way of an idol. This is VERY DIFFICULT! It’s not a one time thing either, it’s actually a way of life, punctuated by periods where I’m tightly focused on it.
BUT THIS MUST BE A CONSTANT CONCERN FOR ALL BELIEVERS!
2) PRODUCE the fruit of light.
8 for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), 10 and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. 13 But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, 14 for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Ephesians 5:8-14 (ESV)
3) DIRECT my choices with God’s Wisdom.
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. Ephesians 5:15-17 (ESV)
If I’m Wise I -
So watch your step. Use your head. Ephesians 5:15 (MSG)
It means exactly, accurately, from ἄκρος the farthest point—Vincent's Word Studies in the New Testament
Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning… Luke 1:3a (NIV)
How?
4) Be CONTINUALLY FILLED with the Holy Spirit.
18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, Ephesians 5:18 (ESV)
What does that mean? To be filled with the Spirit – or anything else – is to be controlled. So being Spirit filled isn’t about emotions or experiences – it’s about volunteering to allow God the Holy Spirit guide and control my life!
Here are some important things to understand about this much talked about verse.
1, The verb is in the imperative mode - God commands us to be filled.
This isn't an option - it's part of letting Jesus be your Lord! If you fail to seek this - you are disobeying God.
2) Filled = controlled.
When you are filled with anything it controls you – booze, food, drugs, sexual thoughts or images, greed, etc.
3, The verb is in the present tense - this means it's an ongoing, continual action.
We are always to seek the Spirit's filling. When we notice that our spiritual tank is getting low, we need to get tanked up - tanked up on the Spirit that is!
4, The Verb is plural in number. Meaning - it's for everybody!!
Being filled with the Spirit isn't just for Elders & preachers it’s for every Christian, from the oldest to the youngest.
5, The Verb is in the passive voice - meaning that the subject of the verb (us) is inactive but being acted upon!
You don't get filled by working for it. No amount of crying, screaming, no amount of knowledge or degrees, will get it. No, you must bring a simple desire for the fullness and a complete surrender of your life to God.
If I’m Spirit-filled I…
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. Ephesians 5:19-21 (ESV)