The concept of being “filled with the Holy Spirit” is central to Christian living, offering a powerful and transformative experience. This exploration will delve into the biblical meaning of this phrase, its implications for daily life, and how it empowers believers.
A Contrast: Drunkenness vs. Spirit-Filled Living
The Apostle Paul, in Ephesians 5:18, provides a powerful contrast: “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit.” Just as a person under the influence of alcohol loses control and exhibits distinct signs—staggering, unintelligible speech, and altered behavior—so too does someone filled with the Spirit display different, divinely-inspired characteristics. When a person is drunk, they are subdued and controlled by the alcohol. In the same way, being filled with the Spirit means being completely under the influence and control of the Holy Spirit.
Understanding “Pleroo”: To Be Completely Influenced
The Greek word Paul uses for “filled” is “Pleroo.” This word carries several significant meanings in scripture that illuminate what it means to be Spirit-filled:
* Completeness of Oneness: “Pleroo” describes a state of completeness or oneness, as seen in the readiness of John the Baptist (Acts 13:25) or the unity of Paul and Barnabas (Acts 12:25). To be filled with the Spirit, then, implies a profound unity with God through His Spirit.
* Saturation: In Acts 5:28, “Pleroo” is used to describe how the Apostles “filled Jerusalem with the doctrine of Christ,” meaning the city was “saturated” with the gospel message. Being Spirit-filled means being saturated with God’s presence and truth, radiating His influence to the surrounding world.
* Physical Manifestation: On the Day of Pentecost, the house was “filled with wind” (Acts 2:2), implying a strong, palpable presence. This suggests that being Spirit-filled can involve a powerful, perceivable manifestation of God’s presence.
* Influence Leading to Action: Interestingly, “Pleroo” was also used by Peter to describe how the devil “filled Ananias’ heart” with a plot to lie (Acts 5:28). While this was a negative example, it illustrates that being “filled” implies an influence that leads to specific actions. Therefore, to be filled with the Holy Spirit means to be completely and fully influenced by Him, leading to actions that align with His will.
To be filled with the Spirit means to live under the influence of the Spirit to the maximum extent possible.
The Influence of the Holy Spirit: What He Empowers Us To Do
Since the Holy Spirit is a powerful Person, His influence leads us into specific actions and characteristics:
* Doing Good and Healing: Just as God anointed Jesus of Nazareth “with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil” (Acts 10:38), the Spirit empowers us to heal the sick, raise the dead, and preach the gospel.
* Bearing Fruit in Character: The Spirit influences us to “walk in Him, thereby bearing His fruit in our character” (Galatians 5:22-23), including love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
* Divine Utterance: When filled with the Spirit, believers can “speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance” (Acts 2:4). Peter, “filled with the Holy Ghost,” boldly addressed the rulers and elders of Israel (Acts 4:8). The Spirit provides the words and boldness needed to declare God’s truth.
* Joy Amidst Adversity: The Spirit enables us to be “filled with joy” even in the face of hardship and persecution (Acts 13:49-52). This joy is not dependent on external circumstances; instead, it has the power to transform them. It is a divine joy that wells up from within, providing hope and strength even in discouraging times.
* Boldness Over Timidity: God has not given us “the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7). Being filled with the Holy Spirit empowers us with boldness, replacing timidity and fear. You don’t need artificial stimulants like drugs or alcohol to be courageous; spending time being filled with the Holy Spirit will equip you to face anything.
Experiencing the Joy of the Lord
Especially during challenging seasons, when many may feel downcast, demotivated, or stuck, the Holy Spirit brings a unique kind of joy. This joy is not a product of our circumstances but a catalyst for change within them.
Consider Paul and Silas in Acts 16:25-26. Imprisoned and shackled, “at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed.” Their Spirit-inspired joy and praise brought about a miraculous breakthrough.
Just as Psalm 126:1-3 describes, “When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream. Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them. The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.”
Tonight, allow the Holy Spirit to well up holy joy within you. Find hope in your existence. Sing your favorite praise song, dance, and let your mouth be filled with laughter. As you praise, shackles can be broken, and your circumstances can shift. Be encouraged, for your tomorrow will be alright, filled with the joy and power of the Holy Ghost.
