Just so we don't lose sight of where we are here, remember that the letter to the believers at Ephesus was one of Paul prison letters. He is writing to the Ephesian church to encourage them and to give them instruction. These few verses are an especially meaningful look into the joyous life we can experience if we are depending on the Holy Spirit. It's a rather odd subject for a man in prison to address! And so when we feel we are not in an ideal situation, remember that Paul could have been complaining about his lot, but he did not.
Paul first appeals to us to live wisely rather than foolishly. The temptation to foolishness is not confined to young people. After all, "There's no fool like an old fool!" Neither are we to act thoughtlessly, but we are to make every effort to understand what the Lord wants us to do. vv. 15-17
The effects of alcohol (v. 18) are obvious and usually not good. But what is the effect of being "under the influence" of the Holy Spirit?
- Singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves,
- Making music to the Lord in your hearts,
- Giving thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Psalm 75
It's so amazing how often our New Testament reading corresponds with our Psalm. Eph. 5:20 ends with our "giving thanks for everything," and Psalm 75 begins with "We thank you, O God!" So that must be our assignment for today--give thanks!
Asaph (our friend the musician) thanks God for these reasons:
- because He is near
- because of His wonderful deeds (people everywhere tell of them!)
- because He will bring justice to the wicked at the time He has planned
- because He keeps the foundations of the world firm vv. 1-3
- because He alone judges; He decides who will rise and who will fall. v. 7
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