When the Bible instructs us to do something it becomes our responsibility to act upon it because it is not a suggestion or philosophical argument for debate… it is the will of God.
"And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit...." Ephesians 5:18
As followers of Christ, we are to avoid being inebriated with intoxicating drink, but to be imbued with the Holy Spirit.
This indicates being filled with the Spirit is God’s plan for all believers, no matter their denominational background, persuasion, or taste.
Temples of The Holy Spirit
From the Garden of Eden to the last Temple in Jerusalem, God has always had a sacred place to meet with His people. A place He ordained where they could meet with Him, pray, worship, confess their sins, receive mercy, forgiveness, and blessings.
When Jesus died upon the cross, the veil of the last temple was rent or torn from top to bottom (Matthew 27:51), signifying God was no longer constrained to a building made with hands (Acts 7:48). He wanted something better. He wanted our bodies to become His holy temple. He wanted to be one with His children forever.
This is an amazing mystery, but glorious for us because He gives us the right to become partakers of His divine nature (2 Peter 1:4)
The apostle Paul revealed this mystery in several passages.
Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are. 1 Corinthians 3:16-17
Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: "I WILL DWELL IN THEM AND WALK AMONG THEM. I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE."
Therefore "COME OUT FROM AMONG THEM AND BE SEPARATE, SAYS THE LORD. DO NOT TOUCH WHAT IS UNCLEAN, AND I WILL RECEIVE YOU." "I WILL BE A FATHER TO YOU, AND YOU SHALL BE MY SONS AND DAUGHTERS, SAYS THE LORD ALMIGHTY." 2 Corinthians 6:16-18
Notice the Father’s warning and directive to “come out from among ‘them’ and be separate.” Is it just so we can look religious? No! It is because the Lord is a jealous God (Exodus 34:14; Deuteronomy 4:24) and does not want the devil or his minions taking up residence in our lives or having any control over us.
Jesus gave us power and authority to cast out demons, not to invite them into our lives through sinful activities (Mark 16:17; Luke 10:19).
This is why the scripture admonishes us to never give place to the devil (Ephesians 4:27). When we walk in the ways of the world, we are opening ourselves up to all types of evil.
If you notice, even the movies, novels, music, and entertainment of today are full of occult or satanic rituals and paranormal activities because the enemy uses these means to enter into an individual’s or family’s life to destroy them.
One well-known preacher said he believed before the Return of Christ, people will either be filled with God or the devil. He has a valid point. There is no middle ground. We cannot serve God and the world.
Finally, Paul makes it clear what this mystery of the ages is when writing to the church at Colossae.
“…the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Colossians 1:26-27
Paul also disclosed:
6) For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 7) But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. 2 Corinthians 4:6 -7
Knowing the Father and the Lord Jesus is not contained within the four walls of a building, although getting together in one place as a Body is perfectly scriptural and wonderful. True intimate knowing comes from spending time with the Father and understanding we are His temple.
I encourage you again to grow in your relationship with the Holy Spirit. Accept Him as your Friend and Helper. Allow Him to fill you with His holiness, peace, love, joy, and strength.
Develop a habit of thanking the Father for His Spirit throughout the day. Practice focusing on His Presence with you and in you. It will take discipline but bring joy and peace as your awareness of His abiding Presence increases.
Even consider making this a challenge or goal over the next couple of weeks or months and look for measurable differences in your walk with the Lord.
It might be worthwhile to journal the times you were more aware of the Holy Spirit working in your life as a result of your commitment to grow in this area.
Pray much in the Spirit and practice becoming more sensitive to His abiding Presence. Fellowship with Him and include Him in making decisions or even small chores. He loves to be included in everything we do and has chosen to live within 24/7 as proof.
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen. 2 Corinthians 13:14
Until next time, may God our Heavenly Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ increase your awareness and fellowship with the Holy Spirit.
James Brown
CST 03/03/2025