May We Be Filled By The Spirit
The Apostle Paul challenged the church in Ephesus to walk according to the Holy Spirit. This calling challenged believers to live in a manner that was controlled by the Holy Spirit instead of being under the control of the ways and influences of the world. In Ephesians 5:18 the Apostle Paul spoke to this truth when he penned, “And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled by the Spirit.” In light of this passage, how can we be faithful in walking by the Spirit?
First, the Bible does and does not prohibit drinking, but always prohibits drunkenness. This truth stands as a background to Ephesians 5:18. In Judges 13:4; Leviticus 10:9; Numbers 6:3; and Luke 1:15, the Bible speaks to the necessity of abstaining from the fruit of the vine for the purpose of remaining pure. This prohibition extended to the religious leaders in the Old Testament and then to John the Baptist in Luke. Thus, abstaining from alcohol served as a marker of being set apart for the service of the Lord.
At the same time, the Apostle Paul told Timothy to “use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.” (1 Timothy 5:23) Note that the Apostle never gave Timothy the right to drink wine as part of his lifestyle, in a social setting, or because of his personal desire, but rather the wine was meant to only be a small portion and was to be used for medicinal purposes. In fact, drinking in a social arena would have approved of pagan worship that abused alcohol in worship.
The Bible never condones being under the influence of alcohol. In fact, drunkenness is listed as a marker of an individual outside a relationship with Christ. The Bible says, “And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.” (Ephesians 5:18). Debauchery here indicates the nature of unsavedness, lack of restraint, and driven by lust and desire of pleasure. Thus, the term points to a life that is under the control of the flesh and the world. In fact, the Bible defines alcohol in this manner. “Wine is a mocker and strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.” (Proverbs 20:1).
Second, the Bible clearly states that though an activity may be permissible it does not mean one should participate in it. The Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Corinth, “All things are lawful, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful, but not all things build up.” (1 Corinthians 10:23). Thus, in freedom does one have the right to participate in any activity ? The Apostle Paul would say yes. But that is only half the answer because the Apostle asks two bigger questions. Is it helpful? Does it build up?
As a follower of Christ, the answer to these questions is no. No amount of monetary gain, worldly growth, or personal desire is worth the sacrifice of not reaching someone for Christ. Many activities are not helpful in reaching people for Christ, rather they often stand in the way by devastating one’s witness. Such activities do not build up people but rather harms because these activities become agents that control people.
Third, the Bible defines that a person ought to be under the control of the Holy Spirit and not the control of the things of the world. As mentioned earlier, believers must live by being filled by the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). This means that the life of the follower of Christ must be under the influence of the Holy Spirit that dwells in one’s life. As a result, a believer must seek to abstain from other items that control one’s life. The Bible is clear that one cannot serve two masters. You are either serving the Lord or serving the self by being under the influence of anything other than the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 6:24).
Fourth, the Bible calls believers to be in the world and not of the world. As a follower of Christ, one must guard against conforming to the ways of the world and abandoning the ways of God. Just because the world okays an activity does not mean that God has given the go ahead. Rather, the Bible calls us to live according to God’s ways. This is living in a manner of transformation and not conformity (Romans 12:1-2). Thus, when believers approach issues, one must ask if his or her personal perspective is biblically, Spirit driven or fleshly and conformity driven.
As we seek to live filled by the Holy Spirit, it is imperative that we seek each decision in life by:
1. Seeking the Lord’s desire.
2. Affirming that it is God’s desire by testing it according to the Bible.
3. Loving those who disagree with you and live peaceably with them.
4. Asking the Lord that you will respond out of the filling of the Holy Spirit and not out of the desires of the flesh
