01.02. The Filling of the Holy Spirit
The Power of God Available for Effective Ministry and Life Chapter II. THE FILLING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT The Power of God Available for Effective Ministry and Life And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:4). And Peter filled with the Holy Spirit, said unto them (Acts 4:8). 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 (Acts 4:31).
Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus…has sent me so that you may regain your sight, and be filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 9:17). But Saul…filled with the Holy Spirit, fixed his gaze upon him (Acts 13:9).
Numerous books on the subject of Spirit-filling can be found in Christian bookstores, but the majority of believers still do not understand what it means to be “filled with the Holy Spirit.” Some do realize the importance of Spirit-filling, but since they lack knowledge about the Holy Spirit’s Person and work, they usually seek to be filled with the Spirit mainly for the emotional experience. Thus their spiritual lives are not strengthened and their service to God is not empowered by desiring an experience that gratifies only their “self.” Other believers, due to a bad impression made by those who go to emotional extremes, either deny or reject the idea of Spirit-filling entirely, and sometimes even ridicule it. Consequently, they forfeit the grace of God that could be theirs and have little ability to serve God and little perseverance when they do attempt to serve. Between these two groups are some believers who, not wanting to be involved in either extreme and unwilling to study the Scriptures to find out what the truth is, simply ignore Spirit-filling and its importance altogether. They allow prejudice and misinformation to rob them of this glorious blessing and greatly diminish their spiritual lives. My purpose in this study is to consider the reality of Spirit-filling in a practical way that will bring spiritual results. I have no desire to give an academic discussion nor to attempt to persuade others intellectually of the truth and importance of Spirit-filling. My hope is that all believers may learn how to incorporate Spirit-filling into their lives so that they will have power for witnessing and effective service and enjoy the life-giving effects of this blessing. We will look at the subject of Spirit-filling under five topics: the importance, the misunderstandings, the purpose, the conditions, and the command to be Spirit-filled.