Ephesians 5:15-21 – Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs

Key Scriptures: Ephesians 5:15-21. Psalm 119:9-16

After weeks of sharp “don’ts,” the Apostle Paul now turns to the glorious “yes” of the Christian life. The guardrails of God’s commands are not the destination — they clear the ground so that something far better can grow: a life filled with wisdom, song, thanksgiving, and ordered love, all empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Walk Carefully as Wise Men

“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of your time, because the days are evil.” Time is on the auction block every morning. The world, the flesh, and the devil are bidding for your hours. The command is to buy it back — redeem it for prayer, Scripture, love of the brethren, faithful labor, and hearty worship. The unwise man drifts. The wise man numbers his days and lives with eternity stamped on his eyeballs. God wills you do this, and God’s will is not mainly in the extraordinary or ecstatic. It is found in the ordinary grind: changing diapers, showing up to work on time, opening the car door for your wife, cleaning up after the fellowship meal, and faithfully attending the means of grace. This steady, plodding obedience is where Christ is formed in us.

Be Filled with the Spirit

“Do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit.” This is not a one-time crisis but the normal Christian life — moment-by-moment dependence on the Holy Spirit through Word, prayer, Sabbath, Table, and fellowship. The same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead wants to fill you in the middle of ordinary days. “Addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord.” From Moses at the Red Sea to David, to Jesus with His disciples, to Paul and Silas in prison — men have always led God’s people in song. Sea shanties weren’t background music; they were work songs led by strong voices. So must our singing be. Fathers, teach your sons. Young men, open your mouths. When the men of Christ the King sing with full chests, the whole church sings stronger and the gates of hell tremble.

Giving Thanks

This is the capstone of a Spirit-filled people. Not polite, occasional gratitude, but constant thanksgiving in every season — short Keweenaw summers and long winters, health and sickness, plenty and want. A grumbling people sound like Israel in the wilderness. A thankful people declare that everything has passed through the wise and loving hands of their Father. Each in our proper place — husbands leading sacrificially, wives respecting, children obeying — reflecting the beautiful gospel order of Christ and His church.

Conclusion

Brothers and sisters, the “don’ts” were never the main thing. They were guardrails steering us toward this positive, joyful, Spirit-empowered life. Men, rise up and lead. Families, redeem the time. Church, be a thankful, singing, gospel-shaped people right here on the Keweenaw.

Look to Christ. Repent. Believe. Be filled with His Spirit. And go tell this cold world there is a better way.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Pastor Brandon