Be Being Filled With the Spirit
Paul also encouraged the saints at Ephesus to edify themselves, for in Ephesians 5:18 he
says, "And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but BE FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT."
Remember that this letter was written to Spirit-filled believers, because we read in Acts chapter
19 that Paul came to Ephesus, and there he found these disciples and laid hands on them.
The Holy Ghost came on them and they spoke with tongues (Acts 19:1-6). In Ephesians 5:18,
Paul is later writing a letter to that same church, and he said, "And be not drunk with wine,
wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit" (Eph. 5:18).
Greek scholars tell us that a more literal translation would be,"Be being filled." In other words,
we should maintain a continuous experience of being filled up to overflowing with the Holy
Spirit. It is one thing to be filled with the Holy Ghost initially; it is another thing to stay
continually filled with the Holy Ghost.
Beginning in verse 19, Paul lists the characteristics of the Spirit-filled life.
EPHESIANS 5:19-21
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 Jes us Christ;
21 SUBMITTING YOURSELVES ONE TO ANOTHER in the fear of God.
Those believers who are continually being filled with the Holy Spirit have a song in their heart;
they are always giving thanks to God; and they have a submissive attitude. They sing and
make melody in their hearts to the Lord continually.
As we discussed in Chapter 18, the Lord wants us to maintain a continual experience of being
filled with the Holy Spirit. One way the believer does that is by speaking to himself in psalms,
hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in his heart to the Lord.
These psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs are given by the inspiration of the Spirit of God.
They come through the spirit of prophecy (Rev. 19:10), which may include tongues and
interpretation.
Allowing Our Spirits Contact With the Father of Spirits
Another scriptural purpose for speaking with tongues is so that our spirits (as distinct from our
minds or our own understanding) might pray. God is a Spirit, and He has provided a
supernatural means whereby the human spirit can be in direct contact with the Father of spirits
(Heb. 12:9).
Paul said, "For if I pray in an unknown tongue, MY SPIRIT PRAYETH, but my understanding is
unfruitful"(1 Cor. 14:14).
Paul also made reference to this in Romans 8:26: "Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our
infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh
intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered."