As we saw in the previous sermon, contrary to what some Christians believe and teach, the Bible does not forbid all use of alcoholic beverages. The use of alcohol in moderation is not condemned or forbidden. We saw in our last study that Yeshua both made and drank wine. We see the idea in Scripture that the purpose of alcohol is to cheer the heart. What this verse and the whole of Scripture clearly condemns is drunkenness; it is foolish and destructive. Paul calls it "dissipation," which is from the Greek asotia. It points to the wastefulness and destruction of property, relationships, and life that often go along with drunkenness. The adverb is used in Luke 15:13 of way that the prodigal son wastefully spent his inheritance on loose living. It means to be out of control, because alcohol now controls the person.

So Paul is saying that rather than be filled with wine, so as to be under its influence, Christians should be filled with the Holy Spirit, so as to be under His influence. The emphasis of this verse falls heavily on the latter part of the verse, "but be filled with the Spirit."

View transcript of sermon here: http://www.bereanbiblechurch.org/transcripts/ephesians/eph-05_18-19_under-the-influence_video.php


10/12/2014 - Pastor David B. Curtis - Berean Bible Church - http://www.bereanbiblechurch.org - Message #727