794. EPH 5:15. ADMONITORY COUNSELS FOR THE CONCLUDING YEAR. [PART 1.]

Eph_5:15. Admonitory Counsels For The Concluding Year. [Part 1.]

"See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise," &c.’97Eph_5:15.

The text is an exhortation of the apostle Paul to the members of the Ephesian church. It is an exhortation relative to practical Christianity, and is equally necessary and important to us as it was to them. It relates to that which is ever seasonable, but which is still more particularly so on certain occasions. To young converts the admonition is especially important. To all Christians, who are more exposed to the influence and example of the world, this is also exceedingly necessary. At certain seasons also, the admonition seems to be requisite and appropriate. We conclude, then, the services of the sanctuary, by considering the admonition of the apostle. In which we have,

I. The course against which we are cautioned.

"Not as fools." That is, not to walk as fools. Now the word seems to signify persons who are idiotic or insane; and the conduct of the mass of mankind is of this description. Hence sin is called folly, and sinners fools. Now the ungodly walk as fools or madmen,

1. As they have no rule of conduct.

No principle by which they are governed. No certified mode of action. You do not find wicked men at all agreed. Every one chooses his own way. All at variance as to what is best. The ancient philosophers could not agree,’97nor the modern skeptics. All darkness and confusion. Wicked men walk as fools,

2. As they have no direct or distinct object in view.

A maniac wanders both in speech and walk. Now surely there must be some great object worthy of a rational and immortal being’s ambition. Now they do not all agree to seek mental dignity, or intellectual pleasure, or the riches of this world. But some have one thing in view, and some another, and in the pursuit of all, there is confusion, dissatisfaction, and vexation. See Ecc_1:12 to end.

3. As they walk often presumptuously and without fear of danger.

Maniacs have been known to do astonishing feats of peril,’97foolhardiness. Now see wicked men doing acts of daring; trifling with the most terrific subjects; sporting with danger and eternal death.

4. They often act without regard to their real welfare.

Hence on this ground persons of weak minds have guardians to transact their affairs, &c. Often degrade and debase themselves. Now wicked men are preeminently guilty of this. They barter solid riches for the stubble of earth,’97the gratification of the body for the joys and solid blessings of the mind. This world’s fleeting vanities they prefer to eternal treasure, and everlasting bliss.

II. The course which is recommended for our adoption.

"To walk circumspectly, as wise." Now this is just the opposite of the walk of fools. In doing this,

1. We must walk by a wise rule.

The scriptures are the records both of wisdom and goodness. Here are solid principles of wisdom, precepts of wisdom, &c. Not an attainment of true politeness or excellency, but it is to be found in the Bible. Humility in taking the lowest seat. Not to exalt ourselves, &c. Kindness to the poor,’97compassion to the wicked,’97veneration and respect for age,’97courtesy to all men,’97equity and purity, benevolence and mercy, love and holiness, are all set before us.

2. We must possess the spirit of wisdom. Now this must come from above. See

Jam_3:17. "The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy." This wisdom is to be obtained by prayer. See this exemplified in the case of Solomon, 2Ch_1:7, &c. "If any man lack wisdom, let him ask of God," &c.

3. We must imitate the divinely recorded examples of wisdom.

Was not Noah wise? Moses, &c. But wisdom was resplendent in one, even in Jesus. He was filled with it. Now he is our model in all things. We are to "look unto Jesus." See the estimate he put upon various things. He ever kept in view the final close of his life, and of his work. Let us therefore often meditate and reflect, &c.

4. We must walk and keep company with the wise.

The companion of fools will become one, and be destroyed. Nothing is of greater importance than the society we keep. It will influence our principles,’97our spirit,’97our conversation,’97and our practice. In connection with this, let us think of the society we expect to join in, in a future state. Heaven is the palace of the God of wisdom. Angels are all distinguished for wisdom and knowledge, &c. There the wise shine forth, &c.

Application

1. Exhort all to abandon the paths of folly. Do not walk as fools. Think of. the dignity of your souls,’97your awful destination.

2. Exhort all believers to persevere in the ways of wisdom and life; Pro_3:13, &c., "Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold," &c.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS