Comparison
They drink, but we are filled to find exhilaration.
They drink, but we are filled to find strength and inner courage.
Not with religious fanaticism but with the spirit of truth. The Holy Ghost is the creator of heroes.
The Holy Spirit brings us strength to work and strength to suffer; strength to receive and strength to dish out; strength to hope in hopelessness and to love when hated; strength to conquer temptation and to perform ministry.
They drink, but we are filled to eliminate pain.
It can drown our misery and support us in agony.
Have you never been through so bad a trial before? Then seek more of the Spirit of God than you have had before. (I just gave you the answer.) His consolation will balance your tribulation, and will bring you to the place that you glory in your infirmities and afflictions for Christ's sake. God uses them to make more room for his Spirit to dwell in you.
They drink, but we are filled to get aroused.
You can always find a reason to do what the flesh wants, but you need to be filled with the Spirit to do what God wills.
They drink, but we are filled to find fellowship.
I often feel the reverse of happy, but I don't want others to be affected. So I go to Him. He is the resurrection and the life. When I look long enough and far enough in his word for quickening, it comes.
Contrast
Drunk—thirsty.
Filled—satisfied.
Drunk—excess and riot.
Filled—peace, self-possessed, at rest, free from anger, anxiety and emotion.
Drunk—contention.
Filled—submission.
Drunk—foolish.
Filled—walking as wise.
Drunk—waste time.
Filled—redeem the time.
Drunk—forgotten relationships.
Filled—fulfilling the responsibilities of our roles.
Drunk—weak and vulnerable.
Filled—strong in the Lord and the power of his might.
Do you want to know how to be filled? You are asking good questions.
1. Reverently regard him. Worship him. It is a special sin to disrespect him. Honor him by adoring him, and look to him for help. If you want his power you have to acknowledge his presence.
2. Do not grieve him. Let sin grieve you enough to stay away from it. Put away any idea he does not agree with, and agree with him.
3. Open your heart to his influence. Watch for his movements. Pray for him to speak. Ask to be enlightened. Then during the day, mourn if you do not feel him moving.
4. Be fit for him to fill.
Return, O holy Dove! return,5. If you want him to fill you then obey him. Do not trifle with your conscience.
Sweet messenger of rest!
I hate the sins that made thee mourn,
And drove thee from my breast.
6. If you want to retain his filling, talk about him. He is not a deaf or dumb spirit.
Get on fire, so you can set our church aflame!
