Filled with the Spirit
Ephesians 5:15–21 (NLT) | 15 So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. 16 Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. 17 Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. 18 Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, 19 singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. 20 And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 21 And further, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
In a world that seems to be growing more chaotic, reckless, and self-centered, Paul’s call in Ephesians 5:15 to “live wisely” is more urgent than ever. Scripture paints a sobering picture of foolishness—not just as immaturity, but as a way of life that denies God, refuses correction, and creates relational damage. The fool is someone who acts without wisdom, ignores the voice of God, and often leaves a trail of hurt behind them. But Paul calls believers to a different path: a life shaped by wisdom and the Spirit of God.
Living wisely in a foolish world means making intentional choices with our time, relationships, and priorities (Eph. 5:15–16). Rather than drifting through life, the wise person lives with clarity and purpose, recognizing that every day is a gift and every moment carries potential for impact. Paul reminds us that the days are evil, and that we don’t have time to waste. Wisdom involves discernment—knowing what is right and when to act—and that begins with aligning our lives with God's Word.
To live wisely, we must also be filled with the Holy Spirit (Eph. 5:18). This isn’t a one-time event but an ongoing reality. Being filled with the Spirit is a command, not a suggestion. Paul contrasts this Spirit-filled life with the way we once lived—self-led, impulsive, and unrooted. Now, as followers of Jesus, we are called to be daily shaped and matured by the Spirit’s power. This filling equips us for holy living and enables us to resist the foolishness that surrounds us.
But how exactly do we “keep on being filled” with the Spirit? First, we must start each day by surrendering to God (Romans 12:1–2). Offering our minds and bodies to Him sets the tone for Spirit-led living. We must also take in God's Word regularly and put it into practice (Colossians 3:16). Scripture becomes our compass, directing us when the world tries to pull us off course.
Another key part of walking in the Spirit is maintaining a clean heart. Ephesians 4:30 reminds us not to grieve the Spirit through sin. That means confessing sin quickly and sincerely, and seeking restoration. Jesus taught in Luke 11:13 that the Father loves to give the Holy Spirit to those who ask. If we want more of God's presence, we simply need to keep asking and yielding to His direction.
Galatians 5:25 encourages us to keep in step with the Spirit—actively listening and obeying His nudges throughout the day. This happens as we cultivate a lifestyle of worship, gratitude, and service. Worship softens our hearts, gratitude rewires our focus, and serving others helps us live outwardly instead of selfishly. These rhythms create space for the Spirit to work in and through us.
Finally, a Spirit-filled life empowers us to empower others (Eph. 5:21). Rather than dominating or manipulating, the wise Christ-follower chooses mutual submission, lifting others up and helping them grow. In a foolish world that often tears people down, Spirit-filled believers build others up through encouragement, truth, and grace.
In the end, Paul calls us not just to survive in a foolish world—but to shine with wisdom, filled with the Spirit, and empowered to make a difference. Living this way is not always easy, but it is always worth it. When we walk in step with God’s Spirit, we become part of His answer to a world desperate for wisdom, truth, and love.