As I spend more time in the book of Acts, I am amazed at the power of the Church and how filled they were with the Holy Spirit. The power of the Holy Spirit was evident in their lives. It is obvious that they are filled with the Holy Spirit.
However, we don't really see much of that anymore. No one really seems to take seriously the command in Ephesians 5:18 to "be filled with the Spirit" (NIV) We look at the early church and shake our heads, thinking that it isn't realistic....we can't be filled with the Spirit.
I don't know about you, but I desire to see the Spirit fill my life. I read verses like Acts 4:31, "After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly." (NIV) and it makes me deeply desire to be filled with the Spirit.
Let's take a look at Galatians 5: "16 So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. 17 For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.
19 The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other." (NIV)
We need to be filled with the Spirit. I believe that the Spirit desires to fill us like the believers of old. We need more people to be filled with and live by the Spirit. If we live by the Spirit, we won't satisfy our sinful nature. Will you dare to be filled with the Spirit?
For Christ's Glory!
Thoughts and musings on following Christ, becoming a Warrior Poet, and living as a Disciple.
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