Summary
Highlights
Pastor Daniel introduces a special message, deviating from their usual study in Mark, to focus on Ephesians 5:18, a command filled with promise: 'And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.' He emphasizes that this is not a suggestion but a command, praying for understanding and obedience.
Two major misconceptions about being filled with the Holy Spirit are addressed. Firstly, that Christians are void of the Holy Spirit and must acquire him; the Bible confirms believers receive the Holy Spirit upon salvation (Ephesians 1:13). Secondly, that the Holy Spirit's presence is incremental, with believers receiving only a portion. The pastor clarifies that the Holy Spirit is a person, not a substance, and believers receive all of Him upon salvation.
The speaker proposes that 'being filled' with the Holy Spirit is less about us having more of Him and more about Him having more of us. He suggests replacing 'filled' with 'controlled,' drawing a parallel to how alcohol controls someone who is drunk. This means allowing the Holy Spirit to have absolute domination over one's behavior, words, actions, and walk in life.
The sermon contrasts the temporary and negative effects of drunkenness (forgetting troubles, numbing reality, false confidence) with the sanctifying, joyful, and God-glorifying experience of being filled with the Holy Spirit. While drunkenness leads to embarrassing and destructive behavior, the Holy Spirit produces fruits like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, transforming one's character to be more like Christ.
Just as drunkenness negatively impacts relationships and reputation, being filled with the Holy Spirit leaves a positive impression, exuding a 'blessed fragrance.' The pastor references Acts 6:3, where leaders sought men 'full of the Spirit and of wisdom' for ministry, demonstrating that being Spirit-filled makes one useful for God's purposes. He highlights examples like Paul and Barnabas, who were filled with the Spirit for their ministries.
The message emphasizes that unlike the false allure of happiness from drunkenness, being filled with the Holy Spirit guarantees a happier inward and outward outlook. The psalmist's joy from God (Psalm 4:7) is a testament to this deeper, more secure assurance that comes from the Holy Spirit.
Paul outlines four practical outcomes in Ephesians 5:19-21: 1) Active engagement within a community of faith, implying a deep love and commitment to the local church. 2) Wholehearted singing unto the Lord, not superficial but from the heart, often in communal worship. 3) Radical gratitude, giving thanks 'always and for everything' to God the Father, even amidst trials, as exemplified by Paul's thankfulness at sea. 4) Loving submission to one another, extending to all relationships like marriage, parenting, and work, fostering humility and harmony.
The crucial question of 'how' to be filled with the Holy Spirit is addressed. While prayer for filling is important, the pastor points to Colossians 3:16, which parallels the outcomes of being Spirit-filled with 'Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.' This connection reveals that a primary way to be filled with the Spirit is to deeply invest in and consume God's Word. He likens this to needing to 'drink a lot' of the Word, not just nibbling, allowing it to saturate one's life. The Holy Spirit, being the author of the Word, works through it to bring about His filling and influence. Neglecting the Word leads to weakness in singing, thanksgiving, relationships, and church engagement.
Being filled with the Holy Spirit is not a one-time event but a continuous pursuit requiring a willing heart to surrender control to God. The way to do this is by learning from His Word and submitting to its truths. The sermon concludes with a prayer for faith, an increased appetite for God's Word, and for believers to earnestly seek and be filled daily with the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to transform every area of their lives.