Made New: An Ephesians Book StudySample

Can you remember when you were filled with so much joy or excitement for something that you bubbled over with energy? Maybe you ended up amusing someone around you with your delirious spirit. You didn’t have a care in the world then, but you felt free to express your delight. It’s funny how, from the outside looking in, pure joy can look like complete foolishness. Paul speaks of both foolishness and elation in Ephesians 5:15-20.

First, Paul warns us to be careful with our lives. We cannot live like fools. We must hold our standards high and live intentionally. He reminds us of the urgency of our days and that we should make the most of every opportunity. When we seek out what the Lord desires (v. 17), He will share His wisdom with us.

Paul then compares the foolish behavior of being drunk to being filled with the Holy Spirit. We can all probably recognize the signs of someone getting drunk on alcohol. But what happens when we are filled with the Holy Spirit? We sing, make music, and give thanks (v. 19-20). In other words, deep joy is outwardly expressed!

While the Holy Spirit comes to reside in every believer, that does not mean that every believer is filled with the Spirit. This filling occurs when we choose to yield to the Lord and live continually under His direction. We continually submit to His Lordship and rely on His power and love to sustain us. When we are filled with the Spirit, we feel a sense of freedom and gratitude, which leads to a thriving and fruitful life.

Response
1. What commands does Paul give for how believers should conduct themselves? What is one practical way you can live out each command?

2. Think about the difference between having the Holy Spirit reside in you versus being filled with the Spirit. Would you say you are living by the Spirit? Why or why not?

3. After reflecting on the Holy Spirit’s current position in your life, write out a response to God. Express your gratitude and ask God to fill you with His Spirit as you continue to yield to Him.

Weekly Memory Verse
"For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth)."
Ephesians 5:8-9

Written by Derek Beauchamp