Marks of the Fullness of the Spirit
Tim Keller | July 14, 1991
Overview
Marks of the Holy Spirit include a heart filled with musical praises of God and a contentment and gratitude for what God has given you. Churches often overlook these seemingly ordinary gifts to focus on the more miraculous gifts of the spirit.
Outline
Ephesians 5:18–21
This passage teaches us about the importance of spiritual connection over just feeling good. It compares the effects of drinking alcohol to the enlightening power of God’s Spirit, suggesting that the Spirit gives us a more profound understanding of reality and the magnificence of Jesus Christ. The key to feeling spiritually fulfilled is trusting in God’s greatness and not letting worries overcome you. A personal experience with the Lord of the Rings by Tolkien helps illustrate this point.
1. Music
Music is very important in spiritual gatherings. It helps people to express themselves, feel connected, and be creative. The Spirit-filled Christian, according to a Welsh tradition, should be sociable, enjoy singing, and be creative, to praise God and find happiness in the world, avoiding sadness. The main purpose of art, especially music, is to show the nobility inherent in humanity. The most important indication of God’s Spirit is the growth of heartfelt praise.
2. Contentment
Feeling fulfilled by the Spirit is characterized by being constantly thankful to God the Father for everything, given in the name of Jesus Christ. Being ungrateful, denying that we owe anything and claiming that we are self-made, is the root of ignoring God and wickedness, and it deeply upsets God. The life of a Christian should be driven by joyful gratitude, not obligation. Gratitude is the antidote to bitterness, worry, and guilt, and is the clear sign of being fulfilled by the Spirit.
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