Filled with the Spirit 

“And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit.”

Ephesians 5:18

In this verse, the Apostle Paul exhorts believers to be filled with the Holy Spirit rather than being intoxicated with wine. Let’s explore what this means for our lives: 

1. Avoiding Excess: 

• Paul warns against the excesses associated with drunkenness. When we indulge in alcohol or any other harmful behavior, we lose control and become slaves to our desires. 
• Instead, we are called to live a life of moderation, self-control, and sobriety. We should not allow anything to dominate us, but rather seek the fullness of the Spirit. 

2. Being Filled with the Spirit: 

• Being filled with the Spirit is not a one-time event but an ongoing process. It involves surrendering to God daily, allowing Him to fill every area of our lives. 
• The Holy Spirit empowers us, guides us, convicts us of sin, and produces godly fruit in us (Galatians 5:22-23). His presence transforms us from the inside out. 

3. Evidence of Being Filled: 

• When we are filled with the Spirit, our lives bear witness to it. We exhibit love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). 
• Our speech changes—we speak words of encouragement, praise, and truth. We also engage in worship through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs (Ephesians 5:19). 

4. Practical Steps: 

• Spend time in prayer, inviting the Holy Spirit to fill you afresh. Ask Him to reveal areas where you need His transformation. 
• Meditate on God’s Word daily. The Spirit uses Scripture to renew our minds and align our thoughts with God’s truth. 
• Be intentional about living out the fruit of the Spirit in your interactions with others. 

May we continually seek the fullness of the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to guide and transform us as we walk in obedience to God’s Word