What does it mean to not be drunk with wine, but be filled with the Spirit {Ephesians 5:18}? Does the Spirit come and go? Does it seep out gradually throughout the day so we need to get the pump out {the Word of God} and fill up again? It's a confusing verse! My Pastor had a sermon on it last Sunday and completely cleared it up for me. Once you are a believer, you are filled with the Spirit! The Spirit can't be divided into portions or be broken up in pieces. Either you have the Spirit of God or you don't. "But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his" {Romans 8:9}.
What does this NOT mean? This does not refer to the "indwelling of the Spirit" according to Romans 8:9 and how I explained above. It is not a "feeling" or emotion that you get, but a fact you claim. "I am a child of the Most High God and I am filled with His Spirit because He told me I was in His Word once I believe in Him." Period.
What it does mean is that we must surrender to the following of Jesus as LORD moment by moment saying, "LORD, I'm yours." We must be honest when we sin, confess it to others or to the Lord, and humbly claim His grace that He has forgiven us for ALL of our sins the day we believed. Thank Him that He has separated us from our sins as far as the east is from the west {Psalm 103:12}. Abide in Him by relying on His presence and power daily. He is the vine and we are the branches {John 14:4, 5}. Step out in faith and follow Him. Obey what He has commanded us to do. Know the Word of God. Spend daily time with Him and meditating upon the Words that He has written for us.
What is the result of walking in the Spirit? We will have a more joyful spirit; praising God no matter what happens and knowing that He is sovereign over all. We will have a thankful spirit; trusting God no matter what and giving thanks for ALL things. We will have a more humble spirit. We will willingly and joyfully serve and submit to others as a lifestyle; not having to get our own way. Husbands will be joyfully serving and submitting to the Lord, wives will to their husbands; children to their parents; and servants to their masters.
And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.
Ephesians 5:18-21
