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Notes: Be Filled With The Holy Spirit

By March 17, 2025No Comments
Opening questions:
  1. Are we afraid or dismissive when it comes to the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives?
  2. How much of our understanding of the Holy Spirit is shaped by personal experience—or lack of experience—rather than scripture?
  3. Should our personal experiences (or lack thereof) ever override what scripture teaches?
  4. Have false teachings or misuses of the Holy Spirit’s work caused us to become overly cautious or hesitant?
  5. If we let scripture harmonize with scripture, what would our doctrine of the Holy Spirit look like?
John 16 – [7] “Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.
  • I hope today will help us all better understand the advantage of the Helper coming, to whom He comes and when He comes.
RECEIVING THE PROMISE:
Does The Holy Spirit Come After Salvation?
Acts 1 – [4] And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; [5] “for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” . . . [8] “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
  • These disciples had been visited by the resurrected Jesus and no doubt had already believed in Him, but remember that He told them He must go away before the Father will send the promise.
  • Once Jesus went away, He prayed and the Father sent the Holy Spirit.
Acts 2 – [1] When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. [2] And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. [3] Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. [4] And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
  • This day changed everything for God’s people.
  • The Holy Spirit was coming to dwell with the children of God.
  • His presence filled the whole house, including each of the believers that were there.
  • The Spirit immediately began to use them to proclaim the Truth.
  • NOTE: we will refrain from discussing the idea of speaking in other tongues at this point. When we study spiritual gifts, we can search the scripture to see what it means to speak in tongues, and also when and if it would be seen in our day. 1 Corinthians 14 – [4] He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. [5] I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification. . . . [18] I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all; [20] Brethren, do not be children in understanding; however, in malice be babes, but in understanding be mature. . . . [21] In the law it is written:“With men of other tongues and other lips I will speak to this people; And yet, for all that, they will not hear Me,”says the Lord. [22] Therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophesying is not for unbelievers but for those who believe. . . [39] Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues. [40] Let all things be done decently and in order.
  • [5] And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. [6] And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language. [7] Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, “Look, are not all these who speak Galileans? [8] “And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born? [9] “Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, [10] “Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, [11] “Cretans and Arabs—we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.” [12] So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “Whatever could this mean?” [13] Others mocking said, “They are full of new wine.”
  • Why were they confused? Because they had not heard, believed and received the Holy Spirit.
  • [14] But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words. [15] “For these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. [16] “But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:[17] ‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God,That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams. [18] And on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; And they shall prophesy. [19] I will show wonders in heaven above And signs in the earth beneath: Blood and fire and vapor of smoke. [20] The sun shall be turned into darkness, And the moon into blood, Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the LORD. [21] And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the LORD Shall be saved.’
  • This is the promise that God made to His people.
  • [32] “This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses. [33] “Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear.
  • [36] “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” [37] Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” [38] Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. [39] “For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” [40] And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” [41] Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.
  • It seems like God made the fulfillment of this promise come in a spectacular way, so that there would be no doubt on those that believe that the Holy Spirit had indeed come to dwell IN THEM!
Acts 8 – [14] Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, [15] who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. [16] For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. [17] Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. [18] And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, [19] saying, “Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” [20] But Peter said to him, “Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money!
  • this is the only instance that shows a group of believers that believed in Jesus, but had not received the Holy Spirit
  • But I find it interesting that Luke gave the detail that they were only baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
  • That is certainly a unique situation and not the norm.
  • The uniqueness of this could be tied to the hatred that the Jews had for the Samaritans.
  • Perhaps God again wanted it to be clear and without doubt that the Kingdom was coming to the world, including the people that they despised.
  • I might even be willing to say that if someone went to a place and preached salvation in Jesus and baptized only in the name of Jesus, maybe, just maybe there could be a chance that they would need someone to come along and baptize them in the name of the Father and Holy Spirit.
  • I have no idea because I’ve never heard of anyone doing this.
  • But Luke gave the details and we have to pay attention to them.
  • Either way, this is not to be made into a normal way that receiving the Holy Spirit happens.
  • This story being included in the scripture seems more like Luke was showing that in the beginning some didn’t follow the Lord’s instructions very well, baptizing only in the name of Jesus.
  • Could this be relevant: John 4 – [1] Now when Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John [2] (although Jesus himself did not baptize, but only his disciples).
Acts 19 – [19:1] And it happened, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus. And finding some disciples [2] he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” So they said to him, “We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.” [3] And he said to them, “Into what then were you baptized?” So they said, “Into John’s baptism.” [4] Then Paul said, “John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.” [5] When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. [6] And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.
  • Did you receive? Paul expected this to have already happened and had to inquire to see why they hadn’t.
  • These had not believed in Jesus yet, but they had heard and believed John’s message of repentance that was intended to prepare the way for Christ.
  • This was another unique situation because they had not fully heard the gospel yet and been baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Acts 9 – [1] But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest [2] and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. [3] Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. [4] And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” [5] And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. [6] But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” [7] The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. [8] Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. [9] And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank. [10] Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” [11] And the Lord said to him, “Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, [12] and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.” [13] But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. [14] And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.” [15] But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. [16] For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” [17] So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” [18] And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized; [19] and taking food, he was strengthened. For some days he was with the disciples at Damascus. [20] And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.” [21] And all who heard him were amazed and said, “Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem of those who called upon this name? And has he not come here for this purpose, to bring them bound before the chief priests?” [22] But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Christ.
  • Paul had the encounter with Jesus and believed
  • Jesus said he will be told what he must do.
  • The Lord sent Ananias to give Paul his sight again and for him to be filled with the Holy Spirit.
  • This is another unique situation where Paul is being called to be an Apostle.
  • Notice that it doesn’t say Paul began to speak in tongues at this point. We know he eventually did, but his sign was that the scales fell off.
Receiving the Promise
Matthew 3:11 – “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”
  • John said that Jesus is the one that baptizes in the Holy Spirit
John 14:16-17 – “And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.”
  • Jesus said He will pray to the Father and He will give the Spirit
  • The promise is the Holy Spirit’s presence in us.
Matthew 28 – [18] And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. [19] “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, [20] “teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
  • There must be a reason why they were commissioned to baptize in the name of all three persons
Acts 2:38 – “Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.“
  • Peter says you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit
Ephesians 1:13-14 – “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.”
  • when they heard the word of truth and believed in him, they were sealed with the promise.
  • receiving the Holy Spirit was a guarantee of the inheritance
Romans 8 – [9] But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.
  • if the Spirit is not in you, you are not His.
Romans 8 – [14] For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. [15] 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!” [16] The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,
  • He is the one that gives us assurance of salvation
These verses might help us understand the difference:
John 7 – [37] On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. [38] “He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” [39] But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.
  • the heart flowing with rivers of living water is how Jesus spoke of the Holy Spirit
  • you must thirst for Jesus and when you do, the Holy Spirit will give Him to you in abundance
  • you will never have to be thirsty again because the supply is endless and eternal
1 Corinthians 12:13 – “For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.”
  • Being baptized in the one Spirit is how we become a part of the body of Christ
  • we are baptized into the body, but we are then made to drink of one Spirit.
  • I want to propose that baptism gets us into the water, and drinking gets us full of the water.
The Gentiles Receive the Holy Spirit When They Believed:
Acts 10 – [44] While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. [45] And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles. [46] For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared, [47] “Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” [48] And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to remain for some days.
  • these Gentiles received the Holy Spirit as they heard the word.
  • faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.
  • this was the moment the Gentiles first believed.
Acts 11 – [1] Now the apostles and brethren who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. [2] And when Peter came up to Jerusalem, those of the circumcision contended with him, [3] saying, “You went in to uncircumcised men and ate with them!” [4] But Peter explained it to them in order from the beginning, saying: [5] “I was in the city of Joppa praying; and in a trance I saw a vision, an object descending like a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came to me. [6] “When I observed it intently and considered, I saw four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air. [7] “And I heard a voice saying to me, ‘Rise, Peter; kill and eat.’ [8] “But I said, ‘Not so, Lord! For nothing common or unclean has at any time entered my mouth.’ [9] “But the voice answered me again from heaven, ‘What God has cleansed you must not call common.’ [10] “Now this was done three times, and all were drawn up again into heaven. [11] “At that very moment, three men stood before the house where I was, having been sent to me from Caesarea. [12] “Then the Spirit told me to go with them, doubting nothing. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered the man’s house. [13] “And he told us how he had seen an angel standing in his house, who said to him, ‘Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon whose surname is Peter, [14] ‘who will tell you words by which you and all your household will be saved.’ [15] “And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, as upon us at the beginning. [16] “Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said, ‘John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ [17] “If therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God?” [18] When they heard these things they became silent; and they glorified God, saying, “Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.”
  • Peter said that the gift was given to them when they believed on the Lord
  • It is tied to repentance
  • He remembered the word of the Lord saying “you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit”.
FILLED BY THE SPIRIT FOR LIFE AND WORK:
We can ask for the Holy Spirit to work in and through us
Luke 11 – [13] “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”
  • This asking can’t be about the Holy Spirit coming to a believer at salvation because of all the verses we looked at where the Holy Spirit came without asking, but by believing in Jesus.
  • Yet, Jesus said we can ask.
  • This is consistent with Paul praying for and asking for prayer for the Spirit to work in and through the lives of believers.
Ephesians 1:17-19 – “that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which He has called you, what are the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His great might.”
  • Paul prays for the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in believers
Ephesians 3:16-19 – “that according to the riches of His glory He may grant you to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.”
  • Paul prays for believers to be strengthened by the Spirit and filled with the fullness of God
Romans 15:13 – “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”
  • Paul prays that the Holy Spirit would fill believers with hope
  • “fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace…”
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 – “Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word.”
  • Paul prays for comfort and strength through the Spirit
  • the Holy Spirit is the comforter, so even though he doesn’t mention the Spirit, no doubt he is asking for the Holy Spirit to bring comfort.
Colossians 1:9-11 – “And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; being strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy.”
  • Paul prays for spiritual wisdom and power through the Spirit
Ephesians 6:18-19 – “praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel.”
  • Paul is asking for prayer that he might be filled with the Spirit to have words to boldly proclaim
Examples of being filled before Jesus’ death, resurrection and ascension:
Exodus 31:1-5 – “Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with ability and intelligence, with knowledge and all craftsmanship, to devise artistic designs, to work in gold, silver, and bronze, in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, to work in every craft.’”
Luke 1:41 – “And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.”
Luke 1:67 – “And his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied.”
John 20 – [22] And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. [23] “If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”
  • this is debated as to why they received the Spirit here, but then again on the day of Pentecost.
  • whether this was a shadow of things to come, or a temporary filling to help them understand what he was telling them about forgiving sins, we just don’t know.
  • either way, this is not the norm, but a unique experience where Jesus breathed on these disciples.
Examples of those filled after being born again and receiving the promise
Acts 2:4 – “And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.”
  • from this moment on, the original disciples had received the gift or promise of the Holy Spirit sent by the Father.
Acts 4:8 – “Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, ‘Rulers of the people and elders.’”
Acts 4:31 – “And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.”
Acts 6:3 – “Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty.”
Acts 6:5 – “And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit.”
Acts 7:55 – “But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.”
Acts 11:24 – “For he (Barnabas) was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.”
Acts 13:9 – “But Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him.”
  • Ananias had already laid hands on Paul
Acts 13:52 – “And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.”
  • what does it mean to be filled with joy?
  • how can this help us know what it means to be filled with the Holy Spirit?
Ephesians 5 and Colossians 3 are parallel passages.
Ephesians 5:18-19 – “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.”
Colossians 3:16-17 – “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.”
  • Both are about consuming. Consume the word of God, and you will be filled. Not just reading. Dwell in you richly sounds like being filled by a person called Holy Spirit.
We have fellowship with the Holy Spirit
2 Corinthians 13:14 – “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.”
  • the word for communion is fellowship
  • interesting note here is that we don’t see any example of people in the New Testament praying to the Holy Spirit.
  • To the Father – Jesus taught us to pray to God as our Father (Matthew 6:9).
  • Through the Son – Jesus is our mediator, and we approach God through Him (John 14:6, 1 Timothy 2:5).
  • In the Spirit – The Holy Spirit helps us pray and aligns our prayers with God’s will (Ephesians 6:18, Romans 8:26-27).
  • But, the Holy Spirit is God, so I don’t think there would be a problem with praying that way.
  • Just know that Jesus taught us to pray to the Father and that is the example we see in the NT.
Philippians 2:1 – “Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy,”
The Holy Spirit is God’s Presence in Believers
John 14:16-17 – “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.”
John 14:23 – “Jesus answered him, ‘If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.'”
  • this seems to be Jesus referring to the Spirit coming to dwell with those that love Jesus
Ephesians 2 – [18] For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. [19] So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, [20] built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, [21] in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. [22] In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.
1 Corinthians 3:16 – “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?”
2 Corinthians 6:16 – “For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, ‘I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.’”
What (Who) is the Holy Spirit:
  • God – Acts 5:3-4 “But Peter said, ‘Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? … You have not lied to men but to God.’”
  • Person – John 16:13 “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.”
  • One that can grieve – Ephesians 4:30 “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”
  • One that can be quenched – 1 Thessalonians 5:19 “Do not quench the Spirit.”
  • Like wind blowing – John 3:8 “The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
  • Holy – Romans 1:4 “And declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.”
  • Not a power, but gives power – Acts 1:8 “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
  • Helper or Comforter – John 14:16 “And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever.” John 14:26 “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.”
  • Teacher or Guide – John 16:13 “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.”
  • Promise – Luke 24:49 “Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.”
  • Guarantee / Seal / Down Payment – Ephesians 1:13-14 “In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.”
  • Intercessor – Romans 8:26 “Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.”
  • Gift – Acts 2:38 “Then Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’”
What is our responsibility:
  • Jesus said to ask – Luke 11 – [13] “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”
  • Paul asked in prayer for others – see passages above
  • Be aware – see passages above – By faith believe He is a gift that has been given to us.
  • Be careful – 1 Corinthians 6 – [19] Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? [20] For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.
  • Do not quench – 1 Thess 5 – [19] Do not quench the Spirit.
  • Do not grieve – Ephesians 4 – [30] And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
  • Walk in step – Galatians 5 – [16] I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh . . . [22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law . . . [25] If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
  • Pursue holiness – Hebrews 12 – [14] Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord:
  • Lay down control – Romans 1 – [1] 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.
  • Keep being filled – Ephesians 5:18-19 “Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.
What are the results:
  • Holiness / Godliness – 2 Peter 1 – [2] Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, [3] as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, [4] by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
  • Conviction of Sin – John 16 – [7] “Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. [8] “And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: [9] “of sin, because they do not believe in Me; [10] “of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more; [11] “of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.
  • Forgiveness – 1 John 1 – [9] If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
  • Power to witness – Acts 1 – [8] “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
  • Fruit of the Spirit – Galatians 5 – [16] I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh . . . [22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law . . . [25] If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
  • Gifts of the Spirit – 1 Corinthians 12 and Romans 12
  • Led into all truth – John 16:13 “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.”
  • Sound mind instead of fear – 2 Timothy 1 – [7] For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
  • Singing to one another – Ephesians 5:18-19 – “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.”
  • Thankfulness in your hearts – Colossians 3:16-17 – “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.”
  • Unity or oneness – Ephesians 4:3 – “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
  • Assurance – Romans 8:14-16 – “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, ‘Abba, Father.’ The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.”
  • Freedom – 2 Corinthians 3 – [17] Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
Don’t be confused by emotions:
  • Not emotionalism. Example of Paul – Acts 23 – [23:1] Then Paul, looking earnestly at the council, said, “Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.” [2] And the high priest Ananias commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth. [3] Then Paul said to him, “God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! For you sit to judge me according to the law, and do you command me to be struck contrary to the law?” [4] And those who stood by said, “Do you revile God’s high priest?” [5] Then Paul said, “I did not know, brethren, that he was the high priest; for it is written, ‘You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.’ ”
Illus: walking with someone and being aware of their presence.
Illus: soft music verse a room filled with music. You can ignore (grieve and quench) soft music. But loud music is all consuming. You are influenced by it more than anything else in the room. You might sing. You might dance (when the Spirit came upon David).
  • what is the music? TRUTH
  • we are to be filled with and dwell in truth
  • happens as we are filled with the word of God, but not just intellectually
  • it is the word of God dwelling in us richly
  • this is worshipping God in spirit and in truth!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • the truth is so loud/full in us that it overtakes our desires, our mind, our emotions, our control.
  • truth is the wind filling our sails, the music filling our ears.
  • But again, not just an intellectual filling of the mind.
  • like a song that is stuck in your head, a person full of the Holy Spirit has the truth stuck in their head and heart.
  • have Nathan play Clair de Lune by Debussy
  • tune in or tune out. Both are possible. Train your mind to stay tuned into Him.
  • “Pray without ceasing,” 1 Thessalonians 5:17
  • “Pray at all times in the Spirit” Ephesians 6:18
  • All ten fingers, two feet, two arms, brain, eyes, ears, work together in harmony to make music.
Meditate on Romans 8
AW Tozer
  • Believe – Galatians 3:2 “This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?”
  • Ask – Luke 11 – [9] “So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. [10] “For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. [11] “If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? [12] “Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? [13] “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”
  • Present your body – Romans 12 – [1] 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. [2] 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.
You are born of the Holy Spirit when you believe.
You are filled by the Spirit as you grow in Christ and He lives through you.