Ephesians Chapter Five Part 4

Ephesians Chapter Five – Part 4

Ephesians 5:18 “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;”

As believers we are always filled with the Holy Spirit. I think what is in view here is a recognition that we are continually being filled by the Spirit. Jesus spoke of this in John 4:14 (KJV) “But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.” Joy and abundant life are found in Christ. He is the true source, and only He can truly satisfy.

Drinking is not prohibited in scripture. In fact, if anything, it is assumed that people will drink. Nevertheless, we are wise not allow ourselves to be mastered by anything. Everything is permissible, but not everything builds people up. (see 1 Corinthians 6:12 and 10:23) Fleshly indulgence will leave us empty, embarrassed, and feeling guilty. The enemy uses such things to get us to believe the lie that we are only worthy of condemnation. Even so, while we might avoid certain things out of respect for the feelings of others (for more on this, see the study of Romans 14 on my website at LarryEiss.com), such pleasures in and of themselves are not wrong or sinful.

Ephesians 5:19-21 “19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;”

I do not know about you, but I find that there is often a song running through my head. Music is powerful, and it can help us remember the truth. Make a joyful noise, sing to the Lord a new song. (see Psalms 66:1, 81:1, 95:1, 96:1, 98:1 and 100:1)

“20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;”

The more we realize what God has done for us, the more thankful we become. If you want to be a more thankful person, learn all you can about Him.

“21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear (this fear is reverent respect) of God.”

These things are results of being filled with the Spirit. You can expect things like this to begin showing up in your life and you can expect them to become more prevalent the more you grow in grace and the knowledge of the Lord. The more you come to understand and believe who He is, who He has made you, and all He is and has done.