The Spirit Filled Life

“Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit.” Eph. 5:15-18

When you trusted Jesus Christ as your Savior, you immediately received God’s gift of the Holy Spirit. So what does the apostle Paul mean when he says “be filled with the Spirit”? Eph. 5:18 The implication is that we should be controlled by the Holy Spirit who indwells us and not by the world or its desires.

Paul was writing to the young church whose members came from pagan backgrounds. Now that they had given their lives to Christ, they were no longer to be bound by old habits and sinful desires. They had a new life and a new Master - Jesus Christ. Having been filled with His Spirit they were to allow God to control their minds, wills, and emotions.

Yielding our lives to Christ and His Spirit is a daily activity. However, many believers seem satisfied to live a life of mediocrity. They acknowledge Christ as Savior but stop short of yielding themselves completely to the Holy Spirit.

The only way to enjoy the Christian life is to give Christ free access to every area of your life. When you do, all of God’s blessings are truly yours.