August 6, 2026 -- Ephesians 5:18 -- Be filled with the Holy Spirit...how?
/People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!
And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit…
Ephesians 5:18 ESV
Much of my in-prison and in-community work with Redemption Prison Ministry involves meeting with men who are struggling with addiction. Interestingly enough, those who are incarcerated are often far more open and honest about their addictions and their spiritual struggles than are my Christian peers who occupy the pews of local churches.
Drunkenness includes addiction to alcohol, that is obvious and clearly stated, but people can be drunk with power. With anger. With gossip. With envy. Sin is an addictive drug. Debauchery is a word rarely used in general conversation. It is appropriately descriptive. It includes sexual lust, passions, adultery, pornography and so on. Sins that are rampant in our world today…and likely not nearly confessed often enough among our church members today. Once again, it is a testimony to the work of the Holy Spirit that those who are gripped by the grace of Jesus Christ realize their sinfulness and confess it, seeking to be emptied of sin and filled to overflowing with the goodness of our God.
Paul is making the point that it is critical for those who have been cleansed by the atoning blood of Christ—their mind and heart, now emptied of the trash of sin and the vileness of debauchery—not remain empty. The bible calls for believers to be filled with the Spirit so that they will be connected to Jesus Christ, Who is living water welling up within them.
Sinclair Ferguson has a clear-sighted interpretation of that command: “be filled”. I am using his material and adding to it.
To be filled is to be an on-going reality for every day. It is not once and done proposition. It is a day in and day out experience that should be evident in the life of a Christian. One who is filled in this way is connected to Jesus, His life coursing through one’s mind, one’s heart, one’s intentions, one’s plans.
To be filled with the Spirit is a command to be obeyed. Do you pray to be filled? Do you seek the Spirit with zeal? Do you read the bible, expecting to be filled? Do you meet with other Christians longing for this truth to be fulfilled in you?
To be filled with the Spirit is a gift of God to be received. That means your attitude and posture must be one of receptivity. If you are focused every where else other than on God and His rich blessings, then gift of being filled be not be received
Sinclair Ferguson, Let’s Study Ephesians.
How are you doing on that check list? Are you seeking to be Spirit-filled? Praying to be Spirit-filled? Are you receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit? Do you conscientiously remove from your life all sinful and wicked actions which would hinder such filling? If you are struggling to understand what is keeping you dry, seek the advice of a trusted Christian brother or sister who knows you well enough to be honest and cherishes you enough to be patient and gentle in answering you.
Who is like You, O God, steadfast in mercy and in love? There is no one in the farthest cosmos or in the depths who is like You—You are great and worthy of all our praise. Thank You for the life that is ours in Christ. Thank You for the wonderful gift of the Spirit. Mighty God, fill us to overflowing with Your Spirit so that sin will be what it truly is repugnant to us and like a vile stench driving us away from it; fill us so that we desire more of Christ; fill us so that we will with open hands of gratitude receive the gift of Christ and His love which in turn leads us to know You, our Good Father. Amen.
https://youtu.be/KLTu1xv2-Us?si=ZBuXZJkJcOz708iA O the Deep Love of Jesus
Copyright © 2025 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.
