A Different Definiton
For a bishop must be . . . self-controlled . . . . (Titus 1:7-8 NKJV)
What's supposed to happen to people when they become Spirit-filled? Should they start shouting at the top of their lungs? Will they perspire profusely and preach in a language nobody understands? Should they suddenly shake and fall to the floor? We've all witnessed demonstrations like this before, and in many cases, they've been 'sold' to us as 'Spirit-filled' experiences. But when we look to the Bible, we see that it gives a very different definition of what it means to be Spirit-filled:
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23 NKJV)
Notice the important connection between the work of God's Spirit and the presence of self-control. The Spirit does not bring craziness or chaos into people's lives. Rather, He imparts to Christians a strong sense of self-control and command over their own mind, will, and emotions. The Bible couldn't be plainer on this point-a Spirit-filled Christian will be a self-controlled Christian.
And yet, somewhere along the way, we decided to associate eccentricity with spirituality. To a large degree, this misrepresentation has been most prominent in the pulpit. Without wanting to be overly critical of other men's service (Romans 14:4), I see a lack of self-control in many cases, and the result has been a flood of counter-productive confusion and criticism. That's why I appreciate Paul's instruction to Titus that a pastor needs to have self-control. He shouldn't be given to uncontrollable outbursts or erratic behavior. If he does exhibit these tendencies, it's a sure sign that the Holy Spirit isn't producing fruit in his life.
So now it's time to hold up the mirror to our own lives. Are we exhibiting behavior that's under control, or have we slipped into a pattern of acting irresponsibly in the name of spirituality? Again, a Spirit-filled Christian will be a self-controlled Christian, and I pray our lives are defined by God's definition of spirituality.
DIG - What are some modern-day misconceptions when it comes to being Spirit-filled?
DISCOVER - If you asked ten people who know you if you're a self-controlled person, what would they say?
DISPLAY - What can you do to become a more self-controlled person? (See Galatians 5:22-23.)
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At the age of 24, Bob Coy left a coveted position in the music industry to serve as an associate pastor with Calvary Chapel of Las Vegas. In 1985, Bob and his wife, Diane, moved to Fort Lauderdale and began Calvary Chapel of Fort Lauderdale. As senior pastor, he has become well known for his unique style in expounding the Scriptures, making them come alive and relate to those of us living in the 21st century. His teaching style emphasizes the believer's "life application" of the highest standards of God's truth while his delivery captures the loving heart of God's Spirit.
Pastor Bob has had the rare privilege of watching God's miraculous hand move in the individual lives of those in the fellowship as well as the corporate body as a whole. From the first meeting in a living room with four in attendance, Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale has now become home to over 17,000 men and women from the tri-county area, and ranks as the eighth largest church in the country. Though many have tried to attribute its rapid growth to numerous reasons, no one is more surprised by the phenomenon than Pastor Bob, who gives total credit and all the glory to God alone.
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