Jan 26 - Knowing God's Will

Read Ephesians 5:15-21

Context: Ephesians was written by Paul to explain the dimensions of God's eternal purpose and grace (NIV Study Bible). He has spent most of chapter 5 giving specific examples about how to live a godly life.

Text:
15Be very careful, then, how you live—not 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. 19Speak 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.(NIV)

taken from http://www.biblegateway.com/

In the first verse, the word 'wise' is the Greek word 'sophos'. It means wise in the sense of learning life's lessons over a long course of time, but it also means to be skilled, cultivate knowledge, be intelligent and prudent. It is both a learned and an experienced wisdom Paul calls us to use as we choose the paths of our lives. The word 'unwise', or 'asophos' is the opposite of wise, and actually means 'fool'.

I like the way The Message version of the Bible puts these first three verses:

So watch your step. Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times! Don't live carelessly, unthinkingly. Make sure you understand what the Master wants.

Paul could have written these words today!