How to be filled with Holy Spirit

Matthew 7:9-11: "Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"

Its important to distinguish between INDWELLING and INFILLING of Holy Spirit

Indwelling of Holy Spirit

An important aspect of understanding the work of  Holy Spirit is the indwelling of believers. John 14:16 highlights this truth, where Jesus promised that the Spirit would indwell believers permanently. It is crucial to distinguish the indwelling of the Spirit from the filling of the Spirit. The indwelling is not limited to a select few but is available to all believers. Several scriptures support this:

  1. The Holy Spirit is a gift given to all believers without exception, based on faith in Christ (John 7:37-39).
  2. The Holy Spirit is given at the moment of salvation (Ephesians 1:13).
  3. The Holy Spirit indwells believers permanently and serves as a seal and guarantee of their future glorification (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 4:30).

Infilling of Holy Spirit

In contrast to the indwelling, the filling of the Holy Spirit is mentioned in Ephesians 5:18. This speaks of being completely yielded to the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to possess and fill every part of our lives. While the Holy Spirit dwells within every believer (Romans 8:9; Ephesians 1:13-14), it is possible to grieve the Spirit (Ephesians 4:30) and quench His activity within us (1 Thessalonians 5:19). The filling of the Spirit involves:

  1. Yielding completely to the Holy Spirit’s guidance and control.
  2. Allowing His power to work in and through us.
  3. Extending to our thoughts, motives, and actions, not just outward acts.
  4. Seeking God’s pleasure in all aspects of our lives (Psalm 19:14).

Maintaining the filling of the Spirit requires obedience to God and a living relationship with Jesus.

Why do I need the infilling of Holy Spirit?

  1. We need His help: The Holy Spirit is our Helper, teaching us and bringing to remembrance the words of Jesus (John 14:26).

  2. We need His revelation: Without the Spirit, we cannot comprehend spiritual truths (1 Corinthians 2:11). He helps us understand God’s Word and His purposes for us (1 Corinthians 2:12).

  3. We need His wisdom: In the complexities of life, the Spirit provides divine wisdom for making right choices.

  4. We need the fruit of the Spirit: The Spirit produces in us the character traits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Our efforts alone cannot bring forth such fruit.

  5. We need His purity: The Holy Spirit transforms us into the image of Christ, progressively conforming us to His holiness (2 Corinthians 3:17-18).

  6. We need His power: The Spirit empowers us to live the Christian life, not by our works but through faith (Galatians 3:1-3). He desires to work miracles among us.

  7. We need His presence: Just as Moses desired God’s presence, we long for the manifest presence of God in our lives. Through the practice of spiritual gifts, we encounter God and experience His presence (1 Corinthians 12:7).

Pray this prayer if you want to be filled with Holy Spirit

Heavenly Father, I  to ask you to infill me  with Your amazing Holy Spirit. 

Holy Spirit, I’m inviting you to come into my heart and my whole life. I need your help to become more like Jesus every day. I give my life to you completely and I ask you to open my spiritual eyes and spiritual ears so that I may see you and hear you clearly. Because You promised in your word that if I ask for a bread you will not give me a stone I therefore believe that I am now filled with the Holy Spirit.  

I’m excited for the gifts of the Holy Spirit to start working in my life helping me become more like Jesus, and also to see the gifts build up  fellow christians around me. 

Thank you so much Lord for the infilling of Holy Spirit. Amen.

Fequently asked questions

Who is the Holy Spirit?

The Holy Spirit is one of the three persons of the Trinity in Christian belief. The Trinity consists of God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is often described as the presence and power of God at work in the world and in the lives of believers.

The Holy Spirit has many roles and functions. Here are a few key aspects:

  1. Comforter and Helper: The Holy Spirit is often referred to as the Comforter or Helper who comes alongside believers to provide guidance, strength, and support. In times of difficulty, the Holy Spirit offers comfort and encouragement.

  2. Teacher and Revealer: The Holy Spirit helps believers understand and apply the teachings of Jesus. The Spirit guides us into truth, illuminating the Scriptures and revealing God’s will for our lives.

  3. Convicter of Sin: The Holy Spirit convicts people of their need for salvation and leads them to repentance. The Spirit helps us recognize our sinfulness and points us to Jesus as the source of forgiveness and new life.

  4. Empowerer and Giver of Spiritual Gifts: The Holy Spirit empowers believers to live a godly life and equips them with spiritual gifts for service in the church and the world. These gifts may include abilities such as teaching, prophecy, healing, or speaking in tongues.

  5. Unifier and Sealer: The Holy Spirit unites believers into one body, the Church, fostering love, unity, and community among believers. The Spirit also seals believers, marking them as God’s own and guaranteeing their future inheritance.

It’s important to note that the Holy Spirit is a personal being, not just an impersonal force or influence. The Holy Spirit is God’s presence living within believers, guiding, transforming, and empowering them to live according to God’s will.

 

When was the first infilling Holy Spirit?

Acts 2:1-4

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.  Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.  They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.  All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues[a] as the Spirit enabled them.

The first infilling of the Holy Spirit, often referred to as the Day of Pentecost, occurred in Jerusalem around 30-33 AD, shortly after Jesus’ ascension into heaven. It is described in the New Testament book of Acts in the scripture above.

On the Day of Pentecost, the disciples of Jesus were gathered together in one place when suddenly there came a sound like a rushing wind, and tongues of fire appeared and rested on each of them. They were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different languages they had not known before. This miraculous event attracted a large crowd of people from various nations who were visiting Jerusalem at the time.

Peter, one of the disciples, stood up and addressed the crowd, explaining that what they were witnessing was the fulfillment of God’s promise to pour out His Spirit on all people. He preached about Jesus, His death, resurrection, and the forgiveness of sins through faith in Him. Many people in the crowd were convicted and responded by repenting and believing in Jesus as their Savior.

This event marked the beginning of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon believers, empowering them for ministry and equipping them to spread the message of Jesus throughout the world. It was a significant moment in the early Christian church and played a crucial role in the growth and expansion of Christianity.

Since then, believers in Jesus have continued to experience the infilling of the Holy Spirit throughout history.

Did Holy Spirit not stop working when the apostels died?

No, the Holy Spirit did not stop working when the apostles died. The Holy Spirit is an essential part of the Christian faith and continues to be active in the lives of believers even today. While the apostles played a crucial role in spreading the Gospel and establishing the early church, the work of the Holy Spirit extends beyond their lifetime.

After the Day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit continued to empower and guide believers in their faith. The book of Acts and other New Testament writings highlight numerous instances of the Holy Spirit’s work in the lives of early Christians. The Holy Spirit provided guidance, comfort, spiritual gifts, and empowerment for ministry.

Throughout history, the Holy Spirit has been active in the lives of believers, leading them in their relationship with God, empowering them for service, and transforming their lives. The Holy Spirit continues to convict people of sin, draw them to Jesus, and empower them to live a godly life.

It is important to note that the Holy Spirit’s work is not limited to the extraordinary manifestations seen in the early church, such as speaking in tongues or performing miracles. The Holy Spirit also works in quieter ways, guiding believers, illuminating Scripture, producing spiritual fruit (such as love, joy, and peace), and empowering them to live out their faith.

So, while the apostles played a unique role in the early church, the Holy Spirit’s work extends beyond their time and continues to be active in the lives of believers today. The Holy Spirit is present and at work in the church, empowering and equipping believers for their journey of faith.

How will I know that I am filled with Holy Spirit?

Knowing if you are filled with the Holy Spirit is a valid question and an important aspect of the Christian faith. Here are a few indicators that can help you discern if you are filled with the Holy Spirit:

  1. Personal Relationship with Jesus: The Holy Spirit’s primary role is to glorify Jesus and point people to Him. If you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, if you have accepted Him as your Savior and seek to follow Him, it is likely that the Holy Spirit is working in your life.

  2. Spiritual Fruit: The Holy Spirit produces spiritual fruit in the lives of believers. Galatians 5:22-23 lists these fruits as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. If you see these qualities growing in your life and if you genuinely care for others and desire to live a life honoring to God, it may be an indication of the Holy Spirit’s work in you.

  3. Conviction of Sin: The Holy Spirit convicts people of their sin and leads them to repentance. If you feel a deep sense of conviction when you do something wrong and have a sincere desire to turn away from sin and live a life that pleases God, it could be a sign that the Holy Spirit is at work in your heart.

  4. Guidance and Illumination: The Holy Spirit guides believers and helps them understand God’s Word, the Bible. If you find that Scripture comes alive to you, that you have a hunger to read and study the Bible, and that you experience a deeper understanding of its teachings, it may be an indication of the Holy Spirit’s presence in your life.

  5. Spiritual Gifts: The Holy Spirit gives spiritual gifts to believers for the edification of the church and the work of ministry. If you discover that you have certain gifts, such as teaching, encouragement, serving, or leadership, and you use them to bless others and advance God’s kingdom, it could be a sign that the Holy Spirit has empowered you with those gifts.

Remember, the Holy Spirit’s work is not always dramatic or sensational. It often happens in quiet and subtle ways. If you have sincerely placed your faith in Jesus Christ, seek to follow Him, and exhibit the characteristics mentioned above, it is likely that the Holy Spirit is at work within you. It is also beneficial to seek guidance from mature believers or spiritual leaders who can provide further insight and support on your spiritual journey.

Can I be filled with Holy Spirit if I dont believe in Jesus?

The Bible teaches that the Holy Spirit is given to those who believe in Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord. The Holy Spirit’s role is to glorify Jesus and lead people into a relationship with Him. Therefore, the usual and expected way to be filled with the Holy Spirit is by placing your faith in Jesus and surrendering your life to Him.

If you don’t believe in Jesus, it is not common to experience the filling of the Holy Spirit as described in the Bible.   While it is not the typical process, it is conceivable that God can reach out to individuals in unique circumstances to draw them closer to Himself as their are countless testimonies of unbelievers having supernatural experiences with God.

If you have questions or doubts about Jesus and the Christian faith, it is encouraged to seek answers through prayer, studying the Bible, and engaging in discussions with trusted spiritual mentors or Christian communities. They can provide guidance, share their own experiences, and help you explore your faith journey in a supportive environment.

If I gave my heart to Jesus am I not automatically filled with Holy Spirit?

When you give your heart to Jesus and genuinely surrender your life to Him, you receive the Holy Spirit as a seal and a guarantee of your salvation. The Holy Spirit comes to dwell within you, and you are united with Christ. This indwelling of the Holy Spirit is a permanent and foundational aspect of the Christian faith.

However, being filled with the Holy Spirit is a continuous process that involves surrendering and yielding to the Spirit’s work in your life. While the Holy Spirit is present within every believer, being filled with the Spirit is about allowing Him to have full control and influence over every area of your life.

It’s important to distinguish between the indwelling of the Holy Spirit that happens at the moment of salvation and the ongoing experience of being filled with the Spirit. The filling of the Holy Spirit is a continual reliance on Him, seeking His guidance, and allowing Him to empower and transform you.

So, while the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within you when you give your heart to Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit is an ongoing process of surrender and dependence on Him. It is a journey of growing in your relationship with God and experiencing the fullness of His Spirit’s work in your life.

Should I be scared of being filled with Holy Spirit?

No, you should not be scared of being filled with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is God’s presence and power working in your life as a believer in Jesus Christ. The Spirit’s role is to guide, comfort, empower, and transform you according to God’s will.

Being filled with the Holy Spirit is a beautiful and transformative experience that brings numerous benefits. It deepens your relationship with God, provides spiritual guidance, grants you spiritual gifts for serving others, and empowers you to live a life that honors God.

While the idea of being filled with the Holy Spirit can sometimes seem mysterious or unfamiliar, there is no need to be afraid. The Holy Spirit is a loving and gentle presence who desires to bring about positive changes in your life. You can trust in God’s goodness and allow the Holy Spirit to work in and through you for your benefit and the benefit of others.

If you have any concerns or fears, it is helpful to seek guidance from a trusted spiritual mentor, pastor, or a mature Christian who can provide biblical teaching and support. They can help you understand more about the Holy Spirit and address any specific questions or concerns you may have.

How does Holy Spirit guide us?

The Holy Spirit guides us in various ways. Here are a few ways in which the Holy Spirit provides guidance:

  1. Inner Conviction: The Holy Spirit convicts us of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8). He helps us discern right from wrong and prompts us to make choices aligned with God’s will.

  2. Illumination of Scripture: The Holy Spirit helps us understand and apply the teachings of the Bible. He brings clarity and insight as we read and study God’s Word, revealing its deeper meaning and relevance to our lives.

  3. Still Small Voice: The Holy Spirit speaks to us through a gentle inner voice or a prompting in our hearts. He guides us in making decisions, offering direction, comfort, and encouragement.

  4. Confirmation: The Holy Spirit confirms God’s will by aligning circumstances, confirming the words of others, and providing a sense of peace or assurance in our spirits.

  5. Gifts of the Spirit: The Holy Spirit empowers believers with spiritual gifts (such as wisdom, knowledge, prophecy, discernment) to serve others and contribute to the growth and edification of the Church.

  6. Prayer: The Holy Spirit helps us in our prayers by interceding for us when we don’t know what to pray for (Romans 8:26). He helps us align our prayers with God’s purposes and empowers our prayer life.