“And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit” (Eph. 5:18).
One characteristic of the foolishness of the old life is drunkenness. The use of alcohol to forget ones cares or to gain a sense of exhilaration has been a problem for generations. The Bible consistently speaks against drunkenness. The word “dissipation” speaks of the uncontrolled action of the drunken person. The corresponding adverb is used in the familiar phrase “riotous living” in the parable of the prodigal son. Two issues are being addressed in drunkenness—wastefulness of life and the lack of self-control.
The believer would never desire to lose self-control; instead he/she desires to be controlled by the Holy Spirit. Notice that when Paul gives a prohibition he always replaces the negative with something better. The Holy Spirit provides joy and pleasure that far exceeds anything the world offers. You may recall that in Acts 2 drunkenness and being filled with the Spirit are set side by side and contrasted. The Christian should be intoxicated by the Holy Spirit. His/her mind, actions, and speech should be controlled by the Spirit.
The tense of the verb is a present imperative which indicates that “being filled” is an ongoing lifelong process of surrender of one’s life to the control of the Spirit. How does this occur? First empty yourself of sin through confession and repentance. Second, ask the Spirit to fill and control your life.
Prayer: Father, cleanse me of sin and fill me with Your Spirit. Amen