1. ICEL Be filled with the Spirit Ephesians 5:18b Reading: Ephesians 5: 15-21

2. ICEL Ephesians 5: 15-21 15 Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 21 Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

3. ICEL Introduction Context: immediate context, and in the wider New Testament teaching. Contrast: Do not get drunk… instead be filled with the Spirit Vocabulary used

4. ICEL The Command: Let my Spirit continuously be filling you (v.18) A. Based on the teaching of Jesus B. To whom: The strong Church of Ephesians C. What for: To empower them

5. ICEL The evidence: Make music to the Lord, always give thanks and submit (19-21) A. Towards God: in joyful worship B. Towards personal life: continuous thanks C. Towards one another: submission out of reverence to Christ

6. ICEL Interacting: Live as wise, understanding what the Lord’s will is (15,16) A. Be careful … how you live B. Where do we turn when the days are evil? C. The How to be filled:

7. ICEL Conclusion Only the Spirit can discipline us: Paul's writings in Romans 15:13 "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." It is in or by believing that we are filled with joy and peace. And it is by the Spirit that we abound in hope.