The Spirit-Filled Life
Walking in the power of the Spirit
Introduction
The Holy Spirit lives within every believer. He gives power to lead an obedient, Christ-centered life. It is the Spirit's power that enables you to live like Jesus.
You cannot control yourself and be controlled by the Spirit at the same time. Christ cannot be in control if you are on the throne of your life.
Romans 8:5-6ESV
For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.
A Life Empowered by the Holy Spirit
The Christian life is a great adventure with purpose and power. Christ gave the incredible promise:
John 14:12-13ESV
"Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son."
We cannot, in our own energy, accomplish these great works which Christ has promised that we can do. It is Christ Himself -- living within us, in His resurrection power, walking in our bodies, thinking with our minds, loving with our hearts, speaking with our lips -- who will empower us with the Holy Spirit to do these great works.
As the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit, they received supernatural power that changed them from fearful men into radiant witnesses for Christ. They were used by God to change the course of history. And that power is available to you, to enable you to live a holy and fruitful life for Jesus Christ.
Yet, many Christians do not even know who the Holy Spirit is. Others, knowing Him, do not know how to appropriate His power. Consequently, they go through life without ever experiencing the fruitful life which Christ promised.
Before we can understand why appropriating His power is important for a joyful, victorious life, we need to understand more about the person of the Holy Spirit.
Who Is the Holy Spirit
Who Is the Holy Spirit?
1. Whom did Peter believe the Holy Spirit to be? (Acts 5:3-4)
Acts 5:3-4ESV
But Peter said, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God."
2. What did Jesus call the Holy Spirit in John 14:16-17?
John 14:16-17ESV
And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.
Note: There are two words for "another" in Greek, the language in which the New Testament was originally written:
Greek Words for "Another"
- "allos" -- another, but similar (another of the same kind)
- "heteros" -- another as distinguished from (qualitative difference)
Jesus said He would send another (allos) just like Himself.
The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. He is a Person equal in every way with the Father and with the Son.
Why Did the Holy Spirit Come?
When you received Christ, the Holy Spirit came to live in you, also known as "indwelling" (1 Corinthians 3:16). Look at the following verses and list some reasons why the Holy Spirit came.
1 Corinthians 3:16ESV
Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you?
Why did the Holy Spirit come?
1. John 3:5
John 3:5ESV
Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God."
2. John 16:13
John 16:13ESV
When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.
3. John 16:14
John 16:14ESV
He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you.
4. Acts 1:8
Acts 1:8ESV
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.
What Does It Mean to Be Filled with the Holy Spirit?
The word "filled" actually means to be directed and empowered by the Spirit. Since the Holy Spirit came to glorify Christ (John 16:14) and is the Spirit of Christ (Romans 8:9), to be filled with the Spirit is to be filled with or abiding in Christ. To abide in Christ is to live in dependence upon Him, recognizing that it is His life, His wisdom, His resources, His strength and His ability operating through you, which enable you to live according to His will. Christ lives in us and expresses His life through us by the power of His Spirit: this is one of the most important truths of the Word. Jesus does not want you to live the Christian life. He wants to live the Christian life through you. He calls us to be His hands and feet.
Romans 8:9ESV
You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.
Galatians 2:20ESV
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
The apostle Paul confessed this in Galatians 2:20. The Christian's body now becomes Christ's to use as He wills; the mind becomes His to think His thoughts; the will is now yielded to His will.
Paul also says, "...and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and delivered Himself up for me." Whose life? The life of the Son of God, the One who loved us and gave Himself for us, the One to whom "all power in heaven and earth is given." Think of it!
Can you grasp what this means? If you yield your will to God the Spirit and acknowledge that Christ is in your life moment by moment, you are in for a great adventure.
1. Read John 15:1-8
John 15:1-8ESV
"I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples."
a. What will be the result in our lives of abiding in Christ? (verse 5)
b. How do we prove we are Christ's disciples? (verse 8)
c. How much can we do without Christ? (verse 5)
d. What is the difference between a small twig that has just begun to abide in the vine, and a large mature branch?
e. Why does the Father prune the branches? (verse 2)
2. What fruit will the Holy Spirit produce in and through your life as a result of His filling you? (Galatians 5:22-23)
Galatians 5:22-23ESV
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
3. What does He want us to do? (Matthew 4:19; Romans 1:13)
Matthew 4:19
Matthew 4:19ESV
And he said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men."
Romans 1:13
Romans 1:13ESV
I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I have often intended to come to you (but thus far have been prevented), in order that I may reap some harvest among you as well as among the rest of the Gentiles.
Three Types of Lives
Why Are Many Christians Struggling to Follow the Holy Spirit's Lead?
The Bible in 1 Corinthians 2:14-3:3 describes the lives of three people.
1 Corinthians 2:14-16ESV
The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one. "For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?" But we have the mind of Christ.
1 Corinthians 3:1-3ESV
But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. And even now you are not yet ready, for you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way?
1. The Bible describes three types of people:
a. V.14 -- The Natural Man:
b. V.15-16 -- The Spiritual Man:
c. V.1-3 -- The Carnal Man:
These circles represent the three lives.
The first circle represents the life of the natural man, the person who has never received Christ. Christ stands outside the door of the heart, seeking entrance. The interests (represented by the dots) of this life are directed by self, often resulting in discord and frustration.
The second circle represents the life of the spiritual man, the person who has invited Christ to come into his life and who is allowing Him to direct and empower his life. When interests are directed by Him, the result is harmony with God's plan.
The third circle represents the life of the self-centered person (of the flesh; carnal) who has received Christ, but who lives in defeat.
Natural Man
- S -- Self is on the throne
- Cross/Christ is outside the circle
- Interests directed by self
- Results: Fear, worry, gross sin, discord, frustration
Spiritual Man
- Cross/Christ is on the throne
- S -- Self is yielded
- Interests directed by Christ
- Results: Peace, power, joy, purpose, harmony
Carnal Man
- S -- Self is on the throne
- Cross/Christ is inside but not in control
- Interests disordered
- Results: Fear, worry, gross sin, up-and-down experience
Describe the self-centered, worldly person, as presented in 1 Corinthians 3:1-3:
The self-centered man is trusting in his own efforts to live the Christian life. He has an up-and-down spiritual experience. He cannot understand himself -- he wants to do what is right but cannot. He fails to draw upon the power of the Holy Spirit.
2. Name five or six deeds of the flesh. (Galatians 5:19-21)
Galatians 5:19-21ESV
Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
3. What is the solution to self-centeredness? (Galatians 5:16)
Galatians 5:16ESV
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
A Christian is worldly/self-centered when he develops an attitude of running his own life rather than allowing Christ to do so. You do not become self-centered simply by committing sins, but by refusing to confess your sins and allowing God to fill you once again with His Spirit. This is a life long process called sanctification where a believer becomes more holy in the transformation process from the "carnal man" to the "spiritual man".
How to Be Filled
Being filled with the Spirit by faithHow Can One Be Filled with the Holy Spirit?
1. We receive Christ by faith. How then do we allow Him to control our lives moment by moment? (Colossians 2:6)
Colossians 2:6ESV
Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him,
2. What is faith and why is faith so important? (Hebrews 11:1,6)
Hebrews 11:1,6ESV
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
3. What are we commanded to do in Ephesians 5:18?
Ephesians 5:18ESV
And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,
From the moment of spiritual birth, the Christian is indwelt by the Spirit at all times (1 Corinthians 3:16, Ephesians 1:13-14). Though all Christians are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, not all Christians are filled (controlled and empowered) by the Spirit.
Ephesians 1:13-14ESV
In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.
Being filled with the Spirit is not a once-and-for-all experience. There are many fillings. In the Greek language, in which the command of Ephesians 5:18 was originally written, the meaning is clearer than in most English translations. This command of God means to be constantly and continually filled with the Holy Spirit, being directed and empowered by Him as a way of life.
4. Read 1 John 5:14-15.
1 John 5:14-15ESV
And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.
a. What does God promise in these verses?
b. Is it God's will that you be filled with the Spirit?
c. Will God fill you with the Spirit if you ask Him? Why?
How to Pray in Faith to Be Filled with the Holy Spirit
We are filled with the Spirit by faith alone. However, true prayer is one way of expressing your faith. The following is a suggested prayer:
"Dear Father, I need you. I acknowledge that I have been in control of my life; and that, as a result, I have sinned against You. I thank You that You have forgiven my sins through Christ's death on the cross for me. I now invite Christ to take control of the throne of my life. Cleanse my heart and fill me with the Holy Spirit as You commanded me to be filled, and as you promised in Your Word that You would do if I asked in faith. I pray this in the name of Jesus. As an expression of my faith, I now thank You for taking control of my life and filling me with the Holy Spirit."
-- , A Suggested Prayer
Does this prayer express the desire of your heart? If so, you can bow in prayer and trust God to fill you with the Holy Spirit right now.
Did you ask God to fill you with the Holy Spirit?
Do you know that you are now filled with the Holy Spirit?
On what authority?
Spiritual Breathing
The Christian life, properly understood, is not complex. Actually, the Christian life is very simple. Yet, it is so difficult that no one can live it! This paradox occurs because the Christian life is a supernatural life. The only one who can live it is Christ.
If I try to live the Christian life in fleshly effort, it becomes complex, difficult and even impossible. But if I invite Jesus to direct my life; if I know the reality of having been crucified with Christ and raised with Him by faith as a way of life; if I walk in the light as God is in the light -- then the Lord lives His abundant life within me in all of His resurrection power. I have fellowship with God and the blood of Jesus, His Son purifies me from all sin (1 John 1:7).
1 John 1:7ESV
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.
Be Sure That You Are Filled with the Spirit
Go to Him in prayer and His Word.
1. Confess and Repent
If you retake the throne, the control center of your life, through sin -- a deliberate act of disobedience -- pray. Confess what you've done and ask for forgiveness. God's Word promises in 1 John 1:9 that, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Confession ("homologeo" in the Greek) suggests agreement with God concerning our sins. Such agreement involves at least three considerations.
1 John 1:9ESV
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Three Aspects of Confession
- First, acknowledge that your sin or sins, which should be named to God specifically, are wrong and are therefore grievous to God.
- Second, acknowledge that God has already forgiven you through Christ's death on the cross for your sins.
- Third, change your wrong thinking (repentance) that leads to wrong attitudes and actions. The power of the Spirit will enable you to change your conduct. Instead of doing what your fleshly self wants to do, you can now do what God wants you to do.
2. Claim by Faith the Fullness of the Holy Spirit
Next, surrender the control of your life to God. Trust Him now to direct and empower you, according to His command to "be filled with the Spirit" (Ephesians 5:18). Read Romans 6:12-14.
Romans 6:12-14ESV
Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.
3. The Spirit Reveals Sin (Read Psalm 139:23,24)
Psalm 139:23-24ESV
Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!
Continue to pray whenever the Spirit reveals a sin which you need to confess, and lean on His Word, guidance, and strength as you go on walking in the Spirit by faith.
Pay attention when the Spirit reveals something that needs to be confessed. You can ask for the Holy Spirit to reveal any unconfessed sin in your life that needs to be addressed.
Avoid being overly introspective. Do not probe within yourself, looking for sin to confess. Confess only what the Spirit impresses you to confess. Believe in God and His Word. Do not seek an emotional experience.
If you genuinely hunger and thirst after God and His righteousness, if you have confessed your sin, surrendered the control of your life to Christ and asked God to fill you, believe that you are filled by faith on the basis of His promise. God will prove Himself faithful to His promise.
Do not depend upon feelings. The promise of God's Word, not our feelings, is our authority. The Christian is to live by faith, trusting in God Himself and His Word.
Walking in the Spirit
How to Walk in the Spirit
You will discover that your relationship with the Holy Spirit is both critical and progressive: critical in that at a point in time you discover how to appropriate His power by faith; progressive in that you learn how to grow and mature in the Spirit-controlled walk by faith.
A Christian who has walked in the Spirit by faith for many years will generally demonstrate more of the fruit of the Spirit in his life and be more fruitful in his witness for Christ than one who has just discovered how to walk in the Spirit. You will become aware of new areas of your life that need to be surrendered to the control of the Spirit. When you do become aware of such an area -- an attitude or an action that is displeasing to the Lord -- simply confess your sins through prayer and repent.
Although you have no power in yourself to walk in the Spirit, you do have the ability to choose to have the Spirit do the walking (Romans 6:16). As you choose by faith, you can rely upon the Spirit to supply the power. As you walk in the Spirit by faith, practicing turning to God in prayer and His Word for guidance, you need never again live in spiritual defeat for more than a few minutes. There are many Bible verses regarding being filled by the Holy Spirit. Praying His promises and truth written in His Word are great to incorporate into your prayers. Demonstrated in the previous prayer example under the HOW TO PRAY IN FAITH TO BE FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT section, you will find that scripture was referenced multiple times. You can too. For example, "Lord Your Word says ... I pray You would guide my every step so that I may walk in Your ways."
Romans 6:16ESV
Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness?
Suggested Reading on Walking in the Spirit
John 14:15-17ESV
"If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you."
Acts 1:8ESV
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.
Galatians 5:5ESV
For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness.
Galatians 5:25ESV
If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.
Romans 8:1-27ESV
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you. So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, "Abba! Father!" The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs -- heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
1 Corinthians 12:4-11ESV
Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.
Personal Application
The Spirit-filled life is an obedient and abiding life. Begin each day by asking God to cleanse your life according to 1 John 1:9.
Present your body to the Holy Spirit according to Romans 12:1-2, and ask Him to keep you filled with His power.
Romans 12:1-2ESV
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Consciously practice praying for the Holy Spirit's guidance throughout the day and be in His Word daily.
Questions to Consider
Are we putting ourselves in opportunities to grow? Am I reading my Bible daily and filling myself with His Word? Am I memorizing scripture and treasuring it in my heart and mind? Am I surrounding myself with good council that can help keep me accountable and is willing to admonish me? Am I approachable to be admonished? Am I putting myself in situations where iron can sharpen iron as Proverbs 27:17 says? Am I spending time with God asking for Him to guide me? Am I listening and following His will for my life?
Proverbs 27:17ESV
Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.
Live by Faith
1. How does our faith grow? (Romans 10:17)
Romans 10:17ESV
So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
2. Why is faith so important? (Hebrews 11:6)
Hebrews 11:6ESV
And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
Faith is another word for trust. Faith must have an object. We do not have faith in faith itself. For example, a person could have great faith that the ice on a pond is thick enough to support his weight. Through his faith, he may boldly walk out on thin ice and get very wet. On the other hand, a person who may have a very weak faith may move slowly out onto very thick ice. As he walks on the ice and realizes its ability to support his weight, his faith in the ice increases. This is where apologetics enters the picture. The term apologetics is the rational defense made of the Christian faith shared with nonbelievers. We are encouraged to supply reason for our faith in 1 Peter 3:15. It's not "faith in faith" -- belief because we "want it to be so", a common accusation of unbelievers. There's more than adequate evidence to support biblical claims and concepts.
1 Peter 3:15ESV
But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,
In the Christian life, we place our faith, even a faith that may be weak, in a trustworthy God and His Word. The better we know God, the more we can trust Him, and the more we trust Him, the more we experience the reality of His love and power. Faith is like a muscle -- it grows with exercise.
3. Read examples of those who exercised faith. (Hebrews 11:32-34) Give an example of how you can exercise faith today.
Hebrews 11:32-34ESV
And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets -- who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.
Emotional feelings are the by-product of faith and obedience. There is nothing wrong with emotions. Thank God we have them. We do not depend upon feelings or emotions to live a Spirit-filled life. We simply place our faith in the trustworthiness of God and the promises of His Word. Feelings will eventually come in the life of faith, but we should never depend upon feelings or look for them. The very act of looking for an emotional experience is a denial of the concept of faith. But don't be surprised or upset if feelings do come.
4. Giving thanks is a practical way to demonstrate faith especially before prayers are answered.
a. What does God promise us in Romans 8:28?
Romans 8:28ESV
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
b. What are we commanded to do in 1 Thessalonians 5:18?
1 Thessalonians 5:18ESV
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
c. What is a result of being filled with the Holy Spirit? (Ephesians 5:20)
Ephesians 5:20ESV
Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Have you learned to say, "Thank you, Lord," when your heart is broken because of the loss of a loved one? Do you thank God when your body is wracked with pain? When you receive a "Dear John" letter terminating a love relationship? When you have financial reverses? Do you thank God when you are discriminated against personally, religiously or racially?
Giving thanks under all circumstances demonstrates your faith in Him. You are saying, "God, I trust You." "I thank You that in whatever adversity we go through You work for the good of those who love You." (Read Romans 8:28)
The Bible does not say to feel thanks, but to give thanks as an act of the will.
Thought Questions
Thought Questions
1. Who is the Spirit?
2. Why did the Spirit come?
3. What does it mean to be filled with the Spirit?
4. According to Galatians 5:22-23, what kind of fruit does the Spirit produce in the life of a person who is yielded to Him? Circle those qualities especially needed in your life.
5. Why are so few Christians experiencing the filling of the Spirit?
6. What is the relationship between being filled with the Spirit and becoming mature as a Christian?
7. What are some practical benefits which you can expect as a result of being filled with the Spirit?
8. How do the following two concepts complement each other?
Ephesians 5:17-21ESV
Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.
a. Being filled with the Spirit, and
b. Letting the Word of Christ dwell in you richly? (Colossians 3:16-17)
Colossians 3:16-17ESV
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
9. Is the filling of the Spirit a once-and-for-all experience, or is it something that will need to be repeated? Why is it important to understand and remember this?
10. Will a person who is filled with the Spirit be perfect?
11. Explain why each of the following factors is needed as heart preparation in order to be filled with the Spirit:
a. A desire to live a life that will be pleasing to God.
b. A willingness to surrender the control of your life to God.
c. Confession of any known sin in your life.
12. How is one filled with the Spirit?
13. How does the command in Ephesians 5:18 and the promise of 1 John 5:14-15 relate to knowing that you are filled with the Spirit?
14. Why is it important to realize that we are filled with the Spirit on the basis of faith alone and not on the basis of works of any kind?
15. What is the relationship between faith, fact and feeling in reference to the filling of the Spirit?
16. In light of Ephesians 5:18 and 1 John 5:14-15, why is seeking an emotional or ecstatic experience a repudiation of the principle of faith? According to Hebrews 11:6, can this be pleasing to God? Why?
Ephesians 5:18ESV
And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,
1 John 5:14-15ESV
And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.
Hebrews 11:6ESV
And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
Suggested Reading
- The Holy Spirit by Billy Graham