Filled with the Spirit: Living in Communion with God

Based from the Bible Study Filled with the Spirit: How Believers Live in God’s Fullness

Sealed and Filled: Two Distinct Works of the Holy Spirit

Many believers confuse what it means to be sealed with the Holy Spirit versus being filled with the Spirit. These are not the same, though both are essential to our walk in Christ.

The sealing of the Spirit is a judicial act of God. At the moment a person believes the gospel—that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again (1 Corinthians 15:3–4)—God seals them with His Spirit. This act is permanent and irrevocable.

Paul writes:

“That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise.” (Ephesians 1:12–13)

Being sealed means we are secured, marked as God’s possession, and guaranteed the inheritance of eternal life. Nothing can break that seal.

Being filled with the Spirit, however, is conditional. It requires our daily participation and willingness to walk in obedience, thanksgiving, and faith.

What It Means to Be Filled with the Spirit

Paul exhorts believers in Ephesians 5:18–21:

“And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.”

To be filled means to be supplied to the full—abounding in God’s presence so that nothing is lacking. The Greek word plēroō conveys the idea of filling to the brim, bringing to completion, and carrying into effect the will of God.

This filling is not automatic. Unlike sealing, which happens once and forever, being filled is a continual pursuit. It comes through prayer, thanksgiving, worship, and allowing the Word of Christ to dwell richly within us (Colossians 3:16).

Barriers That Hinder a Spirit-Filled Life

Even as believers, we can quench or grieve the Spirit (Ephesians 4:30). Worldly distractions, constant negativity, or bitterness toward others can diminish our communion with Him.

Paul reminds us that joy and thanksgiving are essential to walking in the Spirit. A heart filled with gratitude pushes out anxiety, complaint, and despair. Conversely, when we dwell on fear, anger, or the endless barrage of bad news, we lose the joy that fuels a Spirit-filled life.

The Connection Between God’s Word and the Spirit

A Spirit-filled life is inseparable from God’s Word. Paul ties these two together in Colossians 3:16–17:

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”

The Word of God provides the substance; the Spirit provides the power. Together, they shape us into mature believers, rooted in the love of Christ (Ephesians 3:16–19).

Living Daily in the Fullness of the Spirit

Walking filled with the Spirit requires intentional practice:

• Prayer – Communing with God continually.

• Thanksgiving – Cultivating gratitude in every circumstance.

• Worship – Lifting up psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.

• The Word – Allowing Scripture to dwell richly in our hearts.

  
  

None of us maintain this perfectly. There will be days we feel distant from God’s Spirit. Yet the call remains: remove the barriers, rejoice in Christ, and continually seek to be filled.

“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20–21)

Conclusion

Being sealed with the Spirit is God’s unchanging guarantee of salvation. Being filled with the Spirit is our daily response—choosing thanksgiving, worship, and submission to His Word.

The question for us is this: What is standing in the way of our communion with the Holy Spirit? Are we allowing distractions, bitterness, or fear to rob us of joy? Or are we yielding ourselves to God’s Spirit, that He may fill us to overflowing for His glory?