4.4. RESEMBLING CHRIST IN A SPIRIT-FILLED LIFE (Ephesians 5:18-20)

Ephesians 5:18 "And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;"

There is a negative command not to be out of control "under the influence" of wine. The positive command is to drink of the Spirit so as to be completely under His control. This is the privilege of every believer who has a born again experience, therefore has the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9,14-16 ). A mighty, Spirit baptism is for all. Note, none were excluded on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:4 ). All are to continue to drink and be filled again (Acts 4:31 ). Ephesians 5:18 may be translated "be being filled" or "be habitually filled." Get a real thirst for the Spirit (Isaiah 44:3; John 7:37-39 ). The most spiritual and most used people are those who are constantly filled and being filled with the Spirit. Our example is the Lord Jesus who received the Spirit without measure (John 3:34 ).

Ephesians 5:19 "speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord,"

What we sing under the anointing of the Holy Spirit will be meaningful and will speak to each of us. All kinds of song ministry can be the occasion for the manifestation of the Spirit. Whether psalms or hymns they can lead to spiritual songs, which could mean spontaneous singing in the Spirit. (1 Corinthians 14:15-16 ). Song-melody, i.e. accompaniment of the heart is to be all to the Lord.

Ephesians 5:20 "Giving thanks always for all things unto God ..."

	It is always the time to give thanks.
	It is thanksgiving that is centred in God, not on our changeable feelings or circumstances.
	It is honest thanksgiving because of the unchanging goodness of God our Father.
	It is thanksgiving for grace that has privileged us to be members of God's family.
	It is ever fresh thanksgiving for the Father's daily care.
	It is thanksgiving even when things do not look good - God is working things together for good (Romans 8:28 ) - He can then be thanked for all things.
	It is thanksgiving that evidences a living faith in God as giver and rewarder.
	It is thanksgiving directly spoken to the Father, not merely some sentimental feeling.
	It is thanksgiving that delights in the Father's presence, filling the heart with rejoicing.
	It is thanksgiving which strengthens our confidence and emboldens our asking and receiving that increases the need for praise.
	It is thanksgiving "in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" recognising all we receive comes to us through His giving of Himself for us.
	It is thanksgiving acceptable to God because it is through Christ Jesus, and is received as the thanksgiving of His beloved in whom the Father is forever pleased.
	It is thanksgiving that is expressed in the Spirit of Jesus.
	It is thanksgiving that keeps our spirits singing without stopping.
	It is private and public with His people - The habitual, personal thanksgiving makes our thanksgiving together meaningful, uninhibited and unrestrained.
	It is thanksgiving of a singing heart that results from continually drinking of the Spirit.

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QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. Are you continuing to drink thirstily of the Holy Spirit? (Ephesians 5:18; John 7:37-39 ).
2. Are you habitually being filled? (Ephesians 5:18; Acts 4:31 ).
3. What benefit do you derive from spontaneous singing in the Spirit? (Ephesians 5:19; 1 Corinthians 14:15-16 ).
4. How important to you is continual thanksgiving for all things? (Ephesians 5:20 ).