Understanding the phrase "FILLED WITH"

Peter and John were arrested for preaching the resurrection (Acts 4:1-2). They were threatened not to teach in the name of Jesus anymore (Acts 4:18). They then assembled with the disciples and offered prayer to God, seeking strength to continue preaching with all boldness (Acts 4:23-30). Luke records at this point, “And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all FILLED WITH the Holy Spirit and they spoke the word of God with boldness” (Acts 4:31).

A little further in the history of the first-century church, we read that Ananias and Sapphira lied about selling a possession and giving all of the proceeds to the apostles (Acts 5:1-2). Peter asked, “Ananias, why has Satan FILLED your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself?” (Acts 5:3).

First, let us observe that being FILLED WITH the Holy Spirit leads one to speak the word of God, truth (cf. John 17:17). Being FILLED WITH Satan leads one to speak lies.

Second, a person may either be FILLED WITH the Holy Spirit or Satan, but not both. We cannot live in righteousness and sin at the same time. We cannot serve God and mammon (Matt. 6:24).

Third, the Holy Spirit FILLS us in the same way Satan FILLS us. If the Holy Spirit FILLS us directly and guides us in our thoughts, then so does Satan. If Satan FILLS us directly, then we are not accountable for our actions. It would mean Ananias suffered consequences for something over which he had no control. The fact is, the devil and the Spirit fill us in the same way: their influence over us. When we listen to the Spirit’s revelation, God’s word, He FILLS us, guides us (Eph. 5:18; Col. 3:16). When we heed the temptations of Satan, he FILLS us, guides us (cf. Gen. 3:1-6). It is as simple as that.

We have a choice to follow the Spirit or the devil. When we listen to the Holy Spirit, we are righteous children of God (1 John 3:7). When we listen to Satan, we are unrighteous children of the devil (1 John 3:10). Both are striving to persuade us; it is our decision as to which one we will allow to FILL us.

“AND I WAS AFRAID”

It is an awful hour when we must lie about our actions. When we fear questions that address the truth of our actions and cannot face those who desire our spiritual well-being, then we have passed the point Cain was at in Gen. 4:7. Adam and Eve “knew they were naked” (Gen. 3:7) when they disobeyed God. Likewise, when we disobey God, our eyes are opened. But what we see does not cause us joy; rather, it causes shame and fear...as with Adam and Eve.

When we disobey, we gain knowledge, but this knowledge does not cause us to rejoice; only to hang our heads in shame. We aren’t drawn near to God. We do as Adam: attempt in vain to hide from God (Gen. 3:10). How did Adam learn of his nakedness? Satan only spoke a lie. We read, “Each man is tempted, when he is drawn away by his own lust, and enticed…when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin” (James 1:14-15). Who allows lust to conceive?

Adam blamed Eve...Eve blamed Satan...Three things to remember: God’s words were transgressed. God’s words were perverted. However, Satan’s words were obeyed. “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? (Rom. 6:16).

When confronted with our sin, we ought not blame someone else, as Adam & Eve, but rather do as the Romans did: “But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.” (Rom. 6:17-18).

“THE WORD OF OUR GOD SHALL STAND FOREVER” - Isa. 40:8

 Harold Turner observed that just about any Bible doctrine or concept can be completely devastated, insofar as any practical value is concerned, with a "what if". The following exchange, while not actual, makes a valid point set forth in Prov. 26:4-5, as to the proper response to a ‘what if-er’, regardless of motive. “Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.”

Found—ancient document detailing the following exchange:

Joshua: “God requires holiness from His people. He requires us to offer sacrifices in the place He chose to put His name to atone for our sins.”

Nameless Israelite: “Sacrifices cannot be necessary. What if a man is on his way to offer a sacrifice and a tree falls on him and kills him?”

Joshua’s reply: “God requires holiness from His people. He requires us to offer sacrifices in the place He chose to put His name to atone for our sins.”

 

Found—modern document detailing the following exchange:

Peter: “God requires repentance and baptism for remission of sins.”

Nameless believer: “Repentance cannot be necessary. What if a man is contemplating repentance and a tree falls on him and kills him?”

Peter’s reply: “God requires repentance and baptism for remission of sins.”

Nameless believer: “Baptism cannot be necessary. What if a man is on his way to be baptized and a tree falls on him and kills him?”

Peter’s reply: “God requires repentance and baptism for remission of sins.”

 

“If thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.” ~ Ezekiel 3:19