Filled With The Spirit!
Devotion by Pastor Shane - November 17, 2023
Ephesians 5:18, "And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;"
Ephesians 5:18 presents a clear contrast between two ways of living: being filled with the Spirit and indulging in excess, symbolized by getting drunk on wine. This verse urges us to choose a life guided and empowered by the Holy Spirit, which leads to righteousness, wisdom, and spiritual abundance.
- Avoiding Excess: The apostle Paul advises against excessive consumption of wine, which can lead to debauchery or reckless living. This is a reminder that overindulgence in any aspect of life, whether alcohol, materialism, or worldly desires, can lead us down a destructive path.
- Being Filled with the Spirit: Instead of seeking fulfillment in the fleeting pleasures of the world, we are encouraged to seek fullness and satisfaction in the Holy Spirit. To be filled with the Spirit means to invite the Spirit's presence, guidance, and power into our lives daily, allowing Him to lead and empower us.
- Living a Spirit-Filled Life: A life filled with the Spirit is marked by the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). It results in wise and God-honoring choices.
As you reflect on Ephesians 5:18, consider how you allow the Holy Spirit to guide your life. Are you seeking spiritual fullness and empowerment, or are you being led by worldly desires and temptations?
Living a Spirit-filled life is a daily choice. It involves prayer, seeking God's guidance, and surrendering to the Holy Spirit's work within you. When you choose to be filled with the Spirit, you'll discover a life that overflows with love, joy, peace, and spiritual abundance. This life is not bound by worldly excess but is empowered by the presence and guidance of the Spirit of God.