Lesson One, Discussion C

C. What is the connection between alcohol and the Holy Spirit? (See Eph. 5:18)

Ephesians 5:18 says, "18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,". I think this probably means that the feeling associated with being drunk is similar to the feeling of being filled with the spirit, but in a God pleasing, affirming way rather than in a self-centered way.

The connection, I think, is one of being filled. Wine makes me sleepy (wastefulness), the Spirit makes me awake (potentiality).

People can be under the influence of something that affects them, and there is a sharp contrast between the actions of someone under the influence of wine and someone under the influence of the Holy Spirit.