God is gracious to warn us of potential dangers and provide us a way to overcome our challenges through Christ.

Read: Ephesians 5:15-21

“Danger, Will Robinson, danger!” is the phrase made famous by a robot in the 1960’s science fiction show Lost in Space. With its computing and sophisticated analysis capabilities, the robot is able to detect potential issues before his human companions can even sense a problem. His danger warning was issued frequently to his young sidekick, Will Robinson.

As Paul writes to the Ephesians, he also issues a few warnings: “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity...Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery.”  Paul is quite familiar with the church in Ephesus, having lived there for some three years.  He is sensitive to their way of life and to the potential pitfalls in their walk as Christians.

Paul knows the importance of being alert and urges the Ephesians to make the most of every day. Unfortunately, since the first sin by Adam and Eve, our world has been infected by the sin “disease.” It was that way when Paul issued his warning and it is the same today. We are surrounded by temptations that, should we succumb to them, chip away at the person God wants us to be.   

Paul begins the book of Ephesians explaining that God, through his infinite grace, has given us every spiritual blessing through Jesus Christ. In fact, beginning in the second half of verse 18, Paul describes what it looks like to live with Jesus as our Lord as we are “filled with the Spirit" and singing, making music and giving thanks to the Lord. God is gracious to warn us of potential dangers, but through salvation in Christ, He has also provided a way for us to overcome our challenges, separate us from the evil of this world, and live a life of thanksgiving.

Reflect:

• Do you feel the pressure of the temptations around you each day?  Do you find it difficult to resist on your own power?  Ask God to provide the strength.
• What areas of your life are you ignoring God's warnings? How can you rely completely on His sufficient grace?