Ephesians 5:15-17 15Be very careful, then, how you live–not as unwise but as wise, 16making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

Ephesians 5:15-17 17Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.

LIVING BEYOND THE “DASH” #1 Don’t Look Now, You’re Being Followed Larry Cline | Hardin Valley Church Of Christ | 4-23-17

Challenge #1 “Wise Up!”

Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise (Ephesians 5:15)

Two Paths – Two Destinies UNWISE WISE WORLD’S WISDOM GOD’S WISDOM

Worldly Wisdom Source? Culture, tradition, humanistic philosophy, personal experience End result Destruction

Godly Wisdom Source? Comes from above…holy, righteous & gentle (James 3:13) End result Leads to life & godliness

What is Wisdom Old Testament “Wise” (hoekma) – used to describe craftsman’s ability to skillfully complete a particular task.

What is Wisdom New Testament “Wisdom” (sophos) – same idea of skillful living. Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. (James 3:13 NIV)

Challenge #2 “BUy Up!”

Making the most of your time, because the days are evil Making the most of your time, because the days are evil. (Ephesians 5:16)

Two Key Greek Words

(Kairos) “time” Refers not to clock or calendar time (chronos) but to a unique opportunity within time to do something significant. It signifies a one time passing opportunity.

(exagorazo) “make to most of it” It means “to buy something out of the marketplace” KJV – “redeem” “buy up valuable opportunities like a valuable commodity.”

Two Journals: Father’s – “Took my son fishing. Another day lost.” Son’s – “Spent the day with Dad. One of the best days of my life!”

Challenge #3 “LOOK Up!”

…because the days are evil. (Ephesians 5:16) STATS

Challenge #4 “GROW Up!”

We must “know” the way, “show” the way and “go” the way. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. (Ephesians 5:17) We must “know” the way, “show” the way and “go” the way.

How can we grow in God’s will How can we grow in God’s will? Four primary factors that mature us in God’s will:

God’s word! Questions: Is there a command to obey? Is there an example to follow? Is there a promise to claim? Is there a sin to avoid?

God’s Spirit For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. (Romans 8:14)

22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. 26Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another. (Galatians 5:22-26)

Prayer Prayer links us with God’s heart! But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. (James 1:5)

Every time we pray, our Horizon is altered, our attitude to things is altered, not sometimes but every time, and the amazing thing is that we don’t pray more. -Oswald Chambers

Godly Counsel Where there is no guidance the people fall, but in abundance of counselors there is victory. (Proverbs 11:14)

Which shot is the most important?

The most Important shot is always the shot immediately before you!