Evidence Of The Infilling Of The Holy Spirit

The Evidence of the Infilling of the Holy Spirit

There are those in every generation who have tried to negate the fact that speaking in tongues is for today. These people twist the Scriptures and take them out of context to prove their point of view. In spite of this, many people have received the infilling of the Holy Spirit and many as a result have been given a spirit language with which to speak the groaning of their hearts to God. God is faithful and unchangeable. He fills all who come with a hunger for His light, providing they are yielded and repentant and willing to be obedient to His Word and will.

1. The promise of the infilling:

A. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit was promised in Joel 2:28-29. Acts 2:4 testifies that all 120 who were waiting on the Lord in the upper room "were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance."

B. The prophecy of Isaiah 28:11 was fulfilled in 1Corinthians 14:21-22. Paul wrote, "In the law it is written, with men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord. Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not."

2. The purpose of the infilling:

A. Speaking in tongues is one outward manifestation of the inner change which occurs when the Spirit of God takes up residence in the believer (see John 15:26). This was God's plan for the church in the beginning, and is still His plan for today (see 1Cor. 12:28; 14:21).

B. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is conformation of the resurrection and glorification of Christ. Jesus promised to send the Comforter who would empower us (see Acts 1:8). When the Holy Spirit became manifest in men it was proof the Christ was glorified with the Father (see Acts 2:32-33).

C. Your spirit language is given so that you can communicate with God, even when you can’t find the words with which to express yourself (see 1Cor. 14:2), and if you will ask Him for interpretation He will enable you to understand.

D. Many times the Holy Spirit gives us a prayer of intercession for others in our spirit language (see Ro. 8:26-27). He helps us overcome our own infirmities and the limitations of our prayers as well as those of others for He searches our hearts and fulfills the groaning of our souls.

3. The power of the infilling:

A. Jesus promised that rivers of living water would flow out of every true believer (see John 7:38-39). He said we would cast out demons in His name (see Mark 16:17).

B. Spiritual power is the testimony of His indwelling to the unbeliever (see 1Cor. 14:22). Many non-Christians are convicted and converted as a result of seeing His power in action.

C. Our faith increases as we exercise our faith and see the signs and wonders first hand. Our testimony encourages others to step out in faith (see 1Cor. 14:4-5).

4. The problems of the indwelling:

A. 1Corinthians 14:39 says, "Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues." Let’s not be guilty of denying what God has given to the Church. Speaking and praying in tongues is to be encouraged and practiced among us. Christians expect miracles. Are you expecting your miracle?

B. Worldly people and liberal theologians try to rationalize away the truth. It seems that the more highly educated humans become; the more we want to reinvent God according to our limited understanding. God made man. Man did not make God. Man cannot make God over to suit his sensibilities.

The Bible says that God created man in His image. I believe it. The Bible says that He sent His only Son to die for the remission of my sins. I believe it. The Bible says the Holy Spirit abides in believers today. I can testify that He lives in me today because of the signs and wonders that He regularly manifests in my life. Do you have a testimony today? Will you call Him your Lord and Savior today?