Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit Ephesians 5:18 NIV
Like today, alcohol use was rampant in the time of Paul’s ministry. As new believers in Christ, Paul warns the church at Ephesus against the dangers of drinking alcohol in excess. The term debauchery here is sometimes translated as dissipation which indicates waste and a lack of productivity. With this additional understanding, Paul warns his readers that getting drunk leads to immorality, poor decisions, and a wasted life.
Rather than forbid alcohol consumption completely, Paul’s directive simply prohibits drunkenness. When we expand this teaching into a more modern understanding, we should consider the wide variety of ways a man or woman may lose themselves in drug or alcohol dependency. A little wine with dinner may be fine but drinking to the point of inebriation is not. The doctor may prescribe a certain painkiller for short term use but a person may develop a debilitating dependency on the drug.
The Fruits of the Spirit
Escaping reality with drugs and alcohol weakens and destroys lives. In place of destructive habits, Paul encourages the faithful to be filled with the Holy Spirit. This is a positive alternative to the out of control behavior of drunkeness leads us to the fruits of the Holy Spirit. With the Holy Spirit, we avoid the disastrous consequences of overusing alcohol.
Filled with the Holy Spirit, we tend toward greater productivity and self control. As Paul writes in Galatians 5:22-23, “ But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. WEB”
The bible does not record alcohol use as a sin. However, scripture teaches that drunkenness is a sin. With this in mind, Paul teaches to avoid the pitfalls and poor decisions of alcohol abuse through a life filled with the Spirit of God. Beyond alcohol, any behavior or substance that separates us from God and his Holy Spirit is dangerous.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for the wisdom in your holy word. Thank you that I am filled with the Holy Spirit. Lead me away from temptation. Deliver me from all things that stand between me and you. Help me to live my life in your service. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: The Eternal Fire
