Every act of obedience in the pursuit of being like Jesus is a wise move. Paul’s teaching thus far (4:1-5:14) reveals God’s wisdom; Paul continues his instruction: “What does living wisely look like?”

A. Wisdom is Seen in Being Careful regarding How we Live 15

- Keep a close watch on what is “Light”: purity & knowledge   3-14

  (Enlightened = God has spoken clearly.   Psa.119:105, John 8:12)

- Keep a close watch on Walking in the Light (Prov. 4:25-27 = focus)

B. Wisdom is Seen in a Readiness to Make the Most of Opportunity 16

= knowing we are to make the best use of time = good stewardship

- God sets opportunity before us to serve, represent Him, talk of Jesus

= awareness of great pressure to misuse time _ “the days are evil”

…Galatians 6:10; 1 Cor.7:29 – “the time is short”

C. Wisdom is Seen in Understanding what the Lord’s Will is 17 cf. 10

- “foolish” = moral stupidity in action

- need to know God, His Word, His Ways, and to Follow His will

D. Wisdom is Seen in Continuously being Filled with the Spirit   18-20

- Illustration 18: one controlled cannot help how he speaks, walks, etc.

- Evidence of Control:

1. Negatively: wine -> debauchery = unrestrained indulgence, wasteful

2. Positively: Holy Spirit -> empowers us to speak and walk as Jesus

   - Joyfulness: overflow of song, “to the Lord”; 1 Thes.5:16-18

   - Thankfulness: due to confidence in God to work His purposes

NOTE: we GRIEVE the Spirit when we practice things He does not

             want us to   4:30

          : we QUENCH the Spirit when we do NOT practice things He

             wants us to = “put out the Spirit’s fire”   1 Thessalonians. 5:19

          : NEVER told to be Baptized (1 Cor.12:13), or Indwelt with the       

             Spirit (1 Cor.3:16, 6:19; John 14:15-18) _both already done!!!

E. Wisdom is Seen as “Together” Believers Submit to One Another   21