BE FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT

Passage: Ephesians 5:15-21

Key verse: 5:18b

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

First, be very careful how you live (15-19a). How we live matters as we seek to please God. For a wise person, every situation in life presents an opportunity to understand and do the Lord's will. Foolish people, seeking to escape the evil days, get drunk on wine, and are led into debauchery. To be wise, we instead are to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Instead of drinking parties, let's have Spirit parties, speaking to one another from the Bible and singing songs from the Spirit. Second, always giving thanks to God (19b-21). Our hearts are so important, since our words and actions flow from there. As we think about all that God has done, our hearts can sing and make music to God. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, everything can become a thanksgiving topic. Instead of competing with each other, we can live in submission to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Prayer: Father, I don't want to be foolish. Fill me with your Spirit and give me a joyful and thankful heart.

One Word: Give thanks to God for everything