Being Satisfied with God

Ephesians 5:15-21
“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.”

Walking Wisely in Evil Days

The main issue in our context is avoiding pointless things—activities with no value, no significance, no spiritual benefit. They don't aid your salvation, your Christian life, or living in a way pleasing to God. Wasting time leads to degradation into sinful activities.

In free time especially, the battle rages. What will you do proactively? People often know what you're against but not what you're for. Verse 15 urges: “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise, but as wise, making the best use of the time because the days are evil.”

Doing nothing—not pursuing anything pleasing to God—is evil. The days are wicked since the fall. Even with God's new mercies each morning, a lazy day without contribution to God's pleasure is wicked. To do nothing is not neutral; it's foolish.

Understanding the Will of the Lord

Don't be foolish or ignorant of God's will—it's clearly revealed in Scripture. To ask “What is God's will?” shows ignorance of what's plainly stated.

1 Thessalonians 4:3-4
“For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor.”

God's will is your sanctification: being set apart, growing closer to Him, becoming like Christ—less sin, more obedience. Self-control is key, often saying no to wrong desires. Deny yourself, take up your cross daily, and follow Christ.

Be Filled with the Spirit, Not Debauchery

Verse 18: “Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.” Debauchery means no restraint, letting sin take over—no control.

Don't abandon self-control for easy paths of indulgence. The Spirit brings fruits like love, joy, peace, and self-control. True freedom in Christ is being under the Spirit's control, walking in God's statutes—not legalism, but spiritual benefit and pleasure to God.

“Be filled with the Holy Spirit” also means “be satisfied with the Holy Spirit.” Self-abandonment in sin is foolish; wisdom brings satisfaction. When your will aligns with God's, He says yes to everything you want—and your desires change to holy ones.

Being filled is passive—God does it. But sin grieves the Spirit (Ephesians 4:30), hindering it. Consistent sin wastes time, missing satisfaction in the infinite Holy Spirit, unlike fleeting worldly pleasures.

Practical Ways to Spend Time Wisely

Imitate God: Forgive as Christ forgave, treasure the gospel, love God and neighbor, avoid crude joking and sexual immorality, reject coveting.

Address one another in psalms, hymns, spiritual songs—sing and make melody to the Lord in your heart, even silently at work or school.

Give thanks always for everything to God the Father in Jesus' name—every breath, every ability, every friendship.

Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Value other Christians more than yourself—care for their feelings, thoughts, well-being.

These practices revolutionize free time and busy time, avoiding waste, honoring God, and finding ultimate satisfaction in Him.