Ephesians Outlines

Choosing Wisely

By on Saturday, March 22, 2014

Series: Seven Checkpoints

Sermon Title: Choosing Wisely

Date: March 22, 2014

SERMON OUTLINE

Introduction (Take-off)

  1. Interesting beginning – come up with a story that can help you to transition to the need.
  2. Need – Young people, when faced with choices, usually ask “Is there anything wrong with this?” Actually what they mean is “Am I sinning if I do this?” In other words, they assume that if something is not wrong (the pastor has not preached on it, there is no Bible verse against it, other Christians are doing it, etc.) then it must be right. Actually, it’s not true. Just because it is not explicitly wrong does not mean that it is right. We must learn to ask the right question. The right question is “What is the wisest thing to do?”
  3. Text – The apostle Paul tells us in Ephesians 5:15-21 that this is what we must ask (read the verse). 15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 21 Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
  4. Revelation of Take Home Message – So here is the truth that this verse is saying: “Choosing wisdom is the way to live in God’s kingdom.”
  5. Overview – This afternoon we will learn how to choose wisdom in our daily lives. There are three important steps. Let us pray.

Body (Teaching)

  1. The first step is to recognize the gravity of the situation.
    1. The apostle Paul tells us that we need to be very careful in the way we live because the days are evil. 15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
    2. It is foolish to deny this. Simple observation will confirm this truth. (Give examples)
    3. When we acknowledge this truth, the logical conclusion is to “be very careful.” When there is possible danger, we naturally want to be careful before we proceed. Illustration: An airplane before take-off
    4. Young people tend to be very daring in their choices. They are naïve. Illustration: People riding motorcycles without helmets
    5. Paul tells us that the very first step to living a life of wisdom is to recognize the gravity of our present situation. John Maxwell once said, “I am just one step away from stupid.”
  2. The second step is to remain committed to doing God’s will.
    1. A disciple is simply someone who commits himself or herself to living according to the teachings of his or her master.
    2. Jesus calls us to obey Him in everything (Matthew 28:19-20).
    3. The apostle Paul tells us the same thing. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.
    4. The second step toward living a life of wisdom is to remain committed to doing God’s will above all else.
    5. We must avoid living like fools. A fool is someone who knows what is right or wrong but still chooses to do wrong.
    6. Being committed to doing God’s will means: 1) we will always seek to know God’s will, 2) we will always respond in faith (repent, trust and obey) to God’s will.
    7. This requires that we train ourselves in the disciplines of awareness, agreement, alignment, and accountability. (Give brief explanations)
  3. The third step is to rely on the Holy Spirit to guide you.
    1. Paul teaches us to be filled with the Spirit at all times. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit…
    2. This is a command that is supposed to be done on a daily basis (present tense).
    3. This involves two actions: 1) Developing our relationship with God. 19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2) Developing our relationship with people around us. 21 Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. (and the rest of the context up to 6:9)
    4. Many young people fail to understand that it takes intentionality to be filled with the Spirit. It doesn’t just happen. It takes discipline. Illustration: Olympics
    5. We cannot transform ourselves directly; we can only cooperate with the Holy Spirit who alone can transform us. But this does not mean that we are passive. Illustration: Biggest Loser

Conclusion (Touchdown)

  1. Emphasize the Take Home Message – Remember, “Choosing wisdom is the way to live in God’s kingdom.”
  2. Nudge toward obedience – Before we enter adulthood, let us learn how to make wise choices. We can only do this by choosing wisdom (rather than foolishness). Choosing wisdom involves recognizing the gravity of the situation, remaining committed to doing God’s will and relying on the Holy Spirit to guide you.
  3. Direct initial response – Maybe you’ve been making foolish choices lately. Maybe it’s time for you to repent from that way of life. From now on, make a commitment to live wisely. Get your Bible now and hold it closely to your chest. Say these words: “Lord, I commit myself to live wisely from now on. I will let your word renew my mind and change my ways. I will rely on the Holy Spirit at all times so that I can obey your word. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”
0
Related Posts