What does being "filled with the Holy Spirit" mean for our daily lives? The Command to Be Filled “And do not get drunk with wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.” (Ephesians 5:18) What “Filled” Means • Greek verb “plērousthe” is present tense and passive—ongoing, moment-by-moment dependence, not a one-time event. • The Spirit already indwells every believer (Romans 8:9); being filled speaks of His unhindered control. • Paul contrasts intoxication with wine—loss of control—with yielding to the Spirit—holy control. Daily Evidences of a Spirit-Filled Life • Worshipful heart: “Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs…giving thanks always” (Ephesians 5:19-20). • Gracious submission: “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ” (Ephesians 5:21). • Spiritual fruit: love, joy, peace, etc. (Galatians 5:22-23). • Guidance and assurance: “All who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God” (Romans 8:14). • Power for witness: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you” (Acts 1:8). • Boldness and clarity in speech: “They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly” (Acts 4:31). • Victory over sin: “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16). How to Stay Continuously Filled • Surrender: present your body “as a living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1). • Scripture saturation: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly” (Colossians 3:16)—the parallel passage to Ephesians 5 shows the Spirit’s filling is tied to Scripture. • Persistent prayer (Ephesians 6:18). • Immediate confession of sin (1 John 1:9) so nothing quenches the Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:19). • Fellowship with Spirit-filled believers—iron sharpens iron (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Active obedience: the Spirit empowers as we step forward (Acts 5:32). Results That Spill Over to Others • Edifying words instead of corrupt talk (Ephesians 4:29). • Spiritual gifts exercised for the common good (1 Corinthians 12:7). • Servant-hearted ministry in God’s strength (1 Peter 4:10-11). • Contagious joy and gratitude that point people to Christ (Philippians 4:4-7). A Final Encouragement The command is present and ongoing—every morning, every decision, every conversation. Yield to Him, let His word dwell in you, and watch the Spirit’s fullness shape ordinary moments into sacred opportunities. |
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