Boundaries: Sermon Series Kick-Off

15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, Ephesians 5:15-18

WHAT ARE BOUNDARIES?

Boundaries are the instructions for how something valuable works best.

Boundaries Do Three Things:

1. They define what stays in, not just what stays out.
   1. A garden fence isn’t there to punish people; it’s there so the garden can actually grow.
2. They make closeness possible. I
   1. t’s how you tell people, “This is how you can be close to me without burning me out.”
   2. It’s hospitality, not hostility.
   3. A good host sets the table, the time, and the house rules so everyone can relax.
3. They make self-respect visible.
   1. It’s not what you tell other people to do; it’s what you tell yourself you will do to stay healthy, clear, and generous.

OUR DEFINITION GOING FORWARD

A boundary is a personal standard of behavior that becomes a matter of conscience.

SCRIPTURE: EPHESIANS 5:15–18 (ESV)

• 15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,
• 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.
• 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
• 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.

SIX KEY TEACHING POINTS

1. VERSE 15 — LIVE YOUR LIFE ON PURPOSE, NOT ON A WHIM.

Paul is saying out loud: Live your life on purpose, not on a whim!

2. VERSE 16 — WHY?

Because the days are evil.

3. VERSE 17 — DON’T BE FOOLISH.
4. VERSE 17 — UNDERSTAND GOD’S WILL.

I want you to understand what God’s will for your life is.

5. VERSE 18 — AN ILLUSTRATION OF A
   BOUNDARY

Do not get drunk, because that leads to debauchery.

Debauchery = “Extreme indulgence that results in a loss of control.”

6. VERSE 18 — INSTEAD, BE FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT.

Instead of giving yourself over to something that leads to a loss of control, be filled with the Spirit.

CLOSING QUESTION

In what areas of your life are you dancing with no boundaries?