The apostle Paul re-processed his worldview. He apprehended the mind of Christ and wisdom of the Holy Spirit; and connected many issues pertaining to how to live the new life in Christ through the Spirit.
Being a scholarly Jewish rabbi, Paul was well aware of the wisdom of David and Solomon. After His encounter with Jesus and being filled with the Holy Spirit, Paul spent twelve years processing his knowledge of scripture, the teachings of the rabbis and the Law of Moses. He, therefore, prayed a big prayer for believers to apprehend such like enlightenment from the Holy Spirit.
“See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is” (Ephesians 5:15-18).
How do you walk circumspectly? Paul used an interesting Greek word: akribose. It means exactly, diligently, perfectly. His exhortation carries a sense of living in a precise manner. How can anybody live so perfectly? Paul thought it possible to be in sync with God; in alignment with the will of God.
RELEVANCE
Paul allowed God to train him to walk with an acute sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. His writings plus what was written of him in Acts truly portrays a man with incredible sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. He committed himself to be God’s bondservant. He was diligent to apply God’s wisdom to a daily walk of life.
He also believed others could likewise be trained by God to walk with such sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. This was his very motivation in praying that God “may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened…” (Ephesians 1:17-18).
REFLECT AND RELATE
Paul places a great challenge before believers. How do you consider his wisdom and prayer? How much are you up for the challenge?
REFERENCES
Ephesians 1:7-23; 5:15-21