LGC - Rooted & Fruitful Part 20

Rooted & Fruitful (Part 20)

Speaker: Henson Lim

INTRODUCTION

As the saying goes, “We are free to choose, but we are not free from the consequences of our choice.” Given the consequences presented in preceding passages, Paul exhorts believers in Ephesians 5:15-21 to be very careful in how they live their lives – not as fools (Old Self) but as wise (New Self).

There is an urgency to choose rightly because the days are evil. We need to make the best use of time. We need to ask ourselves, “How am I walking?”

DISCUSSION

Every time we decide, we are taking steps towards wise or foolish living. Discuss the characteristics of a foolish person. The foolish (old) person has a:

a. Wrong Focus in Life: Read Luke 12:13-21. What is wrong with the rich man’s focus in this passage? How might you need to adjust your focus?
b. Wrong View about Death: Read 1 Corinthians 15:32-36. How does our view of death influence the way we live? What is wrong about the way death is viewed in this passage?
c. Wrong Forms of Godliness: Read Luke 11:37-40. What does Jesus criticise about the Pharisees? How do people pursue the wrong form of godliness in today’s context?
d. Wrong Presumptions of Readiness: Read Matthew 25:10-13. How were the unprepared virgins foolish? What does it mean to be ready for Christ’s return?
e. Wrong Ideas of Fulfilment: Read Ephesians 5:18. What do you think is the natural consequence of pursuing pleasure for fulfilment? How might you be seeking fulfilment in the wrong ways?
Give examples of daily living where you may make foolish rather than wise decisions. What practical steps can you take to be more aware to avoid making these foolish decisions?

On the other hand, is aware of the signs and urgency of the times. They would:

a. Make the best use of the time (kairos) and opportunities. God’s timeline marches on regardless of our choice to live as wise or foolish people. When Paul exhorts us to redeem the time, he refers to Kairos, not Chronos, to opportune moments/seasons. The speaker said, “Discernment of kairos is hard because of distracted chronos” Do you agree? What is distracting you from discerning God’s Kairos? How can we be more sensitive to discern God’s Kairos moments in our daily lives?
b. Understand what is the will of the Lord. Read Ephesians 1:9-10. What does this passage say God’s will is? How may God be calling you to be part of accomplishing His will in your sphere of influence?
c. Filled with the Spirit (to be under the influence/control of the Spirit). Read Ephesians 5:18-21. What are you being filled with? Check the outcome of your life – are you joyful, thankful & humbly serving others? What does it mean for you to have the fear of the Lord in your life?

Is there someone you can think of who exhibits these traits?
What is one major takeaway for you that you want to do to move away from foolish living and towards a new life?

WHAT WILL YOU DO

In a nutshell, there are only two choices with two outcomes – life or death.

Our old self is selfish, thus automatically making foolish decisions.

But our new self is selfless, wanting to live for God and others and thus making wise decisions.

So how then will we choose?

Most of us will say we choose life, but that doesn’t occur automatically. We have to be intentional to decide to live as wise and not as fools daily.

1. How will you work this out in your life?
2. Is there anyone you ask to keep you accountable?

MEMORY VERSE

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. – Ephesians 5:15-16