God wants us sober, not drunk

[ResidentAlien]

"Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit,"—Ephesians 5:17-18

I often hear these verses used to support the idea of getting "drunk in the spirit." However, it doesn't have anything to do with getting drunk; it means the opposite. Being filled with the Spirit is the exact opposite of being drunk; it means sobriety. We have so many scriptures that teach us to be sober and awake. I can't understand at all how some people insist God wants us to get "drunk" in the Spirit—unless they deliberately ignore all these scriptures:

"Be sober, be watchful; your adversary the devil walks about as a roaring lion, seeking someone he may devour."—1 Peter 5:8

"Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, stay sober, put your hope fully in the grace brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;"—1 Peter 1:13

"Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober."—1 Thessalonians 5:6

"But we, since we are of the day, let us be sober,"—1 Thessalonians 5:8

"For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself too highly, beyond what you should think, but to think soberly, as God has imparted to each one a measure of faith."—Romans 12:3

 

[Gideon300]

"Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit,"—Ephesians 5:17-18

I often hear these verses used to support the idea of getting "drunk in the spirit." However, it doesn't have anything to do with getting drunk; it means the opposite. Being filled with the Spirit is the exact opposite of being drunk; it means sobriety. We have so many scriptures that teach us to be sober and awake. I can't understand at all how some people insist God wants us to get "drunk" in the Spirit—unless they deliberately ignore all these scriptures:

"Be sober, be watchful; your adversary the devil walks about as a roaring lion, seeking someone he may devour."—1 Peter 5:8

"Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, stay sober, put your hope fully in the grace brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;"—1 Peter 1:13

"Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober."—1 Thessalonians 5:6

"But we, since we are of the day, let us be sober,"—1 Thessalonians 5:8

"For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself too highly, beyond what you should think, but to think soberly, as God has imparted to each one a measure of faith."—Romans 12:3

"Drunk in the Spirit" was promoted by those who spread the so-called Toronto Blessing. It's a spirit alright, but not the Holy Spirit.

 

[ResidentAlien]

This video show two very influential leaders who are supposedly drunk in the Spirit. Kenneth Hagin, the founder of the Word of Faith movement and Kenneth Copeland. Hagin's now passed, but lives on through his son and through his Rhema "Bible" College. Kenneth Copeland is very near passing but has been influential on the New Apostolic Reformation.

These are grown men. Is this really the kind of example a Christian should follow?

 

[RolloTamasi]

Drinking from the well is a common phrase today.
This well is the Holy Spirit and drinking from it will make you drunk in the Holy Spirit.
I don't know of anyone who means this literally.
It means getting filled up to the max with the Holy Spirit.
If it is worded as being "drunk in the Holy Spirit", I don't see a problem with that.
Unless, of course, you are a legalist.

 

[studentoftheword]

----I personally believe being Drunk in the Spirit and being Slain in the Spirit is a bunch of hokey pokey spooky pookey stuff that comes from twisting Scripture and making it say what they want it to say --


Interesting Read from Got Questions ----

Is being drunk in the Spirit a biblical experience?
https://www.gotquestions.org/drunk-in-the-Spirit.html

in the Bible does it say to be drunk in the Spirit. When the Bible speaks of being drunk, it always has a negative connotation. The only place in Scripture that alludes to the idea of “spiritual drunkenness” is Isaiah 29:9-14, and it refers to God’s judgment upon sin and apostasy.

Some leaders in the Word of Faith movement and churches associated with the Toronto Blessing promote the false idea of being “drunk in the Spirit” or being filled with “drunken glory.” Congregations are instructed to “get drunk,” “take another drink,” and cast off all restraint. Stumbling gaits, slurred speech, falling to the ground, and other odd behaviors are “proof” of the work of the Holy Spirit.

The false teachers who promote being drunk in the Spirit point to Acts 2:13 as justification for their aberrant practice. On the day of Pentecost, as the apostles were preaching the gospel, some in the crowd said, “They have had too much wine.” The accusation was obviously a mockery of the apostles, and Peter flatly denies any hint of inebriation (verse 15). Yet today’s Word of Faith teachers take this jest from an ungodly crowd and use it as “evidence” that Peter and the apostles were preaching in a senseless stupor. Such twisting of Scripture not only demeans the apostles, it also dishonors the Holy Spirit.

The apostle Paul wrote, “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:15-18).

Paul says that getting drunk is akin to our old way of life with its worldly and self-serving desires. Such behavior is debased and “leads to debauchery” (compare Colossians 1:21; Romans 13:13). The word debauchery is a translation of a Greek word meaning “lawless insolence or unmanageable caprice.” Paul deliberately contrasts the state of drunkenness (a loss of control) with the indwelling of the Spirit of God (a gain of self-control, Galatians 5:23).

God wants every aspect of our lives as believers to be under the complete control of the Holy Spirit. This does not come by drunkenness, and it does not mimic its effects.

Acting drunk and blaming it on the Spirit of God is sin. Those who teach spiritual intoxication are more closely allied with Bacchus, the Roman god of wine and drunkenness, than with the true God of the Bible. Being filled with the Spirit is not some ecstatic or emotionally charged experience. It is not a heavenly high or a spiritual buzz. Being filled with the Spirit is a steady submission of one’s life to the God of glory (1 John 3:24).

 

[RolloTamasi]

----I personally believe being Drunk in the Spirit and being Slain in the Spirit is a bunch of hokey pokey spooky pookey stuff that comes from twisting Scripture and making it say what they want it to say --


Interesting Read from Got Questions ----

Is being drunk in the Spirit a biblical experience?
https://www.gotquestions.org/drunk-in-the-Spirit.html

in the Bible does it say to be drunk in the Spirit. When the Bible speaks of being drunk, it always has a negative connotation. The only place in Scripture that alludes to the idea of “spiritual drunkenness” is Isaiah 29:9-14, and it refers to God’s judgment upon sin and apostasy.

Some leaders in the Word of Faith movement and churches associated with the Toronto Blessing promote the false idea of being “drunk in the Spirit” or being filled with “drunken glory.” Congregations are instructed to “get drunk,” “take another drink,” and cast off all restraint. Stumbling gaits, slurred speech, falling to the ground, and other odd behaviors are “proof” of the work of the Holy Spirit.

The false teachers who promote being drunk in the Spirit point to Acts 2:13 as justification for their aberrant practice. On the day of Pentecost, as the apostles were preaching the gospel, some in the crowd said, “They have had too much wine.” The accusation was obviously a mockery of the apostles, and Peter flatly denies any hint of inebriation (verse 15). Yet today’s Word of Faith teachers take this jest from an ungodly crowd and use it as “evidence” that Peter and the apostles were preaching in a senseless stupor. Such twisting of Scripture not only demeans the apostles, it also dishonors the Holy Spirit.

The apostle Paul wrote, “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:15-18).

Paul says that getting drunk is akin to our old way of life with its worldly and self-serving desires. Such behavior is debased and “leads to debauchery” (compare Colossians 1:21; Romans 13:13). The word debauchery is a translation of a Greek word meaning “lawless insolence or unmanageable caprice.” Paul deliberately contrasts the state of drunkenness (a loss of control) with the indwelling of the Spirit of God (a gain of self-control, Galatians 5:23).

God wants every aspect of our lives as believers to be under the complete control of the Holy Spirit. This does not come by drunkenness, and it does not mimic its effects.

Acting drunk and blaming it on the Spirit of God is sin. Those who teach spiritual intoxication are more closely allied with Bacchus, the Roman god of wine and drunkenness, than with the true God of the Bible. Being filled with the Spirit is not some ecstatic or emotionally charged experience. It is not a heavenly high or a spiritual buzz. Being filled with the Spirit is a steady submission of one’s life to the God of glory (1 John 3:24).

You know an awful lot about this.
Which church did you attend to learn all this and how far did you go with it before you changed?

 

[RolloTamasi]

----I personally believe being Drunk in the Spirit and being Slain in the Spirit is a bunch of hokey pokey spooky pookey stuff that comes from twisting Scripture and making it say what they want it to say --


Interesting Read from Got Questions ----

Is being drunk in the Spirit a biblical experience?
https://www.gotquestions.org/drunk-in-the-Spirit.html

in the Bible does it say to be drunk in the Spirit. When the Bible speaks of being drunk, it always has a negative connotation. The only place in Scripture that alludes to the idea of “spiritual drunkenness” is Isaiah 29:9-14, and it refers to God’s judgment upon sin and apostasy.

Some leaders in the Word of Faith movement and churches associated with the Toronto Blessing promote the false idea of being “drunk in the Spirit” or being filled with “drunken glory.” Congregations are instructed to “get drunk,” “take another drink,” and cast off all restraint. Stumbling gaits, slurred speech, falling to the ground, and other odd behaviors are “proof” of the work of the Holy Spirit.

The false teachers who promote being drunk in the Spirit point to Acts 2:13 as justification for their aberrant practice. On the day of Pentecost, as the apostles were preaching the gospel, some in the crowd said, “They have had too much wine.” The accusation was obviously a mockery of the apostles, and Peter flatly denies any hint of inebriation (verse 15). Yet today’s Word of Faith teachers take this jest from an ungodly crowd and use it as “evidence” that Peter and the apostles were preaching in a senseless stupor. Such twisting of Scripture not only demeans the apostles, it also dishonors the Holy Spirit.

The apostle Paul wrote, “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:15-18).

Paul says that getting drunk is akin to our old way of life with its worldly and self-serving desires. Such behavior is debased and “leads to debauchery” (compare Colossians 1:21; Romans 13:13). The word debauchery is a translation of a Greek word meaning “lawless insolence or unmanageable caprice.” Paul deliberately contrasts the state of drunkenness (a loss of control) with the indwelling of the Spirit of God (a gain of self-control, Galatians 5:23).

God wants every aspect of our lives as believers to be under the complete control of the Holy Spirit. This does not come by drunkenness, and it does not mimic its effects.

Acting drunk and blaming it on the Spirit of God is sin. Those who teach spiritual intoxication are more closely allied with Bacchus, the Roman god of wine and drunkenness, than with the true God of the Bible. Being filled with the Spirit is not some ecstatic or emotionally charged experience. It is not a heavenly high or a spiritual buzz. Being filled with the Spirit is a steady submission of one’s life to the God of glory (1 John 3:24).

By the way, your whole post is so negative, tell me something positive if you can.

 

[RolloTamasi]

----I personally believe being Drunk in the Spirit and being Slain in the Spirit is a bunch of hokey pokey spooky pookey stuff that comes from twisting Scripture and making it say what they want it to say --


Interesting Read from Got Questions ----

Is being drunk in the Spirit a biblical experience?
https://www.gotquestions.org/drunk-in-the-Spirit.html

in the Bible does it say to be drunk in the Spirit. When the Bible speaks of being drunk, it always has a negative connotation. The only place in Scripture that alludes to the idea of “spiritual drunkenness” is Isaiah 29:9-14, and it refers to God’s judgment upon sin and apostasy.

Some leaders in the Word of Faith movement and churches associated with the Toronto Blessing promote the false idea of being “drunk in the Spirit” or being filled with “drunken glory.” Congregations are instructed to “get drunk,” “take another drink,” and cast off all restraint. Stumbling gaits, slurred speech, falling to the ground, and other odd behaviors are “proof” of the work of the Holy Spirit.

The false teachers who promote being drunk in the Spirit point to Acts 2:13 as justification for their aberrant practice. On the day of Pentecost, as the apostles were preaching the gospel, some in the crowd said, “They have had too much wine.” The accusation was obviously a mockery of the apostles, and Peter flatly denies any hint of inebriation (verse 15). Yet today’s Word of Faith teachers take this jest from an ungodly crowd and use it as “evidence” that Peter and the apostles were preaching in a senseless stupor. Such twisting of Scripture not only demeans the apostles, it also dishonors the Holy Spirit.

The apostle Paul wrote, “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:15-18).

Paul says that getting drunk is akin to our old way of life with its worldly and self-serving desires. Such behavior is debased and “leads to debauchery” (compare Colossians 1:21; Romans 13:13). The word debauchery is a translation of a Greek word meaning “lawless insolence or unmanageable caprice.” Paul deliberately contrasts the state of drunkenness (a loss of control) with the indwelling of the Spirit of God (a gain of self-control, Galatians 5:23).

God wants every aspect of our lives as believers to be under the complete control of the Holy Spirit. This does not come by drunkenness, and it does not mimic its effects.

Acting drunk and blaming it on the Spirit of God is sin. Those who teach spiritual intoxication are more closely allied with Bacchus, the Roman god of wine and drunkenness, than with the true God of the Bible. Being filled with the Spirit is not some ecstatic or emotionally charged experience. It is not a heavenly high or a spiritual buzz. Being filled with the Spirit is a steady submission of one’s life to the God of glory (1 John 3:24).

You quoted leaders associated with the Toronto blessing.
Who are they and what did they say?

 

[studentoftheword]

RolloTamasi------If you want to believe that being Drunk in the Spirit is from God then you have every right to do so ---I have no problem with your personal belief -----

Bu that is not my Belief ---it is not from God ---no where in scripture does it say any one was laughing and rolling around on the ground uncontrollable or Falling to the ground in total Bliss when they received the Holy Spirit or that --that is the work of the Holy Spirit ---for me that is the work of Satan not God -----

So give me a scripture that says what is seen in the video posted above happens when one has the Holy spirit indwelling in them -----

 

[p_rehbein]

The connotation of words can be far different than the denotation.

Sometimes much ado about nothing methinks.......

 

[RolloTamasi]

RolloTamasi------If you want to believe that being Drunk in the Spirit is from God then you have every right to do so ---I have no problem with your personal belief -----

Bu that is not my Belief ---it is not from God ---no where in scripture does it say any one was laughing and rolling around on the ground uncontrollable or Falling to the ground in total Bliss when they received the Holy Spirit or that --that is the work of the Holy Spirit ---for me that is the work of Satan not God -----

So give me a scripture that says what is seen in the video posted above happens when one has the Holy spirit indwelling in them -----

I asked you a question in post #8.
Why don't you answer it before you go asking me questions?
Are you claiming superiority over me?

 

[reneweddaybyday]

You quoted leaders associated with the Toronto blessing.

studentoftheword did not quote "leaders associated with the Toronto blessing".

studentoftheword posted an article from gotquestions.org ... got questions.org quoted the "leaders associated with the Toronto blessing".

here is the link provided in Post #5 ... https://www.gotquestions.org/drunk-in-the-Spirit.html

 

[posthuman]

Drinking from the well is a common phrase today.
This well is the Holy Spirit and drinking from it will make you drunk in the Holy Spirit.
I don't know of anyone who means this literally.
It means getting filled up to the max with the Holy Spirit.
If it is worded as being "drunk in the Holy Spirit", I don't see a problem with that.
Unless, of course, you are a legalist.

but God said the one who drinks His water will never be thirsty anymore ((John 4:14))
the one who eats His bread will never be hungry again ((John 6:35))

so where is all this 'we need more of you' coming from?

as for me i am satisfied with Him. one drop is enough.
but what are people drinking from, that they are not satisfied?
certainly not from the Water of Life
certainly not what scripture speaks of

 

[reneweddaybyday]

We have so many scriptures that teach us to be sober and awake.

In Post #1 the word "sober" in the verses provided is translated from the Greek word néphó which means ... to be free from illusion, i.e. from the intoxicating influences of sin (like the impact of selfish passion, greed, etc.) ... néphó refers to having presence of mind (clear judgment), enabling someone to be temperate (self-controlled) ... nḗphō ("uninfluenced by intoxicants") means to have "one's wits (faculties) about them," which is the opposite of being irrational. [HELPS Word-studies]

In Ephesians 5:17-18, Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is ... And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit


to be unwise is the opposite of being sober ... being sober would be understanding what the will of the Lord is.

I can't understand at all how some people insist God wants us to get "drunk" in the Spirit

" "drunk" in the Spirit " is an unScriptural concept. In fact, concerning the utilization of manifestation of Holy Spirit in the Church, God's Word teaches Let all things be done decently and in order - 1 Cor 14:40.

 

[posthuman]

The connotation of words can be far different than the denotation.

Sometimes much ado about nothing methinks.......

the detonation?

 

[posthuman]

your whole post is so negative

that's pretty negative of you to say, bro

 

[JaumeJ]

Drunk in the spirit? Perhaps it is Old English? It may be someone who has been drinking the Spirit, that is to say not thirsty.

 

[RolloTamasi]

studentoftheword did not quote "leaders associated with the Toronto blessing".

studentoftheword posted an article from gotquestions.org ... got questions.org quoted the "leaders associated with the Toronto blessing".

here is the link provided in Post #5 ... https://www.gotquestions.org/drunk-in-the-Spirit.html

Oh, do you work for him?
Is that why you answer for him?
Don't forget, I'm new around here.
I'm still trying to understand how people do things.

 

[RolloTamasi]

that's pretty negative of you to say, bro

Well, at least it was pretty.

 

[RolloTamasi]