"And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit," - Ephesians 5:18 (NASB)
The cultural background of the early believers in the Lycus River Valley in Asia Minor regarding drinking alcohol is characterized by the prevalent use of wine in religious and social settings. Wine held a significant place in the ancient Mediterranean world, and its consumption was deeply intertwined with religious rituals and social gatherings. In the context of early Christianity in the region, the beliefs and practices regarding alcohol consumption would have been largely influenced by the prevalent Greco-Roman culture, which held wine in high esteem. The societal attitudes towards wine and its consumption would have played a role in shaping the perspectives of the early believers.
So Paul picks up on their milieu and compares being filled with the Spirit to not being drunk with wine. A person who is intoxicated with alcohol does not have control over their motor skills and speech. Alcohol takes control over them, but only while they are drunk. You don’t remain drunk once you get drunk; you have to continue drinking to stay drunk. Similarly, being filled with the Spirit is not a one-time event that happens when we’re saved and then it’s over. It is a repetitive and necessary experience—a daily relationship and a command to be continuously filled with the Spirit. It’s not just a suggestion; “being filled with the Spirit at all times” is the expected norm for the Christian life. The fact that it sounds so radical and special shows how far we are from what’s expected, which is Christlikeness. No one can fill themselves, but a choice is involved—it’s like a door with a handle on our side. We must be willing to open that door and allow God to fill our lives with Christlikeness. We must choose to make ourselves available, to be intentional, and to understand the gospel and its implications. “Allow yourself to be continually filled…” would be a good way to put it. The concept of being filled with the Spirit should be understood through a parallel passage in Colossians 3:16, which says, “Let the word of Christ richly dwell in you.” This parallels the command to “be ever filled with the Spirit,” showing that it’s about allowing Christ’s influence to deeply permeate our lives.
There is a debate among Christians about what it means to be filled with the Spirit. In some circles, it’s seen as speaking in tongues, raising hands in church, dancing in the Spirit, or being slain in the Spirit. However, instead of being a moment of personal experience or excitement, being filled with the Spirit is the daily conscious effort to live as Christ did. It’s not about big events or emotional feelings, but about living in a Christlike way in every moment, choice, prayer, and concern as we go through our Christian experience.
Paul’s exhortation about being filled with the Spirit can be seen in a modern context through the life of a Christian who consistently demonstrates Christlike traits. For instance, consider a person who consistently shows love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, as described in Galatians 5:22-23. This individual exhibits these qualities in their interactions with others, in their response to challenges, and in their overall attitude. Their daily life reflects a deep-seated commitment to embodying the values and character of Jesus Christ, and their actions and choices are consistently guided by these principles. This serves as a practical illustration of what it means to be filled with the Spirit as described by Paul, emphasizing the idea that being filled with the Spirit is not just a one-time event or an emotional experience, but a continuous, intentional, and transformative way of living.
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