Be Filled with the Spirit

We tend to think of conversion as a once-and-for-all event, but the New Testament teaches us that while salvation has a once-and-for-all beginning, it is in reality a life-long transforming process involving continuing repentance and faith. So Paul's command for us to “be filled with the Spirit,” is a present tense passive imperative. This means that while it is a command that we are to obey, it is an ongoing command; further the passive voice tells us that this is not something we do for ourselves. The command is rightfully understood as: Keep on being filled with the Spirit.

Verses 18-21 form one long sentence with five participles modifying the command to be filled with the Spirit. This exhortation is connected with and builds upon the earlier references in the epistle to the work of the Spirit in the lives of believers (see Eph 1:3, 13, 14, 17; 2:18, 22; 3:16; 4:30). What is involved in being filled with the Spirit is explained in the five clauses introduced by the participles, “speaking” (v. 19), “singing” (v. 19); “making melody” (v. 19) “giving thanks” (v. 20), and “submitting” (v. 21). These five participles are not commands, but the overflow or outworking of the work of the Spirit as He fills the Christian. In other words, a Spirit-filled Christian can be identified by the marks of singing, thanksgiving, and mutual submission in the context of the church.