(Eph 5:21)  “Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.”  Firstly, this submission must speak of the lambs submitting to the shepherds (Heb 13:17). Secondly, it speaks of the practice of “esteeming others better than yourself” (Phil 2:3). Humility is foreign to our fallen nature, yet is the foundation of Christianity. We need to lay this foundation for the glory of God!  

( Eph 5:20)  “Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;”   Notice the prayer of thanks is in Jesus’ Name. It is through the Lord Jesus and because of the Lord Jesus we have access to the Throne of God in prayer! Our blessings received daily are because of Him! We owe  our very lives to Him! So, this day, the Lord’s Day, thank our Great and Merciful God through the Name of His precious Son Jesus!  

( Eph 5:20)  “Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;”  One should not assume from the previous verse there is some “magic” in using the music. It is the heart condition signified by ‘giving thanks always” ALWAYS!   

(Eph 5:19)  “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;”   Why music? Anyone who has studied music theory knows that music is a perfect numerical system. There’s something very special about music. When desiring guidance from the Lord, Elisha said, (2Ki_3:15) “But now bring me a minstrel. And it came to pass, when the minstrel played, that the hand of the LORD came upon him.”   It is of utmost importance we listen to the right kind of music. It has power.

(Eph 5:19)  “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;”  Many a book has been written on “How to Be Filled With the Holy Spirit”. Yet, it is here right before us in plain language of twenty words. Such songs as these  focus the heart and mind upon Him (not ourselves) and move our thoughts to where our Lord is, and the need to please Him! One’s mind fulfills Php_4:8, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” 

(Eph 5:17)  “Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.”  Alcohol lowers the inhibitions so that we would say or do things we would never do otherwise – to obey the flesh. . The Spirit of God is to guide us and empower us to overcome the flesh. This is to the goal of the Believer who is commanded to “walk in the spirit and ye will not fulfill the lust of the flesh.”

 

(Eph 5:18) “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;”  It always amazes me how many of those professing to be God’s people don’t love Him enough to turn away from alcohol. They say, “Nowhere in the Bible does it say, don’t.” Wrong. We have been made kings and priests unto our God. Proverbs forbids kings (ch 10), and Lev 10 the priests. When you love the Lord you would rather err in a way to please Him than to offend Him.   

(Eph 5:17)  “Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.”  What is God’s will? In context it is be careful that we live in a godly manner, keeping our priorities right, loving Him, and loving others. Stick to God’s plan, be sure you have been born into God’s family, faithfully attend a Bible believing, cover to cover believing, gospel preaching and teaching church.

Eph 5:15) “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,  (16) Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”   The days are evil. It is evil when God’s name is used as a curse-word. It is evil when people profess to know Him but won’t enter faithfully the doors of the church and seek the souls of others. It is evil when we speak of loving Him and yet spend our lives on “me and mine”. He is God alone and should have all our of us – whatever He desires – sacrificial love.  .  

(Eph 5:15) “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,  (16) Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”  I cannot help but wonder how much of our time is utterly wasted, as far a eternal good is considered. The children of God are either ignorant that eternity is near, or they don’t care. God help us to give more and more of our time to the Lord.  .