Free Bible Commentary
“Ephesians 5:18-21”
Categories: Ephesians“And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.”
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In verses 15-16 the inspired author told us to walk as wise men, make the most of our time, and understand what the Lord’s will for us is. The direct opposite of this manner of life is getting “drunk with wine” (verse 18). It is impossible to exercise wisdom and take advantage of our opportunities to do good when we recklessly navigate under the mind-altering influences of drugs and alcohol. Drinking alcohol goes against the Lord’s will. We are much more likely to make foolish, harmful and even devastating decisions while our minds are blurred and distorted by booze. Getting “buzzed up” never sharpens our senses but only dulls them, and our quality of life is always worsened and never improved.
Being “filled with the Spirit” has just the opposite effect on our minds and lives than getting drunk does. Filling our minds with the Spirit-inspired word of God clarifies our thoughts and sharpens our focus for doing the Lord’s will. Paul is not telling us to be “drunk with the Spirit,” but to be sobered by His presence so that we can stay focused completely on His grace and revelation (1 Peter 1:13). “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23). The Holy Spirit’s influence produces self-control within us, not some sort of “supernatural,” uncontrolled, “spiritual” frenzy.
An appropriate “outpouring” from being “under the influence” of the Holy Spirit is expressing thanksgiving to the Lord in song for all of His abundant, benevolent provisions (verse 20). The “melody” that we make should come from the heart, not the piano or the guitar (verse 19). The Holy Spirit authorizes us to “sing” using the instruments that the Lord has created and that please Him (our heart and voice), and not the instruments that humans can make and that are pleasing to them. Lift your voice and praise Him in Song! Sing and be happy today!
Please read Ephesians 5:22-24 for tomorrow.
Hope you have a great day!
- Louie Taylor
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