I .“What does it mean to be ‘filled’”?

A. We have a few places in Scripture where this phrase can be observed in order to help us understand its meaning.


*To be filled with the Spirit is to receive special abilities in order to fulfill a God-given task. (Exodus 28:3. Also, Exodus 31:3; 35:30,31)
*To be filled with the Spirit is to receive wisdom needed to lead God’s people according to the Will of God. (Deuteronomy 34:9; Acts 6:3)
*To be filled with the Spirit is to be set aside (anointed) for a special purpose. (Luke 1:15)
*To be filled with the Spirit is to be used of God to speak God’s Word in praise and prophecy. (Luke 1:67)

B. Jesus, fully as a man, received the Holy Spirit. ( Matthew 3:16; John 1:32,33; Luke 4:1,2, 14; Matthew 12:18)

Messianic promises which have to do with the Holy Spirit. (Isaiah 11:2; 48:16; 61:1 and Luke 4:18)

It seems clear that what Jesus did here on earth was accomplished in the power of the Spirit. (John 3:34; Acts1:2; Acts 10:38; Matthew 12:28; Mark 2:8) This understanding helps us believe that, by the Spirit’s power, we can do the “greater works” promised by Jesus (John 14:12)

C. Eight features of The Day of Pentecost

1. Pentecost is Harvest Festival, as well as anniversary of the giving of the Law
2. United Prayer
3. Apparent Surprise
4. Sound - like a storm wind
5. Tongues of Fire
6. All Were Filled
7. Glossolalia - Actual Languages
8. Praise in the Streets

D. Other places where “filled with the Spirit” is noted in the Book of Acts (4:9; 4:31; 6:3; 9:17). However, this phrase is apparently synonymous with “baptized” (Mark 1:8; Acts 1:5).

E. We also have accounts of Paul and Barnabas being filled with the Spirit (Acts 9:17; 11:24; 13:9). In addition, we have one account stating that all the disciples were filled with the Spirit “and joy” (Acts 13:52).

A. The Spirit is God

1. He is spoken of together with the Father and the Son. (John 15:26; Matthew 28:19; I John 4:13,14; II Corinthians 13:14)

2. God the Father is seen as distinct from the “Spirit of God”. (At His Baptism)

3. The Spirit exhibits the attributes of God. (Creator; Omniscient - I Corinthians 2:11)

B. The Spirit is a person, not merely an impersonal force.

1. As a person, the Spirit possesses those qualities which are associated with person-hood, i.e., volition, mind, emotions. (John 3:8; Romans 8:27; James 4:5)

2. As a person, the Spirit is capable of communication. (Revelations 2,3; Acts 8:29)

3. As a person, the Spirit is capable of making decisions. (I Corinthians 12:11)

4. As a person, the Spirit is capable of knowledge. (Acts 5:3)

5. In addition, the Spirit can be Tempted, Resisted, Grieved, Quenched

C. Though not in equal distribution, there is adequate mention of the Holy Spirit in Scripture.

“God” is used 3,800 times, with about 60 of those references specifically including the idea of God as “Father”.

The name “Jesus” is found some 940 times.

The “Holy Spirit” (Ghost) is mentioned approximately 500 times.

A. On Resurrection Day, John tells us that Jesus “breathed on them and said, receive . . .” (John 20:22) The Apostle Paul often refers to the Spirit’s role in salvation.

B. Our very access to God is by way of the Spirit. (Ephesians 2:18)
The same salvation offered to Abraham, due to his faith, is offered to the Gentiles - this is the promise of the Spirit. (Galatians 3:14)
The Spirit makes it possible for us to make a full and sincere confession. (I Corinthians 12:3)

C. Twice, Paul compares this work of the Spirit to the “seal” or “earnest” (like a down payment). (2 Corinthians 1:22; 5:5)
The new life, according to Paul, is launched by the Spirit, and therefore should not (cannot) be continued in the power of the flesh. (Galatians 3:2-5)

D. The Apostle John also writes concerning the Spirit’s role in salvation. His main point is that it is through the Spirit that we have the secure knowledge of our relationship with God. (1 John 3:24; 4:13; 1 John 5:6; 1 John 5:8) In addition, it is the Spirit who gives ongoing resurrection life. (1 Peter 3:18; John 6:63; Romans 8:11) This resurrection is continuous: Titus 3:5 speaks of the renewing of the Holy Ghost.

IV. The Spirit and sanctification

A. To be sanctified means “to be made holy”. (Galatians 5:16-18; Romans 8:9-11)

B. Holiness is what distinguishes Christians from the “world”. (1 Corinthians 6:9-11; 14-18; Matthew 13:24-30)

C. Holiness finds expression in how we live in the body as well as the spirit - our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. (1Corinthians 6:19,20)

D. We believe in both “instant” and “progressive” sanctification.

“Instant” is that which is fully accomplished at salvation. It is how God sees us. (2 Thessalonians 2:13)

“Progressive” refers to the process that is going on now, preparing us to meet the Lord. It is what is happening to bring us to the finished state of being like Him (1 Peter 1:22)

E. How is this sanctification attained? Through the work of the Holy Spirit, applied through prayer. (Ephesians 3:16) Sanctification is also applied through obedience of the truth through the power of the Spirit. (1Peter 1:22)

F. Those who are sanctified are free from condemnation. (Romans 8:1)

A. In times of persecution - at a trial, the Holy Spirit will do the speaking. (Matthew 10:20; Mark 13:11)

B. Power for witness is “dynamite” (dunamis), which energizes the growth of the church. (Acts 1:8)

C. The Spirit gave utterance to “enable” speaking in tongues - this too is for witness. (Acts 2:4)

D.Peter is a prime example, as he is transformed from being coward to spokesman.

E. Power for witness includes “boldness” (Acts 4:31) - in the face of certain persecution.

VI. Baptism in the Holy Spirit - A Pentecostal Distinctive Doctrine

A. History of the movement in the US - 1901 - Charles Fox Parham, director of Bethel Bible College. Topeka, KA.

B. What is the Scriptural foundation for this teaching? Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4,5; Acts 2:4; Acts 8:15-19; Acts 9:17; Acts 10:44-46; Acts 19:5; 1 Corinthians 14:2; 14,15

C. Seven Objections Often Raised Concerning the Baptism in the Holy Spirit.

VII. Prayer in the Spirit

A. The Spirit intercedes for needs which we may not even be aware of (inner healing). (Romans 8:26,27)

B. Paul includes this idea in his instructions on worship. (1 Corinthians 14:15)

C. We are used to the idea that it is in the church (temple) that we pray. Yet, we ourselves are temples, and in us, the Spirit does the praying. (1 Corinthians 3:16)

D. Note also: Ephesians 6:18 (“prayer and supplication in the Spirit”); Revelation 1:10 (“I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day”); and Jude 20 (“praying in the Holy Spirit”).

VIII. The Spirit and Prophecy

A. Prophecy as “fore-telling”

B. Prophecy as “forth-telling”

C. The Holy Spirit and Guidance (Luke 2:27; 4:1,2; Acts 8:29,39; Acts 10:19; Acts 11:12; Acts 16:7; Acts 18:5)

IX. Paul also points out that the Spirit produces “fruit” - the greatest of which is “love" (Galatians 5:22,23; Philippians 2:1; Colossians 1:8; Romans 5:5; James 4:5) The ultimate fruit is eternal life. (Galatians 6:8)

X. The Spirit and the Performing of Miracles

A. Luke’s commentary on the events at Pentecost include a note about “wonders and miraculous signs.” (Acts 2:43) This is to show that the ministry of the disciples was an extension of Jesus’ ministry (Acts 2:22 and John 20:30-31), with the same intended result, belief.

B. This also was Paul’s understanding. (Romans 15:19; 1 Corinthians 2:4)

C. However, “signs” are also accomplished by false prophets (Matthew 24:24), and Jesus seems concerned with a faith based only on the observation of signs. (John 4:48) The early Christians prayed for signs to take place to help provide strength in times of persecution. (Acts 4:30) This may serve as an example, encouraging us to pray for the same.

XI. The Spirit and the Church