Exhortations that the Believer Should be
Filled with the Spirit
Ephesians 5:18-21

Lesson 16

background notes

doctrinal / teaching point

1. Believers should be filled with the Spirit.
   1. The Spirit-filled believer sings spiritual songs
   2. The Spirit-filled believer gives thanks for all things
   3. The Spirit-filled believer submits to authority structures

practical application

Are you a Spirit-filled Christian?

questions

1. What does it mean to be filled of the Spirit mean?
2. What is the filling of the Spirit not?
3. Where are we commanded to be filled with the Holy Spirit?
4. Is every Christian indwelt by the Holy Spirit?
5. List the characteristics of the Spirit-filled believer.

answers

1. It means to be under the influence and control of the Holy Spirit.
2. It is not the baptism of the Spirit, which took place at Pentecost. It is not the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, which took place at the moment of conversion.
3. We are commanded in Ephesians 5:18 to be filled with the Spirit, to be under the influence and control of the Holy Spirit. Note the comparison of being filled with wine in Ephesians 5:18.
4. Yes. See Ephesians 1:13 and 1 Corinthians 6:19.
5. The Spirit-filled believer sings spiritual songs, gives thanks for all things, and submits to authority structures.

discuss / consider

1. The Spirit-filled believer sings spiritual songs. Re-read Ephesians 5:19. See Colossians 3:16. Are you a singing Christian? Even in difficult circumstances? See Acts 16:22-25.
2. The Spirit-filled believer gives thanks for all things. Is this characteristic of your life?
3. The Spirit-filled believer submits to authority structures. Do you believe and act upon this doctrine? In all phases of your life?

challenge

Are you a Christian? Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Savior? If so, are you a Spirit-filled Christian? Do you meet the three characteristics listed in this lesson?

memorize

• “…be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.” Ephesians 5:18-19
• “…give thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 5:20
• “…submit to one another in the fear of God.” Ephesians 5:21