Question 35: Filled with the Spirit

Read: Ephesians 5:15-20
Listen: Ephesians 5

Question: What does it mean to be filled with the Spirit?

Answer: Being filled with the Spirit means increasingly trusting and submitting to the Spirit’s guidance in our lives.

“Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.” Ephesians 5:18

Paul writes to believers in Ephesus who understood the Spirit came to live in them the moment they trusted Christ for salvation (Ephesians 1:13-14). Yet, Paul’s command to be “filled with the Spirit” indicates the Spirit’s activity or influence over their lives could be depleted. Paul contrasts being controlled by wine with being controlled by the Spirit. Just as alcohol affects a person’s judgment and actions, being filled with the Spirit means allowing the Spirit to influence and direct their lives increasingly. While the Spirit’s presence was permanent, his control requires ongoing cooperation and submission.

Being filled with the Spirit means we walk in the Spirit. We trust him increasingly and submit to his promptings. We strive to pay attention to what the Spirit wants, and we obey. Our obedience fuels transformation. We gain momentum in our spiritual journey only as we submit to God’s will and obey what he asks. But when we resist God’s will or disobey, we are left to our own power to follow Christ, and the results are dismal. Change happens not as we work harder to follow rules, but as we open ourselves to the Spirit’s movement. We pay attention to his guidance and follow his lead through the Word and his indwelling presence.

TODAY: Ask the Holy Spirit to show you how you’ve been resisting his guidance. Choose something specific to submit to his control today, trusting his power rather than your own strength to live for Christ.