Today, i will expound on a phenomenon, that all Christians ought to experience, which only a few do, and not many understand. Being filled or drunk in the spirit is something we are commanded to do.
Ephesians 5:18 says “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;”
Notice that in the above text, being filled with the Holy Spirit is in the present tense, which simply means it is a repetitive or continual command for us as Christians.
International Standard Rendering say..,”but keep on being filled with the Spirit.”
Message Rendering say.. “Drink the Spirit of God, huge draughts of him.”
This is a command, which is not intended as an option, meaning that we are to be constantly filled with the spirit.
The Greek word translated filled is “plerro” It means to make full, to fill up, to fill to the full, to fill to the top or to fill to the brim.
This literally means to fill it as full as is possible – that another drop would over flow that another grain would fall off. Literally that there can be no more.
But you might say, Pastor, how can I be filled when I am already filled with the Holy Spirit and this manifested through speaking in other tongues.
You see, you must understand that is there is one infilling, but severally refilling or many subsequent filling of the Holy spirit.
Recall on the day of Pentecost the Apostle were filled or received the out pouring of the Holy and spoke with other tongues as the spirit gave them utterance…
(Acts 2:1-4) says…”And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”
However, after the day of Pentecost, when they were warned not to preach anymore in the name of Jesus, scripture declares that they returned to their own recounted their ordeal and prayed. Saying,…”And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, 30 by stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.31 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. (Acts 4:29 -31)
You see, just as drunkenness can alter a person’s personalities and make them behave completely different, being filled with the Holy Spirit can make people act exactly like Jesus.
When we are filled with the spirit, it begins to control us and walking in love towards others becomes natural to us; living in one accord with others is easy. We are able to live failure proof life, We are able to live fearless life, perform miracles and exercise self control, because the spirit that we are filled with and dominated by is the spirit of love, power and self-control.(2 Timothy 1:7)
Emmanuel Emeke Asiwe, Snr Pastor, Joint Heirs Int. 441 Crescent Street, Brockton Ma 02302. Email: info@jointheirsint.org
