And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit,
Truth to Learn
Be filled with the Spirit, not with yourself.
Behind the Words
“Drunk” is translated from the Greek verb methuskō, which is derived from methu (or methy), a fermented, alcoholic wine. Methuskō represents a state of intoxication greater than oinōsis (being under the influence of wine).
Oinos is the Greek word translated “wine.” It is a generic term for wine. The same word refers to “new wine,” also called “the fruit of the vine,” (which we would call grape juice) as well as fermented wine containing alcohol.
The word “dissipation” is translated from asōtia, which is composed of the privative a, meaning “not” and a form of the verb sōdzō, meaning “to save.” Thus, asōtia literally means “unsavedness,” that is, “acting unsafe.” This word is used to describe someone who freely indulges himself in his own appetites and lusts, that is, a prodigal.
“Be filled” is from the Greek verb plēroō, which means “to fill up until no more can be added.”
Meaning Explained
Here is another example of Pauline style teaching (don’t do one thing, do something else instead). He says, “Instead of filling yourself up with wine, causing yourself to become drunk, be completely filled-up with the Spirit.”
There are two commands given in this verse: “don’t get drunk” and “be Spirit filled.” However, there is some ambiguity in the grammatical structure of this verse. The reason for this ambiguity is the fact that the verb form that indicates passive voice, imperative mood (allow someone or something to do something to you) is identical to that which indicates middle voice, imperative mood (do something to yourself). The only way to determine which is correct is by context. I believe the proper interpretation is “don’t cause yourself to become drunk with wine; allow yourself to be filled with (or by) the Spirit.”
Paul’s reason for not getting drunk is that drunkenness leads to “unsavedness.” He is not saying that when you get drunk you lose your salvation. What he is saying is that when you get drunk, you act unsaved (and unsafe). We’ve all seen people who are drunk, and we all know what happens when someone who is drunk gets behind the wheel of a car. Remember in verse fifteen Paul said not to walk as unwise people, but as wise people. And in verse eleven he said to have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness. Wise people don’t get drunk, and drunkenness doesn’t produce spiritual fruit.
Instead of being under the influence of alcohol and letting alcohol control our actions, we need to be under the influence of the Holy Spirit, and we need to let the Spirit control our actions.
Application
Anything that distracts us from submissive fellowship with God leaves less room for the Holy Spirit. It could be alcohol, drugs, lying, stealing, cheating, selfishness, anger, or many other things. These are all indications of being filled with self. But, when we submit ourselves to God and focus on the good of others, God’s Spirit will fill us. What are you filled with?
In God's service, for His glory,
Copyright © 2012 Will Krause. All rights reserved.