And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit
Ephesians 5:18
What does it mean to be “filled with the Spirit”, and how can we do this?
In Ephesians 5, Paul uses this simple phrase, but many Christians turn it into something complicated.
Some Christians use “filled with the Spirit” to describe when a believer in baptized in the Spirit.
Some believe “filled with the Spirit” to mean “really happy and joyful”.
Phrases in the Bible should be used the way the Bible uses them.
Full of the Holy Spirit
And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness
Luke 4:1
We read in Luke 4:1 that Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, was led by the Spirit in the wilderness.
The Gospel of Mark’s version is a bit stronger. It says the Holy Spirit immediately drove Jesus out into the wilderness.
In both Luke and Mark it’s clear who is in control, and who is obedient.
Now consider the Ephesians verse above.
Paul is saying don’t be controlled by wine — be controlled by the Spirit.
Under the Holy Spirit’s Influence
Now look back to Ephesians 5, Paul describes two states: Drunk with wine. Filled with the Spirit.
Paul is saying do not place yourself under the influence of alcohol.
Instead, place yourself under the influence of the Holy Spirit.
The Evidence of the Holy Spirit
What does it look like when a Christian is under the influence of the Spirit?
The evidence of the Holy Spirit is the fruit of the Spirit.
After all, Jesus said you’ll know what kind of tree it is by what kind of fruit it produces.
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control
Galatians 5:22-23
This is the only “evidence of the Holy Spirit” stated in the Bible.
Miracles, spiritual gifts, and other supernatural occurrences are not always evidence of a Spirit-filled Christian.
How to be Filled with the Spirit
We’ve looked at what this phrase means and how we can tell.
But how can we be filled with the Spirit every day?
Simple answer? Ask God.
I’ll let Jesus speak for Himself:
And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
Luke 11:9-13
Ask, seek, knock. This is a continuous action. Keep asking. Keep seeking. Keep knocking.
So long as you’re asking, seeking, knocking with God your focus will be on Him.
Setting your focus on God and His righteousness is a way to stay connected with Him.
The Spirit-filled life is a Connected life
In Jesus’ own words again:
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.
John 15
(You should read John for context. It’s pretty great!)
