In this message from Ephesians 5, Pastor Devon Ortiz walks us through the call to live as Spirit-filled Christians—followers of God who walk not in emotional highs or religious performance, but in consistent, joyful, surrendered obedience.

The Apostle Paul begins the chapter by calling believers to be “followers of God as dear children” (v.1). Pastor Ortiz emphasizes the posture of a child—dependent, obedient, and motivated by love. This sets the tone for a life that mirrors the heart of God, not because we have to, but because we want to.

Paul urges believers to walk in love (v.2), avoiding sin and worldliness—such as fornication, covetousness, and unclean speech. Rather than asking, “Is this wrong?” Pastor Ortiz challenges the church to ask, “Is this God-honoring?” He warns against falling for “vain words” and cultural influences that distract from God’s will.

A key moment in the sermon centers on verse 18: “Be not drunk with wine…but be filled with the Spirit.” Here, Paul draws a parallel between the control alcohol can have over someone and the transforming control the Holy Spirit should have in a believer’s life. When filled with the Spirit, Christians do things they normally wouldn’t—like living faithfully, speaking kindly, worshipping joyfully, and submitting humbly.

The Marks of a Spirit-Filled Christian:

1. Faithfulness & Discernment (vv.15–17)

A Spirit-filled believer walks “circumspectly”—carefully, wisely, and intentionally. They redeem the time, understanding the urgency of living for eternity, not just the present moment.

2. Holy Spirit Control & Sobriety (v.18)

Just as alcohol alters behavior, so too does the Spirit—but with holiness, wisdom, and peace. True spiritual sobriety means letting God direct your life fully. This includes resisting sin, guarding your speech, and building self-discipline through daily submission to the Spirit.

3. Joyful Worship & Gratitude (vv.19–20)

Spirit-filled Christians express joy through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. God desires to hear every believer’s voice—not just the “gifted” singers. Worship becomes a natural outflow of a heart filled with gratitude, even in hardship. Pastor Ortiz illustrates this with the biblical example of Paul and Silas singing in prison, showing how singing during trials moves both the heart of God and others.

4. Mutual Submission (v.21)

Lastly, Spirit-filled believers live with humility—submitting to one another in love. Submission isn’t just for wives, but for everyone. Husbands are to lead through sacrificial love. Children, employees, and citizens are to submit to authority. And above all, every Christian is to submit to God.

The message concludes with a challenge: being Spirit-filled isn’t about loud emotional displays or superficial spiritual hype. It’s about steady, faithful living that points people to Christ. The marks of a Spirit-filled believer are not flashy—but they are powerful: faithfulness, discernment, self-control, gratitude, joyful worship, and mutual submission.

Pastor Ortiz’s Call to the Church:

Let us be a church that is truly Spirit-filled—not in word, but in action. May we be Christians who walk consistently with God, transformed by His Spirit, and shining His light in a dark world.

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