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Holy Spirit:
We Hardly Know You—But We Know We Should
Our Everyday
Resource
Ephesians 5:18
Introduction: A Brief Review
We
have covered a great deal of Biblical ground the past few weeks in our quest
to become better acquainted with the ministry of the Holy Spirit in our lives
as Christians. I trust that we are beginning to see that the Holy Spirit is
far more than an impersonal force. As we move forward we need to do a brief
review of the ground covered.
·
His Convicting Work: Convinces us of sin,
righteousness and judgment
·
His Regenerating Work: Changes our condition
from spiritual defeat and death to life and holiness
·
His Indwelling Work: Lives in believers
as the presence of God
·
His Sealing Work: Guarantees our salvation
·
His Baptizing Work: Places believers into
the body of Christ
We
have seen that all of these are accomplished for us by God. They take place
as part of our conversion to Christ and are accomplished at that moment when
we understand our need for a Savior and trust in God the Father’s provision
of that Savior through Jesus His Son. It happens whether we know it or not.
The
ministry of the Holy Spirit extends far beyond the time of conversion. We
are going to look this morning at the work of the Holy Spirit that requires
our obedience to the one and only biblical command involving the Holy Spirit.
Look at the command.
Don’t
be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with
the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 5:18 NLT
It
is our response to this command that determines our experience as children
of God.
The Command Expressed
The Filling of the Spirit Defined
To be filled with the Holy Spirit means
the Holy Spirit possesses the mind and the heart—the very being—of the believer.
The Filling of the Spirit Involves Control
To
understand what it means to be filled, it’s helpful to examine other uses
in Scripture of the concept of filling. You may remember the account of four
friends who lowered their paralyzed friend through a hole they made in the
roof of a crowded house so Jesus would heal him. After an encounter with the
religious leaders about forgiving sins or healing illness, Jesus instructed
the paralyzed man to get up, pick up his mat and go home. When he did:
Everyone
was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, "We
have seen remarkable things today." Luke 5:26
NIV
Being
filled with awe—sometimes translated as fear—there was only one thing they
were doing. They were praising God. At that moment they were all controlled
by awe. They didn’t want to be anywhere else or do anything else. Having seen
remarkable things, the only thing they wanted to do was praise God.
During
the early stages of the Christian church there were constant encounters between
the apostles and the Jewish high priests, as those established religious authorities
tried to slow the spread of Christianity. Persecution was a standard tactic
in their strategy. Luke explains the motivating factor behind their persecution.
Then
the high priest and all his associates, who were members of the party of the
Sadducees, were filled with jealousy.
Acts 5:17 NIV
They
were consumed by their jealousy. They couldn’t stand the attention given to
the apostles. Everything they did was controlled by the jealousy that filled
them.
This
is the first crucial concept we need to understand about being filled with
the Spirit. When we are filled
with the Spirit, it means we are under the control and direction of the Spirit.
This is seen in the clear contrast presented by Paul. As opposed
to being drunk, or filled, with wine, he instructs us to be filled with the
Holy Spirit. The law imposes penalties for driving under the influence of
controlling substances such as alcohol or drugs. When someone is under the
control of these substances they become someone different than they usually
are. Instead of being controlled by artificial substances we should have the
desire to be controlled by the Spirit of God.
The Filling of the Spirit Is Continuous
The
previous works of the Holy Spirit we have studied are expressed as accomplished
fact. The action has taken place and is finished. Filling is a present tense
imperative that literally translates as be
being filled. It continues on a daily basis as we surrender control. It
happens more than once to the same people. On the day of Pentecost, when the
Holy Spirit was given for the first time, the disciples were filled with the
Holy Spirit.
All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit…
Acts 2:4 NIV
A
short time later, many of these same people were present again when they met
together after Peter and John had been released and commanded to no longer
speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus (Acts 4:18). When they heard Peter
and John’s report they raised their voices together in prayer. Look at what
happens next.
After
they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all
filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. Acts 4:31
NIV
They
were once again filled with the Holy Spirit.
Why did they need to be filled again?
Years ago one of the Junior High students in California
answered this very question saying, “It’s because we leak.” He saw a container
filled with water. Once it’s filled, it overflows. In order to fill it again,
it has to have lost some of the liquid. It’s a valid metaphor. When we sin,
we develop leaks.
That’s
not the problem here. The situation here involves a difficult challenge. Realizing
that, these early believers once again surrender control of their lives to
God’s Spirit so He can use them and they are filled. A question that is commonly
asked in order to understand our unique personalities is, “Are you a person
who sees life as a cup that is half-filled or half-empty?” The person who
sees life as half-filled is optimistic while the half-empty person is pessimistic.
I have a better answer to the question. I’m a constantly being filled person!
I know, you’re filled with awe at my creativity.
The Filling of the Spirit Requires A Surrender of Control
To
be totally filled by the Spirit means we are totally controlled. So, being totally filled doesn’t mean we receive
more of the Holy Spirit, but He receives more of us. To be filled
requires our permission. To be filled requires our invitation for the Holy
Spirit to work in us and on us.
For
those of us who love the nuances of languages, the voice of the verb here
is significant. Verbs in the active
voice portray the subject as doing the action. So, if there are
people in danger and I say, “Save them,” you would do the saving. In the passive
voice the subject of the verb is acted upon by another person or force. So, if you are one of the people in danger and
I say, “Be saved,” it means there is someone else who has come and is able
to save you. Just as God acts and saves us, He also acts through the Holy
Spirit to fill us. The
command to be filled means the Holy Spirit does the filling and we benefit.
The
filling of the Spirit is an ongoing, continuous, daily experience as we surrender
more of ourselves.
The Command Clarified
Many
times the best way to understand a concept clearly is by comparing it to a
similar concept with which it is often confused. We need to compare the baptism
of the Spirit and being filled with the Spirit to see how distinctly different
they are. First, let me remind you of the main verse dealing with the baptism
of the Spirit.
For
we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave
or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 1 Corinthians 12:13 NIV
1st Comparison: The Frequency
The
baptism of the Spirit happens one time
and His filling happens many times. In fact, no one was ever
baptized with the Spirit in the Book of Acts. They were always filled with
the Spirit.
Then
Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: "Rulers and elders
of the people!
Acts 4:8 NIV
But
Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of
God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. Acts 7:55
NIV
Then
Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said,
"Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you
were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with
the Holy Spirit."
Acts 9:17 NIV
This
is the third mention of Peter being filled with the Spirit. Stephen who was
selected for his role because he was full of the Spirit (Acts 6:3) is filled
with the Spirit.
2nd Comparison: The Timing
His
baptism is a past event
that was accomplished at the time of salvation. His filling is a present, ongoing
reality.
3rd Comparison: The Recipients
His
baptism is for all believers.
His filling is for obedient believers who want to be guided
and directed by the Spirit.
4th Comparison: The Command
Believers
are never commanded
to be baptized with the Spirit.
Instead, we are commanded
to be filled.
5th Comparison: The Theology
The
baptism of the Spirit is a positional
truth. This is a theological term that describes the benefit extended to believers
because of our position of being included with Christ. What He enjoys; we
enjoy. The filling of the Spirit is experiential. It is new and fresh
everyday as we have to decide whether or not we will obey.
6th Comparison: The Results
1.
His baptism places
the believer in the body of Christ. His filling enables the believer to live for
Christ.
2.
His baptism means the
Holy Spirit is resident in life. His filling means the Holy
Spirit is president
of life.
3.
His baptism brings us
into union
with Christ. His filling brings about communion with Christ.
4.
His baptism provides identification
with Christ. His filling provides fellowship with Christ.
5.
His baptism makes it possible
to receive God’s power. His filling is the power received.
The Command Obeyed
If
you are a Christian but you are not satisfied with your relationship with
God there is one clear reason you need to consider. The primary prerequisite to be filled with the Holy Spirit
is obedience. The New Testament clearly teaches that the Holy Spirit comes
to live in us at salvation, but He doesn’t control what we won’t surrender.
Make Your Declaration
The
apostle Paul challenges us to live out the salvation accomplished by Christ
in the way we live.
So
you also should consider yourselves to be dead to the power of sin and alive
to God through Christ Jesus. Do not let sin control the way you live; do not
give in to sinful desires. Do not let any part of your body become an instrument
of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you
were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument
to do what is right for the glory of God. Sin is no longer your master, for
you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under
the freedom of God’s grace.
Romans 6:11-14
NLT
What
needs to be done?
·
Consider yourself as dead to the power
of sin and alive to God
·
Don’t let sin control you
·
Don’t give in to sinful desires
·
Don’t allow any part of your body to become
an instrument to serve sin
·
Give yourself completely to God
·
Use your whole body to do what is right
for the glory of God
Obedience
is not a one-time commitment. You need to make your declaration to serve God
many times every day. Your commitment is only as complete as your next challenge.
Avoid The Hindrances
There
are factors that interfere with the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
There are two hindrances that we are specifically instructed to avoid.
1st
Hindrance: Don’t Grieve The Spirit of God
And
do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day
of redemption.
Ephesians 4:30 NIV
·
How do we grieve the Holy Spirit?
We
grieve, or break the heart of, the Holy Spirit by sinning. Sin doesn’t eject
the Spirit, but it does affect our relationship as far as His fellowship with
us and control over us are concerned.
·
How does this affect us?
Sin
destroys spirituality. The Spirit can’t operate where sin is openly welcomed.
Here is a good summary of how this affects us.
When
we grieve the Holy Spirit we don’t lose His presence, but we do lose His direction.
·
Which sins affect spirituality?
Any
sin affects our spirituality. Each and every moral decision is crucial. While
this is true there are some specific sins mentioned in the immediate context.
Get
rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all
types of evil behavior.
Ephesians 4:31 NLT
These
are the sins of everyday life. These are the sins with which we all struggle.
·
What is the remedy for sin?
When
we have sinned, the remedy for sin is to confess it and ask God to forgive.
It’s even better to take preventive measures. There is one word that almost
always works as a sin preventative. You know the word. It’s, “NO!” Say no
to temptation and say yes to God because we love Him and don’t want to break
His heart.
2nd
Hindrance: Don’t Quench The Spirit Of God
Do not quench the Spirit. 1
Thessalonians 5:19 NASB
Some
of the other translations yield understanding.
Do not put out the Spirit's fire.
1 Thessalonians 5:19 NIV
Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. 1
Thessalonians 5:19 NLT
Don't turn away God's Spirit. 1 Thessalonians
5:19 CEV
Do not hold back the work of the Holy Spirit. 1
Thessalonians 5:19 NCV
·
How do we quench the Spirit of God?
We
quench the Spirit of God by saying, “No,” to Him. We grieve the Spirit by saying yes to the wrong things.
We quench the Spirit by saying no to the right things. In the first
case we grieve the Spirit with what are often called sins of commission. These
are sins of omission. We don’t do anything—and that’s the problem. There is
something God wants us to do and we put out the fire of the Spirit by refusing.
·
What is the remedy?
The
remedy is to surrender ourselves to God.
Trust
in the LORD and do good;
dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
Delight
yourself in the LORD
and he will give you the desires of your
heart.
Commit
your way to the LORD;
trust in him and he will do this:
He
will make your righteousness shine like the dawn,
the justice of your cause like the noonday
sun.
Psalm 37:3-6 NIV
Conclusion: Let The Spirit Fill Your Sails
As
we closed today, we watched a short video clip that provided
a vivid image of what it means to be filled with the Holy
Spirit and why it is so important.
That’s the
crucial point of surrender we face on a daily basis. Will
we be yielded to God to live life the way He wants us to live?
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