
As maturing Christians, we are filled only to be refilled. For example, we are filled with God’s love to share it with others and as we do we are to be filled again. We obey the command to be filled with the Spirit by making our lives accessible to the Spirit’s guidance found in the God’s Word. When we cooperate with the Spirit’s teaching we are keeping in step with the Spirit or living by the Spirit. The idea is likened unto a fruit tree, if we fertilize it and water it (with ongoing care) God brings the increase—fruit.