Be Filled with the Holy Spirit Series

 

I see the topic of the Holy Spirit as one of the most vital subjects we can explore. We need the Holy Spirit’s power in our lives so that God can send us out and use us as His vessels in this hurting and needy world. However, our understanding of the Holy Spirit must first be personal. My goal for this series is for us to leave with a new awareness and appreciation of the Holy Spirit’s presence and power in our lives. I pray that God inspires you through this course to seek a deeper relationship with Him. It is intimacy with the Spirit that will allow the joy and presence of God’s Spirit to overflow into the lives of others. When we lack closeness to Him, life feels heavy, lacking peace and purpose. When the Spirit of God empowers us, we can find joy even in the midst of our trials.

 

Some of the main topics we will cover in the next few weeks include: What does the Holy Spirit do? The coming of the Holy Spirit, how to keep in step with the Holy Spirit, how we can respond to the Holy Spirit, and how to be filled with the Holy Spirit. We will also have an opportunity for prayer after a couple of sessions for those who seek it. In my own Christian experience, I had tried to grasp the truths of God’s Word mentally, but the Bible came alive to me after I fully gave myself to Christ and opened my life to the Holy Spirit. He leads us into all truth. So, I want to take a moment to ask Him to do that right now.

 

Father, would you open our eyes to the person of the Holy Spirit? We ask that you give us a renewed appreciation and a deeper hunger to experience You more fully. Lead us in your truth, so that we may know you more deeply, and help us to understand your presence and power in our lives.

 

An old American Indian legend tells of an Indian who came down from the mountains and saw the ocean for the first time. Awed by the scene, he requested a quart jar. As he waded into the sea and filled the jar, he was asked what he intended to do with it. “Back in the mountains,” he replied, “my people have never seen the Great Water. I will carry this jar to them so they can see what it is like."

 

When approaching the topic of the Holy Spirit, I recognize that we are venturing into a vast ocean! Different churches around the world have various perspectives on this subject. Some denominations emphasize the Word of God and downplay the Holy Spirit, while others focus more on the Spirit's work than on the Word. The truth is that the Holy Spirit goes beyond our differences. He is not limited by our theology, and His power and guidance are promised to every believer. Therefore, we must understand what He wants to do in our lives and embrace Him wholeheartedly.

 

The Lord Jesus said of the Holy Spirit, “He blows where He will” (John 3:8). The writer C.S. Lewis described the lion Aslan, his central character in The Chronicles of Narnia, with the words: "He isn't safe, but He's good." Since Aslan represents Jesus in the story, it is commonly assumed that this description refers to Jesus, but I believe these words apply to each person of the Triune God, especially to the Holy Spirit. He isn't safe, but you can trust Him because He is good. What does C.S. Lewis mean when he says of Aslan, "He is not safe"? Just as we cannot predict what Jesus will do because His ways are higher than our ways, the same is true with the Holy Spirit, for Scripture calls Him the Spirit of Jesus (Philippians 1:19; Acts 16:7).

 

My Personal Testimony of the Holy Spirit

 

My experience with the Holy Spirit was very unexpected, as I was converted to Christ after several near-death experiences while working with my father on his commercial fishing boat. I began a long search for meaning and peace. After a fruitless search in Asia, I felt led to continue my spiritual journey by going to the USA. On the plane to New York, I sat beside a believer in Christ who was reading a book on biblical prophecy—a topic I was very interested in, as I wanted to understand where the world is headed. He invited me to a church in the middle of nowhere in Virginia, where they were holding camp meetings for a couple of weeks. I felt that God was guiding me, even though I had no clear idea of Who God was and very little understanding of the Bible. Unfortunately, US immigration was not kind to me, and I was interviewed for several hours before they allowed me entry. I decided to catch a Greyhound bus to the nearest city, Richmond, and when I arrived, I faced a tough test that night, but I refused to compromise my goal of visiting that camp meeting. I encourage each of you to not give in to the schemes of the enemy and not settle for anything less than a full commitment to seek and find Jesus and to be filled with the Spirit.

 

Early the next morning, I went to the bus station to catch a bus to the rural area where the camp meeting was held. When I joined the line to board the bus, guess who was in front of me? The only person I knew in the entire United States, the man I had met on the plane. He had returned his rental car that morning and was getting on the same bus. We were both shocked to see each other! This convinced me I was on the right path in my search for meaning and a new life.

 

At this Christian gathering, I was asked if I was saved. Up to that point, I had read a few verses of Scripture, but I lacked understanding of what I read—it felt as if it was hidden from me. One thing I was certain of was that among these attendees, some possessed something I didn’t. There was joy, happiness, and kindness among the believers. When I asked what “it” was, they said that the life they enjoyed was the Holy Spirit living in them, shining through. When they prayed for me, nothing changed, but I was encouraged to fast for three days and then seek prayer. During those three days, I heard the Gospel for the first time, as the man teaching about what happened at the cross of Christ was deeply moved, sobbing uncontrollably. This had a profound impact on me because I wanted to know God and be right with Him. Having searched for meaning for a long time, I had become a very broken and desperate person. So, when they offered to pray for me to be filled with the Spirit, I wholeheartedly agreed—especially after hearing what Jesus had accomplished for me at the cross.

 

When they prayed, I was deeply touched by the Spirit, fell to the ground, and couldn’t contain my joy. My heart was full of happiness and overflowed with new life, as a heavy burden was lifted from me—something I didn’t realize was even there until that moment. From my innermost being flowed a river of life filled with love for others and ecstatic happiness, expressed through the gift of tongues and inexpressible words rising in praise to God. The experience lasted over an hour, and the fruit of being filled with the Spirit was an intense hunger for the Word of God, which now made complete sense to me. I couldn’t get enough of the Scriptures. I wanted to hug everyone around me and was so in love with Jesus and my new family of believers. I knew that for the rest of my life I had to do all that I could to reach as many as I could with this message of God’s kindness and grace. That still remains my life’s purpose 48 years later.

 

Not everyone’s experience is the same. I envy those who came to Christ as children and did not face the heartache I experienced before having that life-changing experience with God. If we asked different people in this room about their salvation or being filled with the Spirit, we would receive very different answers; however, it's the same Spirit working in all of us, leading us to know Christ. We understand this because no one can come to Christ unless the Father draws them, and that is the work of the Spirit. Jesus said, “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day (John 6:44). Without the Holy Spirit, we cannot know the life of God. He is the means by which Jesus is present with His people.

 

What is the Holy Spirit Like? In the original Greek language of the New Testament, He is described by Jesus as the Parakletos, translated into English as the Helper in the following passage:

 

And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, to be with you forever (John 14:16).

 

The word parakletos literally means “one called alongside,” referring to a counselor, comforter, and encourager. Jesus said the Father would give us “another” counselor. The word for “another” means “of the same kind.” This means the Holy Spirit is just like Jesus! We can relate to the Holy Spirit just as we relate to Jesus. The only difference is that Jesus is not with us in bodily form now. We learn to connect with God in a different way through our faith and in a spiritual sense.

 

Some older English translations refer to the Holy Spirit as the “Holy Ghost,” which may seem intimidating. The terms “Holy Ghost” and “Holy Spirit” are complete synonyms; one comes from the Old (Saxon) English “gaist,” and the other from the Latin “spiritus.” Like the Latin word “pneuma,” both refer to breath or wind and describe the animating power of God. Much like the wind, we do not see the wind itself, but rather its effects. So it is with the Spirit of God.

 

We will explore the works of the Spirit in greater detail in another study. The works of the Holy Spirit and His personhood are connected. It is through the Spirit's work that we recognize Him as a person. Here are some of His personhood attributes showcased through the Spirit’s work in the believer's life:

 

The Holy Spirit bears witness: “The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are the children of God.” (Romans 8:16).

 

The Holy Spirit speaks: “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches” (Revelation 2:7).

 

The Holy Spirit leads: “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God” (Romans 8:14).

 

The Spirit comforts: “He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others” (2 Corinthians 1:3).

 

The Spirit guides: “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” (John 16:13).

 

The Spirit can be grieved: “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption” (Eph. 4:30). All of these attributes are signs that He is a person, not an it or a force.

 

The Holy Spirit’s Activity in the Old Testament was Involved in the Creation

 

The Holy Spirit was involved in the creation, for we see His activity in the opening verses of the Bible: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters” (Genesis 1:1-2). When God created man, He “formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being” (Genesis 2:7). The Hebrew word implied here for breath is Ruach, which is also the word for “Spirit.” The Ruach of God gives physical life to all humanity, making them living beings formed from the dust. Likewise, He brings spiritual life to people and churches, both of which can be as dry as dust!

 

Before Jesus’ Coming, the Spirit came to Certain People at Specific times for Specific Reasons.

 

Something occurs when the Spirit of God comes upon people. He doesn't just bring a comforting warm feeling; He comes with a purpose, and we see examples of this in the Old Testament.

 

Bezalel, the Artist. In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit filled individuals for artistic work as seen in the life of Bezalel, who was called to design and create the furniture of the Tabernacle of Moses: "with skill, ability, and knowledge in all kinds of crafts-to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver, and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of craftsmanship” (Exodus 31:3-5). It is possible to be a talented musician, writer, or artist without being filled with the Spirit. However, their work often takes on a new dimension when the Spirit of God fills individuals for these tasks. His presence has a profound effect on people. There is a much greater spiritual impact when the Spirit of God touches us, and His wind fills our sails, so to speak, energizing our efforts. This can be true even if a musician's or artist's natural ability is not particularly outstanding. The Holy Spirit can touch hearts and completely change lives. No doubt, something like this occurred in and through Bezalel.

 

In Leadership, He gave leadership gifts to Gideon. In Judges 6:15, Gideon proclaims his spiritual bankruptcy. When the Spirit came on him in verse 34, he was ready to face the massive army of the Midianites with only 300 men. You are not alone; you and the Holy Spirit make a powerful team when you have God the Holy Spirit on your side, working in you and through you.

 

This kind of testimony inspires us to strive to be as effective as we can for Christ, as it is the same Spirit who works in all of us, regardless of our abilities. God can use us as He wishes through the power of His Spirit.

 

What examples from Scripture or modern life come to mind of ordinary people becoming extraordinary because of the Holy Spirit in their lives?

 

Throughout the Scriptures, we see the Holy Spirit filling people and giving them strength, leadership gifts, and power. God often used ordinary individuals who, when the Holy Spirit came upon them, became extraordinary. For example, we can think of Samson, the strong man who single-handedly defeated the enemies of Israel. On one occasion, the Philistines tied him up with ropes. The power of the Spirit came on him several times to deliver his nation. “The Spirit of the Lord came upon him in power. The ropes on his arms became like charred flax, and the bindings dropped from his hands” (Judges 15:14). When the Philistines used Delilah's charms to discover his weakness and defeat him, Samson finally gave in to her and admitted that his Nazarite vow of long hair was the source of his strength. When he compromised his dedication to God, the Holy Spirit departed. Delilah then had his hair cut while he was sleeping. When she brought in the Philistines to capture him, he thought he could shake off the bonds of the Philistines, but the Holy Spirit had withdrawn His presence. Then, she called, “Samson, the Philistines are upon you!" He awoke from sleep and thought, "I'll go out as before and shake myself free.” But he did not realize that the Lord had left him” (Judges 16:20). Without the Spirit of God, we can accomplish little that holds real eternal significance.  Jesus said, “apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).

 

Let's look at the prophet Isaiah. We see how the Spirit of God came upon Isaiah and used him to prophesy about the coming of the Messiah, “to preach good news to the poor…to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners and to comfort all who mourn” (Isaiah 61:1-2; emphasis added). The arrival of the Holy Spirit of God to an individual or a church can liberate people from anything that binds them and free them from the powers of darkness.

 

The Father Promised the Spirit's Coming.

 

When God spoke through the Old Testament prophet Joel, the Lord said that under the new covenant prophesied by Jeremiah (Jeremiah 33:3), the law would be written on hearts rather than on tablets, and He would come to everyone, young and old, male and female, even servants, to receive the empowering gift of the Spirit.

 

I will pour out my Spirit on all people, your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days (Joel 2:28-29).

 

John the Baptist Connected the Holy Spirit with Jesus

 

Life is like a hard, dry sponge dropped into water without being infused with the Holy Spirit. We need to be immersed in the character of Christ, and the only One who can do that is the Holy Spirit. When the Jewish leadership asked John the Baptist whether he was the Christ, he replied: “I baptize you with water. But one more powerful than I will come, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire” (Luke 3:16).

 

Jesus was God coming in the form of man, filled with the Spirit of God. During His humanity, His ministry, while He walked among us, served to model a dependent life in step with the Father. He demonstrated how a man could rely on the Holy Spirit to fulfill the work of His Father. The Spirit of God descended on Jesus like a dove at His baptism by John the Baptist (Luke 3:22). The Scriptures tell us that He was “full of the Holy Spirit” before being “led by the Spirit into the desert” (Luke 4:1), where Satan tempted Him. After the temptation, Christ returned to Galilee “in the power of the Spirit” (v. 14). In a synagogue in Nazareth, Christ read the lesson from Isaiah 61:1, quoting the prophet’s earlier writing, “the Spirit of the Lord is on me.” Jesus read the passage before saying, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21).

 

Consider that the Father led Jesus into the desert after He was baptized. Have you ever experienced God guiding you into a desert situation to teach or test you? The desert symbolizes a time of stillness or a low place.

 

Jesus Predicted the Holy Spirit’s Presence to Come to God’s People

 

In John’s Gospel, chapter seven, Jesus went up to the Feast of Tabernacles. This was one of the three principal feasts at which thousands of Jews gathered in Jerusalem to celebrate how God had sustained and provided for them during the forty years of wandering after their exodus from Egypt. On the final day of the feast, they remembered when Moses brought water from a rock for the thirsty nation. They expressed gratitude to God for providing rainwater for the fields and prayed that He continue to do so in the upcoming year. The Jewish people also eagerly looked forward to a time when water would flow from the temple like a river (as prophesied by Ezekiel 47), growing deeper and deeper, bringing life, fruitfulness, and healing wherever it went.

 

On the final day of the feast, Jesus stood up and proclaimed that He is the living water. He said, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. He who believes in me, as the scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart (the original Greek word means belly or innermost being) shall flow rivers of living water’” (John 7:38, Revised Standard Version). Jesus was saying that the promises of Ezekiel and other prophets would not only be fulfilled in a physical place, such as the temple, but in a person—the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the Rock of Israel who pours forth water for the nation (Exodus 17:6). The Holy Spirit was poured out after the Rock (a picture of Christ) was struck, indicating His crucifixion.

 

John the Apostle explained that Jesus spoke about the Holy Spirit “whom those who believed in him were later to receive" (John 7:39). He added that “up to that time the Spirit had not been given” (v. 39). The promise of the Holy Spirit was not fulfilled until the Day of Pentecost, fifty days after Passover. Jesus told His disciples, “I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from high” (Luke 24:49).

 

God's promise to send the Holy Spirit was so that His people might have power from on high. Just before Christ ascended to heaven, He again promised, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you” (Acts 1:8). However, they still had to wait and pray for another ten days. Then, on the fiftieth day after Passover, on the Day of Pentecost: “Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them” (Acts 2:2-4).

 

The Spirit Convicts of Sin and Fulfills the Promise of God.

 

The Spirit brings conviction of sin to those who do not know God. When the Apostle Peter preached to the Jews, the Spirit's presence pierced their hearts, revealing their need to repent, believe the Gospel, and be baptized to receive forgiveness for their sins. Peter then promised that they would receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. He said: “The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off-for all whom the Lord our God will call” (Acts 2:38-39; emphasis added).

 

We now live in the era of the Holy Spirit. The promise made by the Father has been fulfilled. Every genuine believer in Christ receives the Promised One from the Father, the Holy Spirit. He is no longer given only to specific people at certain times for particular tasks; instead, the Holy Spirit is given to all Christians, including you and me.

 

You might wonder what it takes to be filled with the Holy Spirit. We need to stay thirsty, ask God for His guidance in our lives, and respond to His conviction when He reveals our sins. We need His filling not just once but continuously. Although Jesus promised He would never leave us or forsake us, we can limit the presence and power of the Holy Spirit in our lives if we are insensitive to Him through disobedience. Our willingness and desire to live in harmony with the Spirit will keep us aligned with the Holy Spirit.

 

He is both our helper, counselor, and our guide. He is the one who speaks to us, the one who gives us His assurance of salvation, the one who illuminates truth to us, the one who gives us peace, the one who brings us joy, the one who gives us discernment.

 

How do you most need Him now? Let’s take some time to pray and let the Father know your needs. Let’s present our needs to Him tonight. He wants us to draw near to Him.

 

Prayer: Father, we need the infilling and power of Your Holy Spirit. Put a strong desire in our hearts, a thirst for the Holy Spirit of God, that you might use us in the days in which we live. Amen!

 

Continue Your Journey…

 

This devotional is part of our Be Filled With the Spirit series. Here’s the link to the YouTube video of the study: https://youtu.be/k9SmWkKa0Mk

 

Keith Thomas

 

Website: www.groupbiblestudy.com
Facebook: keith. thomas.549
Email: keiththomas@groupbiblestudy.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@keiththomas7/video