BE FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT  

By
Buddy Axley

Foreword

            If you have looked at the title of this booklet and surmised that the subject matter pertains only to “the baptism in the Holy Spirit” you underestimate the significance of “being filled with the Holy Spirit”.  This by no means denies the critical need and importance of the baptism in the Holy Spirit because it is the promise of the Father, as we will see further along in these writings.  What I believe with all my heart is that God wants us to see the necessity of being constantly filled, more and more, with His Holy Spirit.

Some of us have had various experiences in and with the Holy Spirit.  He is a very real Person. He is the Person of God. In fact He has been sent to the earth, in the Lord’s stead, to enable us to live and move and have our being in Christ.  (See Acts 17:28).

            We are clearly told and exhorted to walk in the Spirit so as not to fulfill the lusts of the flesh and to live in the Spirit being guided and led through life as sons of God.  (See Gal. 5:16, Rom. 8:14).  The wonderful reality is that those of us, who are willing to walk in the Spirit as a result of continually being filled, will walk in the power of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus.

Introduction

            As we embark on this journey of better understanding as to what being filled with the Spirit means, let me give you the original Greek definitions of the word “filled” as we find it in Ephesians 5:18.  “Filled” in this case, signifies to “be filled up” or “be full” as in “to be supplied, furnished, and influenced for the purpose of accomplishment”.  It also means to be “completely full and covered over”.  Hallelujah!

            In this scripture, the original language uses the strongest verb tense available, which is the command or imperative form.  That is to say “Be filled with the Spirit” comes across as an order from the Lord Himself.  We must understand that it is “imperative” if we want to live a victorious life in Him.  To glorify and honor Him, we must heed His counsel and instructions.

            In observance of my own life and the lives of other believers, I haven’t noticed defeat, discouragement, distraction, depression and destruction predominating when we are constantly being filled with the Holy Spirit.  Defeat, failure, and backsliding come in life, when we quench, grieve, and resist the Holy Spirit.  But when we are continually and constantly being filled with the Spirit, the fruit of God’s Spirit abound and the gifts of His Spirit flow freely and abundantly.  Glory to God!  Let’s be filled and filled and filled and refilled and get full and stay full of the Holy Spirit!

Our Need

            We have need to be filled with the Holy Spirit!  One great aspect of being a child of God is knowing that He wants to do a continual work in us so He can do a continual work through us.  This He does by and through His mighty Holy Spirit.  Oh, how we should see the need for a continuous change in our lives.  This change is necessary so that we may be conformed into His image.  Many of us want to do the works that Jesus did, and rightfully so, because He said that if we would believe on Him, the works that He did, we would do also and even greater works we would do.   (See John 3:34, 21:25).

            The longer I live as a believer in Jesus Christ, the more I realize my need for Him. When He was preparing to pay the ultimate price of death on the cross, afterwards to be resurrected in glory and then to ascend to the Father once again, He spoke some very profound truths about the coming of the Holy Spirit to the earth.

            Let’s take note of some of these truths: He said: “I will go to my Father and My Father will give you another Comforter that He may abide with you forever, even the Spirit of Truth, Who shall be with you.” “The Comforter which is the Holy Ghost, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things unto your remembrance.”  He then talked about us abiding in Him and He and the Father abiding in us by and through the same Holy Spirit. By this indwelling, He would produce fruit in us (Holy Spirit fruit) and this fruit should remain.  He said the Holy Spirit would testify of Him, (Jesus).  He said that the Spirit of Truth would guide us into all truth and show us things to come.  He said that the Holy Spirit would convict all who live in the world, of sin, righteousness, and judgment.  Remember that this is the same Holy Spirit that we have received, Who dwells in us and Who wants to fill us up to overflowing.

            I believe we can conclude that the more filled with His Holy Spirit we are the more comfort and peace we will experience; the more teaching we will receive from Him; the more we will remember and recall that which He has taught us; the more fruit we will produce and it will remain and become more evident to those around us; the more testimony of Jesus we will have, the more revelation of His truth we will receive; the more we will see those things that are to come; and the more conviction we will have in regards to sin, righteousness, and judgment.  Hallelujah!  Please read John, Chapters 14, 15, and 16.  This is what happens when the Holy Spirit is at work in us!  He also desires for His mighty Holy Ghost power to flow through us to touch the world!  Glory!

            In Matthew 3:11, John the Baptist prophetically tells us of the baptism of the Holy Ghost and fire that Jesus desires that we all receive from Him.  After His resurrection, Jesus blew His breath on His disciples and said to them “Receive the Holy Spirit”.  This was a distinct moment in which the Holy Spirit was imparted to them to indwell them just as He was to indwell us at our new birth or born-again experience.  This was an initial in-filling of the Holy Spirit absolutely necessary to enable His disciples to be “in Christ” and He in them.  After this experience, however, we see the Lord telling them to go tarry in Jerusalem until He sent the “promise of the Father” upon them to endue them with power from on high (See Luke 24:49).  This is the same promise that John the Baptist prophetically spoke of in Matthew.  This was also the instruction that Jesus gave His disciples before His ascension.  We see the same account in Acts 1:4-5,8.  “And being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which ye have heard of Me.  For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence…But ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you, and ye shall be My witnesses…”  “And when Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.  And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing, mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting and there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.  And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave utterance.” (Acts 2:1-4).

            This was the account of the fulfillment of the Father’s promise which Jesus said He would send to His followers.  On that day 120 believers were filled with the Holy Spirit and initially equipped for the continuation of the ministry of Jesus on the earth.  Later on we will see the ongoing need that these and other disciples had to be filled and refilled with the Holy Spirit.  As I spoke in the beginning of these writings, all of us who love our Lord want to serve Him and be a participant in the fulfillment of His ministry here on earth.  However, to do this, we must see our need to be filled with the Holy Spirit to receive His indwelling presence, to receive his divine power, to receive His wonderful gifts and callings, and to walk and have more intimacy with Him.

            There has been an unnecessary controversy in the body of Christ between those who emphasize the fruit of the Spirit but belittle the gifts of the Spirit and vice versa.  This is a vain effort on our part because we all need to be filled with the Holy Spirit and manifest His virtues and characteristics.  The fruit is the fruit of the Holy Spirit and the gifts are the gifts of the same Holy Spirit.  We need all that the Lord has provided for us to live our lives for Him and give our lives to others in His Name.

            Let me give you some considerations about the fruit and gifts of the Holy Spirit.  Keep in mind!  Holy Spirit filled believers have evident fruit and flowing gifts in their lives.  Not just one, but both!

            We see in John Chapter 15 that Jesus spoke of us abiding in Him and He abiding in us so that He could produce His fruit (Holy Spirit fruit) in our lives.  The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Jesus and the Spirit of the Father.  Although the Holy Spirit is a distinct person, we believe that God is three Persons in One.  It is by and through the Person of the Holy Spirit that Jesus and the Father can abide in us.   According to Galatians 5:22-23, the fruit of the Holy Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance (self-control).  These characteristics are nothing less than the character of God, Himself.  So to be Christlike we must have His fruit or character manifested in our lives.  Jesus said in Matthew 7:20; “therefore by their fruits ye shall know them” and again in John 15:8:  “Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be My disciples”.  We cannot produce false fruits because the fruit we regularly bear is evident, even to the world.  Remember, the fruit of the Holy Spirit is produced so that God can work in us.

On the other hand, the gifts of the Holy Spirit are also produced so that God can work through us.  The gifts working through us do not produce character in us, but offer God’s supernatural help to others around us.   There is a diversity of gifts of the Holy Spirit but the same Holy Spirit works these gifts as He wills through us for the benefit of all those who receive them.   (See I Cor. 12:4-11).

            Take note of God’s supernatural benefits offered to others through the gifts of the Holy Spirit. They are:  the word of wisdom, the word of knowledge, faith, the gifts of healing, the working of miracles, prophecy, the discerning of spirits, divers kinds of tongues, and the interpretation of these tongues.  Through these gifts mentioned above we can help others or be helped by others, spiritually, mentally, and physically.  Hallelujah!

            Romans, Chapter 12, lists other spiritual gifts that flow through us by the grace of God.  They are service to others, exhortation, liberality, administration, mercy, and hospitality (vs. 7,8,13).

            Again in Ephesians, Chapter 4, we see that Jesus gave more gifts to the church in the form of ministries to equip the church. They are apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. (See vs.11)  These special ministry gifts were given and sent to us by and through the Holy Spirit’s calling.  “Now there were in the church at Antioch, certain prophets and teachers,…As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, “Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them, and when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands upon them, they sent them away.  So they being sent forth by the Holy Ghost,…” (Acts 13:1-4).

            I believe the fruit of the Holy Spirit is certainly to help us to be Christ-like and enjoy the abundant life. So we cannot forget that without that fruit being manifested in us and to others around us, we all will suffer many needs which the gifts of the Holy Spirit cannot provide.  Let me give an example: Love is the fruit of the Holy Spirit, so is joy, peace, patience, longsuffering, etc.  We all need to experience God’s love, His joy, His peace, and His patience and longsuffering.  I Corinthians, Chapter 13, tells us that if we have faith to move mountains and speak with the tongues of men and angels, but have not love we are useless nobodies.  (See Vs 1-3 Amp Vers).  On the other hand, while we are actively loving someone through the fruit of the Spirit, we can also be used by God to give them words of wisdom of knowledge, gifts of healing, interpretations and revelations, all through the gifts of the Holy Spirit.  The fruit of the Holy Spirit in us called “faith” or “faithfulness” affects our personal trust in God; however, the gift of the Holy Spirit called “faith” that flows through us, imparts to another person the ability to trust the Lord.  By the fruit of the Holy Spirit called “temperance” or “self-control” we can live in dominion over our flesh through His power.  But by the gift of the Holy Spirit called “the discerning of spirits” that flows through us, we can help another person to discover the source of their problem and be set free.

            We should be able to see by now that both the fruit of the Spirit and the gifts of the Spirit are complimentary to one another and both are absolutely necessary if we are going to be effective representatives of the Lord Jesus Christ on the earth.

            In light of all of these considerations, let’s also take note of some words of caution that Jesus spoke.  “For there shall rise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders, insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive even the elect” (Matthew 24:24).  “Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.  Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father, which is in heaven.  Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in Thy name cast out devils? and in Thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you, depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Mt. 7:20-23). We have a great need to be constantly and continually filled with the Holy Spirit so that we will do the will of our Father.  Fill us Lord!

            Paul also cautions us in I Thessalonians, Chapter 5.  “Do not quench (suppress or subdue) the (Holy) Spirit.  Do not spurn the gifts and utterances of the prophets – do not depreciate prophetic revelations nor despise inspired instruction or exhortation or warning. But test and prove all things (until you can recognize) what is good; (to that) Hold fast.  Abstain from evil – shrink from it and keep aloof from it – in whatever form or whatever kind it may be.” (VS 19-22 Amp. Vers).

            I believe the key here is not to quench the Holy Spirit because He is our source of determining what is good or evil, and the Discerner of spirits whether they be good or evil.  He is our teacher, who teaches us all things and leads and guides us into all truth.  He gives us the basis to test and prove all things.  He also is the One who prophecies, exhorts and reveals spiritual things to us through others, so we should not resist or spurn the spiritual gifts.  Our need is to be filled with the Holy Spirit at all times!

               Once again, let’s look at the contrast between spiritual gifts and spiritual fruit as found in I Corinthians, Chapters 13 and 14.  “If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.  And if I have the gift of prophecy and know all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love I am nothing…But now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.  Pursue love, yet desire earnestly spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.” (VS 1-2, 13: 14:1 NAS Vers).

             We should be convinced of our need to be more filled with the Holy Spirit so that we may demonstrate more of His fruit and function more in His gifts.  Glory to God!

Our Responsibility

            We have the responsibility to stay filled with the Holy Spirit.  Let me share a helpful illustration with you that I learned from a brother in Christ some years ago.  If we have an empty glass and fill it with water to over flowing and then pour out one half of the contents, we obviously end up with a glass half filled with water.  To have the glass overflowing with water once again, we must refill the glass.  That is a natural example of what must also happen in the spiritual realm.

            We are God’s vessels on the earth and to be full of Him to overflowing requires that we must be refilled time and time again.  Let’s see the same principal illustrated in the book of Acts.  In Chapter Two, as we have already seen, the disciples were initially baptized with the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost.  Not many days afterward, however, they were praying and seeking God together once again and were refilled with the same Holy Spirit.  “And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together, and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spoke the Word of God with boldness…”  (Acts 4:31).

            Let’s look at another natural illustration.  If there is a pond or lake that has no entrance of fresh water such as a creek or spring then eventually through evaporation or draught this body of water will begin to stagnate and dry up.  However, if there is a constant supply of water the level and freshness of the water will be maintained.  Jesus gave us the same illustration spiritually speaking:  “He who believes in Me – who cleaves to and trusts in and relies on Me – as the scripture has said, out from his innermost being springs and rivers shall flow (continuously).  But He was speaking here of the Spirit, Whom those who believed – trusted, had faith – in Him were afterward to receive.  For the (Holy) Spirit had not yet been given; because Jesus was not yet glorified (raised to honor).” (John 7:38-39 Amp. Version).

            We can become dry, stagnant, weak and dying if we do not allow God to fill and refill us with His Holy Spirit.  In fact, we are very irresponsible believers if we do not let the life-giving river of the Holy Spirit flow from within us and fill us to overflowing.

            The Lord is always faithful to give us His outpouring and in-filling when we realize our need for a Holy Ghost rain.  He has provided the early and latter rains of the Holy Ghost to all of us who thirst for more.  “Yet He did not neglect to leave some witness of Himself for He did you good and kindnesses, and gave you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with nourishment and happiness….  Be glad then, you children of Zion, and rejoice in the Lord, your God, for He gives you the former and early rain in just measure and in righteousness, and He causes to come down for you the rain, the former rain and the latter rain, as before.”  Acts 14: 17; Joel 2:23 Amp. Vers).  Hallelujah!  Thank you, Jesus!

            Remember the words of Jesus:  “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness; for they shall be filled” (Matthew 5:6).  Paul tells us in Romans 14:17: “For the Kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.”  Our responsibility is to hunger and thirst to be filled with the Holy Spirit and as we receive this in-filling, to experience the blessings of His Kingdom.

            As the church, our responsibility is also made clear in Ephesians, Chapter Five.  “Look carefully then how you walk!  Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as unwise and witless, but as wise – sensible, intelligent people; making the very most of the time – buying up each opportunity – because the days are evil.  Therefore do not be vague and thoughtless and foolish, but understanding and finally grasping what the will of the Lord is.  And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery: but ever be filled and stimulated with the (Holy) Spirit,…”  (Vs 15-18 Amp Vers.).

            We must be mindful of how we live and walk out our life in Christ.  “If we live by the (Holy) Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. – If by the (Holy) Spirit we have our life (in God), let us go forward walking in line, our conduct controlled by the Spirit.” (Gal. 5:25 Amp Vers).

            We must guard against being passive and wasting our time by indulging our flesh and getting drunk on the world and its vanities.  “But, I say, walk and live habitually in the (Holy) Spirit – responsive to and controlled by the Spirit; then you will certainly not gratify the cravings and desires of the flesh – of human nature without God.” (Gal. 5:16 Amp Vers.).

            To be controlled by the Holy Spirit  - “self-control” being one of His fruits (See Gal. 5:23) - we must exercise our faith in the Lord and believe for the constant influence of His Spirit.  For years, as a Christian, I struggled to understand what the fruit of the Spirit called “self-control” meant.  I have seen my inability to control myself, so I have sought the Lord for the necessary revelation of how “self-control” that has been deposited in us functions and has its effect in our lives.  My understanding is simply this:  The Holy Spirit gives us the power to control ourselves.  Since there is opposition between the desires of the flesh and the desires of the Holy Spirit then it is critically important, if we are to live in dominion over our flesh, to be full of the Holy Spirit.

            Although as true believers we would acknowledge the Holy Spirit’s initial work in our lives, it is fairly common to find that the importance of the continuous work of the Holy Spirit is grossly underestimated.  This is what Paul said to the church at Galatia.  “You foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified?  This is the only thing I want to find out from you:  Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by hearing with faith?  Are you so foolish?  Having begun by the Spirit are you now being perfected by the flesh?  Did you suffer so many things in vain – if indeed it was in vain?  Does He then, Who provides you with the Spirit and works miracles among you, do it by the works of the law, or by hearing with faith?” (Gal. 3:1-5 NAS).

            This series of questions that are put before us by the same Holy Spirit brings us to the basis of our Christian faith.  Were we able to save ourselves by the keeping of the law or by our own strength?  Certainly not!  It is only by faith in Jesus Christ that we are saved initially and continually.  It is by believing in what He has provided for us through the New Covenant.  He has provided His Holy Spirit for us.  The Holy Spirit has come to indwell us and empower us to live in Him and live for Him!!!  Hallelujah!  “So then, brethren, we are under obligation not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh – for is you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit, you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live.  For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God.  For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out “Abba! Father!”  The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow-heirs with Christ…”  (Romans 8:12-1 NAS).

                How can we be responsible sons and daughters of God?  How can we fulfill our obligation to our Father?  We can only be responsible and fulfill our covenant obligation, by responding to the needful work of the Holy Spirit by faith and receiving His sanctifying saturation day by day.  Glory to God!  

The Results, Benefits and Effects 

            When we recognize our need to be filled with the Holy Spirit and our responsibility to stay filled we will experience the results, benefits and effects of the Holy Spirit-filled life.

            God desires to manifest Himself in us and through us.  This is the only way He can receive glory through those of us who believe in and follow Him.  Also our wonderful Lord wants to bless us and reward us so He sent His Holy Spirit to us.  We need to remember that the Person of the Holy Spirit is the Person of God that lives in us and ministers to us and through us.  So it is in Him (the Spirit of Jesus and the Spirit of the Father God) that we live and move and have our being.  It is as we diligently seek Him in faith that we are continually filled, blessed, and rewarded.  “But without faith it is impossible to please and be satisfactory to Him.  For whoever would come near to God must (necessarily) believe that God exists and that He is the rewarder of those who earnestly and diligently seek Him (out)” (Hebrews 11:6 Amp.Vers.).

            Through our New Covenant in Jesus Christ, we have been given many benefits.  One of these is “the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus”.  This divine, spiritual law is what sets us free from “the law of sin and death”.  As we are filled with the Holy Spirit and as we walk in the Spirit we will experience freedom and liberty from sin.  Needless to say if we walk in the flesh or as it says in the original Greek, “walk after the dictates of the flesh”, we will live in the bondage and consequences of sin.

            Let’s look at the marvelous results and benefits that we receive from “the law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus”.  Romans, Chapter Eight, says there is no condemnation for those who walk not after the flesh, but walk after the Spirit.  (See verse one.)  As we walk in the Holy Spirit we live free of condemnation.  “Beloved, if our heart condemns us not, then we have confidence toward God” (I John 3:21).  Praise God, we can also be confident in our Lord’s covenant promises, when we are walking in the Spirit.  So when we walk after the Spirit the results of the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus set us free from the power of sin and death.  What greater benefit could we hope for?  Hallelujah!

            We all want to live a peaceful life.  However, this is not possible through the efforts of the flesh.  Although one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit is peace, we must make our decision to walk in the Spirit of the peace of God.  “For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace” (vs. 6 NAS).  When we are full of the Holy Ghost, He rises up from our spirit man into our mind and fills our mind with peace.  Isaiah says it this way.  “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee; because he trusteth in thee” (Is. 26:3 KJV).       As we continue to discover the results of being filled with the Holy Spirit, we can see how the Holy Spirit not only affects our spirit, our mind and our soul, but also affects our mortal body.  “But if the Spirit of Him Who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit Who indwells you” (vs. 11 NAS).  Just think about it, the same Holy Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead dwells in us. Wow!  If He raised Jesus from the dead then He can raise us from the dead or anyone else from the dead, for that matter.  We need to realize that nothing or no one can quicken us in our mortal beings like the Holy Spirit.  “It’s not by might nor by power but by My Spirit says the Lord.”  (See Zechariah 4:6.)  “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might” (Eph. 6:10 NAS).

            He is mighty!  He is strong!  He is the strength of our life!  He lives on the inside of us and wants to quicken, empower and strengthen our mortal bodies.  “We can do all things through Him Who strengthens us.”  (See Philippians 4:13.)

I would like for us to take note of the significance of the word “Life”, as it is associated with the Holy Spirit.  In Romans, Chapter Eight, as we review those verses that showed us the Holy Spirit effects in our spirit, soul and body, we can clearly see the results of this divine life.  In verse two, “the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus sets you free from the law of sin and death”.  In verse six, the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace and in verse 11, “He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies”.  Jesus says: I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.”  (See John 14:5.)  He is the Life and His life comes to us through His life-giving Holy Spirit.

Paul’s prayer in Ephesians, Chapter Three is: “May He grant you out of the rich treasury of His glory to be strengthened and reinforced with mighty power in the inner man by the (Holy) Spirit (Himself) – indwelling your innermost being and personality” (Vs. 16 Amp. Vers.).

In the book of Acts, we continue to see the results in the lives of the spirit-filled believers of the New Covenant churches.

            Jesus spoke to His followers in Acts, Chapter One, about their need to be baptized with the Holy Spirit.  “But you shall receive power – ability, efficiency and might – when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem and all Judea and Samaria and to the ends – the very bounds – of the earth” (Vs 8, Amp. Vers.).  We see the effects of this divine power throughout the rest of the book of Acts.  As you  read these writings and truly desire to be His witness to your full potential in your local community or anywhere else in the world that the Lord may plant you, you will see your need for the manifest power of the Holy Spirit in your life.  We all need His power to do His work!  After all, Jesus Himself carried out His Father's will and purpose here on earth by being filled with the Holy Spirit.  “You know of Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He went about doing good, and healing all who were oppressed by the devil; for God was with Him” (Acts 10:38 NAS).  “…The Son of God appeared for this purpose, that He might destroy the works of the devil” (I John 3 8b NAS).  Immediately after the Day of Pentecost, Peter and John entered the temple to pray and as the crippled beggar asked for an alms gift, Peter spoke to him about a more valuable gift.  “But Peter said, ‘I do not possess silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you: In the Name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene – Walk!’  And seizing him by the right hand, he raised him up; and immediately his feet and his ankles were strengthened.  And with a leap he stood up right and began to walk…” (Acts 3:8 NAS).  Peter gave this crippled beggar the gift of a miracle through the power of the Holy Spirit.  Glory to God

            Being filled with the Holy Spirit gives us the supernatural abilities to function in the midst of a wicked and perverse generation and even to be able to discern the motives and intents of people.  In Acts, Chapter Five, we find an example of this in the life of Peter.  “But a certain man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, and kept back some of the price for himself with his wife’s full knowledge, and bringing a portion of it, he laid it at the apostles’ feet.  But Peter said, ‘Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit, and to keep back some of the price of the land?  While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own?  And after it was sold, was it not under your control?  Why is it that you have conceived this deed in your heart?  You have not lied to men, but to God.’  And as he heard there words, Ananias fell down and breathed his last; and great fear came upon all who heard of it”  (vs. 1-5 NAS).  We see that his wife also lied to the Holy Ghost.  These lies cost this man and woman their lives.  How many times have we quenched, resisted, and grieved the Holy Spirit?  Thank God for his mercy!

            Peter was so filled with the Holy Spirit that he was able to confront the works of Satan and instill the fear of God in the church.  This anointing brought the glory of God on the scene.  “And great fear came upon the whole church, and upon all who heard of these things.  And at the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were taking place among the people; and they were all with one accord in Solomon’s portico.  But none of the rest dared to associate with them; however, the people held them in high esteem.  And all the more believers in the Lord, multitudes of men and women, were constantly added to their number; to such an extent that they even carried the sick out into the streets, and laid them on cots and pallets, so that when Peter came by, at least his shadow might fall on any one of them.  And also the people from the cities in the vicinity of Jerusalem were coming together, bringing people who were sick or afflicted with unclean spirits; and they were all being healed” (Vs 11-16 NAS).

            Also in Acts, Chapter Eight, we see another Holy Ghost confrontation between Peter and Simon the sorcerer.  “Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was bestowed through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, saying, ‘Give this authority to me as well so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.’  But Peter said to him, ‘May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money!  You have no part or portion in this matter, for your heart is not right before God.  Therefore repent of this wickedness of yours, and pray the Lord that if possible, the intention of your heart may be forgiven you.  For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bondage of iniquity.’  But Simon answered and said, ‘Pray to the Lord for me yourselves, so that nothing of what you have said may come upon me.'’”  (Vs 18-24 NAS).

We see Peter continuing to operate in the power of the Holy Spirit as he healed the sick and raised the dead in Jesus Name.  “Now it came about that as Peter was traveling through all those parts, he came down also to the saints who lived at Lydda.  And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden eight years, for he was paralyzed.  And Peter said to him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; arise, and make your bed.” And immediately he arose. And all that lived a Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord.  Now in Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha (which translated in Greek is called Dorcas); this woman was abounding with deeds of kindness and charity, which she continually did.  And it came about at that time that she fell sick and died; and when they had washed her body, they laid it in an upper room.  And since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, having heard that Peter was there, sent two men to him, entreating him, ‘Do not delay to come to us.’  And Peter arose and went with them.  And when he had come, they brought him into the upper room; and all the widows stood beside him weeping, and showing all the tunics and garments that Dorcas used to make while she was with them.  But Peter sent them all out and knelt down and prayed, and turning to the body, he said, ‘Tabitha, arise.’ And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up.  And he gave her his hand and raised her up; and calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive.  And it became known all over Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.” (Acts 59:32-42 NAS).

            Although the first deacons that were chosen originally were called to serve the widows of the church, they were called on because they were men full of the Holy Spirit.  “But select from among you brethren, seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task” (Acts 6:3 NAS).

            Stephen, was one of these men.  We see him operating in the power of God to minister to others and even to see the very glory of Jesus standing at the right hand of the Father in Heaven.  He had the grace and power of the Holy Spirit to proclaim the truth and to be martyred for the Lord’s sake.  “And they chose Stephen a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, … and Stephen, full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people…. But being full of the Holy Spirit, he gazed intently into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God….  And they went on stoning Stephen as he called upon the Lord and said ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit! And falling on him knees, he cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them!’ And having said this he fell asleep.”   (Acts 6:3,5,8; 7:55, 59-60 NAS).

            Philip, another of the first deacons, was thrust out by the fullness of the Holy Spirit to Samaria.  “And Philip went down to the city of Samaria and began proclaiming Christ to them.  And the multitudes with one accord were giving attention to what was said by Philip as they heard and saw the signs he was performing.  For in the case of many who had unclean spirits, they were coming out of them shouting with a loud voice; and many who had been paralyzed and lame were healed.  And there was much rejoicing in that city” (Acts 8:5-8NAS).  The power of the Holy Spirit carried Philip further on his journey by leading him to a lonely road to witness to one person and then transported him in the air to another city.  “And he arose and went; and behold, there was an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasuries, and he had come to Jerusalem to worship.  And he was returning and sitting in his chariot, and was reading the prophet Isaiah.  And the Spirit said to Philip, ‘Go up and join their chariot’ …And Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this scripture he preached Jesus to him. …the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away; and the eunuch saw him no more, but went on his way rejoicing.  But Philip found himself at Azotus…”  (Acts 8:27-29, 35, 39-40 NAS).

            Barnabas was another Spirit-filled servant that we find described as one sent from the church at Jerusalem to the new group of believers at Antioch.  “And the news about them reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas off to Antioch.  Then when he had come and witnessed the grace of God, he rejoiced and began to encourage them all with resolute heart to remain true to the Lord; for he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith.  And considerable numbers were brought to the Lord.”  (Acts 11:22-24).

            We see that Barnabas was “full of the Holy Spirit” for the purpose of encouragement to this new beginning at Antioch.  What resulted through this encouragement was an establishment of the believers and an increase in the harvest of souls.  Hallelujah!

            Agabus, a prophet, prophesied by the Spirit of a coming need that would arise amoung the saints in Judea.  “Now at this time some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch.  And one of them named Agabus stood up and began to indicate by the Spirit that there would certainly be a great famine all over the world.  And this took place in the reign of Claudius.  And in the proportion that any of the disciples had means, each of them determined to send a contribution for the relief of the brethren living in Judea.”  (Acts 11:27-29).   This gift of the Holy Spirit flowing though Agabus benefited the believers in Judea through the act of generosity in the midst of the church at Antioch.

            When Paul encountered the Lord Jesus on the road to Damascus and was blinded by the Lord’s presence, He was led to Damascus to wait for the Lord’s instructions.  A servant of the Lord, named Ananias was sent to Paul to give him a word of knowledge and to lay hands on him that he might be healed and be filled with the Holy Spirit.  “And Ananias departed and entered the house, and after layng his hands on him said, ‘Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road by which you were coming, has sent me so that you may regain your sight, and be filled with the Holy Spirit.’  And immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he regained his sight, and he arose and was baptized…”  (Acts 9:17-18 NAS).  This event began Paul’s ministry that led him to proclaim the gospel to most of the known world.  “and immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, ‘He is the Son of God.’”  “But Saul kept increasing in strength and confounding the Jews who lived at Damascus by proving that this Jesus is the Christ.”  “And when he had come to Jerusalem, he was trying to associate with the disciples; and they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple.  But Barnabas took hold of him and brought him to the apostles and described to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had talked to him, and how at Damascus he had spoken out boldly in the name of Jesus, and he was with them moving about freely in Jerusalem, speaking out boldly in the name of the Lord.”  (Acts 9:20, 22; 26-28).

            As we saw in Acts, Chapter Five, where Peter being full of the Holy Ghost, resulted in even his shadow healing the sick.  Paul, also filled with the Holy Spirit, had power even in his gaze; that is to say as he looked upon people there were results.  “But Elymas the magician (for thus his name is translated) was opposing them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith.  But Saul, who was also known as Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, fixed his gaze upon him, and said, ‘You who are full of all deceit and fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease to make crooked the straight ways of the Lord?  And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you will be blind and not see the sun for a time.’  And immediately a mist and a darkness fell upon him, and he went about seeking those who would lead him by the hand.  Then the proconsul believed when he saw what had happened, being amazed at the teaching of the Lord.”  (Acts 13: 8-12).

            Also, we find in Chapter 14 that this same gaze made the lame to walk.  “And at Lystra there was sitting a certain man, without strength in his feet, lame from his mother’s womb, who had never walked.  This man was listening to Paul as he spoke, who, when he had fixed his gaze upon him, and had seen that he had faith to be made well, said with a loud voice, ‘Stand upright on your feet.’  And he leaped up and began to walk.”  (Acts 14:8-10).  In Chapter Nineteen, we find that the contact of clothes and handkerchiefs with Paul, a person full of the Holy Ghost resulted in supernatural effects.  “And God was performing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul, so that handkerchiefs or aprons were even carried from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out.”  (Acts 19: 11-12).  Glory to God!

            There are always results, effects, and benefits that occur when we will allow ourselves to be filled and refilled with the Holy Spirit.  Let’s Stay Full!!

How Can We be Filled with the Holy Spirit?

            Do we believe it is the will of the Lord for each of us to be filled?  We should have enough scriptural evidence by now to believe and receive.

            I have been greatly encouraged to seek all God has for me as I have found this indisputable evidence in His Word of His will for us.  Peter made it very clear in Acts, Chapter Two that the promise of the Father is for all of us who believe.  “This Jesus Who God raised up again, to which we are all witnesses.  Therefore having been exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He has poured forth this which you both see and hear.”  “And Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  For the promise is for you and your children, and for all who are far off as many as the Lord our God shall call to Himself.” (Acts 2:32-33: 38-39).   

            If we believe it is the will of God that we be filled with the Holy Spirit then we will recognize the need and be responsible to receive by trusting in faith for Him to fill us.  We see an example of this in Acts, Chapter Two:  “And when the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place.  And suddenly there came from heaven a noise like a violent, rushing wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.  And there appeared to them tongues as of fire distributing themselves, and they rested on each one of them.  And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance.”  (Acts 2: 1-4 NAS).  By the way, there were also wonderful results of this in-filling so that people heard the Gospel in their own language and tongue.  Later in Acts, Chapter Four, we encounter another in-filling that came as a result of prayer petitions of the believers.  “’And now, Lord, take note of their threats, and grant that Thy bondservants may speak Thy word with all confidence, while Thou dost extend Thy hand to heal, and signs and wonders take place through the name of Thy Holy servant Jesus.’  And when they had prayed, the place where they had gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak the word of God with boldness.  And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own; but all things were common property to them, and with great power the apostles were giving witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all.”  (Acts 4:29-33).  We see here the fullness of the Holy Spirit return once again through faith in action, the exercise of prayer, and unity on the part of the believers.  Hallelujah!  (As we saw previously, there are never-ending benefits to the spirit-filled life.  In this case boldness and confidence to witness and generosity among the church were specifically mentioned.)

            Another ingredient that is necessary for us to be filled with the Holy Spirit is to have hunger in our hearts for a deeper relationship with the Lord Jesus. “And on the following day he entered Caesarea.  Now Cornelius was waiting for them, and had called together his relatives and close friends.  And when it came about that Peter entered, Cornelius met him, and fell at is feet and worshipped him.  But Peter raised him up, saying, ‘Stand up; I too am just a man.’  And as he talked with him, he entered, and found many people assembled.”  “And opening his mouth, Peter said:  ‘I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality, but in every nation the man, who fears Him and does what is right, is welcome to Him.”  “You know of Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He went about doing good, and healing all who were oppressed by the devil; for God was with Him.”  “While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who were listening to the message and all the circumcised believers who, had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out upon the Gentiles also.  For they were hearing them speaking with tongues and exalting God.  Then Peter answered, ‘Surely no one can refuse the water for these to be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we did, can he?’  And he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.  Then they asked him to stay on for a few days.”  (Acts 10:24-27; 34-35; 44-48 NAS).

            I believe one of the most beautiful truths of this account is that God is no respecter of persons.  He who seeks, finds!  He who hungers and thirsts, will be filled!  “And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, just as He did upon us at the beginning.  And I remembered the word of the Lord, how He used to say, ‘John baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’  If God therefore gave to them the same gift as He gave to us, also after believing in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God’s way?”  (Acts 11:15-17 NAS).

            We can also receive in-fillings and refillings by the laying on of hands of other believers.  “Now when the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent them Peter and John, who came down and prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit, for He had not yet fallen upon any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.  Then they began laying their hands on them, and they were receiving the Holy Spirit.”  (Acts 8:14-17 NAS).

            Having a better understanding of scriptural truths helps us to be filled with the Holy Spirit.  In Acts, Chapter Nineteen Paul encountered some disciples that had never even heard of the need to be filled with the Holy Spirit.  Although they had received the Holy Spirit’s regeneration power when they were born again of the Spirit, their lack of knowledge had prevented them from having His fullness.  Take note here how quickly they humbled themselves and responded to the need to be filled.  “And it came about that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper country came to Ephesus, and found some disciples, and he said to them, ‘Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?’  And they said to him, ‘No, we have not even heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.’  And he said, ‘Into what then were you baptized?’  And they said, ‘Into John’s baptism.’  And Paul said, ‘John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in Him who was coming after him, that is, in Jesus.’  And when they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.  And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking with tongues and prophesying.  And there were in all about twelve men.”  (Acts 19: 1-7 NAS).

            Ephesians, Chapter Five, tells us to “Be filled with the Spirit.”  (See verse 18).  In the previous verses the Word tells us to wake up from our slumber and Jesus will shine on us.  (See verse 14).  In the following verses, after we are told to be filled with the Holy Spirit, we find that we are filled when we speak to one another spiritually, and make melody in our hearts to the Lord always giving thanks to Him.  And last but not least, we are filled as we are subject to one another in the fear of Christ.  (See verses 19-21 NAS).

            Let’s review these principles on how we can be filled and be constantly full of the Holy Spirit.

            We must see our need to be filled and believe it is God’s will for every one of us.  We must hunger and thirst for Him!  We must be responsible to humble ourselves before the Lord and seek Him for all that He desires to work in our lives, spirit, soul, and body.  We must be alert and open to the Spirit’s promptings by exercising our faith, praising, worshiping, and giving thanksgiving to our Lord as the Spirit gives us utterance.  We must walk in unity with other believers and pray for His in-filling with them.  We must be available to lay hands on each other when a fresh impartation of His Holy Spirit is needed.

            All of these principles are set into motion as we believe, trust and obey the Lord day by day.  Hallelujah!  Let’s be effective doers of His Word, brothers and sisters, so that we can be full of His Holy Spirit!

Summary 

            Our Lord Jesus, Who is Head of His church, is always interested in its condition or state of being.  He knows that unless we are full of His Holy Spirit that we will not represent Him as He desires us to.

            In Acts, Chapter Two, He has given us a living example of the church that was “alive and well.”  This church quickly evolved after the day of Pentecost, which was the first occurrence of the mighty in-filling of the Holy Spirit in the lives of these believers.  We have already seen many of the results, benefits and effects of the Holy-Spirit filled life but I would like for us to take special note of the way that the Spirit-filled believers lived and moved and had their beings in Him.  Peter, after being filled with the Holy Spirit, preached and exhorted the people and around 3,000 souls were added to the Kingdom of God that day.  These believers had certain characteristics that separated them from the rest of the people of that day.  “And they were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer and everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles, and all those who had believed were together, and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions, and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need.  And day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God, and having favor with all the people.  And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.  (Acts 2:42-47 NAS).

            This distinct life style is what Jesus desires of us, His Church, today!  He is the same Lord, today as He was yesterday!  Amen!  He has called us to be His representatives, today, just as He had called those believers to be in that day!

            He has given us the Holy Ghost power from on high to be His witnesses every where we go on the face of the earth so that He might add to the church and to His Kingdom.  Let’s glorify and honor Him by being filled with His Holy Spirit!

Love in Jesus,  

Buddy Axley
June 2000