Ephesians 5:17
Verse
Context
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Wherefore be ye not unwise - Μη γινεσθε αφρονες· Do not become madmen. Here is a most evident allusion to the orgies of Bacchus, in which his votaries acted like madmen; running about, tossing their heads from shoulder to shoulder, appearing to be in every sense completely frantic. See the whole of the passage in Livy, to which I have referred on Eph 5:12. But understanding what the will of the Lord is - It is the will of God that ye should be sober, chaste, holy, and pure. Get a thorough understanding of this; acquaint yourselves with God's will, that ye may know how to glorify him.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Wherefore--seeing that ye need to walk so circumspectly, choosing and using the right opportunity of good. unwise--a different Greek word from that in Eph 5:15. Translate, "foolish," or "senseless." understanding--not merely knowing as a matter of fact (Luk 12:47), but knowing with understanding. the will of the Lord--as to how each opportunity is to be used. The Lord's will, ultimately, is our "sanctification" (Th1 4:3); and that "in every thing," meantime, we should "give thanks" (Th1 5:18; compare above, Eph 5:10).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Speaking to yourselves in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs,.... By psalms are meant the Psalms of David, and others which compose the book that goes by that name, for other psalms there are none; and by "hymns" we are to understand, not such as are made by good men, without the inspiration of the Spirit of God; since they are placed between psalms and spiritual songs, made by men inspired by the Holy Ghost; and are put upon a level with them, and to be sung along with them, to the edification of churches; but these are only another name for the Book of Psalms, the running title of which may as well be the Book of Hymns, as it is rendered by Ainsworth; and the psalm which our Lord sung with his disciples after the supper, is called an hymn; and so are the psalms in general called hymns, by Philo the Jew (n); and songs and hymns by Josephus (o); and , "songs and praises", or "hymns", in the Talmud (p): and by "spiritual songs" are meant the same Psalms of David, Asaph, &c. and the titles of many of them are songs, and sometimes a psalm and song, and song and psalm, a song of degrees; together with all other Scriptural songs, written by inspired men; and which are called "spiritual", because they are indited by the Spirit of God, consist of spiritual matter, and are designed for spiritual edification; and are opposed to all profane, loose, and wanton songs: these three words answer to the several titles of David's Psalms; from whence it seems to be the intention of the apostle, that these should be sting in Gospel churches; for so he explains speaking to themselves in them, in the next clause: singing and making melody in your hearts to the Lord; singing, as it is a distinct thing from prayer, so from giving of thanks, which is mentioned in Eph 5:20 as another duty; it is not a mental praising of God, for it is called speaking, and teaching, and admonishing, but it is a praising of God with the modulation of the voice; and is rightly performed, when the heart and voice agree; when there is a melody in the heart, as well as in the tongue; for singing and making melody in the heart, is singing with, or from the heart, or heartily; of as elsewhere, "with grace", and which the Alexandrian copy reads here; that is, either with gratitude and thankfulness, or with grace in exercise; and the end in view should be the glory of God. (n) De Mutat. Nomin. p. 1062. & alibi. (o) Antiqu. l. 7. c. 12. sect. 3. (p) T. Bab. Sanhedrin, fol. 94. 1.
Ephesians 5:17
Children of Light
16redeeming the time, because the days are evil.17Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.18Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Communication of Our Faith - Part 5
By Alan Redpath4.9K54:31FaithMAT 6:33JHN 14:16ACT 1:8ROM 8:11GAL 5:22EPH 5:17In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being a dedicated and serious follower of God. He describes a true believer as someone who is not just superficially engaged with the Bible, but who has been transformed by the power of God. The preacher also highlights the need for steadfastness and reliance on God's grace in the face of challenges and pressures. He shares a story of a man who found gratitude in a difficult situation, reminding listeners to always give thanks to God. The sermon concludes with a call to restore our relationship with God, recognize the sovereignty of Jesus, and embrace our responsibility as believers.
Capernway Pt. 2
By Alan Redpath1.9K1:00:49Bible College LectureEPH 5:17In this sermon, the minister reflects on a previous day of ministry and feels like it was a failure. However, his perspective changes when his daughter interrupts his thoughts and reminds him that breakfast is ready. In that moment, he realizes that he can still give thanks to God even in difficult situations. The minister emphasizes the importance of having faith rooted in the sovereignty of God, which leads to a transformed life. He also quotes Hudson Taylor, who highlights the need to come to the end of oneself in order to experience the reality of God's presence. The sermon concludes with a reminder to prioritize one's relationship with God and not neglect family and personal responsibilities.
(Pdf Book) How to Find God's Will
By Bakht Singh1.7K00:00Finding God's WillEbooksSpiritual GrowthPSA 29:3PRO 3:5ISA 46:10MAT 12:48JHN 4:34JHN 7:17ROM 8:14ROM 12:1EPH 5:171JN 5:14Bakht Singh emphasizes the significance of understanding and following God's will, asserting that it is a believer's privilege and responsibility. He shares his personal journey of learning to seek God's will, highlighting the importance of prayer, willingness to learn, and the conditions necessary to discern God's guidance. Singh outlines the sevenfold importance of knowing God's will, including spiritual growth, effective prayer, and experiencing God's love. He also discusses the conditions required to find God's will and the evidences that confirm one has found it, such as peace, the Word of God, and the witness of fellow believers. Ultimately, he encourages believers to make seeking God's will a daily practice in their lives.
Doing Gods Will
By Erlo Stegen1.4K47:54Will Of GodPSA 48:14PSA 119:105MAT 6:33MAT 7:21MAT 7:26EPH 5:17COL 1:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes three important points for believers to incorporate into their lives. The first point is to seek and understand God's will for their lives, as it is crucial for spiritual growth. The second point is the need for discernment and wisdom in all aspects of life, from the way we dress to the way we interact with others. The speaker also highlights the importance of parents guiding their children in God's will. Lastly, the speaker emphasizes the need for patience and endurance, especially in relationships between men and women. The sermon encourages believers to pray for these qualities and to strive for spiritual growth and maturity.
Yosemite Bible Conference 1991-12 Posessing Your Possessions
By William MacDonald1.1K31:41PossessionsRUT 2:2PRO 3:5MAT 6:33MAT 16:24ROM 12:1EPH 5:17PHP 4:19In this sermon, the speaker shares the story of a man named Dave and his family who went through a series of trials and hardships. Despite their difficulties, the speaker emphasizes that the purpose of these trials is to make us more like Jesus. The speaker also shares the story of another family with a young girl who had leukemia, and how they trusted in God throughout their struggles. The sermon concludes with the message that God can be trusted and that we should find freedom from dissatisfaction in life by accepting things from the hands of God.
Grace of God Telling Us
By Milton Green1.1K03:01JER 17:5MAT 25:1EPH 5:14EPH 5:17In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of waking up and being aware of the spiritual realities around us. He warns against relying on human wisdom and understanding, stating that only Jesus can truly guide us. The preacher highlights the need to fully surrender to God and not put our confidence in the strength of the flesh. He encourages listeners to embrace the truth of God's Word and to live with a wholehearted devotion to Him.
How to Find Gods Will - Part 1
By Bakht Singh89459:08Will Of GodPSA 37:4PRO 3:5PRO 16:9JER 29:11MAT 7:7ROM 12:2EPH 5:17This cassette contains a sermon delivered by Brother Buxing during the 1965 All-In-The-Holy Convocations in Hyderabad. The sermon focuses on how to find God's will. The message was translated into Telugu by Brother Svandarao and into Hindi by Brother Jean-Paul. The sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking and understanding God's will in our lives.
What Is a Christian 22 Christian Is a New Man
By James K. Boswell48652:20MAT 6:33JHN 7:17ROM 12:1EPH 5:17JAS 1:221PE 2:4In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the concept of being greater than others. He uses the example of a boy and an elephant named Jumbo to illustrate the difference between human and animal life. The preacher then shares a story of a young man who hears the gospel and accepts Christ into his heart, leading to a transformation in his life. The sermon also highlights the importance of living a sinless life surrendered to God's will, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and rooted in unwavering faith. The preacher encourages believers to put off their old ways and put on the character of Jesus Christ.
A Cassette Just for You
By George Verwer47144:58MissionsPSA 37:4PRO 3:5MAT 28:19ROM 12:2EPH 5:17COL 3:23JAS 1:5The video is a sermon transcript that discusses five main points for effective preaching of the word of God. The first point emphasizes the importance of remaining learners and being open to change. The second point highlights the need to avoid pride and embrace modern technology in media. The third point emphasizes the importance of specializing in effective communication. The fourth point addresses the challenge of reaching unreached people and the need for disciplined youth and engaged adults. The fifth point discusses the challenge of misplaced priorities and frozen assets. The sermon also mentions the importance of maintaining high motivation and provides eleven points for personal growth and discipline in the word of God.
Genties Seek Things - Sons Seek Gods Kingdom - No Part Darkness - Part 3 - the Profile of a Son
By Phil Beach Jr.241:08:47Profile of a SonLiving in the LightKingdom Of GodPRO 3:5MAT 4:4JHN 4:34JHN 8:29ROM 16:17EPH 5:172TI 4:21JN 1:51JN 3:161JN 5:14Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the significance of understanding the profile of a true son of God, contrasting it with the characteristics of a Gentile. He highlights that true love is demonstrated through the sacrifice of Christ on Calvary, and warns against the dangers of marketing the gospel to appeal to the natural man. The preacher calls for a commitment to seek God's glory and to live free from darkness, urging believers to reflect on their inner lives and the influence they allow in their hearts. Ultimately, he stresses that true transformation comes from a heart aligned with Christ, which leads to behaviors that please God.
Prof. Finney's Letters.--No. 34.
By Charles Finney0Natural AbilityMoral CharacterPRO 4:7MAT 22:37ROM 12:21CO 10:31GAL 5:13EPH 5:17PHP 2:13COL 3:23JAS 1:52PE 1:5Charles Finney addresses the concept of natural ability and moral character, arguing against the false distinction between natural and moral ability. He emphasizes that moral inability stems from a lack of sufficient light to recognize the greatest apparent good, which is essential for moral obligation. Finney asserts that true holiness consists in willing as the greatest apparent good is, and that moral character is determined by the ultimate intention of one's will. He urges ministers and Christians to align their definitions of entire sanctification with the doctrine of natural ability to avoid confusion and error. The sermon calls for careful consideration of moral character and the nature of sin in relation to God's law.
Prayer - Mark 11:24
By A.W. Pink0The Power of PrayerExpectancy in FaithGEN 32:26PSA 37:4MAT 7:7MAT 21:21MRK 11:24JHN 11:42EPH 5:17PHP 4:191TH 4:21JN 5:14A.W. Pink emphasizes the power of prayer in his sermon based on Mark 11:24, urging believers to ask in accordance with God's revealed will and to expect answers with unwavering faith. He outlines three key aspects of effective prayer: ensuring requests align with Scripture, pleading God's promises, and maintaining an attitude of expectancy. Pink warns against the devil's attempts to sow doubt and encourages Christians to confidently approach God, knowing they have a friend in Christ who intercedes on their behalf. Ultimately, he stresses that true faith honors God and leads to divine responses.
(Finding God's Will) 1. God's Plan for Your Life
By Zac Poonen0Guidance in Life DecisionsGod's WillGEN 5:22MAT 7:21MAT 11:28MAT 12:50EPH 2:10EPH 5:17COL 1:9COL 4:121PE 4:11JN 2:17Zac Poonen emphasizes that the greatest honor for believers is to do God's will, as taught by Jesus and the apostles. He warns against the folly of pursuing our own paths without seeking God's guidance, especially when making significant life decisions. Poonen highlights that many miss God's perfect will due to disobedience and compromise, urging believers to earnestly seek God's plan for their lives. He illustrates this with biblical examples, including David and the Israelites, and encourages a life dedicated to fulfilling God's will. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to walk in God's appointed path, assuring that it leads to true fulfillment and purpose.
God's Plan for Your Life
By Zac Poonen0ObedienceGod's WillGEN 5:22MAT 7:21MAT 12:50JHN 4:34EPH 2:10EPH 5:17COL 1:9COL 4:121PE 4:11JN 2:17Zac Poonen emphasizes that the greatest honor for believers is to do the will of God, as taught by Jesus and echoed by the apostles. He highlights that God has a specific plan for each individual, and it is crucial to seek His guidance in all aspects of life to avoid missing His perfect will. Poonen encourages believers to walk in obedience, using examples from scripture such as David, Enoch, and the Israelites to illustrate the importance of aligning with God's will. He warns against the dangers of self-will and urges a commitment to live under the yoke of Christ, which leads to true freedom and fulfillment. Ultimately, he calls for a life lived with purpose, responsibility, and a deep desire to fulfill God's calling.
Choosing God's Will
By A.W. Tozer0Freedom of ChoiceGod's WillPSA 37:4PRO 3:5ISA 30:21MAT 6:10JHN 15:5ROM 12:2GAL 2:20EPH 5:17PHP 2:13JAS 1:5A.W. Tozer emphasizes that choosing God's will is not a denial of our freedom but an exercise of it, recognizing our limitations in making the best choices. He highlights that true saintliness comes from submitting our will to God's, acknowledging that while we have the freedom to choose, we should seek the wisdom and goodness of God in our decisions. Tozer quotes Tennyson, illustrating that our wills can be aligned with God's will, leading to a life of obedience that is freely chosen rather than coerced. The essence of this choice is the acknowledgment of our need for divine guidance in our lives.
Prayer
By A.W. Pink0Expectation in FaithPrayerGEN 32:26PSA 37:4MAT 7:7MAT 21:21JHN 11:42EPH 5:17PHP 4:4PHP 4:191TH 4:21JN 5:14A.W. Pink emphasizes the importance of aligning our prayers with God's revealed will, urging believers to understand and ask for what is in accordance with Scripture. He warns against the devil's deception and encourages Christians to plead God's promises while maintaining an expectant faith in God's ability to answer prayers. Pink highlights that true faith involves not only asking but also expecting God to fulfill His promises, which honors Him and brings peace. He reassures believers that they have a friend in Christ who intercedes on their behalf, ensuring that prayers aligned with God's glory will be granted.
Why Should We Be Sanctified?
By Samuel Alexander Danford0DEU 30:6PSA 119:1MAT 5:8ROM 12:1EPH 5:17HEB 9:13REV 21:27Samuel Alexander Danford preaches about the will of God, emphasizing the importance of presenting ourselves as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God, and being transformed by the renewing of our minds to understand and fulfill His perfect will. He also highlights the commandments of God, urging believers to walk in holiness, love, and service to the Lord with all their hearts. The sermon further explores the promises of God, including sanctification, purification, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon those who seek Him. It delves into the blessings sought through inspired prayer and the atonement provided by Jesus Christ, leading to redemption, sanctification, and the preparation for heaven.
Worship in Psalms and Hymns
By Peter Hammond0PSA 9:1PSA 28:7PSA 33:1PSA 40:1PSA 66:1PSA 144:9ACT 16:251CO 14:15EPH 5:17COL 3:15Peter Hammond preaches on the importance of Biblical worship, emphasizing the need for music to be melodious, wholehearted, and Scriptural, focusing on praising God with thanksgiving and in the Name of Jesus Christ. He highlights the joy and skill in worship, the centrality of God in worship, and the steadfastness in worship even in times of trial. The sermon also delves into the significance of praising God in various circumstances, including from prison, and the need for spiritual and intellectual worship for the fulfillment of the Great Commission.
(Finding God's Will) 3. Guidance Through the Inner Witness
By Zac Poonen0MAT 5:17LUK 4:1ACT 8:29ROM 8:6ROM 12:2EPH 5:17COL 3:151JN 2:20Zac Poonen emphasizes that God rarely guides us in spectacular ways, but rather through the Holy Spirit in this New Testament age. Believers are encouraged to seek to be filled with the Holy Spirit and to listen to the inner pressure and peace that the Spirit brings. It is important to examine our motives and ensure they align with God's will, using tools like a 'balance sheet' to evaluate decisions. The inner witness of the Holy Spirit is highly valued as God's primary means of guidance, surpassing a mere moral code, as believers are called to live by the life of Christ within them.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Wherefore be ye not unwise - Μη γινεσθε αφρονες· Do not become madmen. Here is a most evident allusion to the orgies of Bacchus, in which his votaries acted like madmen; running about, tossing their heads from shoulder to shoulder, appearing to be in every sense completely frantic. See the whole of the passage in Livy, to which I have referred on Eph 5:12. But understanding what the will of the Lord is - It is the will of God that ye should be sober, chaste, holy, and pure. Get a thorough understanding of this; acquaint yourselves with God's will, that ye may know how to glorify him.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Wherefore--seeing that ye need to walk so circumspectly, choosing and using the right opportunity of good. unwise--a different Greek word from that in Eph 5:15. Translate, "foolish," or "senseless." understanding--not merely knowing as a matter of fact (Luk 12:47), but knowing with understanding. the will of the Lord--as to how each opportunity is to be used. The Lord's will, ultimately, is our "sanctification" (Th1 4:3); and that "in every thing," meantime, we should "give thanks" (Th1 5:18; compare above, Eph 5:10).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Speaking to yourselves in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs,.... By psalms are meant the Psalms of David, and others which compose the book that goes by that name, for other psalms there are none; and by "hymns" we are to understand, not such as are made by good men, without the inspiration of the Spirit of God; since they are placed between psalms and spiritual songs, made by men inspired by the Holy Ghost; and are put upon a level with them, and to be sung along with them, to the edification of churches; but these are only another name for the Book of Psalms, the running title of which may as well be the Book of Hymns, as it is rendered by Ainsworth; and the psalm which our Lord sung with his disciples after the supper, is called an hymn; and so are the psalms in general called hymns, by Philo the Jew (n); and songs and hymns by Josephus (o); and , "songs and praises", or "hymns", in the Talmud (p): and by "spiritual songs" are meant the same Psalms of David, Asaph, &c. and the titles of many of them are songs, and sometimes a psalm and song, and song and psalm, a song of degrees; together with all other Scriptural songs, written by inspired men; and which are called "spiritual", because they are indited by the Spirit of God, consist of spiritual matter, and are designed for spiritual edification; and are opposed to all profane, loose, and wanton songs: these three words answer to the several titles of David's Psalms; from whence it seems to be the intention of the apostle, that these should be sting in Gospel churches; for so he explains speaking to themselves in them, in the next clause: singing and making melody in your hearts to the Lord; singing, as it is a distinct thing from prayer, so from giving of thanks, which is mentioned in Eph 5:20 as another duty; it is not a mental praising of God, for it is called speaking, and teaching, and admonishing, but it is a praising of God with the modulation of the voice; and is rightly performed, when the heart and voice agree; when there is a melody in the heart, as well as in the tongue; for singing and making melody in the heart, is singing with, or from the heart, or heartily; of as elsewhere, "with grace", and which the Alexandrian copy reads here; that is, either with gratitude and thankfulness, or with grace in exercise; and the end in view should be the glory of God. (n) De Mutat. Nomin. p. 1062. & alibi. (o) Antiqu. l. 7. c. 12. sect. 3. (p) T. Bab. Sanhedrin, fol. 94. 1.