(Chapter 5.15-21)

by T. M. Hyland | Category: Studies In Ephesians: | Sept 1950

This seems to be the central paragraph in the second part of the epistle; gathering together what has gone before and laying the basis for what follows. The phrase "Be filled with the Spirit" is a focal point and is found in a context which merits close attention.

In the Acts of the Apostles the term " filled with the Holy Spirit" is frequently associated with miraculous mam-festahons-the gift of tongues in particular. Because of this it has been asserted that the gift of tongues wrn always be present as the mark of the Spirit's infilling. No such miraculous manifestations come into view in the context of the Ephesian reference to this matter. Here we are taught that a wise, fruitful, joyful, self-emptied life will be the visible evidence of the Spirit's infilling. Again, some have asserted that the filling of the Spirit is the result of a definite crisis, a once-for-all experience of the believer: but the reference here clearly points to a continuous infilling rather than a once-for-all fulness.

It is a fruitful study to examine the particular phases of the Holy Spirit's work emphasized in each of Paul's epistles. This is beyond our present purpose, but a brief summary of the references in Ephesians to the Holy Spirit's work may be helpful.

The first direct reference to the Holy Spirit is found in chapter

1.18. There we are told that upon belief of the gospel these Ephesians were "sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise." This sealing marked them out as a divine possession and became "an earnest," a first instalment of their eternal inheritance. Another reference to the "sealing" is found in chapter 4.80, where it is again associated with the great day of the believer's final emancipation-". . . sealed unto the day of redemption." The next reference to the Holy Spirit is in chapter 2. where it is stated that believing Jews and Gentiles, now reconciled to God and to each other through the cross of Christ, both have "access in one Spirit unto the Father" (2.18). This is not access to divine favour as in the epistle to the Romans, but access to the divine presence. The context would lead us to conclude that

collective access is particularly before the mind of the apostle, for he goes on to deal with the Temple of God. Describing the church of God in Ephesus as one of those buildings which comprise the temple of God, he designates that church to be "a habitation of God in the Spirit." The Holy Spirit is also seen to be the great Revealer of divine secrets to God's holy apostles and prophets. Such revelation is stated to be "in the Spirit" (chapter 3.5). Then at the end of chapter 3. we have the work of the Holy Spirit referred to in connexion with that great goal of Christian experience, Christ dwelling in the heart by faith. "Strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inward man" ; these are the words used to describe the great preparatory work of the Holy Spirit for Christ as our Indweller.

Then the Holy Spirit is the great Unifier of God's people who are exhorted to keep "the unity of the Spirit "-the only unity which is of God. The Spirit may be grieved by the words or conduct of the believer, hence the solemn word : " Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God " (chapter 4.80). There are further references to the Holy Spirit in chapter 6.-" the sword of the Spirit" (verse 17) and "praying

- in the Holy Spirit " (verse 18). These will receive consideration later.

It will be observed from this brief summary what a tremendous range of the blessed Holy Spirit's work comes before us in this epistle. The culminating point is reached when the command is given, " Be filled with the Spirit." The obligation is here laid on each believer to make room so that the Spirit who indwells may fill the heart and life. Here is laid bare the secret of spiritual power. We cannot measure the spiritual power which may flow through one such believer. Upon every one of us lies the solemn re~ponsibih.ty of facing the challenge of these words to-day. Spirit-filled believers we need to be if we are going to be a power for God in our present life and testimony.

In the context of this command, " He filled with the Spirit," is revealed the kind of conduct that is compatible with such an experience. In verse 17 we are told, "Be not foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is." Thus the Spirit-filled believer will be a practical man, not governed by his emotions, but exercising his understanding: one of the most profound features of the Spirit's infilling is that He exercises control through the human faculties without doing violence to the human personality. Another quality of the Spiritfilled believer is indicated in verse 21-" Subjecting vourselves one to another in the fear of Christ." No manis so filled with the Spirit as to be able to dispense with the counsel of other spiritually-minded disciples. "Be filled with the Spirit" and "Subjecting yourselves one to another in the fear of Christ" are complementary commands a nd should not be dissociated. The Spirit-filled believer will be reasonable and modest, not awkward or contentious. He will recognize the working of the Spirit in others, and sometimes on this account

will subject himself in the fear of Christ. If he must differ then it will be with humility and self-distrust.

Then, in verse 18., we have the contrasted states of drunkenness and the Spirit's filling. The former produces a false exhilaration with disordered faculties and a loss of self control : the latter issues in the harmonious functioning of all the faculties and emotions perfectly adjusted under the Spirit's courrol.

Another certain result of the Spirit's filling will be an outflow of praise-~a song ; not like the hollow, artificial revelry of the drunkard, but the result of melody in the heart. For the Spirit-filled believer will be a thankful man, "giving thanks always for all things . .

and his joy will be infectious, echoing in kindred hearts, evoking a response, " speaking one to another in psalms, and hymns and spiritual songs." How different is the spirit manifested by some of God's people who seem to be in a continual state of inward turmoil, always nursing grievance, real or imaginary, and spreading discord and discontent wherever they go! Oh, that such would heed the word:

"Be filled with the Spirit; speaking one to another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; giving thanks always for all things in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to ('~od, even the Father; subjecting yourselves one to another in the fear of Christ" I

Now, as then, the days are evil; yet each day offers golden opportunities to the exercised believer. Taking careful thought for his walk, and giving place to the indwelling Spirit, the wise believer will be furnished with a fulness of spiritual power equal to every contingency of the work and warfare of the Lord.

<Author:T. M. Hyland>

(To be continned.)

T. M. Hyland | Sept 1950
Studies In Ephesians: