Full of the Spirit – Ephesians 5:15-21

There are actually two kinds of filling of the Spirit (see my article). One is a temporary empowerment by the Spirit that is never actually commanded or asked for, but that the Spirit gives sovereignly for the moment. The other is the kind Paul is talking about in this letter, the kind that is commanded and may be characterized as a settled spiritual maturity, a consistent yielding to Him. Paul is still addressing the character of the believer’s walk in holiness and unity.

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. (Ephesians 5:15–21, ESV)

The way of wisdom is the way of righteousness or holiness and so a large part of that is knowing God’s will.  What is it that best represents His love, His justice, His response to sin?  And part of His understanding is that though there are times to be silly and have fun, there is an overall sobriety to life that requires purpose on our part to make the most of our opportunities to do good in this world.

Walking in holiness, which means walking in love, does not only mean making right choices about moral issues, but making right choices about usage of time. And that is a moral issue because God’s kingdom plan is being accomplished in evil days and our every action can be a step in the battle against evil. Wisdom dictates that we seek to understand the will of God in regard to right living and to understand the spiritual power that equips us for right living.

The One who “fills” us, the Holy Spirit, is the One whose characteristics we begin to express.  Being full of the Holy Spirit is sort of like being drunk but has totally better results. The influence of the Holy Spirit in our lives has a purpose. That purpose is to make us like Him, holy. As we follow His lead in this His character shines through us. We have a desire to build others up with spiritual truth. We find ourselves full of joy that erupts in spiritual song. We have overflowing gratitude to God in every situation knowing He is shaping us in Christ Jesus. And we are willing to submit ourselves to others, putting their needs ahead of our own.

Being full of the Spirit is a result of continued submission to His work in us. As He prompts us to look to Him and commune with Him through His Word and His presence in us, we find ourselves growing spiritually. And one day it is apparent that we are full of Him, that we are mature and consistently displaying His work in our lives. Be filled with the Spirit.

Discussion Questions

1. Have you ever been drunk on something good (love, joy, etc.)?
2. Why do you think the Scripture writers equate holiness with wisdom?
3. What does it look like to yield one’s self to the Holy Spirit?
4. When was the last time you addressed someone in “psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs”? That is, when did you address someone with spiritual truth?
5. Why would gratitude be a characteristic of being Spirit-filled?
6. How would you need to submit to one of your fellow believers?