Ephesians 5:18
And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess (debauchery); but be (being) filled (controlled) with the Spirit;
……..be not drunk with wine……
be not – This is a command. Don’t let it happen!
drunk – methusko – This is to become intoxicated, or to lose control of one’s faculties or behaviour.*
wine – oinos – This is fermented grape juice. It would have to be fermented as one cannot become drunk or intoxicated by drinking unfermented grape juice.
excess – asotia – This means debauchery, riot or riotous living.*
filled – pleroo – This is being filled or to be made full.* It is continuous action. It means to be being controlled by the Spirit of God. It has the idea of a ship’s sail filled with the wind and moving the ship along.
There are many things that compete for the control of a man and many things that can fill a man or woman’s inner being. Anger, lust, hate, envy, strong and evil desires, covetousness, greed, pride, the love of money, the love of the world, and Satanic influence.
Drunkenness affects every functioning aspect of the human body. Being drunk affects a man’s walk, his speech, his eyesight, his appetites, his inhibitions, his judgment, his brain, and over an extended period of time, his health, his marriage, and his family. Drunkenness thoroughly affects every aspect of a man’s being and existence for evil.
Being drunk with wine opens the door to many other sins. When restraints and inhibitions are dulled and cast aside, the drunkard can dive headlong into debauchery or into what his sensibilities might normally restrain. Abstaining from alcohol means one would never have to worry about being drunk and the consequences of drunkenness.
In contrast, being filled with the Spirit affects every aspect of the human body, and the human spirit. Walking in the Spirit affects a believer’s walk, his speech, his eyes, his appetites, his inhibitions, his judgment, his brain, and over an extended time his health, his marriage, and his family. Being filled with the Spirit thoroughly affects every aspect of a man’s being and existence for good.
What does it mean to be filled with the Holy Spirit?
Colossians 3:16-22 is a parallel passage to Ephesians 5:18-6:9. These passages are essentially the same, except the Colossians passage is a condensed version of the Ephesian passage. One thing that is rephrased or stated differently in Colossians is the command to be filled with the Holy Spirit. The Colossians passage says we are to let the word of Christ dwell in us richly. In other words, being filled with the Holy Spirit is letting the word of Christ dwell in us richly.
The Holy Spirit is the author of Scripture. He will never lead a believer contrary to Scripture. God’s Word is living and powerful. Scripture is called the sword of the Spirit. We are born again not by corruptible seed, but by incorruptible seed, by the Word of God which liveth and abideth forever. Hiding His Word in our hearts keeps us from sinning against God. We can be filled, controlled, or carried along by the Holy Spirit by letting the word of Christ dwell in us richly!
The Holy Spirit will draw us to Scripture. Satan will drive us away from it.
…let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…
*Definitions are from WE Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words
Note: The word let implies willing submission.