“Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:17-18).

When we think of being filled with the Spirit-
– we often relate it to an emotional experience or a feeling of euphoria.

But in reality, the word, “filled,” could be translated, “controlled.”
It is a word that speaks of what happens when the wind fills the sails of a boat and guides it along.

So God is saying that-
– we are to let His Spirit fill us and control our lives.

The Spirit filled life is the Christ controlled life!

Another interesting thing about this word is that in the original language-
– it is in a tense that speaks of something that should be done continually.

So you could translate this sentence:
“Be constantly filled with the Spirit.”

This is not a one-time event.

Instead, it is something that takes place over and over again-
– just as we repeatedly fill the gas tanks in our cars to keep them running.

You may have emotional experiences.
You may not have emotional experiences.

But that has very little to do with the reality of being filled with and controlled by the Spirit.

One other thing about this phrase from Ephesians 5:18 is that-
– it’s a command,
– not a suggestion.

The Scripture is not saying, “If it works with your schedule, if you don’t mind, would you please consider maybe letting the Holy Spirit fill and control you?”

Rather, God is saying that He commands us.
He orders us, to be filled with the Spirit!

(PA)