A Deeper Call To Spiritual Intoxication
Monday, February 5
Ephesians 5:18-21 (NIV)
“Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.”
Devotion
In Ephesians 5:18-21, Paul delivers a profound message that transcends the simple admonition against drunkenness; he invites us to a life controlled not by substances, but by the Spirit of God. This passage, while often cited in discussions about the consumption of alcohol, dives much deeper into the essence of Christian living—being filled with the Holy Spirit.
Paul identifies four remarkable outcomes of living under the Spirit's influence: singing, making music in our hearts, giving thanks, and submitting to one another. These are not mere religious activities but expressions of a heart transformed by the Holy Spirit. They signify a life overflowing with joy, gratitude, and mutual respect—qualities starkly opposed to the bitterness and self-centeredness prevalent in our society.
While substances can lead to loss of control and regrettable actions, the Holy Spirit instills self-control, a fruit of the Spirit highlighted in Galatians 5:23. The choice is clear: surrender to the fleeting and often destructive pleasures of the flesh or embrace a life enriched by the Spirit's transformative power.
Living by the Spirit is an invitation to daily submission to His authority, welcoming His guidance, and embracing His correction. It is a call to live not in a casual relationship with the Spirit but in complete dependence on Him for power, unity with fellow believers, and a life marked by the love and grace of God.
Today’s Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
I come before You with a humble heart, seeking Your guidance and presence in my daily life. Grant me the strength and wisdom to live under Your influence each day, willingly surrendering control over my life to You. Lord, instill in me the lessons of joy, gratitude, and love, so that I may express these qualities in all that I do. Teach me to walk in Your ways, to trust in Your plans, and to find solace in Your love. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Apply It Today
Reflect on what controls your life. Are there areas where you have resisted the influence of the Holy Spirit? Consider practical steps to surrender these areas to God’s control.
Resources:
- If you haven’t already, be sure to watch Dr. Mark Rutland’s message from yesterday, “That One Word”, and allow it to inspire you.
- Join an online small group to help guide you in fulfilling God’s mandate upon your life - Connect Groups.