Last week, we began exploring the concept of carefully walking the walk as Paul instructed in Ephesians 5. We examined the first three holy habits: walking wisely, watching our time, and working out God’s will. This week, we dive into the remaining two holy habits that Paul emphasizes—welcoming the filling of the Holy Spirit and worshipping well.

4. Welcome the Filling of the Holy Spirit

Paul’s fourth habit is a vital one: welcoming the filling of the Holy Spirit. In Ephesians 5:18, Paul writes, “Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.” The key here is control. Paul uses the imagery of drunkenness to illustrate how we can be controlled by outside influences. Instead of being under the influence of alcohol—or any worldly vice—we are to be filled with the Holy Spirit.

To be filled with the Spirit is not a one-time event. It is a continuous, daily process of surrender. The Greek word for “filled” implies a constant, ongoing action. It means to allow the Spirit to permeate every area of our lives—our thoughts, our actions, our words.

When we are filled with the Spirit, we experience joy, peace, and purpose. Paul uses the imagery of being filled with wine to show that just as alcohol can control a person’s actions, so too can the Holy Spirit. But instead of leading to debauchery, the Spirit leads us to righteousness and purpose.

Paul’s command to be filled with the Spirit is for all believers—not just pastors, preachers, or church leaders. Every follower of Christ is called to be filled with the Holy Spirit, allowing His power to guide our actions and attitudes.

Questions for Reflection:

Are there areas of your life where you are still holding onto control?

What would it look like for you to fully surrender to the Holy Spirit today?

5. Worship Well

Paul concludes his exhortation with a call to worship well. In verses 19-21, he writes: “Addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.”

Worship is more than just singing on Sunday mornings—it is a lifestyle. Paul calls us to live lives of continuous worship, where our hearts overflow with gratitude and praise. He emphasizes three key aspects of worship:

1. Joyful Expression: Worship through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. This isn’t about vocal ability; it’s about the heart’s posture toward God. We are to sing and make melody to the Lord with our hearts, not just our voices.
2. Gratitude: Giving thanks always, in all circumstances. Even in the midst of trials, we are called to cultivate a heart of gratitude, recognizing God’s goodness in every season.
3. Submission: Out of reverence for Christ, we are to submit to one another. True worship is marked by humility, as we put others before ourselves and serve as Christ served.

Paul teaches that when we are filled with the Holy Spirit, our worship will naturally overflow with joy, gratitude, and a spirit of submission. This kind of worship is not confined to a church building—it is expressed in our everyday actions, attitudes, and relationships.

Conclusion:

Paul’s words in Ephesians 5 serve as a powerful reminder of how we are to walk the walk as followers of Christ. We are called to walk wisely, redeem our time, align with God’s will, welcome the filling of the Holy Spirit, and worship well.

As we cultivate these five holy habits, not only will our own lives be transformed, but those around us will also be impacted by the evidence of Christ at work within us. The question is, are we willing to surrender control and allow the Holy Spirit to lead us daily?

How carefully are you walking the walk today?