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I suppose, like most of us in the 1980 Campus Crusade for Christ days, I was introduced to what we called the Bird Book. It asked the question, "Have you made the wonderful discovery of the Spirit-filled life? Still, to this day, I am thankful for that early introduction to the truth that the Spirit of God is to be the transforming influence in our lives as Christians.
Over the years, however, I began to reconsider the idea of "filling" the way it was described to me. I was taught to "spiritually breath" by confessing my sin (1 John 1:9...like exhaling), then to pray to be filled (God must answer my prayer if it is in His will...1 John 5:14-15...like inhaling) because Ephesians 5:18 promised:
And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit
That seemed to be all I needed for a while, but then I noticed I was starting to constantly follow this formula; then, before long, I was spiritually hyperventilating!
In time I learned that the source of my problems had to be dealt with through the cross of Christ applied to my "old man" [we'll think about that later]...in other words, something needed to happen so I wouldn't sin. Spiritual breathing only helped me "after" I had sinned.
The verse still presented a problem. It seems that it definitely says that we should be filled. In due time, God showed me the next verse too (funny how that happens).
Ephesians 5:19 says,
speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord...
Suddenly it made sense that this verse was about something we do together. I knew I wasn't in the habit of calling up another Christian and seeing if he wanted to join in a song over the phone! Maybe this was about worship.
As I continued to study, I learned that the ancient Greeks loved to have religious parties. Their whole goal was to get drunk in honor of their god (Diana or Bacchus). But it wasn't about getting drunk, it was about getting "enthusiastic". In the Greek, enthusiastic is a combination of "en" and "theos". Basically that translates as "god within". They thought they were being possessed or "filled" with their god.
Paul was saying, "Don't get drunk like the pagans, instead be filled with the Spirit in worship." So it is together...and just as alcohol controls a drunk person, let God's Spirit control your worship.
It seems that when we gather to worship we aren't too yielded to the Spirit's leadership in that moment, but rather, we are concerned about what the others around us might be thinking (or worse, doing!). Why not submit?
Next worship service...what if the Spirit was in charge and was invited to freely reign in the service? I don't think you alone can actually control the service, but I bet you have a really good shot at inviting Him to control you! I dare you...but more importantly, God asks you!
I'm pretty sure as the Spirit fills some of the worshippers, He starts filling them all...which is something beyond good music and nifty overheads.
Go, be filled, and SING to one another by His Spirit!
Grace,
Fred
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