Speaking Together, Part 2

We pick up where we left off last Lord's Day with the two commands of Ephesians 5:18, the one negative -- Do not be drunk -- the other positive -- Be filled with the Spirit.

Both are present tense imperatives, implying regular action.

We examine how being filled with the Spirit is unlike being under the influence of alcohol and yet also similar. And we reflect on being filled with the Spirit is one side of the coin with letting Christ's Word dwell in us richly (Colossians 3:16).

Then we ponder how this command of Ephesians 5:18 is expressed in the five participles that follow:

1. Speaking to yourselves (Ephesians 5:19),
2. Singing, and
3. Making melody in your heart,
4. Giving thanks always for all things (Ephesians 5:20), and
5. Submitting yourselves one to another (Ephesians 5:21).

The focus then turns to the obligation of ALL believers to share their faith with others and do the work of the ministry and never to leave that work to their pastors alone.

As we survey the gifted offices the Lord Jesus granted to his Church in Ephesians 4:11, we discover an office called pastor and teacher, (ποιμήν with διδάσκαλος). The Latin for these plural nouns is "pastores et doctores" (from which we get our words, pastor and doctor).

The purpose of this office is given in the next verse, "To prepare God's people for works of service" (Ephesians 4:12).

Do you know how to share the gospel with others? This is a time of golden opportunities.