Following on from Renewing our Minds and “the mind of the Spirit” that Paul talks about in Romans 8, that we discussed last week, we look at what it means to be Filled with the Holy Spirit. We look at the examples of the Lord Jesus and the Apostles, what is commanded, and what it results in

Whole denominations based on the “Baptism in the Spirit”– even though there are just 4 mentions of the phrase in the New Testament, all the record of single statement; while others deny that it is even for today! Terms – “careless words cost lives” – wrong words/ideas -> wrong doctrine -> wrong actions

What does the Bible say

John 7:37-39             Acts 1:3-8; 2:1-4; 38-39, Eph 5:18

A few obvious points:

• Jesus promised that we can be filled with the Holy Spirit and power
• There is a purpose in that filling – need for power, to be witnesses to Me
• There are conditions for the filling – Jesus being glorified, people repenting
• Men were filled – it happened and produced results – they witnessed and honoured Jesus, people repented and were converted and filled
• We are commanded to be filled (continually – the Greek word is present tense continuous – be being filled)

Who is the Holy Spirit?

• The Spirit of God – equal with Father and Son – one God, three persons
  • Omnipresent – where can I go from Your spirit? Psa. 139:7
  • Omniscient – the Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God 1 Cor. 2:10
  • Eternal – Who though the eternal Spirit offered Himself Heb. 9:14
• He is the Spirit of Jesus Gal. 4:6– what Jesus was like, the Spirit is like
• He is holy – Spirit of Holiness Rom. 1:4 – repelled by iniquity
• Not a formless power but
  • He is a person – He can be grieved, Eph. 4:30 which means He loves.
  • He is to live with is John 14:15-18 You can’t get to know a person intimately in a single encounter, nor in occasional meetings; you must cultivate His friendship
  • We are to enjoy the fellowship of the Holy Spirit 2 Cor. 13:14

What is the filling with, or baptism of, the Spirit?

• What it is not
  • Not a badge of merit for superior Christians
  • Not a reward for notching up a few brownie points
  • Not a feel-good factor or warm fuzzy feeling – although may be accompanied by an emotional and/or physical response
• What it is
  • The coming of the presence of God into your body, soul and spirit
  • The divine afflatus – a strong creative impulse, especially as a result of divine inspiration. [Latin afflātus , from past participle of afflāre , to breathe]
  • An anointing for service Luke 4:14-23
  • The empowering presence of God to be all that He wants you to be and to do all that He wants you to do

 Why do we need it?

Results in

• Conviction John 16:8
• Conversion Acts 2:41
• Boldness Acts 4:31
• Witness Acts 4:33
• Generosity Acts 4:34
• Love of the brethren Acts 4:35

How can we be filled?

You are now as full as you want to be Luke 11:13 – He will give – do you believe? Many want to be full, but do not want to be filled – as you need to be emptied first! Emptied of self and all that self wants. Total submission to Jesus as Christ and Lord – self/old man crucified – no-one wants to die. But that is a pre-condition – you can’t be filled with the Holy Spirit if you are already full (of self).

Do we have an overpowering desire to know God better, to serve Him as we know we should, a holy dissatisfaction with our mediocrity? If not, I’ve got nothing to say to you. But for those who do …

When Jesus is glorified, the Spirit comes John 7; 16:12-14 As the Father delights in the Son, so does the Spirit. He will keep company with others who do. Keep Jesus as your focus and the Spirit will be your companion. (He is the Comforter – but His work can be uncomfortable!)

• First step – repentance Acts 2:38 – maybe for not being filled, as it’s a command!
• Second – bring your vessel to be filled (but are you a sieve or a jug?) Rom. 12:1-2 count the cost
• Third – you must ask Luke 11:11-13 – it’s not by osmosis
• Fourth – you must believe – have faith in God (not faith in faith, nor faith in feelings) Gal.2:20; 3:2-3

How can we be filled continually?

• Repeat above
• Read God’s Word – find out what your Father has said
• Allow the Holy Spirit to apply the Word to your life, ask Him what He is saying, then obey! Obey what you know – how can two walk together except they be agreed?
• You must cultivate His friendship and allow Him to live with you.
• He wants to glorify Christ. Make Jesus’ glory your life’s ambition and you will enjoy the company of the Holy Spirit!

Be filled – now!

As Tozer says

Honour Christ and the Holy Ghost will honour you. We walk with the Holy Ghost when we walk with Christ, for Christ will always be where He is honoured. The Holy Ghost will honour the one who honours the Saviour, Jesus Christ the Lord. Let’s honour Him by giving Him His right title. Let’s call Him Lord. Let’s believe that He is Lord. Let’s call him Christ. Let’s believe that He is Christ. Remember that “God has made this Jesus whom ye crucified both Lord and Christ and set Him at His own right hand and put all things under His feet and made Him to be head over all things.”

As we honour Jesus, the Spirit of God becomes glad within us. He ceases to hold back, He communes with us and imparts Himself, and the sun comes up and heaven comes near as Jesus Christ becomes our All in all.

To glorify jesus is the business of the church and to glorify Jesus is the work of the Holy Ghost. I can walk with Him when I am doing the same things He is doing and going the same way He is going and traveling at the same speed He is travelling. I must honour him by obedience, by witness, by fellowship.

“When He is come” A. W. Tozer (p. 133 1968 edn.)