Can I Be Sure I Am Spirit-Filled?

One of the misconceptions characteristic of certain movements, but is not based on the Bible is that there is a special “feeling” or a certain "sensation" associated with being filled with the Spirit. As a result many are seeking, expecting, and requiring something God did not promise. When there is a discrepancy between our practice and biblical Christianity, it is wise to return to the Scriptures to examine them directly and closely to discern where we deviated. So, let us discover what the Bible teaches we can expect when we are filled with the Spirit of Grace. Accordingly, we will realize the genuine features of the Spirit-filled life! Scripture paints a picture of Believers who are available, experience joy, are grateful, and desire to submit and minister to others. Let us read God’s Word carefully together noting precisely what Paul wrote,

And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; 19, Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; 20, Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; 21, Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. (Eph. 5:18-21).

If I understand this brilliant portion of the Word correctly, Spirit-filled Believers are at God’s disposal and under His control, have a song in their hearts to the Lord’s pleasure, and possess a truly grateful attitude. They habitually engage in mutual ministry to honor the Name of the Lord, and they submit and cooperate in relationships while walking in a palpable fear of God. In addition to these observations, we note that the above passage presents the command to be filled, and it affords in the following verses what a Spirit-controlled life looks like. Therefore, we have clear teaching on this in one context; this is a perfect text from which to draw our conclusions. Now let us consider the main thrust of this passage verse by verse. As we seek to answer the question: what is the evidence of being filled with God’s Spirit? Can I actually know I am under God’s control?

Controlled by and Available to God (v. 18).

The Spirit-filled life means that the Christian is yielded to God's control and we are available for the execution of His will. Such believers are particularly obedient to the Scriptures and enjoy holy power as they walk in obedience to God. As you know, the flesh or the Holy Spirit can dominate us. When the Spirit is in control, we will evidence a character much like that of our Lord Jesus (Gal. 5:22, 23). When we are dominated by the flesh, we will be self-seeking and self-gratifying in our actions and motives (Gal. 5). Like wine affects and controls a drunk, so the Spirit of God influences and controls the yielded Believer. Like wine, the Spirit affects our walk and talk; He gives a boldness we normally do not have and our entire demeanor is transformed. Unlike wine, the Spirit does not impair our vision or ability to function. He actually improves our proficiency and effectiveness. Certainly it is better to be drunk with the Spirit of God than to be drunk with wine! How much better for us to be Spirit-filled followers of Christ!

Yes, Spirit-filled Christians are at God's disposal. They are unequivocally available to Him for the execution of His will. Being so available is an act of complete faith and trust in the guidance and leadership of God. His purpose is paramount and supreme. We need never doubt His designs as He leads us into His plans for each day. The examination question we must ponder then is this: Am I completely available to God to become, embrace, and do whatever He wants?

Joyful Expressions (v. 19).

The Lord made it abundantly clear that Spirit controlled believers are joyful people. Discouragement, frustration, some forms of depression, and a rather down cast attitude are incompatible with a life solidly influenced by God-centered joy. Though we experience hardness like others, we have the strength that joy affords to sustain us (Neh. 8:10). Joy actually works or is most influential in the soul when our faith in the Lord is strong or resilient (Ps. 28:7, 8). If there is great confidence in our Lord then there will be great measures of joy! Such joy abounds in the heart and soul of the Believer who is yielded to the Spirit of Grace. It is the type of joy that is spiritual or rooted in our relationship and spiritual fellowship with God. Fellowship with God nourishes faith and increases our joy levels (1 Jn. 1:1-4). Holy joy does not necessarily stem from happy circumstances or positive developments; it is steadfastly anchored in the LORD GOD. The constancy of our Lord brings emotional and spiritual stability to the Believer's heart--the internal climate of his or her soul. Often the joy of the Lord in our hearts issues into songs of praise expressing delight in Him as our Savior and Captain. This is extremely normal and positive evidence of a Believer walking in the Spirit's power. Therefore, sing unto the Lord a new song! The examination question we must ask ourselves at this juncture is: Is my faith generating joyful impulses and songs to the Lord even in difficult times?

Always Grateful (v. 20).

Giving thanks to God always and in all things is another evidence of the Spirit's control in our lives. Ingratitude and a culture of entitlement seem to go hand in hand. The demands for more stuff, for rights, for benefits, for privileges, and social justice have just about stamped out the smoldering embers of gratitude and appreciation in our culture. Genuine thankfulness is expressed, or observed, or received, or given so very rarely! I too have a natural disposition to complain first instead expressing a grateful heart…I know…it really is awful. So whenever I am dominated by thanksgiving and gratitude instead, I know automatically that the Spirit is having His way with me relatively unhindered. M. Anders understood this well stating,

Having 20/20 spiritual sight, the Spirit-filled heart is thankful. If we understood how perilously our lives hang in the balance as we go about our daily routine, if we understood how vigorous the spiritual warfare is around us, if we understood how fortunate we are to have food on the table, a roof over our heads, and clothes on our backs, if we grasped how dependent we are on the common grace of God and the goodness of others for our basic necessities in life, we would be grateful people. We would be grateful for what we do have, rather than ungrateful for what we do not have. If we truly grasped our sin, and that it is because of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed (Lamentations 3:22), yes, we would be more grateful.

Thankfulness can be cultivated by noting the Person of God and praising Him for who He is. We can progress further by appreciating what He has done, is doing, and what we anticipate he will do. Most importantly, we must invite the Spirit of Grace to so influence our hearts that we express gratitude habitually. The question we must employ to examine ourselves is: Am I marked more by complaining or appreciating?

Cooperative and Submissive (v. 21).

Spirit controlled Believers are cooperative and exercise a healthy form of mutual submission. As Christians, we are not to participate in the worldly posturing for position and power so prominent outside of Christ. We are to supernaturally live submissively. In collaborative projects, we must discern God's will and gladly allow the best ideas to win out. We are to enthusiastically throw all our energy behind the best ideas to see God's will through to completion. It is vital that we submit to God’s will as it is discerned from the Word and through the team’s efforts. 

Mutual ministry also involves Believers giving and receiving ministry from each other. This facet is clearly identified with Spirit-controlled living. Meaningful and practical help and assistance is afforded in authentic Christian climates and culture. There is counseling and listening; discipleship and admonition characterize these exchanges at times. There is singing to instruct, inspire, and inform. In this healthy spiritual context, Christian interactivity results in mutual edification and maturation. Each believer is responsible for making valuable contributions into the lives of the other. Those who are filled with the Holy Spirit sense the importance of mutual ministry. We must understand that we are part of a larger whole, and we see the need for unity with the Head and the church body of which we are a part (Anders). To examine yourself, ask this question: Am I a lone ranger or a team player?

With these ideas in mind, we must take the self-examination seriously. While this article is not a comprehensive treatment of this subject, it is an adequate start. It is extremely important to God that His children are people under the control of His Spirit. No other lifestyle is acceptable! Actually, this is the best life possible on this side of eternity. I am not at all suggesting such a lifestyle is easy, but I am stating it is God's practical, yet profound prescription. It behooves us then to not only understand the Christian life, but to live it out with great power. We need not be confused by movements and sensationalism that is devoid of truth. We can know whether or not we are Spirit-filled people. Measure yourself with the Word and these simple thoughts, and then walk in the power and confidence of the Spirit of Grace.  

First photo was originally shared by Lee Hyunra to Beautiful Pictures Google+ Community.

Last photo was originally shared by Lino Santos to Nature Google+ Community. It depicts the

sunset of Madeira Island, Portugal.