Ephesians 5:18
Verse
Context
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess - This is a farther allusion to the Bacchanalian mysteries; in them his votaries got drunk, and ran into all manner of excesses. Plato, though he forbade drunkenness in general, yet allowed that the people should get drunk in the solemnities of that god who invented wine. And indeed this was their common custom; when they had offered their sacrifices they indulged themselves in drunkenness, and ran into all kinds of extravagance. Hence it is probable that μεθυω, to get drunk, is derived from μετα, after, and θυω, to sacrifice; for, having completed their sacrifices, they indulged themselves in wine. The word ασωτια, which we translate excess, means profligacy and debauchery of every kind; such as are the general concomitants of drunkenness, and especially among the votaries of Bacchus in Greece and Italy. But be filled with the Spirit - The heathen priests pretended to be filled with the influence of the god they worshipped; and it was in these circumstances that they gave out their oracles. See a remarkable instance of this quoted in the note on Luk 9:39 (note), where the case of a Bacchanalian is described. The apostle exhorts the Ephesians not to resemble these, but, instead of being filled with wine, to be filled with the Spirit of God; in consequence of which, instead of those discoveries of the Divine will to which in their drunken worship the votaries of Bacchus pretended, they should be wise indeed, and should understand what the will of the Lord is.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
excess--worthless, ruinous, reckless prodigality. wherein--not in the wine itself when used aright (Ti1 5:23), but in the "excess" as to it. but be filled with the Spirit--The effect in inspiration was that the person was "filled" with an ecstatic exhilaration, like that caused by wine; hence the two are here connected (compare Act 2:13-18). Hence arose the abstinence from wine of many of the prophets, for example, John the Baptist, namely, in order to keep distinct before the world the ecstasy caused by the Spirit, from that caused by wine. So also in ordinary Christians the Spirit dwells not in the mind that seeks the disturbing influences of excitement, but in the well-balanced prayerful mind. Such a one expresses his joy, not in drunken or worldly songs, but in Christian hymns of thankfulness.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Giving thanks always for all things,.... For things temporal, for our beings, and the preservation of them, and for all the mercies of life; for things spiritual, for Christ, and for all spiritual blessings in him; for electing, redeeming, sanctifying, adopting, pardoning, and justifying grace; for a meetness for heaven, and for eternal life itself; for the Gospel, promises, truths, ordinances, and ministry; and this is to be done always, at all times, in times of adversity, desertion, temptation, affliction, and persecution, as well as in prosperity: unto God, and the Father; to God who is, and as he is the Father of mercies, and of all creatures; and as he is the Father of Christ, and of all the elect in him: in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; for all the mercies of God's people, both temporal and spiritual, come through him, and for his sake; and thanksgivings for them are only acceptable to God as they are offered up by him; nor is there any other way of bringing them to God, but through him: this duty, as it stands connected with the former, shows that praise and thanksgiving are the principal subject matter of psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, to be sung; and that the manner of singing is with thanksgiving; and that the end of it is to give thanks to God.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:18 The Holy Spirit, not wine, should dominate believers’ lives (see Prov 23:29-35; cp. Acts 2:15-18). • be filled: The grammar here suggests that believers’ lives are to be continuously filled with and governed by the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 5:18
Children of Light
17Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.18Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Chosen to Be Holy
By Alan Redpath30K56:01ROM 7:24ROM 8:291CO 1:30EPH 1:4EPH 5:18HEB 12:141PE 1:15In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of holiness and the responsibility that believers have to strive for it. He highlights that this convention is of utmost importance, surpassing any other conventions happening in Dallas. The speaker also discusses the three possible outcomes for the world: the immediate return of Jesus Christ, the absolute destruction of civilization, or the continuation of the current state. The main focus of the sermon shifts to the experience of the fullness of the Holy Spirit, with the speaker introducing the theme for the day and laying a foundation for further discussion. He references Ephesians 1:4 and emphasizes the need for continuous blessings and transformation in the believer's life. The speaker also addresses the issue of rationalizing sin and the importance of recognizing and overcoming personal weaknesses. He concludes by highlighting the spiritual warfare that the Church faces and the need for the power of the Holy Spirit to effectively reach and transform lives.
How to Forgive
By Corrie Ten Boom23K51:26ForgivenessISA 11:9MAT 24:35EPH 4:32EPH 5:18HEB 12:151PE 4:102PE 3:14In this sermon, the pastor encourages the audience to find joy and strength in the knowledge that Jesus will come again and make everything new. He emphasizes that despite the difficulties and suffering we may face in this world, our source of strength is Jesus Christ and His cross. The pastor shares a personal experience of being in a concentration camp and highlights the importance of holding onto Jesus' hand during deep times of struggle. He also mentions a movie called "The Hiding Place" that depicts both the happy moments and the suffering in the concentration camp, reminding the audience that even in the worst circumstances, the best remains. The sermon concludes with the pastor urging the audience to have courage and recognize the signs of the times, as Jesus' return may be imminent.
Ten Shekels and a Shirt (High Quality)
By Paris Reidhead21K51:19HumanismMAT 6:33ROM 12:1EPH 5:18HEB 12:2REV 5:9In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Micah in Judges Chapter 17. He discusses two groups of people: the liberals who embrace humanism and the believers who serve the living God. The speaker emphasizes the importance of repentance on biblical terms and references the preaching of George Whitfield and John Wesley as examples of preaching righteousness and exalting the holiness of God. He highlights the impact of Wesley's sermons, where people would be overcome by the power of God and experience a revelation of their sin. The sermon emphasizes the need for individuals to recognize the holiness of God and the enormity of their sins.
An Hour With Kathryn Kuhlman - Part 1
By Kathryn Kuhlman18K27:51InterviewMAT 6:33JHN 3:3ACT 2:17ROM 8:141CO 2:10GAL 5:22EPH 5:18In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story of their upbringing in a small Methodist church and the tragic loss of their father at a young age. They emphasize the importance of being born again and the guidance of the Holy Spirit in their life. The speaker then transitions to introducing Catherine Cooleman, a woman who exemplifies the virtues and compassion of Jesus Christ. They describe her as a handmaiden of God and share how her story has impacted and inspired many to believe in miracles.
Concerning Spiritual Gifts
By Smith Wigglesworth18K33:22Audio BooksMAT 6:33ACT 2:4ROM 10:9ROM 14:92CO 12:1EPH 5:18COL 1:27In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the secret of power, which is the unveiling of Christ within us. He uses the story of Peter and John encountering a crippled man at the beautiful gate to illustrate this point. The preacher highlights the importance of faith in God and the belief that there is no limit to what God can do. He also emphasizes the need for believers to continually seek the filling of the Holy Spirit and to not become stagnant in their spiritual journey.
Powerful Testimony
By Corrie Ten Boom18K43:57TestimonyDEU 33:27HAB 2:14MAT 28:19JHN 1:5ROM 5:8EPH 5:18REV 21:4In this sermon, the speaker shares his joy in preaching the word of God and bringing comfort to Christians. He expresses his desire to reach out to the communists and asks God for a miracle to be able to do so. Later, he discovers a secret microphone in his hotel room and realizes that his message was recorded and shared with communist leaders. He rejoices in the opportunity to spread the gospel even to those who may oppose it. The speaker emphasizes the importance of every Christian being a light in the world and sharing the message of salvation through Jesus Christ.
(The Mission and Ministry of the Holy Spirit) the Power of the Holy Spirit
By David Wilkerson16K51:10Power Of The SpiritLUK 11:13JHN 3:8ROM 6:13ROM 6:161CO 6:19GAL 5:16EPH 5:18In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power and importance of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. He encourages the congregation to seek a deeper relationship with Jesus and to allow the Holy Spirit to have freedom in their lives. The preacher shares a story of a family who experienced a tragic event and how they relied on their faith to overcome fear and anxiety. He then references John 3:8, comparing the Holy Spirit to the wind that blows where it pleases. The sermon concludes with a prayer for the Holy Spirit to work in the lives of the listeners and for the demonic spirits to be cast out in Jesus' name.
An Hour With Kathryn Kuhlman - Part 2
By Kathryn Kuhlman12K22:34InterviewMRK 16:17JHN 4:24ACT 1:8ROM 10:91CO 2:4GAL 5:24EPH 5:18In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of surrendering everything to God and receiving the fullness of the Holy Spirit. They admit to not knowing much about the Holy Spirit or the spiritual battle, but they emphasize the importance of accepting Christ for salvation. The speaker also highlights the sacredness of the relationship between God and believers, comparing it to the intimacy between a husband and wife. They express the need for reverence and worship towards God, acknowledging His holiness. The speaker concludes by emphasizing the power of the Holy Spirit and the importance of following Him in life.
The Spirit Filled Life
By Oswald J. Smith12K1:19:28Spirit Filled LifeMAT 6:33JHN 14:26ACT 1:8ROM 8:13GAL 5:16EPH 5:181JN 1:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living a Spirit-filled life for Christian workers, ministers, and missionaries. The command to "be filled with the Spirit" is the focus, with the speaker desiring power over sin and power in service. The speaker then outlines five conditions for being filled with the Spirit: confession, renunciation, surrender, obedience, and faith. The sermon includes personal anecdotes and examples to illustrate the importance of these conditions in experiencing a Spirit-filled life.
The Holy Spirit Gives Power
By Corrie Ten Boom9.1K22:11Holy SpiritMAT 5:44MAT 22:37JHN 7:38ACT 1:8ROM 5:5EPH 5:18COL 1:11In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of relying on the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. He shares a story of a little boy who overcame his fear by holding his father's hand, illustrating the need for us to trust in God's love and strength. The speaker also highlights the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, enabling us to love our enemies and live a life surrendered to God. He encourages believers to be willing to suffer for Christ and reminds them that Jesus is the ultimate victor in all situations. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the commandment to witness and make disciples, with the assurance that the Holy Spirit will empower believers to fulfill this calling.
The Filling of the Holy Ghost
By Oswald J. Smith8.3K29:04Filling Of The SpiritJHN 16:7EPH 5:18In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit. He refers to the command in Ephesians 5:18 to be filled with the Spirit and explains that this is a commandment for New Testament Christians. The preacher also refers to John 16:7-15, where Jesus promises to send the Holy Spirit as a comforter and guide. He highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in convicting the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. The preacher concludes by emphasizing the power and importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit for effective service and glorifying God.
Anti-Booze Efforts
By Billy Sunday8.2K00:43Moral IntegrityAlcoholismPSA 104:14PRO 20:1PRO 23:29ISA 5:11ROM 14:211CO 6:19GAL 5:19EPH 5:181TI 5:231PE 5:8Billy Sunday passionately preaches against alcohol, expressing his determination to combat the saloon culture that he believes leads to the destruction of lives and families. He emphasizes his commitment to fighting against the influence of alcohol in society, vowing to continue his efforts until he can no longer physically do so. His fervor reflects a deep concern for the future of the youth and the moral fabric of America, as he envisions a nation free from the grip of alcohol.
All on the Altar
By Alan Redpath8.1K51:57Full Surrender2CH 29:27EPH 5:18In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal experience of feeling distant from God and filled with despair. However, he emphasizes that through prayer and trust in the Lord, he was able to overcome his struggles. The speaker also discusses the life of a king in the Bible who trusted in God and followed His commandments, leading to great success. The sermon concludes with a call to dedicate oneself fully to God, not just in terms of talents or possessions, but in surrendering one's entire being to Him.
Testimony - Part 2
By Corrie Ten Boom7.5K13:23TestimonyMAT 28:19JHN 7:38ACT 1:8ROM 8:14EPH 5:18PHP 3:8COL 1:11In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of relying on the power of the Holy Spirit. He shares stories to illustrate how the Holy Spirit can provide comfort and strength in times of fear and darkness. The speaker also highlights the need for obedience and surrender to God, pointing to Jesus' finished work on the cross as the answer to our redemption. He encourages believers to be right with God and with others, allowing the love of God to flow through them by the power of the Holy Spirit. The sermon concludes with a reminder that the Holy Spirit empowers believers to be witnesses and make disciples, and that it is through the Holy Spirit's work in us that we can fulfill this commandment.
Not to Be Wasted
By Paris Reidhead6.8K57:17Grace Of GodPSA 46:10MAT 6:33JHN 3:16ROM 6:61CO 10:13GAL 2:20EPH 5:18In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of dealing with sin in the way that God prescribes. He explains that when we allow sin to have dominion over us, we are robbing God of the glory that he deserves in our lives. The speaker shares a personal testimony of how he experienced the joy of being forgiven of his sins and having Christ come into his heart. He also discusses the need for victory over sin and how some may doubt its effectiveness, but he encourages the audience to consider the inexhaustible grace found in John 3:16.
Prohibition (Edited)
By Billy Sunday6.8K01:05PRO 14:34PRO 20:1MAT 6:33ACT 4:12ROM 13:11CO 6:19EPH 5:18In this sermon, the preacher highlights the negative impact of excessive taxation on alcohol in America. He argues that the government's decision to impose a $2 tax on whiskey and a $5 tax on beer will have detrimental effects on the economy. The preacher suggests that instead of focusing on repeal, America needs to focus on repentance and righteousness. He emphasizes the need for Jesus and spiritual transformation rather than relying on material possessions or engaging in destructive behaviors. The sermon encourages listeners to turn to God for guidance and salvation.
Open Air Meeting - Part 1
By Billy Sunday6.6K03:12PRO 20:1ROM 13:1GAL 5:19EPH 5:181PE 5:8This sermon by Mr. Kelly Sunday focuses on the Christian support of Prohibition, highlighting the attempt to bind the American people to profit-driven industries like breweries and distilleries. He emphasizes the superiority of Prohibition over the evils of alcohol consumption and criticizes the corruption and political evils associated with anti-Prohibition sentiments. Mr. Sunday urges individuals to stand firm in supporting the nation's amendment for Prohibition, emphasizing the importance of personal responsibility and national integrity.
(1 Corinthians) ch.6:7-6:20
By Zac Poonen5.7K43:54MAT 6:33ROM 15:31CO 6:121CO 6:151CO 6:18EPH 5:18In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of avoiding not only sinful things but also unprofitable things in the Christian life. He specifically mentions the area of food, cautioning against becoming slaves to fancy or excessive eating. The speaker highlights the need for discipline in this area and encourages believers to eat only enough to sustain themselves. Additionally, he reminds listeners that their bodies are not their own, but rather members of Christ, and should be offered to God.
Forgiveness
By Alan Redpath5.3K34:52ForgivenessMAT 5:1MAT 6:33MAT 18:15JHN 15:5ROM 8:9GAL 5:22EPH 5:18In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a submissive and simple heart. He warns against causing others to sin and highlights the severe consequences for those who do so. The speaker then discusses the need for forgiveness, referencing Matthew 18:15-20. He acknowledges that forgiveness may not be popular, but emphasizes its significance in the Christian faith.
Smith Wigglesworth - Life in the Spirit
By George Stormont5.3K56:33Smith WigglesworthJHN 16:13ROM 8:6EPH 5:18JUD 1:20In this sermon, Pastor George Stormont discusses the spiritual secrets of the life of Smith Wigglesworth. He emphasizes the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit and walking in the Spirit rather than being focused on worldly matters. He shares a personal experience where he felt the fire of God and had a vision of Jesus and the cross. He emphasizes the power of the blood of Jesus and the joy of being cleansed and filled with the Holy Spirit. The sermon encourages believers to seek a real baptism of the Holy Ghost and to live a life free from condemnation.
Prohibition
By Billy Sunday5.0K01:05PRO 20:1PRO 23:31MAT 6:33ROM 13:11CO 6:10EPH 5:181TI 5:23In this sermon, the preacher discusses the negative effects of alcohol consumption on society. He highlights the new law passed by Congress, which imposes a two-dollar tax on whiskey and a five-dollar tax on beer. The preacher argues that this will result in a significant amount of money being taken out of legitimate trade channels, leading to a decrease in spending on essential items such as food, clothes, education, and automobiles. He emphasizes that what America truly needs is not the repeal of the law, but repentance and righteousness, and that the solution lies in turning to Jesus rather than material possessions.
The Holy Spirit—let Him Come
By A.W. Tozer4.7K41:32Holy SpiritGEN 6:5GEN 8:9MAT 28:201CO 6:9EPH 5:18REV 2:23REV 22:20In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of taking the message of God seriously. He warns that we will all face judgment one day and stand before God to give an account of our actions. The preacher highlights that God's love for humanity caused him grief when he saw the corruption and violence in the world. As a result, God sent a judgment in the form of a flood to cleanse the earth and save a few righteous individuals. The preacher also mentions the story of the dove in the Ark as an illustration of why the Holy Spirit does not fill the church, suggesting that the world's corruption and wickedness hinder the presence of the Holy Spirit.
(First Baptist Church) #8 - the Work of the Holy Spirit
By J. Edwin Orr4.6K1:18:41Work of the Holy SpiritGEN 32:26PSA 139:23ISA 44:3MAT 6:33JHN 7:37ROM 12:1EPH 5:18In this sermon, the speaker discusses the different stages of drunkenness and relates them to the behavior of the disciples on the day of Pentecost. He explains that the first stage of drunkenness is a happy stage, where a person is full of goodwill. The speaker then emphasizes the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit instead of getting drunk with wine. He encourages the audience to seek the Holy Spirit's presence in their lives and warns against seeking emotional experiences or being unemotional in their faith.
The Joys of Being Spirit Filled
By Francis Chan4.4K41:53ROM 8:9ROM 15:5EPH 5:18EPH 5:21COL 3:16COL 3:231TH 5:161JN 1:91JN 4:20This sermon emphasizes the importance of being Spirit-filled, focusing on constant thanksgiving, sharing scripture with others, and maintaining a heart of worship through psalms and hymns. It highlights the need for genuine love and submission in relationships as a reflection of one's relationship with God.
A Certain Disciple
By Paris Reidhead4.0K53:38DiscipleACT 2:4ACT 9:10EPH 5:18In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a woman in Scotland who desired to go to China as a missionary but couldn't due to her responsibilities at home. One day, she encounters a young boy named Bobby who is in need of clothes because his father sold them for alcohol. The woman takes it upon herself to buy Bobby new clothes and invites him to Sunday school. Eventually, Bobby accepts Jesus into his heart and expresses a desire to become a missionary. The speaker emphasizes the importance of being in tune with God and being available to hear His voice.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess - This is a farther allusion to the Bacchanalian mysteries; in them his votaries got drunk, and ran into all manner of excesses. Plato, though he forbade drunkenness in general, yet allowed that the people should get drunk in the solemnities of that god who invented wine. And indeed this was their common custom; when they had offered their sacrifices they indulged themselves in drunkenness, and ran into all kinds of extravagance. Hence it is probable that μεθυω, to get drunk, is derived from μετα, after, and θυω, to sacrifice; for, having completed their sacrifices, they indulged themselves in wine. The word ασωτια, which we translate excess, means profligacy and debauchery of every kind; such as are the general concomitants of drunkenness, and especially among the votaries of Bacchus in Greece and Italy. But be filled with the Spirit - The heathen priests pretended to be filled with the influence of the god they worshipped; and it was in these circumstances that they gave out their oracles. See a remarkable instance of this quoted in the note on Luk 9:39 (note), where the case of a Bacchanalian is described. The apostle exhorts the Ephesians not to resemble these, but, instead of being filled with wine, to be filled with the Spirit of God; in consequence of which, instead of those discoveries of the Divine will to which in their drunken worship the votaries of Bacchus pretended, they should be wise indeed, and should understand what the will of the Lord is.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
excess--worthless, ruinous, reckless prodigality. wherein--not in the wine itself when used aright (Ti1 5:23), but in the "excess" as to it. but be filled with the Spirit--The effect in inspiration was that the person was "filled" with an ecstatic exhilaration, like that caused by wine; hence the two are here connected (compare Act 2:13-18). Hence arose the abstinence from wine of many of the prophets, for example, John the Baptist, namely, in order to keep distinct before the world the ecstasy caused by the Spirit, from that caused by wine. So also in ordinary Christians the Spirit dwells not in the mind that seeks the disturbing influences of excitement, but in the well-balanced prayerful mind. Such a one expresses his joy, not in drunken or worldly songs, but in Christian hymns of thankfulness.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Giving thanks always for all things,.... For things temporal, for our beings, and the preservation of them, and for all the mercies of life; for things spiritual, for Christ, and for all spiritual blessings in him; for electing, redeeming, sanctifying, adopting, pardoning, and justifying grace; for a meetness for heaven, and for eternal life itself; for the Gospel, promises, truths, ordinances, and ministry; and this is to be done always, at all times, in times of adversity, desertion, temptation, affliction, and persecution, as well as in prosperity: unto God, and the Father; to God who is, and as he is the Father of mercies, and of all creatures; and as he is the Father of Christ, and of all the elect in him: in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; for all the mercies of God's people, both temporal and spiritual, come through him, and for his sake; and thanksgivings for them are only acceptable to God as they are offered up by him; nor is there any other way of bringing them to God, but through him: this duty, as it stands connected with the former, shows that praise and thanksgiving are the principal subject matter of psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, to be sung; and that the manner of singing is with thanksgiving; and that the end of it is to give thanks to God.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:18 The Holy Spirit, not wine, should dominate believers’ lives (see Prov 23:29-35; cp. Acts 2:15-18). • be filled: The grammar here suggests that believers’ lives are to be continuously filled with and governed by the Holy Spirit.