Are you under the influence? Let me rephrase that. We’re ALL under the influence of something or someone. What controls you? What drives you? Paul tells us that we should avoid any sort of activity that fogs our brain and dulls our senses. Instead we’re to load ourselves up on the Spirit of God. “And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit” (v18). See, here’s the deal. Whatever fills you, controls you. What some folks called “controlled substances” are actually controlling substances. We’re not just talking about booze. It’s anything that steals the wheel of command of your life. Pills. Drugs. Weed. Food. Sex. If we’re to be under the influence of anything, let’s make it the Holy Spirit.
Are you under the influence? Are you under His influence?
Paul knows all about life in Ephesus. He knows the impact that alcohol has on folks who live there. He spent three incredible years there telling everyone about Jesus (Acts 20:31). Dr. Luke spends an entire chapter of his sequel telling us all about it (Acts 19). As a key seaport, there’s no doubt that hooch was a big part of daily life in the city. Ephesus was also the home to a huge temple to the Greek god Artemis. Worship at the temple was nothing more than a drunken “Eyes Wide Shut” party. So-called “worshipers” would get liquored up and have sex with the temple hookers. That’s why local merchants blew their stacks when Paul and his crew started ruining business associated with temple worship by spreading the Good News. Ephesians were coming under the control of God’s Spirit instead of the booze of pagan idols.
The apostle continues to describe what life looks like for those who’ve been saved by God’s grace. What it looks like to “be imitators of God” (Eph 5:1). What it looks like to “walk in love” like Jesus (Eph 5:2). What it looks like to “walk as children of light” (Eph 5:8). What it looks like to “understand what the will of the Lord is” (Eph 5:17). One thing that it DOESN’T look like is to get hammered. “Do not get drunk with wine” (v18). The Greek verb here is methusko. It means to become intoxicated and inebriated, drink or consume anything with no limits. It’s being unrestrained in any activity, no just drugs and alcohol. When Jesus cranks up the wedding reception by turning water into fine wine, the host is blown away. The host knows that after people have “drunk freely (Gr. methusko)” and gotten toasted, folks typically bust out the cheap wine (Jn 2:10). Christ warns against losing hope in His return and becoming a mean drunk, physically abusing the people who work for you (Lk 12:45). Paul uses this same word when he cautions the Thessalonians against getting wasted, passing out and missing Christ’s big return (1Th 5:7). Paul knows that when I hammered, I give up control. Remember, whatever fills me, controls me. If I want to be under the control of anything, it should be Jesus and His Spirit.
Are you under the influence? Are you under His influence?
The Bible is loaded (pun VERY much intended) with warnings against getting drunk (Prov 23:20-21, 29-35; 31:4-5; Is 5:11-12; 28:7-8; 1Cor 5:11; 1Pet 4:3). We don’t read too far into Genesis before we find the first person getting completely trashed. Noah drank himself stupid and passed out buck nekkid (Gen 9:21). Why do you think they call it “getting wasted?” It’s a complete waste of time.
Let’s be clear about something. It’s very tough to make a scriptural case against complete drinking alcohol. Wine is a part of daily life in both the Old and New Testaments. As a matter of fact, Jesus’ very first miracle was to keep the party going in Cana with more wine (Jn 2:1-11). Wine is a central piece of the Lord’s Supper. But God is VERY clear that wine and alcohol must be used in moderation. It must not take control of our lives. It’s clear that the sovereign God of the universe knows the strength and damage done by addiction. The consumption of alcohol is a personal choice with the very important input of the Holy Spirit. You may realize that you cannot control how much you drink. If so, the Spirit will lead you to stay away from it. It’s all about influence. It’s all about control.
Are you under the influence? Are you under His influence?
Paul warns us that a life fueled by alcohol leads to “debauchery” (v18). The word asotia describes reckless living, rampant immorality and pursuing life with no moral or ethical boundaries. This is complete lack of concern about the consequences of any action. It’s very interesting to understand that the Greek term is actually the very opposite of being saved and made whole. Elders must not live a life out of control (Titus 1:6). To quote the great philosopher and theologian Zach Galifinakis, “You better check yourself before you wreck yourself.” When I give up control of my life to mind-altering substances, I lose my boundaries. What fills me, controls me. It’s no coincidence that the Apostle Pete talks about how getting liquored up inevitably leads to reckless living. He says followers of Jesus should avoid “drunkenness (Gr. methusko)” and the “debauchery (Gr. asotia)” which mark the lives of unbelievers (1Pet 4:3-4).
Instead we’re to be “filled with the Spirit” (v18). We’re to be controlled by His Spirit. We’re to be under His influence. Every follower of Jesus receives His Holy Spirit when we trust in Him (1Cor 12:13). That only happens once (Eph 4:5). But there are times when we set aside our own wants and desires and God can fill us with more of Himself. Think of it as topping off the tank. The Bible is filled with Spirit-filled people. Old Testament prophets. New Testament believers. Jesus Himself is the ultimate example of being filled by the Spirit. John the Dunker probably said it best. “He must increase, but I must decrease” (Jn 3:30). John knew Whose control he should be under. He wanted to be completely under the influence.
Are you under the influence? Are you under His influence?
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