Introduction:
Last Sunday we considered ‘signs of faith’ exploring the signs that Jesus said would follow those who believe. We realize that the signs began on the day of Pentecost after the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit. Today we look at being filled with the HS so that the signs will accompany us.
The verse says: do not get drunk with wine. Wine is okay – gladdens the heart, a little recommended by Paul to Timothy for his health. Drunkenness with wine leads to ‘asotia’ or opposite of ‘sozo’ which is excess, dissipation, being profligate, prodigality. The real thing is the Holy Spirit. No law against being drunk on that Spirit.
I Initial Filling
i) Acts 2: The principle of first mention. 120 waited (obeyed Jesus) in Jerusalem and then the Holy Spirit was poured out. Strategic timing, people from all the Jewish Diaspora were there. Act 2:4 all were filled, all spoke in other tongues.
ii) A second experience: Disciples were already saved. Jesus breathed on them to receive the Holy Spirit (Joh 20:22). This was a second experience! Called the baptism I the Holy Spirit.
II Continual Filling
i) Not only a past experience: Our text talks of the present tense – be filled now! In the book of Acts we see the disciples being filled again when they came together and prayed (Act 4:31)
ii) How to stay filled: 1) Come together with other believers in prayer and unity. Ask for boldness to speak the Word. 2) Repent of unbelief (selective belief), mind coming in the way. 3) Deal with sin in your life: compromise, unforgiveness, impurity, worldliness, etc. 4) Let God’s love (agape) fill your heart and move in the compassion of God. 5) Walk in obedience. Take a risk of faith in finances, prayer, gifts of the HS, healing. 6) Ask and receive by faith a fresh infilling of the HS. 7) Expect signs (deliverance, tongues, protection & healing) to accompany the preaching of the gospel. 8) Expect the fruit of the Spirit to be evident.
III Ministering the Filling
i) Priesthood of all believers: Not enough for you to be filled, be a spiritual decanter to fill others.
ii) Laying on of hands: This is a point of contact. Act 8:18, 19:6
iii) Encourage people to speak in other tongues: Often there are blocks in the mind and people start speaking in known tongues. They have to speak as the HS enables.
iv) Further instructions: To continue speaking in tongues and expand their prayer language. Move out in ministry, preaching the Word.
Conclusion
o Are you filled with the Holy Spirit? Initially, continually?
o If not is there some block that can be dealt with?
o Do you need a fresh filling of the Holy Spirit?
o Are you willing to go out and let signs accompany you?
o Start ministering this experience to others.
