Ephesians 5:18-20
18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; 20 always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father;
How unexpected that he would bring up wine consumption in this context – and then the only implication is that drunkenness is excessive and therefore wrong. I think the wine thing is meant as an illustration that wine can fill you and then control you and that’s what the Holy Spirit wants to do – fill you and control you.
When He does, He produces worship through music. Musical worship is expressed through several different styles all of which originate with the Spirit, fill the soul, then flow out through physical expression – clapping, singing, playing an instrument, bowing, hand raising, etc. At this point, thanksgiving begins to flow from the Holy Spirit into the soul no matter what the circumstance may be.
The soul must be surrendered to Him and His control which frees Him to create gratitude for everything going on in life. As we talked last time, you may be in a time of protracted discomfort like chronic health issues, financial concern, or general stress and you have struggled constantly for years. Suddenly a tragedy occurs with a profound and painful impact that knocks you flat, and you’re supposed to be thankful?
The Holy Spirit is the one who brings glory and praise to Jesus. It’s His job, and He does it through people who will yield themselves to His control. The way this works is for you and me to present ourselves, body, soul, and spirit to the Holy Spirit as we get up in the morning and ask Him to fill and control us for the day ahead. This means that He takes over, not as an assistant, but as Lord and King, and immediately begins producing praise and worship, then thanks for everything.
This is the level of absolute surrender that lets the Spirit take control and fill you as He then offers praise and thanks through you. This will likely be a very emotional time as He pours God’s love on you, in you, and through you, making you pliable and humble before God.
This is where resistance dies, and submission arises as you agree with God and begin to thank Him for everything. You will be cooperating with Him, the One actually praising and thanking.
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