THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE
It takes true dedication to do what some people do.
- Ride a bicycle with only one gear three thousand miles across America.
- Hike all 2,200 miles of the Appalachian Trail.
- Climb the 29,029 feet of Mount Everest.
While we marvel at the skill and endurance such people display, let’s remember one key factor: none of them did it alone. Only the most foolhardy would attempt an extreme sport without a support team. And, of course, they need special gear to accomplish these endeavors. We don’t face life alone either. In spite of our American ideal of self-reliance, we can’t go it alone. Unfortunately, too many people try to endure the rigors of life by relying on alcohol and drugs. Such reliance, though, can lead to drunkenness and addiction.
God has a better plan. When we rely on God—the presence of His Holy Spirit in our lives—the path we walk is both rich and joyous. Living under the power of God is the best adventure possible.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?
Ephesians 5:15-17
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.
God’s plan is for us to have abundant lives. Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10). We experience His abundance as we walk with Him.
In Ephesians 5:8, the apostle Paul wrote, “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.” In verse 15, Paul urged those of us who have been called out of darkness not to live foolishly, but to “be very careful” to our conduct. In other words, he called us to live wisely.
For Paul, living wisely meant understanding what we do with our time never has a neutral value. We can use our time to work for good, or we can use our time to produce evil. Since evil and sin are all around us all the time, our choices become even more urgent concerning how we spend our time.
Paul didn’t want his readers to be foolish; rather, he wanted them to understand the Lord’s will—“find out what pleases the Lord” (v. 10)—and adopt the same priorities in their lives. Those who are wise invest their energy and effort in what really matters, based on God’s agenda. Those who are foolish waste precious time by focusing on things that will vaporize in the scope of eternity.
The way to be wise is by understanding “what the Lord’s will is.” The clearest way to know God’s will is through Scripture. As we consistently and daily get into God’s Word—reading, hearing, studying, and meditating on it—we discover His will.
THE POINT : Only God’s Holy Spirit should dictate our thoughts and actions.
Scripture is clear regarding God’s will for our salvation and character: how we live. The specifics of where we live are not necessarily spelled out in God’s Word. But we still can discover His leading on matters of life like marriage, jobs, or education, for example. As we get into God’s Word and are sensitive to His leadership, His Holy Spirit speaks to us. He often uses circumstances and other believers to give us direction, but that direction is always in line with His Word.
Ephesians 5:18
18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit,
After telling us in verse 17 to understand the Lord’s will, Paul gave us two clear commands regarding God’s will.
1. Don’t get drunk with wine (alcohol).
2. Be filled with the Holy Spirit.
Those two commands are polar opposites, but both have to do with who or what we allow to control us. The problem with wine, indeed, with all alcohol and substances, is that they dull our senses. We’re no longer in control, the substance is. When a person is under the influence, he is neither making the most of his time nor living wisely.
Paul was not addressing addictions, although the command applies to addictions as well. Many people are not alcoholics; in fact, they may not drink alcohol for days or weeks at a time. But they may occasionally get drunk with friends on a Friday night. Frequency is not the issue; the problem is with who or what is in control.
Instead of being controlled by alcohol or some other substance, we are to be controlled by God’s Spirit. But although we are under His control, we are never “out of control.” In fact, quite the opposite occurs. The Holy Spirit empowers us to be self-controlled.
THE POINT: Only God’s Holy Spirit should dictate our thoughts and actions.
When substances take over, a person is led into “debauchery.” The Greek word Paul used captures the idea of something unhealthy. By contrast, consider the benefits of living under the influence and control of the Holy Spirit:
“ May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Rom. 15:13).
“ But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law” (Gal. 5:22-23).
“ For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline” (2 Tim. 1:7).
To “be filled” with the Spirit is to be controlled and empowered by Him—but it’s not a one-time event. The verb suggests continuous action. It really means to “go on being filled,” indicating a daily process of submission to the Spirit. Just as Jesus said His followers must deny themselves, take up their cross daily, and follow Him (see Luke 9:23), we must daily surrender control of our lives to the Spirit.
We each must decide: Who or what will I let influence my thinking and actions? Ephesians 5:18 makes it clear: we are to be continually “filled with the Spirit.” If we are tempted to indulge in anything we know is foolish or reckless, we can lean on the Spirit, praying for His strength to lead a life that pleases Christ instead.
Ephesians 5:19-21
19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 21 Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Paul began chapter 5 with an emphasis on walking. Then he called us to live—to walk—with wisdom. (See v. 15.) We are able to do this as the Spirit of God fills us. (See v. 18.) In verses 19-21, Paul described how the Holy Spirit influences the lives of believers.
- Our words. When it comes to indulging in alcohol or substances, friends easily influence each other. With a simple word, one friend invites another to “just have one drink.” If we have friends who encourage such behavior—even enabling those who struggle with addiction—then we would be wise to reconsider those with whom we spend time with and allow to influence us.
- Our attitude. We are to give thanks (1) “always” and (2) “for everything.” As we grow in Christ, letting His Spirit lead us, we see life from His perspective. We have so much to be thankful for! We can “give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thess. 5:18), even when we face challenges and difficulties. Thankfulness helps us overcome feelings that otherwise might drive us to alcohol or substances.
- Our actions. We are to relate to one another with a submissive attitude. All Christians should practice submission, but we all know it can be tempting to place conditions on our actions based on the actions of others. It’s easy for us to say, “I’ll submit when she submits” or “I’ll sacrifice after he sacrifices.” However, we are called to set aside our “rights” for the sake of others.
Lest we think submission is beneath us, submission is the very thing Christ did for us. (See Phil. 2:5-11.) We’re not responsible for the way others behave nor do we have control over the way other people act or react. But we’re responsible for the way we behave, and we do have control over our own actions. We can take the first steps in obedience to Christ by submitting control of our lives to His Spirit.
THE POINT: Only God’s Holy Spirit should dictate our thoughts and actions.
LIVE IT OUT
Walking under the power and direction of the Holy Spirit is far better than anything we could dream for ourselves. How will you apply this truth this week?
- Confess. Ask the Lord to reveal to you things in your life that are holding you captive. Pay attention to the things you turn to for comfort. Confess any substance abuse to the Lord and ask Him to set you free.
- Discover. If you need specific direction in your life, seek to discover God’s will. Commit to spending time daily reading God’s Word to understand His plan. Pray and seek the counsel of others as well.
- Lean on others. Surround yourself with people who will help you walk in the Spirit. Ask them to keep you accountable and to encourage you.
There are many ways to live a life of adventure. Some are fraught with dangers and filled with pain. God offers a better way, a path of adventure guided by His Holy Spirit.
Hope to see you in Church on Sunday!
In His Love,
David & Susan
Teacher Notes:
Teacher Notes:
ENGAGING CULTURE IN AN EVER-CHANGING WORLD
Culture Changes: What does today's culture say about how we handle the use of alcohol and other drugs?
WHEN SUBSTANCES TAKEOVER
Video: Eric Boling on Opioid Epidemic
Click this Link
Point: Only God’s Holy Spirit should dictate our thoughts and actions.
The Passage: Ephesians 5:15-21
Too many people try to endure the rigors of life by relying on alcohol and drugs. Such reliance, though, can lead to drunkenness and addiction. God has a better plan. When we rely on God—the presence of His Holy Spirit in our lives—the path we walk is both rich and joyous. Living under the power of God is the best adventure possible.
The Setting: Paul’s letter to the Ephesians can be divided into two main sections. In the first section (1:3–3:21) Paul described how believers are new creations in Christ and all that this entails. In the second section Paul described how the reality of being new creations should be lived out in believers’ daily lives (4:1–6:20). Paul especially emphasized how believers are to fulfill God’s purposes as they live through the filling and by the guidance of His Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 5:15-21
Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.
Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Filled with the Spirit: (v. 18)—The Spirit’s filling refers to His control of a believer’s thoughts, emotions, speech, and actions.
Ephesians 5:15-17 Commentary
[Verse 15] In order for believers to experience the abundant life God offers and to accomplish His purposes, we must walk wisely—that is, live each moment with God’s guidance and empowerment. This first requires us to pay careful attention to how we live. The Greek words translated be very careful emphasizes diligent discernment—not only seeing with the eyes but also perceiving with the mind. Things are not always as they seem. We live in a world under the influence of our enemy. Satan is opposed to God and His purposes. (See 2 Cor. 4:4; Eph. 2:1‑2; 1 Pet. 5:8.) If we are careless about how we live, we will fall victim to Satan’s traps and schemes. In order to imitate God—to do what is right according to His standards—we must be attentive and vigilant about how we live. The Greek term translated live has the meaning of having a consistency in how a person lives his or her life. The Book of Proverbs speaks to the need for such attentiveness, not just carelessly wandering through life. (See Prov. 14:15‑18.) Living God’s way requires God’s wisdom.
· The wise person is alert and discerning, recognizing the reality of evil and its ability to destroy us. (See v. 16.)
· We gain wisdom by asking God for it (see Jas. 1:5), having a healthy respect for and knowledge of God (see Prov. 9:10), knowing and following God’s Word (see Matt. 7:24), and spending time with wise people. (See Prov. 13:20.)
· Those who ignore or reject these biblical instructions are considered unwise people (fools) who are deceived (see 14:8) and ultimately will be destroyed by their folly. (See 1:20‑33.)
[Verse 16] The Greek word translated making the most of can mean, “redeem” or “buy up.” It pictures a person intensively looking for and seizing something valuable for his or her own use. The word for opportunity is also translated “time.” It doesn’t refer to chronological time. Instead, it refers to strategic or opportune moments; taking advantage of the significant opportunities God gives us. The reason we must do this is because the days are evil. The evil world system (not creation as a whole) is opposed to God’s standards and purposes. Satan, “the god of this age” (2 Cor. 4:4), blinds the lost so they will not turn to God in repentance and hinders God’s work. Satan uses deception and other means in his attempts to distract us from God’s ways and derail us from the strategic times we have to fulfill God’s purposes. [Verse 17] In light of all this, we must avoid foolishness. The fool is senseless and stupid, someone who acts without thinking. A foolish person is not discerning and thus easily deceived about what brings life and what leads to destruction. In contrast, the wise person seeks to understand what the Lord’s will is. Understanding the Lord’s will involves not only knowing but also doing God’s will. Here God’s will most likely refer broadly to His plans and purposes for all believers—our sanctification. (See 1 Thess. 4:3.) Sanctification refers to holiness—taking on the character of Jesus in how we think and act. This requires knowing God’s Word and applying it in our lives. It also involves the working of the indwelling Holy Spirit.
After telling us in verse 17 to understand the Lord’s will, Paul gave us two clear commands regarding God’s will.
1. Don’t get drunk with wine (alcohol).
2. Be filled with the Holy Spirit.
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Ephesians 5:18 Commentary
[Verse 18] If we are to fulfill God’s will by becoming like Jesus, we must live under the control of His Spirit rather than the control of anything else. Since some of the most common substances that can control human beings are alcoholic beverages, it seems natural for Paul to recall the words of Proverbs 23:29‑35 that caution against the lure of wine and emphasize the consequences of drunkenness. While the Ephesian culture (especially their pagan religious rituals) was greatly focused on intoxicants, it is unlikely Paul was addressing a behavioral issue on the part of the Ephesian Christians. Instead, he used a common activity in their society to contrast his theme of darkness versus light. Getting drunk on wine is associated with a lifestyle that does not seek God’s will or follow His ways. While drunkenness amongst believers at their gatherings was an issue for the church at Corinth (see 1 Cor. 11:21), there is no indication that this was also a problem with the Ephesian believers. In general, many of the believers in Ephesus would have certainly seen (and may have experienced) the consequences of drunkenness, which leads to debauchery (immorality). The Greek word translated debauchery emphasizes something without saving potential—something destructive and corrupted. A related term is used in the story of the prodigal son to describe how he squandered his inheritance on “wild living” (Luke 15:13). While Ephesians 5:18 specifically mentions wine, Paul’s warning can be applied to any substance that might control us, including other alcoholic beverages, illicit drugs, or even prescription drugs that are abused. In contrast to being intoxicated with wine, Paul admonished that followers of Christ be filled with the Spirit. Paul’s admonition pictures the believer being under the Holy Spirit’s influence and control, leading to an obedient, productive, and beneficial life lived according to God’s will. In the Greek this phrase has several distinctive elements. First, it is a command, which means obeying is not optional for believers. Second, it is in the passive voice, which indicates it is something done by someone else. We can’t fill ourselves with God’s Spirit; we can only yield to the Holy Spirit and allow Him to take control. Third, it is in the present tense, which denotes an action that happens again and again. While the Spirit remains with us and will be in us always (see John 14:16‑17), this doesn’t guarantee He will always be the primary influence in our lives. We must surrender to Him daily to be filled and controlled by Him. Finally, the phrase is a plural, which emphasizes its application for all believers. In light of other biblical passages, it is possible to misunderstand Paul’s emphasis in this verse. The Book of Acts describes early believers who were filled with the Holy Spirit and on occasion did miraculous things like speaking in “other tongues” (different languages). (See Acts 2:4.) In the Letter to the Ephesians, however, Paul emphasized the normal, day-to-day life of every believer rather than an occasional, supernatural manifestation of the Spirit’s power in a particular believer’s life. Elsewhere, Paul described the Holy Spirit as being the source of the believer’s “power, love and self-discipline” (2 Tim. 1:7).
Ephesians 5:19-21 Commentary
[Verse 19] As the Holy Spirit fills us, He will influence our thoughts, words, and actions. If we will allow Him, the Holy Spirit will control how we live and act. Beginning in this verse, Paul noted some practical results of the Spirit’s filling. While some of the actions in verses 19‑21 sound like orders—things we must do—it’s probably best to understand them as outcomes—evidence of God’s Spirit is controlling us. When we come into a faith relationship with Christ, we become members of God’s family. Our actions as a part of this family have a direct impact on other believers. One way we do this is by speaking to one another. While believers can address one another for a variety of reasons—encouragement, instruction, and so forth—Paul’s emphasis in these verses appears to be on worship. Paul wrote believers should speak to one another in psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Psalms refer primarily to those psalms in the Old Testament. The hymns Paul referred to were probably words of praise to God written by the first-century believers. Songs from the Spirit could have been testimonies about God’s goodness, presence, and provision in a believer’s life. The Lord is the object of our praise and the heart, directed toward God, is an essential part of our worship. [Verse 20] Paul emphasized that our lives should be characterized by always giving thanks. Our thanksgiving is to be directed toward God the Father. He is the giver of “every good and perfect gift” (Jas. 1:17) and “has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ” (Eph. 1:3). While difficulties and sufferings are never easy, even in the midst of such experiences we can thank God because we know He works all things together for the good of those who love Him as He conforms us into the image of Christ. (See Rom. 8:28‑30.) The Greek word for thanks has the meaning of expressing gratitude toward someone. Ultimately, we give thanks to God the Father for the perfect sacrifice of His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of what Christ did for us, we can experience God’s constant presence with us (through His Holy Spirit living in us) and receive His guidance and power to live a life that pleases God. Thus, it is in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ that we express our thanks to God. [Verse 21] As we allow the Holy Spirit to fill us and control our lives, we will experience right relationships with one another, that is, other believers. This happens only when we are humble, having the same attitude Jesus had when He submitted to His Father’s plan and gave Himself as a sacrifice for our sins. (See Phil. 2:5.) The Greek word for submit means subjection. The emphasis in this verse is on a voluntary attitude and action of giving. Submission does not reflect a person’s value; rather it emphasizes the person’s viewpoint. The Lord Jesus demonstrated this submissive viewpoint (or attitude) when He took the basin and towel and washed the disciples’ feet as an example of humble service. (See John 13:1‑17.) Our submission to other believers should occur out of reverence for Christ, that is, out of a deep respect for Christ.
Example:
A friend was biking with world-class cyclists. The group was ascending a steep grade, and my friend began to lag behind. One of the professional cyclists came alongside him, placing his hand on my friend’s back to give him an added propulsion to catch the rest of the group. Together they caught up due to the help of the cyclist.
Some cyclists use illegal drugs and steroids to enhance their performance. Just as some people use drugs and medications to improve and endure the rigors of life. Christians have a better alternative. The Holy Spirit's power is needed, coming alongside us, just as the cyclist came alongside my friend, to provide the strength and endurance we need to face life's challenges.
Paul, writing to the Ephesians, identified what the Holy Spirit’s power will do for us. The Holy Spirit will empower us to:
1. Live wisely. (v. 15a) Wisdom does not merely mean knowledge. Knowledge is information. Wisdom, on the other hand, refers to skill. A simple definition of wisdom is the practical application of knowledge so we can enjoy life at its best. God gives us the wisdom to equip us, to enable us to live as we ought to live. Paul does not take us to church, but rather to our places of business, our homes, and our school as he instructs us that God's will for us is to live in a way that is pleasing to God. Wisdom is a better investment than silver or gold because she never fails to pay interest. Wisdom pays. So, live by it.
2. Redeem time. (v. 16) “Making the most of the time” is translated in the KJV as “redeem the time.” The verb denotes intensive activity, a snapping up of all the opportunities which are available. Paul is reminding us that time is precious and priceless. God wills that his people take time very seriously. A bank motto gave this advice: "Take care of the pennies, and the dollars will take care of themselves." That statement could be reworded to say, "Take care of the minutes and the days will take care of themselves." Therefore, live each day to the fullest. Squeeze all the life we can out of the present. Redeem the time given.
3. Execute God’s will. (v. 17) Everyone wants to know God’s will. What if God has already given you his will? Many people get hung up on the 5-10 percent of God’s will they do not know—like where to go to school, whom to marry, which job to take—which theologians refer to as the specific will of God. Sometimes, we forget about the 90-95 percent of God’s will that we already know. (It is recorded in black and white in the Bible.) Theologians refer to this as God’s general will, because it applies to all believers. The Holy Spirit helps us to understand God’s will as recorded in the Bible. As we study and apply scripture, the Spirit gives insight and understanding on how to put it into practice. And, the Holy Spirit comes alongside us to help us live it out each day.
4. Be filled with the spirit. (v. 18) The direct parallel drawn between being drunk with wine and being filled with the Spirit reveals that the issue is control. A person under the influence of wine experiences altered behavior. Likewise, the filling of the Holy Spirit produces a change in behavior, resulting in, as Paul mentioned, “singing” (v. 19), “giving thanks” (v. 20), and “submitting” (v. 21). God desires that we are under the control and influence of God’s Spirit. The filling of the Spirit isn’t an optional part of the Christian life. Every Christian is to be filled with the Spirit all of the time. If we aren’t, we are out of God’s will. To “be filled” means that the filling of the Spirit is a work of God, not man. Being filled with the Holy Spirit doesn’t mean we have more of the Spirit, it means the Spirit has more of us. It doesn’t happen all at once any more than one gets drunk all at once. Being filled with the Spirit happens as we continually choose to live under his influence.
Conclusion: The key to living wisely, redeeming the time, executing God’s will, and being filled with the Spirit is one of contact. Consider the elevated trains that run through downtown Chicago. Those trains run on three rails, two for the wheels and one for the electricity. The electricity is always there, but the train doesn't move unless there is contact with the third rail. Touch that rail and the train moves, pull away from the rail, and it stops. The third rail is like the Holy Spirit. His power is always available without a shortage or a brownout. But sometimes we live out of contact with his power. When that happens, our lives simply stop working the way God intended.
Our culture finds a lot of humor in drunk people. We can all name movies where alcohol played a major part in the plot. You don’t have to see the movie The Hangover (or its sequels) to know this comedy is built on drunk behavior. And Lee Marvin won an Oscar for his humorous role as a drunk gunfighter in Cat Ballou. (His drunk horse should’ve won too.)
The humor rises out of people doing things they normally wouldn’t do. They step out of character. And a lot of them think their own behavior is funny—and laudable. Ever heard someone say with a sense of pride: “I got so wasted last night”?
Unfortunately, a lot of darkness also rises. A lot of people turn to alcohol as the answer to their problems, but the abuse of alcohol is the cause of a lot of problems.
The humor, the darkness, or however the behavior manifests itself happens because people willingly give up control. And this applies to any substance we willingly surrender control to: recreational drugs, abuse of prescription drugs, whatever.
While the Bible warns against the use of alcohol, it does not prohibit its use. What Scripture prohibits is drunkenness.
“Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit” (Eph. 5:18).
What’s the big deal? Living “under the influence” is giving control of your actions and thoughts to something else. Nothing good or beneficial ever happens in a drunken state. A person under the influence may feel numbed from a problem, but it doesn’t take the problem away.
With the majority of my readers, I realize I am “preaching to the choir,” so let me turn the tables and make this keenly specific to all followers of Christ—whether you drink or not.
In Ephesians 5:18, Paul placed wine and the Holy Spirit in opposite corners. In this juxtaposition, Paul told us to be filled with one and not the other. And none of this is optional. We clearly see the command about not getting drunk, but right next to it is another command: be filled with the Spirit. That means:
It is just as wrong not to be filled with the Spirit as it is wrong to be drunk.
A Bible study leader would immediately be removed from his role if he showed up drunk, but how many teachers rely on themselves instead of being filled with the Spirit?
No one would last in church leadership if he or she arrived drunk, but how many of us come to a business meeting, deacon meeting, or committee meeting without first submitting ourselves to the lordship of Christ and the control of His Holy Spirit?
Too many of us can all tell sad tales of church fights and church splits. I would venture none of those stories involve drunk behavior, but they all involve people who were not surrendered to the presence, power, and filling of the Holy Spirit. And that is just as wrong.
So, before we rant about people acting drunk, let’s examine our own lives and make sure we’re not acting apart from the control of the Holy Spirit. The fruit of the vine is manifested in changed behavior, but it’s never to our benefit. The fruit of the Spirit also leads to changed behavior, and it is nothing but beneficial.
“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Gal. 5:22-23).
So, if you’re thirsty, be filled with Spirit.
Jesus said, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive (John 7:37-39).
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