(Notes adapted from Alban Douglas 100 Lessons, page 76)
1. What Are the Requirements for Experiencing Fullness of the Spirit's Power? - A person must totally surrender the control of their mind, will and emotions to the Holy Spirit as directed by Bible. (Gal. 5:16) At conversion a believer becomes complete in Christ but usually does not learn what it means to be completely filled with the Spirit's power - maturity is necessary. (Eph. 4:15,16) All believers have the Holy Spirit, but few experience the fullness of His power. (Acts 1:8) We are commanded to be filled with the Spirit as the wind completely fills the sails of a boat and empowers and directs it. (Rom. 8:6-8) We are warned not be drunk with wine or things that temporarily satisfy our appetites, but to filled with the Spirit. (Eph. 5:18) We are directed to let the Spirit control all other aspects of our lives. (John 7:37,38) Each day and every moment requires a new filling of the Spirit's control as Peter was filled with the Spirit repeatedly. (Acts 2:4,4:6, 4:31) No Christian can reach their potential without the filling of the Spirit. (2 Cor. 3:18) The Spirit's filling is necessary to gain in wisdom, knowledge and insight. (Rom. 12:1,2) We must confess our sins and let Him cleanse us from all unrighteousness to be filled with the Spirit. (I Jn. 1:9) The Spirit cannot illuminate our minds, warms our hearts, clean our consciences or motivate us until we yield all controls to Him. (Luke 9:23,24) We need to fellowship with other believers to stay refined. (Heb. 10:24,25)
2. What Are the Specific Conditions For Being Filled by the Spirit? - Forgiveness (Acts 2:38) "Repent and be baptized… for the remission of sins and you will receive the Holy Ghost." Sonship - Gal 4:6 - "Because you are sons, God has sent us the Spirit of His Son into your hearts." Desire. John 7:37-39, "If anyone thirsts let him drink. Isa. 44:3 Faith. "The Spirit is given to all those who believe." Gal. 3:13,14 Obedience. Acts 5:32. "He gives the Holy Ghost to those who obey Him." Waiting. Luke 24:49, Acts 1:4, "Wait for the promise of the Father." Do not be in a hurry. Prayer. Luke 11:13, "The Holy Spirit is given to those who ask the Father for Him." Apply what you know. John 1:12, "Ask and you will receive the Spirit." Act as if you have received the fullness of His power. Luke 11:9,10.
3. Results of Being Filled With All of the Spirit's Power - Power to witness to those who need salvation. (Acts 1:8) Power to live a victorious Christian life (Acts 20:22-24) Great glory and honor will be given to the Lord. (John 16:14) You will be able to live a life that is more pleasing to the Lord. (Phil. 1:9-11) You will be able to live a more holy life. (I Pet. 1:15,16) You will be able to gain greater discernment into all things. (Heb. 5:14) You will be more fruitful. (John 15:16) You will have more love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control. (Gal. 5:22,23) You will be able to overcome your feelings of anger, lust, jealousy, envy, carnality, selfishness, complacency, apathy, idolatry, strife, divisions, tribalism, nepotism, suspicions, indecency or inappropriate behavior or speech. (Gal. 5:19-21) You will be able to know the Lord in a greater way and fully experience His power, perspective and love. (Matt. 5:6-8) You will have a greater love for others. (John 13:34,35)
4. Why Are Many Not Experiencing the Fullness of the Spirit's Power? - Many are not willing to deny themselves, take up their cross and follow Jesus in all aspects of life. (Luke 9:23-30) Many are more interested in their own problems than in having the attitude which was in Christ Jesus. (Phil. 2:3-5) Many have not understood the resources that are available to them in the Spirit. (Phil. 2:1,2) Many are afraid to give up their own comforts and offer themselves as a living sacrifice to the Lord. (Rom. 12) Many are afraid to witness. (Rom. 1:16) Many are afraid to trust and obey the Lord in all things. (John 14:21) Many have not disciplined themselves for the purpose of Godliness. (I Tim. 4:7,8) Many fall prey to the worries, riches and pleasures of this life. (Gal. 5:19-21) Many are more earthly minded than they are guided by eternal values. (Col. 3:1-4) Many are only willing to give a small percentage of their devotion to the Lord's purposes. (Col. 3:16-18) Many are unaware that they are still infants regarding their maturity in the Lord. (2 Pet. 2:2) Many have never associated themselves with Godly people who can guide them to higher levels of maturity and fruitfulness. (Heb. 13:7) Many are stuck in the routines of their lives that they have not come apart for the purposes of reassessing how much time, energy and resources they have committed completely to the Lord God Almighty. (Psa. 1)
5. Uncertain Criteria for Being Filled with the Power of the Spirit - Some believe that if you are only filled with the Spirit when you have charismatic demonstrations of the Spirit through tongues, prophetic utterances or supernatural dream manifestations. (I Cor. 13) Some believe that unless you are materially prosperous you are not filled with the Spirit. (Gal. 6:6,7) Some believe that unless you are able to mesmerize people by the miracles done in your life you are not filled with the Spirit. (Gal. 5:1,2) Some believe youare not filled with the Spirit unless you are popular. (2 Cor. 6:4-10)
