Scripture - Eph. 5:18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.
Observation - Paul instructs the church of Ephesus to avoid getting drunk (methusko - to drink to the point of intoxication) which leads to debauchery (asotia - unsavedness, reckless extravagancy), but instead to be filled (pleroo - to cram, level up) with the Spirit.
Application - a few items stand out to me in these verse. First, the instruction to be filled with the Spirit is fascinating. As believers, we all have the Spirit within us. (Rom. 8:9 And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ) Scripturally, we are filled with the Spirit from the moment we receive Christ. But the scripture he challenges us do what it takes to see the Spirit refill our lives. There is the implication that though the Spirit abides within us, there will be times when we are not "filled." The level of the Spirits filling seems to diminish and there is the need for us to see that the level is brought up so that we are full.
I also think it is interesting that the words for "drunk" and "filled" are similar in concept.
Finally, it's important to note that being drunk and being filled are in the same sentance and part of the same directive. I think that there are reasons why people get drunk. There is a need. Wether stress, loneliness, sadness, depression, a person gets drunk to "medicate". Scripture teaches a new way to deal with problems. The Spirit allows us to deal with our problems in a healthy way. Being filled with the Spirit doesn't medicate the situation or cover it up, but allows us to deal with it and solve it.
Prayer - Lord, let me walk in the fulness of your Spirit.
