TEXT: Ephesians 5:18-21
READING: Galatians 5:14-26
SUBJ: Being filled with the Spirit and the things that are done as a result.
AIM: That we might seek after such fullness of the manifestation of the Spirit and the gifts thereof.
INTR: Following the admonition to understand what the will of the Lord is (verse 17) Paul presents a contrast that would be understood by all. He compares the effects of being drunk with wine and being filled with the Spirit.
1. Often very powerful lessons are derived from such strong contrasts as this here.
2. The effects of each are easily recognized by both the participant and the observer.
3. The effects of being filled with the Spirit suggest not only a right expression of joy and praise with God, but the delight of mutual participation in the Church family.
THESIS: Being filled with the Spirit is to be filled with the Holy Spirit along with the gifts and graces He supplies and is evidenced in some extraordinarily and in others ordinarily but in all in such a manner as honors God and benefits others.
I. A Review of My Last Message
1. Four perspectives on the believing walk.
1) First the vocation: I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; (Ephesians 4:1-2).
2) Then the loving Walk: Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. (Ephesians 5:1-2)
3) As children of light: For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) (Ephesians 5:8-9)
4) The circumspect walk: See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, (Ephesians 5:15)
2. Redeeming the Time (v. 16)
1) Literally buying it up – using it as it is given – use it or lose it.
2) Rudyard Kipling: If you can fill the unforgiving minute/ With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run,/Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it,/And–which is more–you’ll be a Man, my son!
3. Understanding what will of the God is:
1) Revealed will vs. secret things (Deuteronomy 29:29)
2) And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. John 6:39 AND To the Thessalonians: For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: 1 Thessalonians 4:3
4. Wisdom applied
II. Spirit filled versus drunkenness (v. 18)
1. The obvious warning and condemnation of drunkenness
1) Common in heathen festivals and revelry
2) Often used in the worship of idols.
2. The parallel may be noted – being controlled by something producing an unnatural result (not unspiritual).
1) Wisdom vs. foolishness
2) Dullness vs. Spiritual acuity
3) Lack of discipline and judgment vs. being subject unto Christ.
III. The expression of Spirit filled person (vv. 19-21)
1. Speaking to yourselves – the use of music often comes spontaneously.
1) Psalms (inspired and usually with instruments), Hymns (poetry expressing praise and set to music), spiritual “odes” or tributes in any form.
2) Singing and playing in the heart. (Clark Grose – Tapping of the foot should be accompanied by a spiritual rhythm of the heart.)
3) Addressed to the Lord!!
2. Giving thanks for all things
1) Some obvious things:
i. Knowing God in Christ
ii. The gift of His love
iii. Forgiveness of sins
iv. Precious expectations
2) But what of those things suggested by Romans 8:28 (Affliction and trials)
3) In the name of Christ!!
3. The submission of believers
1) To one another without recourse or condition
2) In the fear of the Lord
i. The knowledge of His condescension shapes our attitude toward others
ii. Note the connection to the fear of the Lord and the beginning of wisdom. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. Ephesians 5:17
