What is being filled with the Holy Spirit?

Baptism in the Holy  Spirit

References Matt 3:11, John 14: 15-18, John 16:5-15, Acts 2:1-4

Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit when he was  on earth. When Jesus returned back to heaven He did not leave us alone but  sent the Holy Spirit to come and be our helper.

The Holy Spirit brings us into a new relationship  with the father. It is the Holy Spirit who opens our eyes to see and  receive the love of God. When we receive the love of God (i.e. Jesus) we  become born again; a new creation. This is the work of the Holy Spirit . (  John 3:5-8,14-21, 2 Cor 5:17-18)

The Holy Spirit also gives us the power to do the  work of God. Jesus himself was anointed with the Holy Spirit Matt 3:16-17,  Lk 4:14-18,

It is important to remember that the Holy Spirit,  like Jesus, is a person who we can talk to. He also guides and leads us
John 16:5- 15, John 14:25-26, John 15:26, Rm 8:26-27

Jesus told his disciples to receive the Holy Spirit.  This was necessary if they were to have the power to be effective  witnesses for Jesus. In like manner, we too need the baptism of the Holy  Spirit. Acts 1:7-11

Being baptised with the Holy Spirit is simply  receiving more of the power of God into our lives. Notice Jesus first  breathed on his disciples and asked them to receive the Holy Spirit. John  20:22. They were later told to wait for the baptism with the Holy Spirit  Acts 1:8.

The first instance of disciples being baptised with  the Holy Spirit is given in Acts 2. Notice how this changed Peter and all  the disciples. They were full of boldness and the power of God. Three  thousand souls got saved after Peter preached. You will appreciate the  effect the Holy Spirit had on the disciples life when you compare their  conduct before the baptism of the Holy Spirit and after.

Before John 20:19-20

After Acts 2: 40, Acts 3: 1-10

How to receive the baptism of the  Holy Spirit

1. Repentance (Receiving Jesus) Acts 2:38
The only real requirement to receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit is  our "being born again". Once we have accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as our  Lord and saviour, there is no reason why we should not immediately receive  the baptism of the Holy Spirit

2. Thirsting John 7:37-38
Do you have a desire for more of God? God will not force his gifts on us.  Jesus said those that are thirsty should come to him and he will give them  to drink of his living waters. If we are thirsty for more of Jesus he will  fill us with his Holy Spirit.

3. Ask Luke 11:13
Jesus desires us all to be filled with the Holy Spirit. If we ask for the  baptism of the Holy Spirit we will receive him.

4. Receive him John 7:37
We need faith to receive from God. The Holy Spirit is a gift. We receive  him by faith. We do not merit the Holy Spirit. We receive him by the grace  of God.

Being baptised with  the Holy Spirit

Read the following scriptures and write out what  signs followed the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Remember we receive the  Holy Spirit first before the manifestations come. When asking for the Holy  Spirit we should not be asking for the signs but rather the power of the  Holy Spirit.
Acts 2: 1-48, Acts 8:14-20, Acts 9:17-20, Acts 10:44-48, Acts 19:1-7
Jesus promised that signs would follow those that believe in Him
Mark 16:17-18. Can you explain them?

Speaking with new tongues is one of the signs.
When we speak in new tongues the Holy Spirit is praying (or praising) God  through us. -
1 Cor 14:14-16, Rm 8:26-28

Being Filled with the Holy Spirit
Being baptised with the Holy Spirit should not be the end of our seeking  the Holy Spirit.

We should continuously seek to be filled with the  Holy Spirit and his power. Many Christians have been baptised with the  Holy Spirit but due to careless living (lack of prayer or living in sin)  they are no longer filled with the power. Just like a car runs out of  petrol if not refilled, so do we as Christians run out of the power of the  Holy Spirit if we do not spend time in prayer. This is why the Holy Spirit  gives us the ability to speak in new tongues when we receive the baptism  of the holy Spirit.

Speaking in tongues helps us to pray more and aids  us to pray effectively.
Prayer is important if we are to remain filled with the Holy Spirit.

Notice how the disciples were filled afresh with the  holy Spirit after a time of prayer Acts 4:23-31 notice verse 31

What was the sign of their be filled with the Holy  Spirit afresh? (Verse 31)

Notice what happened immediately after the prayer -  Act 4:32 - 33

What is another sign of being filled with the Holy  Spirit -
Acts 13:52, Rm 15:13, Col 1:9-12, Eph 5: 15- 21,

Do you witness the power of the Holy Spirit in your  life ? If not why not spend some time asking God to fill you afresh with  the Holy Spirit. Remember, being filled with the Holy Spirit is all about  receiving his power.

As you continue to wait on God in prayer and study  of the word you will find that God renews your strength - Isaiah 40:31