18 Nov '16 01:44>2 edits
Concerning the signs of Christ's coming: Rather than a simple objective possessing of correct information, the New Testament warns the believers not to be foolish, but to understand the will of God.
Divination may just be possessing secretive coded knowledge about future events. The Bible here rather exhorts that seeing the signs of the times cause the Christian to redeem the time wisely. This wisdom we see in the next passage is in the enjoyment of being filled with the Holy Spirit:
This being filled with the enjoyment of the Spirit is redeeming the time wisely. And it also involves the believers speaking to one another the Scriptures and the spiritual songs and hymns based on Scripture.
Paul goes on to mention thanksgiving instead of murmurings at all times. This is especially helpful in these days when people are so given to murmuring and eloquent complaining about nearly everything.
Thanksgiving and praise always touch the throne of God and result in blessing:
" Look therefore carefully how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,
Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is." (Eph. 5:15-17)
Divination may just be possessing secretive coded knowledge about future events. The Bible here rather exhorts that seeing the signs of the times cause the Christian to redeem the time wisely. This wisdom we see in the next passage is in the enjoyment of being filled with the Holy Spirit:
"And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissolution, but be filled with the Spirit." (v.18)
This being filled with the enjoyment of the Spirit is redeeming the time wisely. And it also involves the believers speaking to one another the Scriptures and the spiritual songs and hymns based on Scripture.
"Speaking to one another is psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and psalming with your heart to the Lord. (v.19)
Paul goes on to mention thanksgiving instead of murmurings at all times. This is especially helpful in these days when people are so given to murmuring and eloquent complaining about nearly everything.
Thanksgiving and praise always touch the throne of God and result in blessing:
"Giving thanks at all times for all things in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to our God and Father.
Being subject to one another in the fear of Christ." (vs. 20,21)