Garry spoke tonight on living a Spirit-filled life from Ephesians 5:15-33. Paul, in this letter, is writing to Christians in whom the Holy Spirit dwells (Eph 1:13-14), but urges them to be continually filled with the Spirit. This phrase is frequently used in the book of Acts to describe what happens when people come to faith (see Acts 2:1-3, Acts 13:49-52). Paul frequently uses the word ‘fill’ when talking about the Holy Spirit (see Col 1:9) and there is the implication that there is no lack when we are filled with the Holy Spirit. When we are filled with joy, there is nothing lacking in our joy; when we are filled with spiritual knowledge, there are no omissions. To be filled with the Holy Spirit means He gives us what we don’t have and need.
Paul contrasts this experience with that of being drunk. When we are drunk, we lose control, for alcohol is a disabler. The Holy Spirit, in contrast, is an enabler. Speaking in other languages (see Acts 2:4) enables us to connect with God and is one way of encouraging and strengthening faith. At times, this ability from God acts as a message to others; then the gift of interpretation is also needed. Prophecy too is a gift from the Holy Spirit, as is a message of wisdom (see Luke 21:12-15) or knowledge which could not be naturally discerned. (John 4:16-18).The Holy Spirit also enables us through gifts of healing and miraculous powers (see Mark 4:35-41). At times, the Holy Spirit can give us the gift of faith and also enables us to distinguish between spirits.
We all need God’s power to be witnesses. Acts 1:8 tells us that this power comes as the Holy Spirit fills us. We need to pray for a constant filling of the Spirit, for we need His gifts to be effective witnesses and disciples of Jesus.