Be Filled with the SpiritPosted by Phil on March 14th, 2010
next to the Gospel, being filled with the Spirit is the key to the Christian life. yet it’s the aspect of the Spirit that most believers know nothing about and fail to ask for on a consistent basis. so far in this series, we’ve looked at the role the Spirit plays in the life of the believe. he convicts, guides, leads, controls, and encourages…but learning to be filled with the Holy Spirit is what enables him to do those things. unlike regeneration, baptism, sealing, and indwelling…being filled with the Spirit is not just a 1 time act…but a moment by moment experience with the Spirit of God.
if you look at the disciples after Christ ascended into heaven, they were stuck in a room. hiding and waiting. now, in their defense, they were told to wait…but they were powerless. Jesus told them to wait for the Spirit.
so what does it meant to be filled with the Spirit? it’s best to check it out for yourself. take a look at John 15:1-8, Acts 1:8, Galatians 3:3, 5:22-23, and Colossians 3:16.
there are a few reasons why the average Christian is not filled with the Spirit. first, we lack knowledge…it’s something we have not talked about. also, many are afraid of God or afraid of giving up control to God. and many are seeking experiences instead of believing/trusting God…we want the feeling of the Spirit without actually submitting control. finally….we just don’t claim the power that we have been given.
we can be filled only through faith and it requires us to prepare our hearts by confessing sin and surrendering control. we need to realize that we are told to be filled with the Spirit (Eph. 5:18) and God promises that he will (1 John 5:14-15).
so the questions for you:
am I ready to surrender my life (and keep surrendering) to the Spirit?
am I ready to let go of sin and other things I hold on to?
do I sincerely desire to have my life be directed by the Spirit?
if so….then ask for the Spirit to fill you and guide you each and every day.