Lesson 13 May 12, 2002

Synonyms for the reality of the filling by the Spirit; have various descriptive terms reflecting that reality:

1 --- walking by the Spirit Gal 5:16,25

2 --- walking in the Light 1 Jn 1:7

3 --- walking in Love Eph 5:2

4 --- walking in newness of life Rom. 6:4

5 --- abiding in Me Jn 15:4,6; 1 Jn 2:6; 3:6

6 --- being led by the Spirit Gal 5:18 syn with #1

7 --- spiritual 1 Cor 2:15

8 --- alive from the dead Rom 6:13

9 --- slaves of righteousness Rom 6:18 [freed from the power of sin]

10 --- epistles of Christ written not w/ink but with the Spirit 2 Cor 3:3

(3) Another question must be raised: If we are truly "controlled" by the Holy Spirit when we are filled, how is it possible then to sin so as to become "unfilled."

(4) Another problem with this view is that no such "conditions" for filling are specified in this passage similar to those put forth by the teachers of this theory.

(5) This view also de-emphasizes the need for the Cross to be applied continually to the flesh/OSN to deal with the problem of sin in the life of the believer, and it overlooks the need for a resting in the ascended life of the Lord Jesus at the right hand of the Father (Rom. 6:3-11; Gal. 2:19,20; Phil. 3:10,11).

The Charismatic View -- How they deal with and handle this passage.

Apart from the obvious exegetical difficulty of asserting that everyone who is baptized or filled with the Spirit should speak in tongues there are more serious theological problems with this Charismatic error:

(1) Scripture nowhere speaks of any "second blessing" or "second work of grace."

To argue for a "second work of grace" or for a need of another "baptism of the Spirit," or even for a special filling of the Spirit to live the Christian life, is to say in effect that the Cross of the Lord Jesus Christ is insufficient to deal with the problem of sin in the believer's life, and that His resurrection life is insufficient to supply all that we need to live unto our Father. [also denies 2 Pet 1:3]

(2) The charismatic does not merely de-emphasize the need for a faith-counting as true, a recognition of our identification with Christ in His death unto sin and His life unto God (Rom. 6:11), he tends to completely ignore it.

This emphasis has resulted in tragic consequences, for it places the focus of his life on the wrong person of the Godhead.

Wherever this attitude exists, be it in charismatic or non-charismatic circles, we have the strongest evidence that what we see there is not of the Holy Spirit; for if it were, it would teach and glorify the Person of our Lord Jesus Christ.