Posted on 11/20/2017 2:56:56 PM PST by metmom
Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise (Ephesians 5:15).
Every believer is responsible to walk wisely.
I believe the moment an individual becomes saved, God deposits enough wisdom in him to make him absolutely responsible for his behavior. Someone may say, Wait a minute! How can a brand-new believer walk in wisdom? Doesnt he grow into that? Havent wise Christians been saved for many years?
Such questions miss the point of Ephesians 5:15. The first word in this verse takes us back to Pauls invitation to become saved in verse 14: Awake, sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you. In other words, Paul is saying, Because you are saved, you are to walk in wisdom. When you received Christ, you simultaneously received wisdom and therefore are responsible to walk wisely. First Corinthians 1:30 says, By [Gods] doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption. At the moment of salvation you are made wise, righteous, and sanctified. You dont get redeemed first and receive those things later. Colossians 2:3 says, In [Christ] are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. You are in Christ, and all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are in Him; consequently, in Him you have been made complete (v. 10).
If youre redeemed, you have wisdom. You dont have to wait till youve been saved five, ten, or forty years. Youre no longer a fool youre wise. And on that basis Paul says, Walk as wise. Live according to the wisdom that you possess.
Suggestions for Prayer
Thank God for blessing you with His great salvation so that you can walk wisely.
For Further Study
Read Ephesians 1:7-8.
What did you receive at the moment of your salvation (v. 7)? In what two ways were the riches of Gods grace lavished on you (v. 8)? According to Titus 2:11-12, what does Gods grace teach you?
Studying God’s Word ping
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.