Ephesians 5:18

Context of Ephesians 5:18

Ephesians 5:18 is nestled within a section of Paul's letter where he provides practical instructions for Christian living. Having already urged believers to walk in love (Ephesians 5:1-2) and walk as children of light (Ephesians 5:8-14), he then exhorts them to walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time (Ephesians 5:15-17). Verse 18 serves as a pivotal command, contrasting a common worldly indulgence—drunkenness—with the divine alternative: being continually empowered and controlled by the Holy Spirit. This sets the stage for further instructions on Spirit-filled relationships and worship within the Christian community.

Key Themes and Messages

• The Contrast of Control: The verse presents a stark dichotomy between being controlled by an external substance (wine leading to excess) and being controlled by the indwelling Holy Spirit. Drunkenness leads to a loss of self-control, irrational behavior, and often destructive outcomes, reflecting a life dominated by worldly impulses. In contrast, being "filled with the Spirit" implies a surrender to God's influence, leading to self-control, spiritual wisdom, and righteous living.
• Excess and Dissoluteness: The KJV phrase "wherein is excess" highlights the destructive nature of drunkenness. This "excess" (Greek: asotia) implies profligacy, wastefulness, and a dissolute, uncontrolled lifestyle. It's not merely about consuming alcohol, but about the reckless and ruinous behavior that results when one's faculties are impaired and moral boundaries are disregarded. Proverbs 23:21 warns that "the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty."
• The Filling of the Spirit: This is the positive command and the core of the verse. It speaks to a continuous, dynamic experience of spiritual empowerment. It's not a one-time event but an ongoing state of yielding to the Holy Spirit's guidance, leading, and enabling power. This filling results in a life that bears the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance) and equips believers for effective service and worship.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "be filled" is plērousthe (πληροῦσθε). This is a present imperative, passive voice verb.

• Present Imperative: It signifies a continuous command, meaning "keep on being filled" or "continually allow yourselves to be filled." It's not a one-time event but an ongoing process of surrender and reception.
• Passive Voice: This indicates that being filled with the Spirit is something that God does to us, rather than something we achieve purely by our own effort. While we must actively yield and desire it, it is the Spirit who performs the filling. Our role is to be receptive and obedient vessels.

This contrasts sharply with the active choice to "be drunk" (methyskesthe), which is also a present imperative, but implies a self-inflicted state.

Practical Application

Ephesians 5:18 offers a profound call for Christians today:

• Daily Dependence: Instead of seeking satisfaction or escape in worldly excesses, believers are called to find their fulfillment and strength in the Holy Spirit. This involves daily surrender, prayer, study of God's Word, and obedience to His leading.
• Spiritual Control vs. Worldly Influence: This verse challenges us to consider what truly controls our actions, attitudes, and words. Are we allowing the fleeting pleasures and harmful influences of the world to dictate our lives, or are we actively choosing to walk in the Spirit and allow Him to empower us for righteousness?
• Empowerment for Witness and Worship: Being filled with the Spirit enables believers to live lives that honor God, speak truth with boldness, and engage in worship that is genuine and spiritually vibrant. It transforms us from within, making us effective representatives of Christ in the world.