Did you know that the Holy Spirit plays an intricate part not only in our salvation but also in our walk with the Lord? Paul mentions the Holy Spirit in all six chapters of his letter to the Ephesians. We are sealed by the Spirit unto the day of redemption (1:13). We have access to the Father by the Spirit (2:18). The Spirit reveals to us the mystery of the gospel (3:5). We have been unified by the Spirit (4:3). We can be filled by the Spirit (5:18), and we can pray in the Spirit (6:18). These are just some of the verses in this epistle that speak of the Holy Spirit.

There is no way we can walk with the Lord without the Holy Spirit working in our lives. That is why Paul challenged the Ephesians to be “filled with the Spirit” (5:18). The Greek word for filled speaks of an ongoing filling and not a once-and-for-all experience.

When we walk with the Lord, the Holy Spirit is continually working in our lives. In the same way, as we continually submit ourselves to the Spirit, He empowers us to do His will. The Holy Spirit is so involved in our walk with the Lord that when we are not being filled by Him, we are grieving Him. Paul cautions: “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption” (4:30).

When we walk (or live) by the Spirit, we will not gratify the desires of the flesh (Gal. 5:16). In verses 19 and 20, Paul describes the outpouring of this “filling”—we will worship and sing, “giving thanks to God the Father for everything.” As Spirit-filled people, we will live in a way that glorifies God, in worship and fellowship with like- minded people.

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