What does be not drunk with wine in Ephesians 5:18 mean?

Ephesians 5:18 "And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;"

 

The 5^th chapter of Ephesians begins with an admonition to be a follower of God. Then in verses 3-14, we are given warnings against sins of uncleanness. Following this, Paul tells us to regulate our conduct with wisdom, not to engage in sinful worldly pleasures but to express our joy in spiritual songs and be thankful. In verse 18 he says not to be drunk with wine but be filled with the Spirit. I know that there are many lessons to be derived from this but let me suggest only one at this time. We should not seek some outside source to stimulate us spiritually!! We need to work on our spiritual life and fill our hearts with those things that will result in the Spirit being an integral part of our life. I would have you consider the fruits of the Spirit as outlined by Paul in Galatians 5:22-23 (love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance). There is a parallel passage to this matter found in Colossians 3:16 where Paul says, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly……" It is my conviction that the word of Christ will only dwell in me when it fills my heart, molds my thoughts and guides my life.

 

When we contemplate what God has done for us (John 3:16), when we contemplate what Jesus has done for us (Rom. 5:8, John14:1-3), we should be not only thankful but excited. We need to be excited, enthusiastic about our religion. When we come into a worship service there should be no coldness, indifference or formality. If we are truly filled with the Spirit, then we will sing, pray, give, listen enthusiastically. Preachers preaching those dull, boring, dry eyed sermons with little emotion just will not cut the mustard, as the old saying goes (2 Tim. 4:2). Members sitting in the pews with long sad faces, squirming in their seat wishing it would hurry up and end, not really enjoying the privilege of assembling to worship God will not cut the mustard either (1 Cor. 15:58, Phil.4:4, Eccl. 9:10, Psalms 122:1).

 

One of the problems we face today is reflected in the expression,  "Take It Easy". This is a principle of life with many people and it has affected their spiritual life. When comfort and ease become the trademark of those who occupy the pew, then that church is in trouble. You couldn't take 10,000 of them and build a strong, glorious, faithful church of our Lord. This "take it easy" theory is so successful because often people want to be coddled, lulled, soothed. Consequently, there is a mad race to see who can make religion the easiest, most entertaining and thereby draw great numbers (2 Ti. 4:1-4, 2 Tim. 3:1-4). Living the faithful life (Rev. 2:10) as a child of God is not a life of ease. If you believe it is, then you are sadly mistaken (Matt.5:16, Matt. 25:34-40, Gal.6:10, 1 John 2:15-17, 1 Tim 4:12, Rom. 12:1-21, Eph. 4:22-32, 2 Pet. 1:4-11, Phil. 2:12-15). When it comes to the salvation of your soul, there are no special sale days or marked down prices—you pay full price or you don't go.

 

I pray that all of us will ever trust in God (Isa. 12:2, Rom. 8:28). I pray that we will always believe and know that we can do all  things through Christ who strengthens us (Phil. 4:13). I pray that we will b e filled with the spirit—bubbling over with excitement and enthusiasm for the Lord and his church.

 

Charles Hicks