Ephesians 5:18-21 – The broad stroke application of this section of Paul’s letter is for believers to live as wise men. Not in the wisdom of worldly thought, but with the wisdom of God through His Holy Spirit.
In Latin, Paul would say Carpe-diem, seize the day. Not for your pleasures and desires, but for Christ who suffered and died for us to overcome the evil around us. Rescue the time as best we can from the evil functions in this world.
All men have a desire to be filled with something. God created us with this desire to be filled pursuing Him, to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Paul draws a contrast between the pagan and Christian assemblies. The unbeliever finds his pleasure in drunkenness & worldly pleasures. The Christian, on the other hand, finds his pleasure and joy in being filled with the Holy Spirit.
We see three characteristics of the early church being filled with the Holy Spirit in this passage.
1, The early church was a singing church. They sang psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. The early church experienced a Joy that made them sing. Not only happiness but Joy.
Verse 19 says speaking to one another in…Not only in their worship to God, they were encouraging one another with psalms, songs, and spiritual poetry -throughout the week.
Men, we need to lead the way. When your children (of any age) see you not singing, they see an example of something that “must not be necessary”. Sing, speak, praise God, and edify one another through psalms, singing, and speaking words of encouragement all week long.
2, The early church was a thankful church. The instinct was to give thanks to God for everything in their lives. “The early church was a thankful church because it was still dazzled with the wonder that God’s love had stopped to save them;” They were also a thankful body because every member had such a consciousness of being “in the hand of God”. “No man can pluck them from my Father’s hand.” (John 10:28)
How conscious are you of being continuously “in the very hand of God”? Are you dazzled?
3, The early church was a group of people with mutual respect and honored one another. Paul states that this mutual honor and respect was due to their reverence of Christ and His sacrifice for every believer.
They recognized each other not in light of their status in the church or society, but in the light of Christ. Since Christ died for that man/woman, we must recognize the dignity of every man/woman brother and Sister in Christ.
“Neglecting these biblical truths, believers will fail to experience the Spirit-empowered and fruitful lives God intends for His children,” Let’s pray this week to lead Holy Spirit filled lives and churches.
George Yates is an Organizational Health Strategist and coach, assisting churches, organizations, and individuals in pursuing God’s purpose for life. Click here to receive this blog in your email inbox each Tuesday.