Filling of the Holy Spirit

Filling of the Holy Spirit
By Estelle Nazary

Definition: The filling of the Holy Spirit is simply the unhindered control of the Holy Spirit over the life of a believer so that He can bless and use him. The key word is control - “Be ye constantly controlled by the Spirit.” Ephesians 5:18

Facts regarding the filling of the Spirit

1. Being filled with Spirit is mandatory. Eph. 5:18

2. Is a repeated experience - Acts 2:4; 4:31

3. Privilege of all believers, yet enjoyed only by yielded believers. Acts 4:31, Gal. 5:16

4. Two factors that account for spiritual differences among believers
A. Filling
B. Maturity
5. Carefully distinguished from baptism of Spirit - I Cor. 12:13
6. Is indispensable to holiness of life and to service for Christ. - Gal. 5:22, 23; Acts 4:31

Consequences of being filled

1. Christ likeness - Gal. 5:22-23

2. Victory over sin - Gal. 5:16-18

3. Guidance - Rom. 8:14; 12:1-2
4. Effective prayer life - Romans 8:26; Jude 20
5. Acceptable worship - Eph. 5:18, 20
6. Proper family relationships established - Eph. 5:18, 21, 22, 25; 6:1
7. A life of blessing to others - John 7:37-39
8. Boldness in witnessing - Acts 1:8, 4:31

Conditions to the filling

1. “Grieve not the Spirit” - Eph. 4:30
Unconfessed sin and allowing things in our lives contrary to the Holy Spirit.

2. “Quench not the Spirit” - I Thess. 5:19
By saying “no” to Spirit’s leading
Yield to Christ - Romans 6:13

3. “Walk by the Spirit” - Gal. 5:16-18, Rom. 8:4 -Walking in total dependence upon the Spirit of God. Using means of grace which God has put at our disposal such as Bible study, prayer life.