We have been looking at the work of the Holy Spirit prior to and at the moment of conversion. In Ephesians 1:13 we are told we are marked as belonging to God by the presence or seal of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Now we are to look at another ministry or desire of the Spirit. It is contained in the words of verse 18 in our reading, "Be filled with the Spirit." The NLVB paraphrases this command, "Let the Holy Spirit fill and control you." What does this mean? We all know what it is to be controlled by various emotions, such as fear or love. We may have seen others controlled or filled with hatred, jealousy, or anger. The whole personality and actions can be controlled by one or other of these types of emotions. To be filled with the Holy Spirit is to be so controlled by Him that our actions and particularly our reactions will show it. The result will be evident to all we meet because Christ will be seen more and more in our lives. If you are to read on in the remaining verses of this chapter and into the next chapter, you will easily see the areas in which the filling of the Holy Spirit will be, making it clear that Christ is in your life. Our relationships with fellow Christians, our praise and thankfulness to God and our life within our own family are all covered here. How can we make sure the Holy Spirit will be in control of our lives each day? If we want this, we must ask for it. Here is a simple prayer which could be used first thing every morning, "Lord Jesus, I give myself to you for this day so that your Holy Spirit can have His way in me today. May He fill and control me so that you, Lord Jesus, will be seen in all I do and say." Try it. Start today and keep on saying it every morning. |
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