"Not Always The High Life!" Series

Ephesians 5:15-21 “Be very careful, then, how you live -- not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in 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.” (NIV)

What controls your Life?

1. Living under the control of alcohol. Vs. 18 “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery.”

Why do people get drunk?

The Bible says when you are controlled by alcohol:

a. It puts you at great risk.

Debauchery - “asotia” In classical Greek it signified extravagant squandering both of money and of the physical appetites.

When we are controlled by alcohol we leave the protection of God.

b. It causes people to go places and do things they would not normally do.

Proverbs 20:1 "Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise." (NIV)

Students who use alcohol are eight times more likely to enter into high risk sexual behavior.

Proverbs 23:29-30

c. You don't see things as they really are.

Proverbs 23:31-34

d. You don't feel what we need to feel.

Proverbs 23:35a

If you lose the ability to feel pain you cannot get help.

e. It can move to an addiction without any warning.

Proverbs 23:35b

The Bible says not to be controlled by anything but Him.

2. Living under the power of the Holy Spirit.

Living under the umbrella of God… makes us do things we wouldn't normally do.

The Spirit does not num the way we feel, He changes the way we feel, it brings healing in our life.

Galatians 5:22-25 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” (NIV)