BE FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT

Passage: Ephesians 5:15-21

Key verse: 19

NIV

15 Be very careful, then, how you live(A)—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity,(B) because the days are evil.(C) 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.(D) 18 Do not get drunk on wine,(E) which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit,(F) 19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit.(G) Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks(H) to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Instructions for Christian Households(I)

21 Submit to one another(J) out of reverence for Christ.

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Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Source: BibleGateway

ESV

15 (A)Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 (B)making the best use of the time, because (C)the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what (D)the will of the Lord is. 18 And (E)do not get drunk with wine, for that is (F)debauchery, but (G)be filled with the Spirit, 19 addressing one another in (H)psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, 20 (I)giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father (J)in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 (K)submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.

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The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Source: BibleGateway

Christians’ lifestyles should be distinctly different from unbelievers. We should carefully consider our paths and live wisely. We should make the most of every opportunity to see that we are growing in our faith, love, and charity towards others. We should evaluate how we spend my time and resources and with whom? The days are evil and evildoers lurk everywhere. We must be alert not to follow their paths but to find out what the Lord’s will is.

Paul especially cautions against drunkenness. Ordinary people crave alcohol and their expression of having fun revolves around drinking alcohol. This leads into evildoing and addiction and blocks us from following God’s mission and calling for us.

Instead, we should be filled with the Holy Spirit. We should sing psalms, hymns, and songs, praising God. This lifts our souls and fills us with heavenly joy as we worship Him. We should give thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. This protects us from evil. This is the wise life.

Prayer: Father, thank you for giving us the Holy Spirit to fill us with songs, praises, and thanksgiving to you. Help me to thank you for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

One Word: Be filled with the Spirit and sing songs of praise and thanksgiving to God