Page 147 - Ephesians

“Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but
as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are
evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will
of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is
dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one
another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing
and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always
giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus
Christ to God, even the Father, and be subject to one another
in the fear of Christ.”

Before we look at the illustration of wine, and why it illustrates “Joy
in the Lord”, let me say a word about 5:16-17. The King James
Version calls it “Redeeming the time” or “buying up the
opportunities”. The NASB says, “Making the most of your
time”. Many sermons on the proper use of time have been
preached from Ephesians 5:16. It is a great passage against
wasting time. But, it goes beyond that.

I remember going into bondage, trying not to waste God’s time. I
didn’t want to do the wrong thing, and I didn’t want to do nothing.
I can tell you now, it didn’t work. Not for a single minute. If I were
consistent, maybe it would have worked. But I was moody. One
moment I was tired, the next, hyper. Two minutes later, I was
silly, and soon after that, full of anxiety. Sometimes enthusiastic,
and other times, just plain lazy. My heart was conflicted. Strange
emotions welled up, depending on whether things were enjoyable,
or inconvenient. My attempt to “Redeem the time”, was a waste
of time. I had no peace. I was miserable.

“Making the most of your time”, in Eph. 5:16 is literally “Buying
up the opportunities”. Opportunities for what? For years they
told me it was for witnessing, for sharing Christ. “Don’t miss an
opportunity to speak up for the Lord.” Perhaps!! But not, in this
context. According to Ephesians 5:17, they are opportunities to
know what the will of the Lord is. Look at the physical illustration
that He uses in 5:18,