Be Filled With The Spirit Series

BE FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Ephesians 5:18

"And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit."

Supporting Texts: Acts 2:4, Galatians 5:16, Romans 8:14, John 7:37-39, Isaiah 44:3

INTRODUCTION:

The life of a believer is meant to be filled with the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. The command to "be filled with the Spirit" in Ephesians 5:18 is not a suggestion but an essential requirement for victorious Christian living. Being filled with the Spirit enables us to walk in holiness, manifest God's power, and live a life that pleases Him. This study will explore what it means to be filled with the Spirit, the benefits, and how to walk continually in the Spirit.

1. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT?

To be filled with the Spirit means to be controlled and empowered by the Holy Spirit in every aspect of life.

a) It is a continuous experience, not a one-time event (Acts 4:31)

The early disciples were filled multiple times for greater exploits.

b) It means surrendering to the Holy Spirit’s leading (Romans 8:14)

A Spirit-filled life is one under God's control.

c) It results in a life of boldness and power (Acts 1:8)

The Holy Spirit empowers believers to be effective witnesses.

d) It is marked by spiritual fruitfulness (Galatians 5:22-23)

A Spirit-filled life produces godly character.

e) Biblical Example: The Apostles at Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4)

They were transformed by the infilling of the Holy Spirit.

2. THE BENEFITS OF BEING FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT

A life filled with the Holy Spirit is a life of victory and divine empowerment.

a) It brings divine guidance (John 16:13)

The Spirit leads us into all truth and reveals God's will.

b) It empowers for effective ministry (Luke 4:18-19)

Jesus operated in power because He was filled with the Spirit.

c) It strengthens our prayer life (Romans 8:26-27)

The Holy Spirit intercedes for us according to God's will.

d) It fills our hearts with joy and peace (Romans 15:13)

A Spirit-filled believer experiences supernatural joy.

e) Biblical Example: Stephen’s Boldness (Acts 7:55-60)

Stephen, full of the Spirit, boldly testified even in persecution.

3. HOW TO BE FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT

The infilling of the Holy Spirit requires desire, faith, and surrender.

a) Hunger and thirst for God (Matthew 5:6)

God fills those who passionately desire more of Him.

b) Yield completely to the Holy Spirit (Romans 12:1-2)

A surrendered life becomes a vessel for God's power.

c) Spend time in prayer and worship (Acts 4:31)

The disciples were filled again as they prayed together.

d) Walk in obedience to God’s Word (John 14:23-26)

The Spirit works powerfully in those who obey.

e) Biblical Example: Cornelius and His Household (Acts 10:44-46)

As they listened to the Word, they were filled with the Holy Spirit.

4. SIGNS OF A SPIRIT-FILLED LIFE

When a believer is filled with the Spirit, it is evident in their lifestyle and actions.

a) Boldness in witnessing (Acts 4:29-31)

A Spirit-filled believer is not ashamed of the gospel.

b) Overflowing love for God and others (Romans 5:5)

The Holy Spirit fills our hearts with divine love.

c) A life of thanksgiving and worship (Ephesians 5:19-20)

Worship and gratitude become a lifestyle.

d) Victory over sin and the flesh (Galatians 5:16)

Walking in the Spirit empowers us to overcome sin.

e) Biblical Example: Paul and Silas Singing in Prison (Acts 16:25-26)

Despite their suffering, they rejoiced because they were filled with the Spirit.

5. WALKING CONTINUALLY IN THE SPIRIT

Being filled with the Spirit is not a one-time experience; it requires daily renewal.

a) Maintain a strong prayer life (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

Continuous communion with God keeps us spiritually charged.

b) Feed on the Word of God (Colossians 3:16)

The Word and the Spirit work together to transform our lives.

c) Fellowship with other believers (Hebrews 10:25)

Spiritual growth is enhanced in godly community.

d) Avoid grieving the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30)

Sin and disobedience hinder the flow of the Spirit.

e) Biblical Example: The Early Church (Acts 2:42-47)

They remained filled through prayer, fellowship, and breaking of bread.

CONCLUSION:

The command to "be filled with the Spirit" is not optional but essential for every believer. A Spirit-filled life is marked by power, divine guidance, and unshakable joy. As we thirst for more of God, yield to His leading, and walk in obedience, we will experience the fullness of His Spirit in our daily lives. Let us seek continuous infilling so that we may live victoriously and bring glory to His name.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, fill me afresh with Your Holy Spirit.

2. Father, let my life be a channel of Your power and presence.

3. Holy Spirit, take full control of my heart and mind.