June 7 | Being Continually Filled

Series | The Spirit Filled Life

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

Lesson 7 | Being Continually Filled

Paul in the noted passage gives the believer a clear choice in finding joy and satisfaction between getting drunk with wine and being filled with the Holy Spirit.  Ofcourse, the obvious choice is not to get drunk and be sexually perverse (debaucherous) but be filled with the Spirit.

What is most interesting about this passage is its meaning of the phrase, “be filled with the Spirit,” in the original Greek.  In Greek the phrase is in the “present passive tense” which makes the action of being filled both continual and personal.  In other words, Paul is commanding the believer to be “continually replenished and filled.”   This continuation seen in the Greek grammar is clearly a command to keep drinking in the Spirit, as one would continue drinking wine to get drunk.

However, unlike with drinking wine, being filled with the Spirit does not lead to drunkenness and sexual sin, but rather a life of worship unto God.  Accordingly, Paul writes in the following verses, “19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 

The Spirit filled life is one that is continually being filled with the Holy Spirit for both internal and external purposes.  Internally, the believer is filled for the purpose of holiness and spiritual refreshment, Psalm 23:2-3.  And externally, the filling is for the purpose of giving God authentic worship, encouraging fellow believers in singing songs, and witnessing with power.

Therefore, I challenge you to make time everyday to be filled again and again with the Holy Spirit for God’s purposes in your life!   

Reflection | Are you daily being filled with the Holy Spirit?   

Action | (1) Make time every day in prayer to be continually filled with the Spirit. (2) As you are being filled let God cleanse you of any sin, inspire your heart to worship Him, and lead you to be a powerful witness for His Kingdom. (3) Lastly, take another drink of the Holy Spirit right now- cheers!

One Year Reading Plan (Optional) | 1 Kings 2:1-3:2, Acts 5:1-42, Psalm 125:1-5, & Proverbs 16:25. Click here to read online.