The One that Didn't Get Away

Ephesians 5:15-17

January 8, 2006
Speaker: Randal Myers

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The One that got away...

Fishermen have an unfortunate reputation for having overactive memories. It's not the fish they caught that gets them in trouble. What gets them in trouble is their descriptions of "the one that got away."
We need to make this new year "the one that DIDN'T get away!"

How do we ensure that life is not wasted, that it won't get away from us?

Be very careful, then, how you liveónot as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. - Ephesians 5:15-17 (NIV)

We have two options: live by choice or live by chance.

These verses encourage taking control of your direction and decisions, not just drifting.

Don't act thoughtlessly, but try to understand what the Lord wants you to do. - Ephesians 5:17 (New Living Translation)

So what does God want?

My whole life

...offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness.- Romans 6:13 (NIV)

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. - Colossians 3:1-4 (NIV)

What does it take?

Discipline

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. - Hebrews 12:1-2 (NIV)

Why do this?

The Cross

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to Godóthis is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will isóhis good, pleasing and perfect will. - Romans 12:1-2

Conclusion

Take the Challenge

Spend time reading a good devotional book.

Find 20 minutes every day for scripture and prayer

Attend every service of the church for the next eight weeks.

Don't let this year be "the one that got away!"

Would you like to study this topic further?

Detailed lesson outlines, audio tapes, and compact discs of this lesson are available free of charge from the Highlands church of Christ.

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