Ephesians 5:18-20

5:18

Do not – One more ban that reflects our life in Christ

get drunk – allow a substance to control me, leads to losing judgment, doing foolish things, possibly violent acts, regret the next day

on wine – or any other substance that takes control of me

which leads – consequence

to debauchery [NLT = ruin your life] – def.: “extreme indulgence in sensual pleasures; dissipation.” The only time I drank too much happened in a restricted context where I was not driving. I knew I had come under the influence when I heard myself laughing too loudly at “jokes” that weren’t funny. I stopped drinking alcohol for that night at that point. But, as evidence that one’s judgment becomes impaired, I started contemplating doing things I normally would not consider. Fortunately, those ideas never materialized.

Instead – another instance of replacing the negative with the positive

be filled – the antidote for being controlled by a substance is found in being filled—sated, saturated, absorbed, overflowing…

with the Spirit – I think the imagery is supposed to suggest that I should allow the Spirit to control me. The problem with that is: He will not control me as I understand the word. He will lead, guide, advise, counsel and seek to influence my choices. But that falls short of how I understand control, because ultimately I must make the decisions. That leaves me still in control.

I have heard preachers expound this. Friends extol it, i.e., yielding to the control of the Spirit. I have said those words more times than I recall. I even meant those words sincerely some of those times. But when I opened my eyes and stood from my knees, I still had to make the decisions myself. And, too often, my decisions were not the choices that the Holy spirit would have made—had He been in control.

The other, another, approach to this statement suggests some kind of emotional state that sounds to me like euphoria. Now, I have enjoyed many occasions when the Holy Spirit made His presence known and felt within me. A few of those times could be described as euphoric. I recall a few times when I stood (I think I happened to be standing on each such occasion), I stood with my hands in the air, tears streaming down my face, unable to voice a sound except that of my sobbing for joy.

When I think of “filled with the Spirit,” that is another of the images that come to mind. But I cannot stay there any more than He can rob me of my will. Theoretically these 2 scenarios could be imagined. But given God’s commitment to my free will and given my/our human emotional construct, neither of these conditions can or will last.

Being filled with the Spirit, then, must mean something other than His controlling my choices as well as something other than the euphoria of His intimacy. But what that “other” might be, still eludes me.

5:19

Speak – Let the words of my mouth … be acceptable in Your sight.

To one another – I thought this phrase referred to one-on-one interactions. That’s how I’ve seen similar usage in other passages, in other words, whenever I am talking with anyone. And it probably can apply in that way. But the words that follow here seem to place it in the context of the gathering of believers. Thinking of that setting, I have already addressed the terrible sin we commit at church when we spread rumors, gossip and criticism. Often our conversation rates no better than that in any work site in society. The only improvement is in our avoiding obscenities and swearing. But to counterbalance that, our words can be even more cutting. In the work place, I expect offensive, hurtful words. But stinging speech from my “brother” or “sister” pains all the more because it comes from a family member. If I rate above average by not gossiping, it is mostly because I have been stabbed so many times and so deeply. As I’ve mentioned previously, that has hyper-sensitized me to such speech.

with – list of 3 modes of expression. Curious that Paul says “speak” but he lists musical forms. My mentor has many spiritual songs memorized. Often in our weekly meeting, he will quote one in its entirety for my benefit.

psalms – I suppose this does not have to be a musical expression. But originally the psalms were meant to be sung. In order for me/us to speak with psalms, I have to have hidden them in my heart. I need to immerse myself in the psalms so that they will create, form the foundation of my speech. Perhaps I will go to the Book of Psalms for my next intensive study.

hymns – “O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing,” “Holy, Holy, Holy,” “A Mighty Fortress,” “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name,” et al. Definition: “a song or ode in praise or honor of God, a deity, a nation, etc.”

and – of equal importance. Don’t get me started on people who want to restrict the music at church to “the way church is supposed to be.” That is code for “my favorite style” and “the way I grew up.” Paul endorses 3 very different styles of musical expression and exhorts us to use all 3. If he had known of additional modes of worship and praise, Paul would have listed them also.

spiritual songs – Not sure what Paul had in mind here. I connect it with songs that focus more on our personal experience with Christ. E.g., “Victory in Jesus,” “When We All Get to Heaven,” and a wide range of others. These tend to give more emphasis to my/our experience, whereas hymns focus more on who God is and what He has done and his greatness. I also include in this category the myriad praise choruses that have flooded us in recent years. Writing with broad strokes, these generally focus on our feelings rather than God’s achievements.

Sing and make music – seems redundant after the previous, but the next phrase clarifies

in your heart – a merry, joyful heart serves as good medicine. The first half of the verse addresses conversations and interaction with other believers. This second half refers to our “self-talk.” The messages I give myself about God, about myself, about my standing with God, and about the relationship between God and me: All of these topics of “self-talk” should be characterized by the cheerful spirit I sense in the phrase “sing and make music.”

to – directed to? In regard to? At least, with the awareness of…

the Lord – the Boss, the “Captain of the Lord’s army,” etc.

5:20

always – continues the thought from previous; continuously, without end or interruption, through thick and thin

giving thanks – easy to give thanks when special blessings come to me; so the issue comes to a point when trouble and difficulties come. I’ve started hearing an inadequate response to troubles. People often say, “God has a reason” (or something similar). That is not thanksgiving; that is resignation. Paul wants me to give thanks. But how can I give thanks when a church rejects me? Or when a wife leaves me? Or when I get fired? We talked last night with a lady whose granddaughter died suddenly and mysteriously just before her 10th birthday. The lady’s son is still bitter at God. I cannot blame him. How could I give thanks for such things?

This next is not pointed at that father or grandmother. It is for me: Paul—or God through Paul—instructs me to give thanks always. I must train my will to obey. I must learn, practice and cultivate the habit of giving thanks always.

to God the Father – indescribable Light, unimaginable Purity, King of kings and Lord of lords and Boss of bosses. Every good and perfect gift comes down from God the Father of Light, in whom is no variation. For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.

for everything – So I think back to those rejections. I still do not see much prospering or hope or future that has come from those. But I would have done well—it would have been wise for me and probably beneficial—to give thanks right at that time. God calls me to give thanks to Him even for and even during, always and in everything, the rejection. As to my friend whose granddaughter died: I cannot go there. God has not given me the grace to face that trial. All I can say is that God through Paul makes a blanket statement, instructing all followers of Christ in all times and for all situations to give thanks to God the Father.

in the name – in accordance with the character of

of our Lord – my Boss

Jesus Christ – Anointed/Promised Savior