“And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;” (Eph 5:18)
Yesterday, we saw that being “filled with the Spirit” means to yield every area of our lives over to the control of the Holy Spirit. In other words, if we are not “filled with the Spirit,” it is because we are “filled” with something else!
How can you experience the Spirit-filled life?
RECOGNIZE THAT YOU ARE EMPTY, SPIRITUALLY.
Sadly, many are so used to walking in the flesh that they do not even know what it is like to walk in the Spirit. The first step to being “filled with the Spirit” is recognizing your need and dependence upon the Holy Spirit.
CONFESS AND FORSAKE ALL KNOWN SIN.
The Holy Spirit will not fill a dirty vessel. You cannot live in sin AND be filled with the Holy Spirit at the same time. (Prov. 28:13) says, “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.”
YOU MUST WALK BY FAITH, NOT BY FEELINGS.
Your flesh will crave sin like a drug addict craves his next hit. Therefore, walking in the Spirit means there must be a moment-by-moment reliance upon Him, no matter how you feel.
(Gal 5:16-17) “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.”
YOU MUST DWELL IN GOD’S WORD AND LET GOD’S WORD DWELL IN YOU.
Since what FILLS you CONTROLS you, it is important to fill your mind with the Word of God. You cannot expect to be “filled with the Spirit” while filling your mind with the garbage of this world.
As you live this way, confessing and turning from sin, relying on the indwelling Spirit for His power, and being obedient to His Word, you will begin seeing how the Holy Spirit will control your thoughts, your emotions, your words, your attitudes, and all of your life!
If you have not done so, surrender every area of your life to the control of the Holy Spirit, today! A great prayer to pray every morning is: “Dear Lord, please cleanse me of sin, empty me of self, and fill me with the Holy Spirit.”