Hello Everyone,

When we are talking about being under the Influence we see the truth of this when it comes to the Holy Spirit in Ephesians 5:18 Paul says:

Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. NIV

A person who becomes drunk on alcohol places himself under its influence or control.

When we submit to the leading of the indwelling Holy Spirit we put our self under His influence or control.

Both the person who either is under the influence of alcohol or under the influence of Holy Spirit have placed themselves under the control of something or someone outside themselves.

Now I want to make sure you understand that the similarity’s are only on the surface.

A person, who is under the influence of alcohol, and under its control, suffers from impaired judgment.

He says and does things he normally wouldn’t do, and a lot of times he can’t remember what he did.

But on the other hand the person who is filled with the Holy Spirit, and under His influence or control, has improved judgment, acts in a responsible way, and has clear recollection of what he said and did while under the influence of the Holy Ghost.

We are influenced by whatever it is that “fills” us.

If we are filled with anger we might say things and do things that we may later regret.

To be filled with the Holy Spirit, then is to be so influenced by, controlled by, or permeated by Him that we will reflect God’s moral character and at the same time be strengthened by His POWER.

Then we will be loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle, and self- controlled.

Oh How HE Loves Us!

Pastor Phil