The Spirit-Filled Life
Be filled with the Spirit.
Ephesians 5:18 NKJV

The new birth doesn't automatically eliminate the old nature. We live in bodies that are susceptible to sin, so we must stay filled with God's Spirit. Paul says: 'Walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh' (Galatians 5:16 NAS). Then he gives us a familiar illustration: 'do not be drunk with wine… but be filled with the Spirit' (Ephesians 5:18 NKJV). Notice:

First, Paul's talking about yielding control of our life to God's Spirit. When someone's drunk we say they're 'under the influence.'

Second, Paul's statement is a command. 'Be filled.' He didn't say, 'If you'd like to,' or 'It would be nice.' No, if you are going to please God then you must be constantly filled with His Spirit.

Third, this applies to every believer. Sometimes we look at someone and say, 'They love Jesus so much; why can't I be like that?' You can. The difference is the filling of the Spirit, not the fact that they have something you don't.

Fourth, you can't fill yourself. Like filling your car, you must regularly pull up to the pump. 'Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled' (Matthew 5:6 NIV). Are you hungry? Are you thirsty?

Fifth, it's a continuous action. You can't run your car on a single tank of petrol; you've got to keep going back to the source. The Spirit's filling is a dynamic, moment-by-moment experience. Why is it that way? Because we live in a world that depletes us spiritually and contend with a core of carnality that seeks to defeat us. So, 'be filled with the Spirit.' (Ephesians 5:18 NKJV). The Vine