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.