The Body of Christ is given an admonition in Ephesians 5:17-20, which enables each of us in the roles we have as women to live God’s will and walk in love. (vs.1-2) Instructions are found in Ephesians 5:14-17 teaching us to a) Wake up, b) Attain the light Christ has to offer, c) Walk circumspectly (watching carefully all around) in wisdom, d) Redeem the time: and e) Know God’s will, “Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.” As already discussed, we are not to be intoxicated with the world. Instead, we are to know the important spiritual things to focus upon. As we search and seek Scripture to understand our Father’s will, filled with the Spirit, godly qualities will be manifest. Think on these to understand and for application of God’s will:
1. Speak to Yourself with Christ’s Mind (vs. 19): “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.” What will it look like? Our inner voices will rejoice, speaking with spiritual content (sound doctrine) in our hearts, making melodies, singing and praising God.
2. Continual Thankfulness (vs.20): “Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” As we meditate on and exalt God our Father, His character, and unconditional love, we become increasingly grateful; delighting in all we have with a rejoicing heart attitude through the day.
3. Humble Yourself (vs.21): “Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.” If everyone in the Body is to submit one to another; how would this work? This doctrine is based upon Romans 12 teaching, which relays godly love and preferring others above ourselves. There is a process to this, contained in Romans 1-11: Acquiring heart understanding of God’s love for us, we in turn develop love for God, then we progress to love ourselves (Romans 13:9b), enabling us to be equipped to love others above self: “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love, in honour preferring one another.” (Romans 12:10)
4. Understanding God’s Way to Teach Us: Learning Romans 6-8, regarding our sanctification, we realize how to do it in the manner laid out by God. Paul’s epistles are progressive; one thing builds upon the one before. This insight is helpful to the student in many ways: to know where to start and realize that understanding and maturity build slowly as we form the doctrine in us by God’s curriculum.
We are to regularly make time to read, study, meditate, and apply what is learned in prayer, allowing the Spirit to lead and renew our mind: “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renew-ing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Rom. 12:2)
Each chapter, verse, word, and even punctuation is highly significant to help us gain the mind of Christ. Since it is God’s Book, we will need to approach it differently than reading man’s words. It has eternal depth, teaching us by the Spirit in layers, building onto what is already formed in our inner man. Babes need milk doctrine (I Cor. 3:1-2) for digestion. This is an inter-dispensational teaching about milk to meat: “For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” (Heb.5:13-14) Our job is to let the Spirit lead and walk by faith.
Think on This: As we learn to love ourselves, confident of God’s love for us, we can mature to become a living sacrifice, putting self aside to serve sacrificially. (Rom. 12:1) Remember, this is a life-long process and takes time. Be patient with yourselves.
SUPPLY OF GRACE 
Leave a comment