Scriptures on Being Filled with the Holy Spirit.

1. Ephesians 5:18 (NKJV):

"Do not be drunk with wine, which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit."

- **Comment**: This verse contrasts earthly indulgence (wine) with the filling of the Holy Spirit. Being filled is an ongoing, continuous process, not a one-time event. It signifies the need for surrender and continual openness to the Spirit's leading in our daily lives.

2. Acts 1:8 (NKJV):

"But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."

- **Comment**: Jesus promises the power of the Holy Spirit to enable believers to be effective witnesses. The Spirit's filling is not just for personal benefit but for empowering service and mission.

3. Acts 2:4 (NKJV):

"And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance."

- **Comment**: The day of Pentecost is often used as the hallmark example of the filling of the Spirit. This event demonstrated that when the Spirit fills, supernatural empowerment occurs, sometimes accompanied by gifts such as speaking in tongues.

Illustration: The Sailboat and the Wind

Think of a sailboat. The boat represents our lives, and the wind represents the Holy Spirit. A sailboat moves not by its power but by the wind that fills its sails. When the sails are raised, the wind moves the boat forward. In the same way, when we "raise our sails" through prayer, worship, and surrender, the Holy Spirit fills us and propels us forward in our Christian walk. Without the wind, the boat sits idle, no matter how much effort the person inside exerts.

This illustration emphasizes that the Holy Spirit's filling is not something we can generate on our own; it is a gift from God that moves us when we yield to Him.

Comments on Being Filled with the Holy Spirit

1. **Ongoing Filling**:

The Greek word for "filled" in Ephesians 5:18 is in the present continuous tense, meaning we are to be continually filled with the Spirit. It's not a one-time event but something we seek and experience repeatedly.

2. **Surrender and Sensitivity**:

Being filled with the Holy Spirit is about surrender—yielding control of our lives to God and being sensitive to His leading. The Holy Spirit often whispers, so we must be still and listen carefully to His voice, as Elijah did when God spoke in a "still small voice" (1 Kings 19:12).

3. **Power for Living and Witnessing**:

The Holy Spirit empowers believers to live godly and has an effective ministry. Jesus told His disciples to wait for the Spirit before beginning their mission (Acts 1:4-5), showing that the Spirit's filling is essential for any genuine spiritual success.

Additional Resources

1. **Books**:

"Forgotten God" by Francis Chan is a great resource that addresses the often-overlooked role of the Holy Spirit in believers' lives.

**"The Spirit-Filled Life" by Charles Stanley**: This book explores what it means to live a life entirely led and empowered by the Holy Spirit.

2. **Study Guides**:

- **"Experiencing the Spirit" by Henry and Melvin Blackaby**: A guide to understanding the work of the Holy Spirit and how to yield to His power.

3. **Sermons and Articles**:

Billy Graham's sermons on the Holy Spirit: Graham often spoke about the need for the Holy Spirit in every aspect of Christian living.

- **"What Does it Mean to Be Filled with the Holy Spirit?"** (GotQuestions.org): A simple article that gives a clear, biblically grounded answer to this question.

Final Comment:

Being filled with the Holy Spirit is central to the Christian life. It transforms how we live, pray, witness, and relate to others. It is both a privilege and a responsibility for every believer. Preaching or teaching this subject can inspire a deeper hunger for God's presence and power in believers' lives.