Maturing as Christians

The next consequence of being filled is submitting to one another in various relationships of life, in order that harmony and peace will reign in these specific relationships (Ephesians 5:21). In relation to home life, between husbands and wives, parents and children, (Ephesians 5:22-6:4). In relation to employers and employees, (Ephesians 6:5-9). Being filled with the Holy Spirit brings empowerment for obedience to the Word of God which conforms us to the character of God.

We’re continuing our examination of the consequences of being filled with the Holy Spirit. In Part Six, we looked at the fruit of the Spirit. Now let’s look at worship, thanksgiving and praise. The verse on being filled (Ephesians 5:18) is followed in its context by these consequences, “Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ

Let’s examine the consequences of being filled with the Holy Spirit. We’ve already mentioned that speaking in tongues isn’t one of them (see Part Five). In the Bible the fruit of the Spirit is inseparably connected with being filled. In Galatians 5, we find apostle Paul contrasting the works of the flesh (the part of humanity corrupted by sin, bent towards evil and opposing God's will), and the fruit of the Spirit. Paul instructs that the means of not fulfilling the works of

The Spirit-filled life is not recommended, suggested, or advised, it’s commanded! Paul says, “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18). The verb, “be filled” is an imperative. It literally means, “be being filled.” In the Greek, “be being filled,” especially in Ephesians 5:18, uses the verb, meaning “a continuous, passive, and controlling influence like a ship's sail catching wind.” It signifies b

Let’s examine the nature of being filled. What does it mean to be Spirit-filled? It’s an ongoing yielding and submission to His guidance. It's the pervasive influence and control of the Holy Spirit in a believer's life. Paul teaches us, “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18). Please note that although there’s a sharp contrast in this verse between drunkenness and Spirit-filling, there’s also a co

In Part Two, we learned about understanding and embracing the relationship of being controlled by the Holy Spirit to spiritual maturity. Since being indwelt by, and guided by the Holy Spirit and spiritual maturity are interrelated, then there should be stages of development in our Christian lives! How do we know this is true? Again Paul teaches us, “And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual men, but as to men of flesh, as to infants in Christ. I gave you milk to

Learning the truth about the Holy Spirit means understanding and embracing the relationship of being Spirit-filled to spiritual maturity. It’s the filling ministry of the Holy Spirit that brings the teaching about Him into every facet of life and service. In other words, filling is the channel by which the Spirit’s ministries are worked in and through believers. Being Spirit-filled is not always clearly understood and embraced. Let’s look at Paul’s words to us. He says, “But

Learning the truth about the Holy Spirit means understanding He is fully God. He’s not one-third God. He eternally exists along with the Father and the Son, each of whom also possesses fully the identically same divine nature. He’s God's divine, personal presence within believers who guides into all truth, empowers Christian living, reveals Jesus, and helps one obey God and understand Scripture, transforming lives through a relationship of trust and surrender. If you want to

Paul teaches, “Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am” (Philippians 4:11). Learning contentment means experiencing and recognizing God's active, purposeful guidance and care in all aspects of life, not as random chance, but as a demonstration of His sovereignty. It's a learned skill, not a feeling. Contentment isn't something you are born with; it's a skill that must be practiced and learned over time. It is a deliberate c

What does it mean to be discontent? Biblically, discontent means a deep dissatisfaction with God's provision and rule in your life, stemming from a lack of trust, doubting His goodness, and wanting something different or better than what He's allowed, essentially prioritizing personal desires over God's plan, often leading to grumbling, worry, or sin. It's the opposite of biblical contentment, which finds peace and sufficiency in God, even in hardship, by recognizing His ulti