Evidences Of a Spirit-filled Life
December 31, 2021
Commentary
It is sad to see so many professing Christians who drift aimlessly through life and never really do anything worthwhile for the Lord. Paul presents the following reasons why we need to be making the right use of every opportunity we have for the Lord:
Because it is the only sensible and wise thing to do (v. 15). Because you only have one life to live and it is short (v. 16).Because the days are evil (v. 16).Because it is the Lord’s will (v. 17).Paul contrasts getting drunk with wine which provides a temporary “high.” to being Spirit filled, which produces lasting joy (v. 18). Although all Christians have been baptized by the Spirit at salvation, all Christians are not Spirit filled. Just as surely as God has commanded all men everywhere to repent (Acts 17:30), so has he commanded every born-again believer to be Spirit filled. The filling is not a question of having more of the Holy Spirit, but a question of the Holy Spirit having all of us. Three evidences of having a Spirit filled (controlled by) life are as follows:
He is joyful (v. 19)He is thankful (v. 20)He is submissive (v. 21)
Application
Of the three evidences listed above, concerning whether I am Spirit filled or not, which one am I the strongest in? Which one am I the weakest in? Is there some area in my life that I still want to hold on to and really not let the Lord completely control?
Ephesians 5:15– 21 (NET)
15 Therefore consider carefully how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 taking advantage of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 For this reason do not be foolish, but be wise by understanding what the Lord’s will is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, which is debauchery, but be filled by the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music in your hearts to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 and submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Illustration: Moody Filled With Air or Water
Speaking to a large audience, D.L. Moody held up a glass and asked, “How can I get the air out of this glass?” One man shouted, “Suck it out with a pump!” Moody replied, “That would create a vacuum and shatter the glass.” After numerous other suggestions Moody smiled, picked up a pitcher of water, and filled the glass. “There,” he said, “all the air is now removed.” He went on to explain that victory in the Christian life is not accomplished by “sucking out a sin here and there,” but by being filled with the Holy Spirit. (Moody Institute’s Today in the Word, September, 1991, p. 30)