Ephesians 5:18
“And do not get drunk with wine, in which there is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit”.
Today we’ll focus on the last command, “be filled with the Spirit”. This is such a great thing. It’s what should be done instead of getting drunk. God gave wine to makes hearts glad (Psalm 104:15). However, it’s often abused. A lifting of burdens and getting drunk are to different things. Many use it to cope.
God’s way for coping is to be filled with the Spirit. This is probably not shocking news, but most don’t understand it. The Holy Spirit performs many functions. The first that comes to mind is that of comforter. John 14:26 says, “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” This concept would surprise many. They see Him as distant, austere and demanding.
God loves us. If that’s known then Him seeking to comfort us makes sense. The stresses of life are why many drink alcohol. We are to go to the Lord and experience His comfort. He lightens loads. Today’s verse says to be filled with the Spirit. He wants to fill us. Just as a bottle filled with a tasty drink, so God’s Spirit has a positive affect when He’s in us. II Corinthians 1:4 says we are to comfort others with the comfort we’ve received.
Joy is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5). While wine is a source of joy, the Spirit far more. He’s more meaningful and constant. Psalm 16:11 says, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”What a blessing to be filled with His joy.
There is a fulfilling parental connection. Romans 8:16 says, “The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” The end of the previous verse says we cry out, “Abba, Father”. We’ve seen how abandoned or unloved children have an emptiness that leads to trouble. This filling of the Spirit confirms to us the loving peace that a parent gives. Those with poor childhoods can have that worked out of them.
The Holy Spirit is our teacher. The John passage stated above says that “He will teach us all things”. If we are born again and He is living in us, He will do this. Our responsibility is to be in His Word. The bible is called His Word. It’s how we learn of Him. Hebrews 4:12 says it is “living and active”. The more we read it the more opportunity God has to use it in our lives. If we are full of God’s Word, He can use that to be full of HIs Spirit.
One of the keys to this is obedience. If we ignore it, God’s working in us fades. Reading it becomes meaningless. As we obey it, God does wonders in us. All the points addressed in this entry come alive, He comforts us, He becomes a Father to us, He teaches us, He gives us joy and so on.
One more thing the Spirit does is to guide us. Proverbs 3:5,6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.”
What an amazing life God gives us in His Spirit. It’s hard to believe everyone doesn’t do this. Unfortunately many are deceived, others don’t want to give up their lifestyle. Lord, thank You for loving us. Thank You for Your Spirit. Your fulness makes life amazing.