Ephesians: Tear Down These WallsChikamu

Habit tracking has been all the rage in recent years with the emergence of personal tracking devices and apps. 

In our family, we track steps. Not so much for competition, just for fun! Okay… maybe there is a bit of competition! It’s hard to beat two active kids in my sedentary form of work. 

Part of my argument for not "winning" is that I walk less steps over a given distance than my kids because I am taller than them. Our gait is different. We’re not walking in step with each other! The argument goes over the heads of stage 1 mathematicians!

The metaphor Paul uses to describe the Christian life is that of walking. Elsewhere he describes life in the Spirit as walking by the Spirit (Galatians 5:16) and keeping in step with the Spirit (Galatians 5:25). 

Similarly, in Ephesians he tells us to be careful how we walk (live) and to be filled with the Holy Spirit. The normal Christian life is life in the Spirit. 

We’ve already seen that the Holy Spirit is the seal of faith (Ephesians 1:13)—the once-given, never-removed guarantee of our faith. 

But here Paul’s instructions are to continue to be filled with the Holy Spirit (5:18). This is a secondary and ongoing filling with the Spirit. 

Being filled has less to do with quantity and more about control. We are to be controlled by the Holy Spirit. Lives that are dependent on his presence and power. Lives shaped and energised by the Holy Spirit. 

It’s no coincidence that being filled with wine is contrasted with being filled with the Spirit. When we’re full of wine (ie drunk), our actions are influenced and persuaded by alcohol. The consequences are often mistakes, regrets, and further brokenness. 

But the life animated and led by the Spirit produces holiness, joy, and gratitude (5:19–20).

What we fill ourselves with will influence how we live. What are you filling yourself with today?