I N D E X
again the parallel epistle to the Colossians will provide confirmation.
Ephesians says:
`Walk worthy ... walk accurately as wise ... be not unwise, but
understanding what the will of the Lord is ... be filled with the Spirit'
(see Eph. 4:1; 5:15,17,18).
Colossians says:
`That ye might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and
spiritual understanding; that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all
pleasing, being fruitful' (Col. 1:9,10).
`Redeeming the time' Exagorazo means `to buy out of the market' with the
meaning of our English `forestall' implied.  Forestall means to buy a thing
before it is placed upon the stall in the market and so exhibit a keen business
sense.  As stewards and as redeemed ones, this keen business sense should be
ours in the exercise of our calling and stewardship.  `Time' here is not chronos
-- mere duration, but kairos, a fitting time, hence an opportunity.  It has been
said:
`Opportunities are for eternity, but not to eternity'.
Alas, that many only recognize opportunity by its back.  Think of the
opportunities for service, for study, for communion, for helping, that have been
allowed to slip this day, or this week.  Have we always been prepared to speak
that word in season? to give that helping hand?  The past is beyond us, and we
can but seek the forgiveness that is ours in Christ.  The present is here, let
us then:
`Forestall the opportunity, because the days are evil' (Eph. 5:16 author's
translation).
To do this we need wisdom, we need to:
`Understand what the will of the Lord is' (Eph. 5:17 Gk.).
How can this understanding be attained?
The answer comes in the next
verse:
`And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the
Spirit; (when) speaking to yourselves ...' (Eph. 5:18,19).
What is to be filled with the Spirit?
This passage is important enough to warrant a pause and a careful
examination.  First we can see an intended contrast, a contrast introduced in
verse 3 of this same chapter.  The Gentiles who knew not God found their
enjoyment and inspiration in the intoxication of wine; their speech was corrupt,
filthy and unfit for saints.  Their drinking songs, accompanied by instruments,
resounded with the praise of Bacchus, Venus and the like.  The saint is to be a
contrast.  Instead of wine he is to be filled with the Spirit, instead of
unclean mirth and idolatrous songs he is to sing spiritual songs and make melody
in the heart.  Instead of praising the gods of darkness his melody and praise
should be directed to the Lord.  What are we to understand by the injunction,
`Be filled with the Spirit'?
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