Walk - by Jeremy Duke

Ephesians 5:15–21 (ESV)

“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.

 In chapter 5 of Ephesians Paul cares a lot about how we walk as Christians: our actions and words in everyday life. He exhorts us to “walk in love” (5:1) in the example of Christ. Christ loved us so much he gave himself up for us as an offering to God.

 In 5:15-21 he describes our walk further: walk wisely, understand how God wants you to live. Be filled with the spirit - and he describes what being filled with the spirit will look like:

·         Addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs

·         Singing and making melody to the Lord with all your heart

·         Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, and

·         Submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ (he then goes on to describe what this looks like in marriage)

 I was struck by the first two examples. Music is powerful - do you more easily remember song lyrics or bible verses? Song lyrics are easy to remember when you love the song and listen to it over and over!

 Christian songs and memory verses set to music are a great advantage here - you make use of your ability to more easily remember music to help you remember God’s word!

 How might we use the psalms and hymns and spiritual songs we know to encourage each other?

 Here are some lyrics (with modified pronouns) from our new congregational songs you might try to drop into conversation this week!

 ·         I know that in every situation, God speaks the power to prevail

·         As we share in His suffering, We proclaim Christ will come again

·         Praise Jesus for all that He’s done - he’s risen, the victory’s won!

·         His wide forever love will be our strength

 God bless,

 Jeremy