Ephesians 5:18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; The command, "be filled with the Spirit," is virtually an injunction to pray more fervently for enlarged spiritual communication, and to cherish those influences already enjoyed. Not only were they to possess the Spirit, but they were to be filled with the Spirit, as vessels filled to overflowing, with the Holy Ghost. This is the contrast. Men are intoxicated with wine, and they attempt to "fill" themselves with it: but they cannot. Wine cannot fulfil their expectation — they cannot live habitually under its power; its fumes are slept away, and new indulgences are craved. The exhilaration which they covet can only be felt periodically, and again and again must they drain the wine cup to relieve themselves of despondency. But Christians are "filled" with the Spirit, whose influences are not only powerful, but replete with satisfaction to the heart of man. It is a sensation of want — a desire to fly from himself, a craving after something which is felt to be out of reach, an eager and restless thirst to enjoy, if at all possible, some happiness and enlargement of heart, that usually leads to intemperance. But the Spirit fills Christians, and gives them all the elements of cheerfulness and peace — genuine elevation and mental freedom — superiority to all depressing influences, and refined and permanent enjoyment. Of course, if they are so filled with the Spirit, they feel no appetite for debasing and material stimulants. (J. Eadie, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;WEB: Don't be drunken with wine, in which is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, |
    |