GETTING DRUNK IN THE SPIRIT

Title: GETTING DRUNK IN THE SPIRIT

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Ephesians 5:18 
Supporting Texts: Acts 2:1-4, 1 Corinthians 12:13, Romans 8:14-16, John 7:37-39

INTRODUCTION:

The phrase "getting drunk in the Spirit" refers to a deep, overwhelming experience of God's presence where one is filled with the Holy Spirit to the point of overflowing. In Ephesians 5:18, Paul contrasts being drunk with wine to being filled with the Spirit. Just as physical drunkenness alters behavior and perception, being filled with the Holy Spirit transforms our lives, aligning us with God’s will and empowering us for His purpose. This sermon explores the profound impact of being "drunk in the Spirit," how it transforms our walk with God, and how to cultivate a life that is continually filled and overflowing with His presence.

1. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE DRUNK IN THE SPIRIT?

a) A Supernatural Filling and Overflow (Ephesians 5:18; Acts 2:1-4) 
Being "drunk in the Spirit" is a metaphorical way of describing the overwhelming and overpowering infilling of the Holy Spirit, leading to a deep sense of God’s presence. In Acts 2:1-4, the disciples experienced such an infilling on the Day of Pentecost that it appeared to onlookers as though they were drunk (Acts 2:13). It symbolizes an overflow of joy, boldness, and freedom in God.

b) Total Surrender to the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:14-16)
Being filled with the Holy Spirit involves surrendering to His control and guidance. Just as a drunk person is under the influence of alcohol, a Spirit-filled believer is under the influence of the Holy Spirit, guided by Him in all areas of life.

c) An Experience of Spiritual Renewal and Empowerment (1 Corinthians 12:13; Titus 3:5-6) 
This experience is a spiritual renewal that empowers us for service, worship, and victorious living. It is the refreshing of our spirit by the Holy Spirit, equipping us for God’s work.

2. CHARACTERISTICS OF BEING DRUNK IN THE SPIRIT

a) Overflowing Joy and Peace (Romans 14:17; Galatians 5:22-23)
The Holy Spirit fills us with joy and peace that surpasses all understanding. Unlike worldly joy, which is fleeting, the joy of the Lord is our strength and remains despite circumstances.

b) Boldness and Courage to Witness (Acts 4:31; 2 Timothy 1:7)
When filled with the Holy Spirit, we receive boldness to witness and stand for Christ. Peter, who once denied Jesus, boldly proclaimed the Gospel after being filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 4:31).

c) Spiritual Gifts and Manifestations (1 Corinthians 12:7-11)
Being filled with the Holy Spirit often comes with the manifestation of spiritual gifts such as prophecy, speaking in tongues, healing, and more. These gifts are meant to edify the church and glorify God.

3. HOW TO GET FILLED AND STAY DRUNK IN THE SPIRIT

a) Thirst and Hunger for God’s Presence (John 7:37-39; Matthew 5:6)
Jesus said, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink." We must have a deep hunger and thirst for God’s presence, desiring to be filled with His Spirit continually.

b) Persistent Prayer and Worship (Acts 1:14; Acts 4:31)
The early church experienced an outpouring of the Holy Spirit as they prayed together. Persistent prayer and worship invite the Holy Spirit to fill us and empower us afresh.

c) Obedience and Walking in Holiness (Acts 5:32; John 14:15-17)
The Holy Spirit is given to those who obey God. Walking in obedience and holiness ensures that we remain filled with the Spirit, avoiding anything that grieves Him.

4. BENEFITS OF BEING DRUNK IN THE SPIRIT

a) Spiritual Revival and Refreshing (Isaiah 44:3; Acts 3:19)
The infilling of the Holy Spirit brings spiritual revival and refreshing, renewing our strength and zeal for God’s work. Isaiah 44:3 speaks of God pouring water on the thirsty and floods on the dry ground.

b) Greater Sensitivity to God’s Voice (John 16:13; Romans 8:14)
When we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we become more sensitive to His leading and guidance, enabling us to discern His will and follow His direction.

c) Living a Victorious Christian Life (Galatians 5:16; Romans 8:13)
Being filled with the Spirit empowers us to live victoriously over sin, flesh, and the devil. It enables us to walk in the Spirit and not fulfill the lusts of the flesh.

CONCLUSION
Getting drunk in the Spirit is about experiencing the fullness of God’s presence and power in our lives. It is a call to deeper intimacy with God, to be continually filled and empowered by His Spirit for greater exploits. As we thirst for God, pray persistently, and walk in obedience, we will experience His overflowing presence that transforms our lives and impacts the world around us.

PRAYER POINTS

1. "Lord, fill me afresh with Your Holy Spirit today."
2. "Father, give me a deep hunger and thirst for more of You."
3. "Holy Spirit, empower me to live a life that glorifies God."
4. "Lord, grant me boldness to witness for You wherever I go."
5. "Father, let my life overflow with joy, peace, and righteousness in the Holy Spirit."
6. "Holy Spirit, manifest Your gifts through me for the edification of the church."
7. "Lord, help me to be sensitive to Your voice and leading daily."
8. "Father, renew my strength and zeal for Your work."
9. "Holy Spirit, empower me to walk in holiness and obedience."
10. "Lord, keep me filled and overflowing with Your Spirit always."

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. I declare that you are filled afresh with the Holy Spirit and empowered for divine exploits.
2. I decree that the joy of the Lord is your strength, and you will overflow with His peace.
3. I proclaim that boldness and courage to witness for Christ are your portion.
4. I declare that spiritual gifts are activated in your life for the glory of God.
5. I decree that you will walk in sensitivity to the voice of the Holy Spirit.
6. I proclaim that you will experience spiritual revival and refreshing in every area of your life.
7. I declare that you live victoriously over sin, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
8. I decree that rivers of living water flow from within you, impacting lives around you.
9. I proclaim that you are a vessel of honor, continually filled with the Holy Spirit.
10. I declare that you are empowered to do greater works for the Kingdom of God.

May you continually stay "drunk" in the Spirit, filled and overflowing with His presence and power for His glory!