‘Do not be drunk with wine…but be filled with the Spirit.’ Ephesians 5:18 NKJV The Christian life isn’t only a changed life but an exchanged life. At the moment of conversion, we give our old life to God, and He gives us a new life in its place. But He does more; He comes to live [...]
by Bob and Debby Gass
Spirit-filled living
‘Do not be drunk with wine…but be filled with the Spirit.’ Ephesians 5:18 NKJV
The Christian life isn’t only a changed life but an exchanged life. At the moment of conversion, we give our old life to God, and He gives us a new life in its place. But He does more; He comes to live within us by the power of the Holy Spirit. Paul made the contrast between being drunk with wine and being filled with the Spirit. One causes you to be out of control, while the other enables you to be in control. One is counterproductive, while the other is productive. One makes you powerless, while the other empowers you. One brings you sorrow, while the other brings you joy. This Scripture is not a promise or even an option; it’s a command: ‘Be filled with the Spirit.’ And Paul gives us three pieces of evidence of a Spirit-filled life:
1) ‘Singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord’ (Ephesians 5:19 NKJV). This song isn’t induced by circumstances but despite them. ‘But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone's chains were loosed.’ (Acts 16:25-26 NKJV). Praising God can open doors and break chains.
2) ‘Giving thanks always for all things to God …’ (Ephesians 5:20 NKJV). Spirit-filled people have troubles like everyone else. But they don’t focus on their troubles; they count their blessings and stay positive, upbeat, and grateful.
3) ‘Submitting to one another in the fear of God’ (Ephesians 5:21 NKJV). Spirit-filled people are ‘others focused’. They know that what you make happen for someone else, God will make happen for you (see Ephesians 6:8).
SoulFood: Acts 6-7 Mark 3:20-27 Ps 75 Pro 10:22-23
word4today an adaptation of The Word For Today is authored by Bob and Debby Gass and published under licence from UCB International Copyright 2024
Tap here to get this reading each day directly in your inbox
God’s plan for your money
‘You will be enriched in every way ...’ 2 Corinthians 9:11 NLT One church leader told his congregation, ‘The good news is, we have enough money here this morning to build a new church.’ Then he added, ‘The bad news is, it’s still in your pockets!’ Some of us grew up believing it was wrong to [...]
Dealing with death the right way
‘Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me ...’ Psalm 23:4 NKJV Here is the truth about death: 1) It’s a sure thing. The story is told of someone obsessed with their health who arranged to have these words on his gravestone: ‘Now [...]
‘We know’
‘We know that all things work together for good to those who love God.’ Romans 8:28 NKJV This is one of the most often quoted and comforting Scriptures in the Bible: ‘We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose’ (Romans 8:28 NKJV). [...]
Getting the most out of your Bible (2)
‘The unfolding of your words gives light ...’ Psalm 119:130 NIV American President Woodrow Wilson said: ‘I am sorry for men who do not read the Bible every day; I wonder why they deprive themselves of the strength and of the pleasure. It is one of the most singular books in the world, for every time [...]
Getting the most out of your Bible (1)
‘Search for it as for hidden treasure.’ Proverbs 2:4 NIV When you think about it, studying the Bible is like prospecting for gold or silver. It involves two things: 1) You must look for it. Solomon writes, ‘If you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will [...]
What babies know
‘The father shall make known Your truth to the children.’ Isaiah 38:19 NKJV A researcher at Johns Hopkins University informed us that children as young as eight months old are capable of hearing and remembering words, good or bad. ‘Little ears are listening,’ said Dr Peter Juscyzk. Babies in this study, which appeared in the esteemed [...]