Do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord. – Ephesians 5:18-19

Jesus told His disciples, “The Spirit of truth…abides with you and will be in you” (John 14:17). But how do we engage this personal Helper? How does His power become real for us?   We are to become filled with the Spirit—to be full of Him. When people drink too much liquor, they become intoxicated and are said to be under the influence of the drink. The alcohol dictates the agenda. They don’t get drunk by looking at the liquor or talking about it. They drink it. The more they drink, the more drunk they get.

God tells us that’s similar to the Holy Spirit’s presence in us. To see the Helper develop us, He must have control. We must come under the influence of the Holy Spirit. We must become full of Him. So how do we drink the Holy Spirit?

Remember, the Holy Spirit is a spirit, not a being we can see. He functions in the spiritual world, so that’s what we drink—spiritual worship. The Holy Spirit fills up the environment that is filled with worship—songs, hymns, and spiritual songs—as we sing and make melody with our hearts to the Lord.

Check out more from Dr. Tony Evans  @Tonyevans.org

About The Author

Dr. Tony Evans

Dr. Tony Evans is one of the country’s most respected leaders in evangelical circles. As a pastor, teacher, author and speaker, he serves the body of Christ through his unique ability to communicate complex theological truths through simple, yet profound, illustrations. While addressing the practical issues of today, Dr. Evans is known as a relevant expositor. New and veteran pastors alike regard him as a pastor of pastors and a father in the faith.


At the heart of this vision is the use of church and school partnerships to effect spiritual and social change in communities. Dr. Evans’ church and school outreach philosophy has been attributed as a catalyst for former President George W. Bush’s Faith Based Initiative, which was his first formal act of office. Dr. Evans seeks to train churches, schools and volunteers in this philosophy, as well as in the functional practicalities, through the National Church Adopt-A-School Initiative which is a ministry underneath the umbrella of The Urban Alternative.


Dr. Evans serves as president of The Urban Alternative, a national ministry that seeks to restore hope and transform lives through the proclamation and the application of the Word of God. His daily radio broadcast, The Alternative with Dr. Tony Evans, can be heard on more than 850 radio outlets throughout the United States and in more than 80 countries.


Dr. Evans has written numerous books and booklets including his legacy work, Oneness Embraced, as well as his vision work, The Kingdom Agenda. Some of his most recent books includes, Kingdom Man, A Moment For Your Soul, Marriage Matters, and Victory in Spiritual Warfare.



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