November 22 8 2015 November 2015 It is

November 22, 8, 2015 November 2015

It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are a fool than open in and remove any doubt. Mark Twain

November 22, 8, 2015 November 2015 “…Walk…. Not as Fools But as Wise…”

1 Therefore 15 See be imitators of God as dear children… then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, 20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

15 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise,

Live wisely • Redeem the time • Understand the will of the Lord • Be controlled by the Holy Spirit • Encourage and strengthen one another • Be grateful to God for all things

Guidepost to Living Wisely

Expectantly …without faith it is impossible to please God. Hebrews 11: 6

Expectantly Hear me, O Lord, hear me, that this people may know that You are the Lord God, and that You have turned their hearts back to You again. ” 37 1 Kings 18: 37

Quietly 10 Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! (Ps. 46: 10) My soul, wait silently for God alone, alone for my expectation is from Him. (Ps. 62: 5)

Patiently But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint. 31 (Is. 40: 31)

Actively ‘You are My servant [subject, worshipper], I have chosen you and have not cast you away: 10 Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Isaiah 41: 9 b-10

Confidently If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! 11 (Matt. 7: 11)

Dependently But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him. ” 10 But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. 9 (1 Cor. 2: 9 -10; cf. John 16: 1 -15)

Openly All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the (wo)man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 16 (2 Tim. 3: 16)

Openly “If we come to Him only for comfort and prosperity, only for what is soothing to the ear, then we will not always hear what God has to say. ” Unknown

Attentively

Attentively Now the Lord came and stood and called as at other times, “Samuel!” And Samuel answered, “Speak, for Your servant hears. ” 10 (1 Sam. 3: 10)

Carefully For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, 12 between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. (Heb. 4: 12 -13 a NLT)

Carefully • Everything we hear is to be sifted through the Word of God.

Carefully • Everything we hear is to be sifted through the Word of God. • Before we accept anything into our lives, we ought to listen to Him

Submissively …“Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done. ” 42 (Luke 22: 42)

Submissively …when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear, 8 though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. Heb. 5: 7 b-8

Submissively Submission must always accompany listening

What Next? Let us live wisely by living:

What Next? Let us live wisely by living: Expectantly Patiently Confidently Openly Carefully Quietly Actively Dependently Attentively Submissively

What Next? Let us live wisely by living: Expectantly Patiently Confidently Openly Carefully Quietly Actively Dependently Attentively Submissively • According to God’s Word • Led by His Spirit

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. 20 Ephesians 3: 20 -21