Before going further in discussing the special filling of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, let us look at the idea of being filled with the Spirit. As we looked at last time, since the day of Pentecost, all who accept by faith Jesus as Savior and Lord have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is there to comfort, guide, teach and transform us into the mature Christian filled with the Spirit, living a life overflowing with the fruits of the Spirit. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance. (Galatians 5:22-23). When we are filled with Spirit, we experience love, joy, peace, patience, hope, faith and calmness regardless of the storms surrounding us. Our hearts are held steady within by the Holy Spirit; because, we have surrendered to Him. We are in those moments filled with the Spirit.
Yet, there are times along this journey that we may quench the Spirit. He does not abandon us in those times. The Holy Spirit remains present. However, we experience fear, anger, frustration, doubt, impatience, anxiety, depression, and all the former traits of the flesh. Despite His indwelling presence we ignore the truth of Him. He does not force Himself upon us unwillingly; but waits patiently. God will so orchestrate our lives so that we may realize our need to let Him reign in our hearts. Furthermore, there are times when we go about our lives with little regard for the true power of the Spirit which indwells us. We try to face our lives within our own strength, turning for God’s help only after utter failure. However, we don’t have to live a life of desperation. There are 5 easy steps to being filled with the Spirit.
7 Steps to Being Filled with the Spirit
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Meditate on God’s Word.
It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. (John 6:63). We cannot know God’s will nor really know Him if we never feast upon His words. Furthermore, how can I say I love Him if I never want to read the letters, He left for me? Nor can I fully understand the power and the breadth of the gifts He has given me, if I fail to read His word.
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Believe that His word is true.
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17). Faith is knowing God IS and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). How can I know God is Sovereign or know of His attributes, if I never read His word? But beyond reading, I must believe the promises He has made for me.
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Hold fast unto obedience.
Jesus said, “If a man love me, he will keep my words” (John 14:23). Furthermore, if we truly understand who He is, we will desire to make Him Lord of our life. We lean into the Spirit that He might be the righteousness through us that we could never be on our own. Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage… For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith (Galatians 5:1,5). Not in my strength, but in His strength.
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Desire the Spirit.
As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God? (Psalm 42:1-2). When was the last time you longed to be in God’s presence as a dry and parched body thirsts for cool water? When filled by the Spirit our thirst is satisfied.
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Never forget who you are in Christ Jesus.
In Christ we are His redeemed, chosen, beloved, gifted child. Heir of the Kingdom, servant by choice, and Mighty Warrior not because of what we have done; but because of all He has done for us. Ephesians 1-3
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Maintain an attitude of Gratitude.
Wherever in scripture we read of the Holy Spirit filling our life, we see scriptures regarding Praise. Thankfulness is a very real part of being filled by the Spirit. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit. Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs. Singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord. Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 5:18-20). During the difficult times in life, this is hard unless you keep focus on 3 main principles as I outlined in my book Abiding, Steadfast Joy.
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Keep Your Eyes Focused on the Prize.
The true prize is Jesus Christ and our relationship with Him. When we keep our eyes focused on Him, His Glory, and the temporality of our situation here; then, we can march forward with Hope. We know that the Holy Spirit will provide what we need, when we need it. Filled with the Spirit we have hope, joy, love, patience, and faith to continue no matter what happens around us.
Concluding thoughts:
The Holy Spirit indwells each true believer. Despite that we so often live our lives without experiencing being filled by the Spirit. However, we can live a life filled with hope, joy, peace, love, and power. All we must do is desire God above all else and love Him with all our heart, soul and strength. He will provide us with all we need and more than we could ever hope for.
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD?
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because, He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.
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Previous Posts in This Study of ACTS
What is the Baptism of the Holy Spirit?
How to Wait with Cautious Discernment
How to Hold Fast to the True Gospel Message
Disclosures
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2018
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
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