The passage from Ephesians 5:15-20, as written by St. Paul in his letter to the Ephesians, serves as a reminder to live wisely, truly understanding the will of the Lord in order to make the most of every opportunity. St. Paul urges us to be filled with the Spirit, to speak to one another in psalms and hymns, and to give thanks always in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father.
These verses come from the letter addressed to the Ephesians who resided in what is now modern-day Turkey, according to Bible Study Tools. The message contained within these passages is profound, offering five blessings that God wants to bestow upon humanity. Pastor Jesse Bradley, hailing from Washington and acting as the lead pastor at Grace Community Church in Auburn, near Seattle, emphasizes the importance of receiving these blessings from God so that we may be filled instead of empty.
Bradley identifies the first blessing as the Holy Spirit, which he describes as the presence of God within us. He stresses the supernatural aspect of the Christian life, noting that we cannot live it by relying solely on our own strength. The Spirit is said to produce peace, love, and joy in our lives, qualities that the world cannot take away from us.
In addition to the Holy Spirit, Bradley emphasizes the blessings of wisdom, courage, words, and gratitude. He draws a distinction between knowledge and wisdom, stating that while knowledge includes information, wisdom leads to transformation through practical decision-making in life. When we seek and honor God, we open ourselves up to the generosity of wisdom that He offers.
Bradley also highlights the importance of courage, especially during challenging times. He suggests asking God for the courage to take the next right step and trusting Him with the results. Furthermore, he underscores the power of our words, noting that they have the ability to bring life or cause harm. As believers, we are encouraged to speak words of love and truth, uplifting and building others in our daily interactions.
Gratitude, according to Bradley, is another blessing that we should cultivate in our lives. He encourages us to thank God in all circumstances, even when we may not feel like it. Gratitude, he explains, is a decision that leads to rejecting bitterness and resentment, ultimately inspiring others through our thankful attitudes.
Ultimately, Bradley reminds us that God wants us to trust Him and receive the hope that He offers daily. By embracing these blessings of wisdom, courage, words, and gratitude, we can live fulfilling lives that honor and glorify God. In closing, Bradley advises us to receive abundantly from God, drawing on the infinite and indestructible hope that Jesus provides.
