"Be filled with the Spirit"

What is to be filled with the Spirit?

Ephesians 5: 18 – ‘Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead be filled with the spirit.’(NIV)

Being spirit filled in another words is being spirit controlled. No matter what temperaments we have, are we allowing ourselves to be controlled by his spirit?
If not let’s contemplate the literal meaning of the phrase ‘be filled with the spirit.’ The tense of the Greek is present imperative.Paul could say ‘I have been crucified with Christ’ (Gal 2:20), and yet he died daily (1cor 15:31).
Surrender is done, and yet it is never done –It is a continual yielding. It is important to point out that surrender is not once and-for-all; surrender must be continuous. Likewise we need to be continually filled with the Spirit. Thus D.L Moody prayed like this “Lord am a leaky vessel which needs your filling every moment”.

We receive the Holy Spirit at the time when we hear the Gospel of truth and accept Christ as our personal Lord and Savior. We are at that moment baptized by the Holy Spirit. People who have experienced this can rejoice with this truth. Let’s remember that Holy Spirit is a person and not some force. Some wrongly think that the Holy Spirit is only like a electric force or power which can be used for our conveniences. There are varied understanding of this doctrine of Holy Spirit and the interpretation of the words anointing, filling, baptism of the spirit, speaking in tongues and so forth. I don’t want to distort what Bible teaches about all these. Let’s look at the scriptures below (All reference from NIV) and learn as the Holy Spirit himself teaches us and brings us the understanding.

Ephesians 1:13, 14 - ‘And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit. Who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession – to the praise of his glory.’

Ephesians 4:30 – ‘And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.’

Romans 8:9 – 'You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.’

1John2:27 –‘As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit –just as it has taught you, remain in him’.

The person of Holy Spirit who indwells us can be very much grieved by our sinful choices that we make every day. Are we really careful in leading a life controlled by his Spirit? If not lets allow the spirit of God to take control of our mind, emotions and will. Personally explore yourselves in the understanding of this truth and I believe God will teach you more if you’re open minded.

God Bless!