Being Filled with the Spirit
The Command to Be Filled
Continuously Controlled by the Spirit
Description
While every believer is indwelt by the Spirit, not every believer is filled with the Spirit. We are commanded: 'Be filled with the Spirit'—a present imperative indicating continuous, ongoing action. This is not a second blessing but a repeated appropriation of the Spirit's control. Being filled means being controlled by, directed by, empowered by the Spirit. It contrasts with being drunk with wine—as alcohol controls the intoxicated person, so the Spirit is to control the believer. The evidence of filling is not spectacular manifestations but speaking to one another in psalms and hymns, giving thanks always, and submitting to one another.
Key Verses
And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.
And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.