Can you imagine if a preacher dared to enter the pulpit drunk? It is likely (and likely should be) that he would be fired. Yet, how many preachers will stand before the congregation tomorrow—relying on their study, leaning on their skills, trusting in their strength. It may be that none will confront them—in fact, they may please the people and receive a pat on the back. But, they have sinned as much as the drunken preacher slurring his sermon!
“Be filled with the Spirit,” is as much an imperative as “be not drunk with wine.” To disobey either is sin. It is just that one would be more obvious. Yet, because it is not so apparent, the failure to be filled with the Spirit may be more insidious!
From the Day of Pentecost, there was this linkage between being filled with wine and being filled with the Spirit. Why?
One who is drunk is mastered by alcohol. It controls everything about them. It changes their thinking, their vision, their speech, their emotions, their walk. To be filled with the Spirit is to be under the Lordship of Jesus Christ—fully. So much so, that His Spirit affects the way we think, how we see, what we say, how we feel, the way we walk.
This is a crucial command. Jesus demanded the disciples assemble for prayer after His ascension and not cease seeking the Spirit’s power until He came upon them. They did. He did. There were 3000 added to the church that day! The world has never been the same.
Pray! Seek the fullness of the Spirit. Do not cease asking for His anointing on the preaching of the Word and ministries of the church. Be empty of self, that you may be full of the Spirit.
It is a crucial command!
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