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Show HEAVENL Y VISION: THIS CHRISTIAN RACE Ephesians 5: 15-21 epistle was written by the Apostle Paul to the "saints at Ephesus and to This the faithful in Christ Jesus," (1: 1) those part of congregation at Ephesus and those believing in Jesus. He is concerned not only that the the I . praise God but also that they live the life and walk the talk, not only followers while others watch but even in th.eir Sprivate cr(- (J4J() --r+ ,lJ -re I I, se II '(b \I_L. ) w quarters. Here in chapter 5 is a call "to walk worthy of calling" to achieve the heavenly vision. the First, we are to walk in HEALTHY ACCORD. "See then that you walk circumspectly; not as fools but as wise." (5: 15) We /v.ve- -4 J consistently, harmoniously, in are to walk agreement. F or God expects of His children good report, to be unspotted a from the world around. Weare to walk in the way of truth, not the foolishly missing the path. light stumbling foolishly in Weare to walk in the not the dark. We are to walk foresight not as fools looking back. We are to with 3 walk together with God apart not as fools. We to walk in the God's brightness glory not life, hope of in the shadows of satan. We to walk in are are of eternal not in the here and psalmist sang, "Behold, how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together L,tJottlc I\J #e,41lid in unity." (13 3 : 1 ) 50c..-c..o1'"'<:L 7 now alone. The . I I More than that, to walk in HOLY we are ANIMATION. "Be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Y+!- Spirit." (5: 18) ff) We are restless for amusement and excitement. We crave and hunger for those activities that make for inspiration and cheerfulness, that which warms our feelings, passion, and quickens our pulse. Whatever improperly fires our stimulates and excites senses and enkindles our our lust is drunkenness. The caution of this text is that be animated, moved that which is holy. It is we by not the wine of drunkenness but the Spirit of holiness. Jesus said, "And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever 1 will not leave ... you comfortless: I will come to you." (John 14: 16 & 18) Then, we are to walk in HEAVENLY "Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord. Giving thanks always for all things unto ADORATION. God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus 7 Christ; Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God." (5: 19- 21) This is a time of glorious aspiration and spiritual worship. We are to rejoice in the presence of God by speaking th highest things in the highest form of language-poetry. The soul ought to pour out heavenly devotions in sweet melodies. 8 When we are filled Holy Spirit and responsible members of with the the Church of Jesus Christ, ought to be consistently whole, carefully animated, and celestial in worship. our lives :t: "VL 7y q VOf'ce +__y |
