…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. (vv. 18b-21) Thanks again to my Study Bible for pointing this one out – five participial phrases follow being filled with the Spirit, in bold above. Being filled with the Spirit leads to a really positive behavioral set!!
Also, notice that Paul again has the Trinity built into those few verses cited above.
Another “take off, put on”: And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit… (v. 18)
Slava Bohu!
Great points. I cogitated on what to give thanks for, in evil or struggling times. His presence, comfort, strength, love, forgiveness for my weakness… The list goes on!
What to give thanks for? Paul says “for everything“…
Amen, Debbie!!!
Meant to say several days ago that I was inspired by the list of active participial phrases Fred pulled from this. I noticed that much of the activity mentioned comes directly from and especially centers in, our hearts. Being filled by the Spirit, the activity in our inner hearts is SO POSITIVE: singing and making melody to the Lord and giving thanks, which should be spilling over into our relationships in how we address others and how we treat them.