“When we obey His promptings, we create an environment where the Holy Spirit can work freely in and through us.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – June 14, 2024
Don’t drink too much wine, for many evils lie along that path; be filled instead with the Holy Spirit and controlled by him. Ephesians 5:18, TLB
In the Christian journey, the presence and power of the Holy Spirit are not just foundational; they are essential for daily living. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, exhorts believers to “be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18). This command is not a one-time event but a continuous, ongoing process. The Greek verb used here for “be filled” (plerousthe) is in the present imperative form, implying a continuous action. This ongoing need to be filled with the Holy Spirit is crucial for living a victorious Christian life.
To understand the importance of being continuously filled with the Holy Spirit, we must first recognize the role of the Spirit in our lives. The Holy Spirit is the third Person of the Trinity, who empowers, guides, and sustains believers. Jesus promised His disciples that the Holy Spirit would be their Helper, teaching them all things and bringing to their remembrance all that He had said (John 14:26). The Spirit convicts us of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8), and He transforms us into the likeness of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18).
However, despite the initial filling of the Holy Spirit at the moment of salvation, Christians are encouraged to seek continual infilling. This is because our daily lives are filled with challenges, temptations, and spiritual battles that can drain us spiritually. Just as our physical bodies need regular nourishment, our spirits need constant replenishment through the Holy Spirit. Without this continuous filling, we risk falling into spiritual dryness and becoming ineffective in our walk with Christ. Be wise to submit your feelings to faith since the Spirit is always at work, and sometimes His work is the most prominent when you feel Him the least. C.S. Lewis explains:
It is quite right that you should feel that “something terrific” has happened to you (It has) and be “all glowy.” Accept these sensations with thankfulness as birthday cards from God, but remember that they are only greetings, not the real gift. I mean, it is not the sensations that are the real thing. The real thing is the gift of the Holy Spirit, which can’t usually be—perhaps not ever—experienced as a sensation or emotion. The sensations are merely the response of your nervous system. Don’t depend on them. Otherwise, when they go, and you are once more emotionally flat (as you certainly will be quite soon), you might think that the real thing has gone, too. But it won’t. It will be there when you can’t feel it. May even be most operative when you can feel it least.
Sweet relief—the Spirit is still at work when you don’t feel Him at work.
One practical way to be continually filled with the Holy Spirit is through prayer. Prayer is a direct line of communication with God, where we can ask Him to fill us anew with His Spirit. In Luke 11:13, Jesus assures us that the Father will give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him. Regular, heartfelt prayer keeps us connected to the source of our spiritual power and vitality.
Another essential practice is immersing ourselves in the Word of God. The Scriptures are “God-breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16), and living and active (Hebrews 4:12). As we read and meditate on the Bible, the Holy Spirit illuminates the truths within it, applying them to our hearts and minds. This not only renews our minds (Romans 12:2) but also equips us to live out our faith with wisdom and discernment.
Fellowship with other believers is also crucial. The early church demonstrated the power of community, as they were continually filled with the Holy Spirit through prayer, teaching, breaking of bread, and fellowship (Acts 2:42). Being part of a vibrant Christian community provides encouragement, accountability, and opportunities to serve, all of which contribute to a Spirit-filled life. Moreover, living a life of obedience to God’s commands and being sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit is vital. The Spirit often speaks to us in gentle whispers, guiding us in our decisions and actions. When we obey His promptings, we create an environment where the Holy Spirit can work freely in and through us.
Every believer needs to be filled with the Holy Spirit on an ongoing basis. You are a loving but leaky vessel, like a body that needs an ongoing intake of water. This continuous infilling gives you the strength, wisdom, and guidance to navigate your faith journey. By committing yourself to prayer, Scripture, fellowship, and obedience, you position yourself to receive a fresh filling of the Holy Spirit each day, enabling you to live a fruitful and victorious life for the glory of God.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I come before You, asking for Your constant filling of the Holy Spirit. Guide my thoughts, words, and actions each day. Help me live a life that reflects Your love and grace, empowering me to serve and honor You in all I do. Amen.
Application
What fruit of the Spirit do you aspire to grow in its influence in your life? Consider spending time with those who model the Spirit-filled life and learn from them.
Related Reading
Luke 11:13; Acts 4:31; 1 Corinthians 12:13; 1 John 1:9
Worship Resource
LifeGen Worship: Come Holy Spirit
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