Ephesians 5:14-23
In recent weeks, I have covered two topics from Ephesians 5. We have focused on time management and the control of the Holy Spirit. Tonight, we will discover how we can experience the glory of God.
Our Response to the Glory of Christ: vv. 14-18
for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: “Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”
15Be very careful, then, how you liveÑnot as unwise but as wise, 16making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.
1. We are to deny ourselves. James 4:8
Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double‑minded.
2. We are to crucify ourselves. Philippians 3:7-8
But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ
3. We are to abide in Christ. John 15:8
This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
Christ Sacrificed for Us to Experience His Glory: vv. 19-21
Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, 20always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
21Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
1. He chose us. Ephesians 1:4
For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.
2. He adopted us. Ephesians 1:5
he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will
3. He redeemed us. Ephesians 1:6
to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.
4. He forgave us. Ephesians 1:7
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace
5. He included us. Ephesians 1:13
And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit,
The Bride of Christ Must Reflect His Holiness: vv. 22-23
Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. 23For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior.
1. Unity in Christ. John 17:21
that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.
2. Glory in Christ. John 17:22
I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one:
3. Love for Christ. John 17:26
I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.”
