to Ephesians chapter 5. We're going through this epistle, chapter by chapter, verse by verse.

Our text today will be verses 18 through 20. And I'll ask you to stand if you're able. You can follow along as I read.

If not, that's all right. We're going to begin in verse 18 where the apostle Paul by the spirit says,

do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery, or as some of your translations render it dissipation. Instead, be filled with the spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit.

Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God, Father for everything in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Let's pray, if you would join with me and we'll ask God's blessing on our understanding. loving heavenly father we need for you at this time as only you can and as you're always so faithful to get our attention and keep our attention.

The onus is not on me, thankfully, to do that. It's the Holy Spirit and the power of the Holy Spirit that gives

us ears to hear and eyes to see and hearts to receive. So Lord, we're asking you to speak

in that still small voice of the Holy Spirit and minister

to us.

We pray.

In Jesus' name, amen.

You can be seated.

Thank you.

Okay.

So...

So... Okay. So, I have to confess that this was a very difficult study to prepare and teaching because it deals with a touchy topic.

I chose the title under the influence,

as I hope you'll see why here shortly.

Probably goes without saying,

but the passage before us today is one for which there is much

in the way of debate within the church today and I'm hoping that you'll bear with me as

...