Spirit Is - Filled with the Spirit

Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit,

Ephesians 5:18 NLT

What does it mean to be filled with the holy spirit?

it is not a command to look for an experience
this is different from baptism

Important

To be filled with the Spirit is to be constantly aware of, permeated with, and controlled by the presence of God in my life

"Be being filled"

People use Ephesians 5:18 more to talk about the alcohol than about the spirit.

When I drink alcohol, I am permeated with the presence of alcohol. I am controlled by the alcohol. Everyone else becomes aware that I am filled with alcohol.

But others in the crowd ridiculed them, saying, “They’re just drunk, that’s all!” Then Peter stepped forward with the eleven other apostles and shouted to the crowd, “Listen carefully, all of you, fellow Jews and residents of Jerusalem! Make no mistake about this. These people are not drunk, as some of you are assuming. Nine o’clock in the morning is much too early for that.

Acts of the Apostles 2:13‭-‬15 NLT

Even in our religion, we can become addicted to counterfeit spirits.

many people get drunk on emotionalism
- looking for emotional highs
intellectualism
celebrityism
legalism

The only thing that will lead to the fruit of the presence of Jesus in our life is to be filled with the Spirit

How does being filled with the Holy Spirit happen?

if you are a follower of Jesus, you are never alone

Being filled with the Holy Spirit happens as I discern and respond to the will of God for my life.

When the Spirit moves in, some of your stuff needs to move out, and some new things will be moved in.

Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.

Ephesians 4:21‭-‬24 NLT

And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.

Ephesians 4:30 NLT

So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit,

Ephesians 5:15‭-‬18 NLT

Being filled with the Holy Spirit happens as I develop the impulse of wisdom from God in my life.

Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.

1 Corinthians 6:19‭-‬20 NLT

Am I honoring God with what I am doing?

Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.

Psalms 90:12 NLT

What are some of the results of being filled with the Spirit?

singing [speaking to one another] psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts.

Ephesians 5:19 NLT

we need to speak to each other about more than just surface level
build up, not tear down
remind others of the promises and presence of God

singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts.

Ephesians 5:19 NLT

those of us in the spirit have a song
on Sundays, there is a gathering of people who have a song on their heart

And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 5:20 NLT

give thanks for all things
when God wants to sharpen a knife, he doesn't run it through butter. He puts it between a rock and a hard place

And further, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Ephesians 5:21 NLT

A final word: Be strong (being empowered) in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.

Ephesians 6:10‭-‬11 NLT

being filled with the Spirit, I am aware of my enemy and I can stand strong

Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should.

Ephesians 6:18‭-‬20 NLT

Are you filled with the Holy Spirit?