Ephesians 5:18 "And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess, but be filled with the Spirit."
Paul is inspired by the Holy Spirit to give us a very simple analogy about our relationship to the third Person of the Holy Trinity. We are told we are to avoid alcoholic intoxication and be drunk, or spiritually intoxicated, with the Holy Spirit of God. In drawing the parallels implied, the analogy becomes quite clear. He is urging upon us a life that is out of control. Out of our control, that is. A life that is controlled by a Person and power outside our personal being. A life that is obviously other-worldly.
It is common in these last days to hear tall tales of aliens invading planet earth. People are increasingly taking such claims seriously. I understand to speak of a simple encounter of the third kind is rather old-fashioned these days. The latest device Satan seems to be employing to prepare people for his incarnation and coming as the anti-Christ, is a whole genre of stories and tales of bodies being invaded by alien beings from outer space. The bodies of those who have been saved by the grace of God have been invaded by another Being, so to speak. A Being so good and powerful that the concept defies logic, reason and the comprehension of the unregenerate mind of man. This Being will not lead us to do act out of control emotionally or do irrational things.
In this context, the analogy Paul draws is evident. The intoxication process involves a gradual relinquishing of control of the body, being and faculties to another power. The power of alcohol. As the process proceeds, the effected person's habits and personality traits often undergo a complete transformation. As the process peaks, the person involved moves from self-will and self-control to "spirit" (alcohol) control.
This state is easily recognized by those around him. Inhibitions are removed and he sometimes attempts deeds that appear foolish and risky. He has a certain boldness. He will sometimes demonstrate a false fearlessness or pseudo-courage. A determination and stubbornness is also manifest. He will insist upon certain action or conduct, no matter what the consequences might be. It has been observed that feats of unusual strength may be attempted as well.
Many times the experienced alcoholic will build up an increasing tolerance and resistance to the control of the "spirit" that influences him. He is able to hold his drink and resist its influence by continuously struggling to maintain self control. With all this in mind, it is crystal clear why the Bible enjoins total abstinence as the best practice for a Christian.
The details of this analogy are quite obvious in Paul's call for the Christian to be filled or controlled by the Holy Spirit. The spiritual analogy is clear. The backsliding Christian may also resist the control of His Spirit. The ideal and ultimate is the absolute abandonment of self-will and subsequent submission to the Word of God and the Spirit of God as we seek the will of God. In this positive spiritual process we will find power for living the God-pleasing life. Then the different parallels will become obvious.
The primary key to successful witnessing is a holy boldness. An abandonment of our will to His will in the matter of soul winning. Under His control we will not be afraid or embarrassed to share our testimony and witness in all the circumstances of life. We will not be intimidated or inhibited by Satan and his crowd.
As we move out from under self-will and self-control our actions may appear foolish and risky to the world around us. The apostles were mocked as fools as they witnessed and preached the Word of God. Why? Because they were controlled by the Holy Spirit. When the followers of Christ were first called Christians at Antioch, it was in scorn and derision. Why? Because the control of the Holy Spirit of God was conforming them to the image of Christ.
Have you ever wondered, as I, just how these men and the millions of martyrs that were to follow in their footsteps, had the courage and power to stand and give the glory to God as they died for the cause of Christ? It could only be because they were under the control of the Spirit of God. Perhaps we are not called, yet, to pay this supreme sacrifice, but Paul's call to us is to present our bodies a living sacrifice - transformed by the power and control of His Spirit into bold and faithful witnesses for the Lord Jesus Christ. May we daily be being filled (controlled) by His Spirit!
Paul is inspired by the Holy Spirit to give us a very simple analogy about our relationship to the third Person of the Holy Trinity. We are told we are to avoid alcoholic intoxication and be drunk, or spiritually intoxicated, with the Holy Spirit of God. In drawing the parallels implied, the analogy becomes quite clear. He is urging upon us a life that is out of control. Out of our control, that is. A life that is controlled by a Person and power outside our personal being. A life that is obviously other-worldly.
It is common in these last days to hear tall tales of aliens invading planet earth. People are increasingly taking such claims seriously. I understand to speak of a simple encounter of the third kind is rather old-fashioned these days. The latest device Satan seems to be employing to prepare people for his incarnation and coming as the anti-Christ, is a whole genre of stories and tales of bodies being invaded by alien beings from outer space. The bodies of those who have been saved by the grace of God have been invaded by another Being, so to speak. A Being so good and powerful that the concept defies logic, reason and the comprehension of the unregenerate mind of man. This Being will not lead us to do act out of control emotionally or do irrational things.
In this context, the analogy Paul draws is evident. The intoxication process involves a gradual relinquishing of control of the body, being and faculties to another power. The power of alcohol. As the process proceeds, the effected person's habits and personality traits often undergo a complete transformation. As the process peaks, the person involved moves from self-will and self-control to "spirit" (alcohol) control.
This state is easily recognized by those around him. Inhibitions are removed and he sometimes attempts deeds that appear foolish and risky. He has a certain boldness. He will sometimes demonstrate a false fearlessness or pseudo-courage. A determination and stubbornness is also manifest. He will insist upon certain action or conduct, no matter what the consequences might be. It has been observed that feats of unusual strength may be attempted as well.
Many times the experienced alcoholic will build up an increasing tolerance and resistance to the control of the "spirit" that influences him. He is able to hold his drink and resist its influence by continuously struggling to maintain self control. With all this in mind, it is crystal clear why the Bible enjoins total abstinence as the best practice for a Christian.
The details of this analogy are quite obvious in Paul's call for the Christian to be filled or controlled by the Holy Spirit. The spiritual analogy is clear. The backsliding Christian may also resist the control of His Spirit. The ideal and ultimate is the absolute abandonment of self-will and subsequent submission to the Word of God and the Spirit of God as we seek the will of God. In this positive spiritual process we will find power for living the God-pleasing life. Then the different parallels will become obvious.
The primary key to successful witnessing is a holy boldness. An abandonment of our will to His will in the matter of soul winning. Under His control we will not be afraid or embarrassed to share our testimony and witness in all the circumstances of life. We will not be intimidated or inhibited by Satan and his crowd.
As we move out from under self-will and self-control our actions may appear foolish and risky to the world around us. The apostles were mocked as fools as they witnessed and preached the Word of God. Why? Because they were controlled by the Holy Spirit. When the followers of Christ were first called Christians at Antioch, it was in scorn and derision. Why? Because the control of the Holy Spirit of God was conforming them to the image of Christ.
Have you ever wondered, as I, just how these men and the millions of martyrs that were to follow in their footsteps, had the courage and power to stand and give the glory to God as they died for the cause of Christ? It could only be because they were under the control of the Spirit of God. Perhaps we are not called, yet, to pay this supreme sacrifice, but Paul's call to us is to present our bodies a living sacrifice - transformed by the power and control of His Spirit into bold and faithful witnesses for the Lord Jesus Christ. May we daily be being filled (controlled) by His Spirit!
No comments:
Post a Comment