What does it mean to be filled with the Holy Spirit? A simple definition is this: ‘A follower of Jesus empowered to live the life God intended for them by submitting to the presence, power and purpose of the Holy Spirit in their lives.’ Let’s explore seven blessings that come from the presence of the Holy Spirit in our hearts.
1. Spiritual Empowerment:
Being filled with the Holy Spirit empowers us to live out our faith boldly. The Spirit provides strength and courage to face life’s challenges, enabling us to navigate the complexities of this world with confidence grounded in our trust in God.
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. (Acts 1:8)
2. Transformation of Character:
One of the beautiful outcomes of the Holy Spirit’s indwelling is the transformation of our character. As we yield to the Spirit’s work, we witness the emergence of the fruits of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These qualities reflect the character of Christ within us.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23)
3. Spiritual Gifts:
The Holy Spirit bestows upon each believer unique spiritual gifts. These gifts equip us to serve one another and contribute to the edification of our faith community. Whether it be wisdom, healing, prophecy, faith, miracles, word of knowledge, tongues, administration, leadership, teaching, service, encouragement or other manifestations of the Spirit, these gifts play a vital role in building up the body of Christ.
There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all… A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. (I Corinthians 12:4,7 NLT)
4. Guidance and Direction:
In our journey of faith, the Holy Spirit serves as our guide. Through prayer and seeking God’s will, we gain insights and direction for our lives. The Spirit’s gentle nudges and promptings help us align our paths with God’s purpose for us.
But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on His own; He will speak only what He hears, and He will tell you what is yet to come. (John 16:13)
5. Communion with God:
Being filled with the Holy Spirit fosters a deep and intimate communion with our Heavenly Father. Through prayer, worship, and meditation on God’s Word, we draw nearer to Him. The Spirit serves as the bridge that connects our hearts to the heart of God.
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. (Romans 8:26 NIV)
6. Boldness in Witnessing:
The Holy Spirit emboldens us to share the transformative power of God’s love with others. As vessels of the Spirit, we become courageous witnesses, testifying to the grace and mercy that have touched our lives.
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. (Acts 1:8)
7. Abiding Joy and Peace:
Ultimately, being filled with the Holy Spirit brings about a profound sense of joy and peace. In the midst of life’s storms, the Spirit provides an unshakable assurance of God’s presence, leading to a joy that transcends circumstances and a peace that surpasses all understanding.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace… (Galatians 5:22)
For more insight into ‘being filled with the Holy Spirit’ take a few moments to read the accounts of Jesus’ disciples encounter with the Holy Spirit in the Book of Acts:
1. Acts 2:1-4 (ESV):
When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.
2. Acts 4:31 (ESV): After Peter and John were released from custody and reported back to their fellow believers:
And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.
3. Acts 9:17 (ESV): The conversion of Saul (later known as the apostle Paul) by Ananias:
So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, ‘Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.’
