#1468. Make the most of every opportunity (9/3/26)

Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional (posted, at present, every weekday) as we continue our Ephesians series: Ephesians - To the praise, for the purpose, in the power of God.

From Ephesians 5:15-16, let’s learn about what wisdom is and how we are to apply it so as to make the most of each day and opportunity. 

To watch this devotional, please select the link below:

1. Be very careful how you live (walk)

Paul continues to express deep concern for his readers. This is the sixth time that he used this term ‘walk’ (‘live’ NIV) from the beginning of chapter 4 - the application section of the letter. I hope we can see how important it is that our theology and study becomes a living reality. 

He writes, ‘Be very careful, then…’ The word ‘then’ links this command to his previous teaching. Our lifestyle is to line up with our new identity in Christ - as those who are in Him, as ‘children of light,’ as ‘holy,’ and as those who were once asleep but have now awakened (5:14). 

Because this is who we are, this is how we must live.

So firstly, are we being careful to remain mindful of our identity in Christ, so that we truly live out of it each day?

2. Not as unwise but as wise

Paul describes Christians as the ‘wise.’ Their lifestyle - their walk - is to be characterised by wisdom. He urges them to live ‘not as unwise but as wise.’

Wisdom is right understanding combined with right application - knowing what to do, how to do it, and when to do it. Christians are wise to the extent that they allow God to teach them and shape their lives.

First, Christians are wise in knowing God’s saving wisdom in Christ - His way of salvation. In chapter 1 we read:

Second, Christians are wise in that they understand God’s plans - to renew all things in Christ. They understand that Jesus is coming again and will, at that time, bring all things into judgement and restoration as we see continuing in our reading of Ephesians 1:

Third, Christians are wise as to their identity in Christ. Throughout this book we’re told so many effects of the grace of God on us - things that are to fill us with thankfulness, but also inform how we walk; For example, what we reflected on earlier in chapter 5:

Fourth, and finally, Christians are wise to the extent that they are taking care to ‘find out what pleases the Lord’ (5:) and ‘understand what the Lord’s will is’ (5:18). Christians are to pursue the knowledge of God’s wisdom from His Word. They are to seek to understand the Bible so as to apply it in wisdom. This is what’s been happening in this book. Paul spent three chapters giving us understanding, and now from the beginning of chapter 4 to the end of the book, he’s giving us application - right understanding and right application are wisdom. 

Response - make the most of every opportunity

Finally, we are urged to be:

This term ‘making the most’ - exagorázō - is a business term meaning to buy up opportunities. Will we invest in the opportunities that God gives each day by applying His wisdom, or will we be foolish and waste what God gives? 

As we seek to know and apply God’s wisdom, we will ‘make the most of every opportunity’ and avoid the ‘evil’ of our ‘days’. 

Our lives are full of potential. Every day we’re given countless opportunities to serve God and people in, often, small ways. The wise person invests as much as possible into each day. They apply God’s wisdom in each moment and so bring glory to God, receive a great sense of joy, and avoid the evil that is also prevalent in each day. 

Community Group Notes

1. Notices

It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News.

Please ensure that everyone is aware and is signed up to our 50-hours of prayer that is starting on 11th March. Here’s the link to get the app:

https://my.jovoapp.com/invitation/?t=aW52aXRhdGlvbjoxMzA1ODpzX2tGTnN4eVNHcnZnZlJ1ZjN6WEhRTHVsVHc%3D

2. Icebreaker

Something that builds relationships and confidence to share; it’s good to regularly use this moment to ask the group: How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you? 

3. Worship together

Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.

4. Study and pray together

Balanced Time Allocation - Please ensure a balanced focus on discussion, SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite), and prayer so that each section is meaningful and fruitful.

On Sunday, we continued our new series entitled: Ephesians: to the praise, for the purpose, in the power of God. 

Please read Ephesians 5:15-20 and discuss:

• Personal Reflection – From Sunday’s message and this passage, what stood out to you? Was there anything the Spirit particularly impressed on your heart?

• Get wisdom - How do we get wisdom and why is it important to get it?

• God’s wisdom is to our being under the right influence - Why does God put drunkenness and being filled with the Spirit side-by-side?

• Wisdom with Alcohol - Alcohol is a good gift, but when would you say that it’s become a problem? 

• Be filled - How can one apply this command to ‘go on being filled with the Holy Spirit’? 

• Psalms Hymns… - How, according to our text is worship related to the work of the Holy Spirit?

SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)

• SIV - From our text, what can we learn about how God’s wisdom and being filled lead to our becoming a light in our community?  

• Sharing Stories – Have you had any recent opportunities to Serve, Invest in, or Invite someone toward Jesus? Let’s encourage one another by sharing stories of how we’ve seen God at work through simple faithfulness.

• Practical Next Steps – Who might God be placing on your heart at this time? Are there any “people of peace” (see note) in your life—those who seem open, welcoming, or receptive to spiritual conversation?

Let’s Pray Together

Let’s pray for one another in light of what we’ve studied and bring any other needs before God.

• Pray for courage, wisdom, and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit in our Serve, Invest, and Invite opportunities.

• Pray specifically for the ‘people of peace’ in our lives - that God would open hearts and deepen relationships.

• General prayer: From our study, or from personal needs, how do people want prayer?