Do Not Drink Wine: But Be Filled With The Spirit

Do Not Drink Wine: But Be Filled With the Spirit (Eph. 5:17-21)

“…do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.” – Ephesians 5:17-21

Introduction: Today, we have many feel good churches. Many times, the average family upon looking for a home church considers how the church makes them feel, what the church is going to do for them, and if it’s convenient to attend regarding location and times. Some churches have changed the Bible message to try and make Christianity more convenient and attractive to the seeker. Many Christians choose to only practice Christianity on Sunday. They attend a religious service at whatever church makes them feel most comfortable. They give a small offering and are nice to fellow churchgoers, nothing that requires much effort on their part. This way they can have the rest of the week to themselves, to live as they please.

That would be convenient Christianity, but we know that following Jesus is a lifestyle and not only a Sunday convenient experience. Being a disciple calls for the giving up of our lives (Matt. 16:25). It’s about living as Jesus calls us to live, daily giving up our plans and purposes for His. A relationship with Him causes us to be concerned with our thoughts, decisions, attitudes, and actions. Faith in Christ is not just a single step, but also a life of walking with Him. Sper once said,

“The Christian life is more than just a prayer of faith made in the past; it’s dedicating every day to live for Christ and what will last.”

Jeremiah reported evidence that the priests, prophets, and preachers of his day were not speaking the truth (6:13). They told the people what they wanted to hear (v.14). The people didn’t want to learn about judgment, repentance, and their own lack of godliness. They eagerly accepted the message of hope and peace even though it was a pack of lies.

What about us? Do we listen only to those voices that tell us what we want to hear? Do we assume that all preachers tell the truth? Let’s make sure that we judge their message by the truths of the Bible. “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are from God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1). The Holy Spirit and the Word will alert us to false claims.

If you know the truth, you can discern what’s false.

Every year drug use increases and yet it pales in comparison to abuse of one worldwide addiction - drunkenness. Solomon once wrote this strong warning to his son, "Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise" (Proverbs 20:1).

More people have suffered from the abuse of alcohol than from all other drug addictions combined. The following are some reasons to flee from any tendency to fall into the temptation of drunkenness.

1. Paul, the apostle, wrote, "Do not get drunk with wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit" (Eph. 5:18). Concentrate on letting the Spirit fill you up with His purpose, joy, and satisfaction instead of resorting to alcohol. There really is joy in serving, loving, and singing praise to Jesus. The satisfaction that you receive from alcohol is temporal and you will always have a point where you are sobered up and looking for something else to fulfill you. It might be more alcohol or it could be something else, but nothing will give you the purpose, satisfaction, and fulfillment like Jesus Christ offers us.

2. Noah, a great man of God who obeyed the Lord and saved His entire household through the building of the ark, became drunk and exposed his nakedness to his children to his own shame (Gen. 9:20-21). Great men can fall into disrepute because of the losing of self-control caused by alcohol. Noah never did any outstanding work after his drunkenness (Gen. 9:28-29). Thank God that we serve a God who gives us chance after chance to realize our need for a Savior. The bad news is, how do we know when it is our time to go? We don’t. We are to live in a manner that is pleasing to God so that when we pass, we are presentable to Him. Alcoholism is a dangerous disease that can only be healed through the love of Jesus Christ.