Get the appEphesians: His Glorious Richesনমুনা
Paul is challenging the Ephesian Christians to live holy lives in the pagan environment of first-century Ephesus. How is such a life possible? Only through the power of the Spirit. The Father plans to bless us; the Son wins those blessings; the Holy Spirit applies them to our lives (1:3–14).
Paul has already told them that they have been sealed with the Spirit (1:13– 14). This is the mark of a true Christian. Every believer has the Spirit (1:13–14; Acts 2:16–17, 38–39). However, not every believer is living a Spirit-filled life. Paul therefore gives a clear command: ‘be filled with the Spirit’ (v. 18).
‘Filling’ has the idea of being controlled – hence the parallel command in this verse not to get drunk on wine. That is a general biblical instruction (Prov. 23:31–35), and may have been a particular problem in pagan Ephesus, where the worship of Dionysius often led to drunken orgies. However, Paul places it here for comparison. Just as a person who is filled with alcohol shows it in their words and actions, the same is true of a person filled with the Spirit. The difference is that alcohol destroys self-control, while the Holy Spirit enhances it (Gal. 5:22–23). The Spirit is the agent who fills us with the presence of the triune God (3:16–17, 19).
To further understand the command about being filled with the Spirit, we need to break it down. It is an imperative or instruction, not a polite suggestion. It is plural, addressed to all Christians (as becomes clear in v. 19), not just mature or enthusiastic ones. It is passive – God does the filling for us; it is not a human achievement. It is in the present continuous tense, literally reading ‘be being filled’ – it is an ongoing experience, not a once-for-all event.
The evidence of a Spirit-filled life is clearly described in verses 19–21:
- encouragement – we will speak Scriptural words to each other (v. 19)
- worship – we will sing and make music in our hearts (v. 19)
- thanksgiving – we will cultivate a grateful heart (v. 20)
- fellowship – we will ‘submit to’ or serve one another (v. 21).
Reflection
Look at the parallel passage in Colossians 3:15–17. What insights does this give into the Spirit-filled life?
Scripture
About this Plan
Experienced pastor and author, Paul Mallard takes us through Ephesians in 34 devotions. You’ll be guided through famous passages including those on the body of Christ and the armour of God as well as the less familiar parts. You’ll be invited to ponder afresh the width, length, height and depth of God’s love for us, and to consider how our new life in Christ should change how we live.
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