Ephesians 5 Part 3 – Living the Spirit-Filled Life!

by Michael Robson

In light of having been brought from death to life, from darkness to light, Christians should not be ‘sleepy’ or ‘sleeping’ amongst the dead (Eph.5:14; 2:1-3). But then what? Well we are to be careful how we walk, making the most of every opportunity (Eph.5:15-17) seeking to know what the will of the Lord is. But in addition to this we are ‘Not to be drunk with wine’ (v.18)! The Bible has both positive and negative things to say about wine, but the warning here is against drunkenness with intoxicating drinks. However, we are encouraged, ‘but be filled with the Spirit‘ (See Acts 2:4, 13ff; 4:31). This being ‘filled with the Spirit‘ should mean that we are overflowing with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs that come from a heart of thanksgiving! In fact we are told ‘giving thanks always for all things‘ to God the Father in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ’ (Eph.5:18-21). Some may wonder how we could do that, but those who have grasped Rom.8:28 have surely an understanding as to why we can. And lastly, note that living the Spirit-Filled life will result in our ability to submit to one another in the fear of God (v.21).

Michael Robson