This is a controversial question. Ask one hundred people what it means to “be filled with the Spirit” and you’ll probably receive almost as many different answers. Unfortunately, for some people church background determines their answer more than Scripture. I include myself in this category, because for a period of time I believed being filled with the Spirit looked more like what I’d been told than what the Bible taught.
Table of contents
In explaining this phrase:
- First, we’ll discuss what it doesn’t mean to be filled with the Holy Spirit
- Second, we’ll discuss what it does mean to be filled with the Holy Spirit
What It Does NOT Mean to Be Filled with the Holy Spirit…
1. Speaking in Tongues
Consider the theme in Luke 1 of four different people being filled with the Spirit: (John the Baptist in v. 15, Mary in v. 35, Elizabeth in v. 41, and Zacharias in v. 67), but there’s no record of any of them speaking in tongues. Were they grieving or quenching the Holy Spirit? Of course not. Even though two of them were moved to make dramatic declarations (Mary’s Magnificat in Luke 1:46-55 and Zacharias’ prophecy in Luke 1:68-79), they weren’t spoken in tongues.
The fifth Person filled with the Spirit is Jesus Himself, but there’s no instance of Him speaking in tongues. Some would say there’s no verse saying He didn’t speak in tongues, but that’s called “arguing from silence.” We stand on what God’s Word says, not on what it doesn’t say.
2. The Holy Spirit Indwelling Us
In the Old Testament, the Spirit would come upon saints, empowering them for service but not necessarily remaining with them:
- Samson – Judges 15:14
- Amasai – 1 Chronicles 12:18
- David – Psalm 51:11
- Ezekiel – Ezekiel 11:5
- The Holy Spirit left Saul and moved to David – 1 Sam 16:13-14
In the New Testament, Jesus told believers the Holy Spirit wouldn’t just come upon them, but would indwell them…
Even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.
John 14:17
The Holy Spirit indwells us at the moment of conversion. It is a one-time, instantaneous event when we put our faith in Christ and are regenerated and brought to life spiritually. At that moment the Holy Spirit makes our bodies His temple:
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
As a note, other Scripture indicate the other Persons, making up the Triune nature of God, also dwell in us:
- God the Father – 1 John 4:15 Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him
- God the Son – Colossians 1:27 Christ in you, the hope of glory.
3. Having More of the Holy Spirit
Jesus said, “How much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him.”
Luke 11:13
This looked forward to the availability of the Holy Spirit at conversion. The Holy Spirit is not reserved for Christians who are more mature than others. God is pleased to seal each believer with His Spirit (Ephesians 1:13, 4:30, 2 Corinthians 1:22, 5:5). As a result, you can never have more or less of the Holy Spirit than you have at the moment of conversion. When you’re saved the Holy Spirit indwells you and you receive all of Him:
John the Baptist said, “God does not give the Spirit by measure” (John 3:34). God isn’t stingy with some and extra generous with others. When people claim to have more of the Holy Spirit than others they’re showing a pride and ignorance of Scripture. You either have the Holy Spirit or you don’t:
There is no place in Scripture that indicates we can receive more of the Holy Spirit. The real issue is the release of the already present Spirit to have free reign in our hearts. It isn’t about us having more of Him, but of Him having more of us.
Eddie Rasnake
Here are the two messages I taught on this topic…
4. Baptism with the Holy Spirit
I was saved in Calvary Chapel. I’m thankful that they preach the Gospel and teach expositionally. My verse-by-verse preaching largely comes from the foundation I received in Calvary Chapel.
With that said, they are more charismatic, and they teach that there’s a supposed experience that takes place with the Holy Spirit after conversion. The idea is you’re indwelt by the Spirit when you’re saved, but baptized with Him later.
While the word baptism makes us think of water, it means “immerse” It can refer to baptism in water, but it can also refer to:
- Immersion in suffering: “They said to Him, ‘We are able.’ So Jesus said to them, ‘You will indeed drink the cup that I drink, and with the baptism I am baptized with you will be baptized'” (Mark 10:39).
- Immersion in Moses, because of Israel’s unity with him in the wilderness: “All were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea” (1 Corinthians 10:2).
Paul’s crucial words:
For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.
1 Corinthians 12:12-13
Paul isn’t referring to being baptized – or immersed – in water, but being baptized by the Holy Spirit into the body of Christ – or the church – at the moment of conversion.
Paul’s favorite way of referring to believers’ relationships with Jesus is that we’re “in Christ.” When Paul says we’re “baptized into Christ Jesus” in Romans 6:1-4 he means we’re spiritually immersed in Him:
For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
Galatians 3:27
This should make sense because we don’t become part of the body of Christ through water baptism, but through faith in Christ. Water baptism is simply a physical demonstration of what has taken place spiritually as we identify with Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection when we go under the water and come back up.
Paul’s emphasis in 1 Corinthians 12:12 and 13 is on oneness (the word “one” occurs six times). There can be “one body” because we’re all baptized by the Holy Spirit at the moment of conversion and placed into the body of Christ. If there was a later baptism that some received, but others didn’t, there would have to be two bodies: one for believers who have been baptized with the Holy Spirit and one for those who haven’t received that baptism:
There is one body and one Spirit…one Lord, one faith, one baptism.
Ephesians 4:4-5
Paul couldn’t say this if some believers were baptized at conversion, but others were baptized later. The clear understanding is all believers receive one baptism by the Holy Spirit at the moment of conversion.
The Big Problem with Believing Being Filled with the Spirit Means Being Baptized by the Holy Spirit
When I believed the baptism with the Holy Spirit was an experience taking place after conversion I prayed for it numerous times, had people lay hands on me to receive it, and was left asking, “How do I know if I received it? Have I really received it? If not, why not?”
People feel like they aren’t receiving something that God supposedly has for others. This can be very discouraging. They’re left asking, “Is something wrong with me? Do I not have enough faith? Have I done something wrong? Does God not love me ? Maybe I’m not really saved?”
5. An Emotional Experience
Some people believe being filled with the Holy Spirit refers to an emotional or mountaintop experience that takes place at some point in time, or that comes-and-goes throughout the Christian life. You might feel it one day but not the next. This false belief leads to serious problems. First, it encourages people to pursue something that isn’t biblical. John Napier said:
The goal of the Christian life is not to gain the Spirit-filled experience; rather, the goal is to remain Spirit-filled. That should be the normal Christian life.
Second, when people’s beliefs are based on feelings and emotions more than the truth of Scripture it can lead to discouragement. People can be left asking: “Why don’t I feel like I did previously?” They might even conclude Christianity isn’t real, since they think it’s made up of supposed feelings and emotions that they aren’t experiencing.
No verses support this point, but that’s the point! There are no verses supporting the Holy Spirit providing emotional experiences! The closest is Pentecost. Jesus is the actual baptizer with the Holy Spirit:
John the Baptist said, “I indeed baptize you with water…but He who is coming after me…will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”
Matthew 3:11
At Pentecost the people were confused asking, “What does this mean?” (Acts 2:12). Peter explained Jesus ascended to heaven and “poured” out the Holy Spirit:
“[Jesus] being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear.”
Acts 2:33
The people who received the Holy Spirit from Jesus spoke in tongues, and people accused them of being drunk. This is the closest to an emotional experience caused by the Holy Spirit.
The reason this doesn’t argue for an emotional experience is this is descriptive versus prescriptive. There’s nothing in the epistles to make us think this should be expected. This is the birth of the church, which was one of the most dramatic moments in all of history; therefore, we shouldn’t think it would be duplicated when people are saved.
What It Does Mean to Be Filled with the Holy Spirit…
1. The Holy Spirit Influences Us
Do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit.
Ephesians 5:18
It might sound odd to compare drunkenness with being filled with the Spirit, but we can sum up Paul’s point with the word “influence.” People driving drunk are “driving under the influence.”Being filled with the Spirit is compared with wine, not because it feels like being intoxicated, but because wine has the potential to influence. Just as alcohol has the potential to influence, so does the Holy Spirit.
The Greek word for “be filled” is pleroo, which means “keep on being filled” or “stay filled” with the Spirit. Paul is talking about something that should be ongoing in the lives of believers. John MacArthur said:
The filling of the Spirit is not some ecstatic or emotional experience, but a steady controlling of the life by obedience to the truth of God’s Word.
As already stated, you can’t have more or less of the Holy Spirit. But you can have more or less of His influence over you.
2. Submitting to the Holy Spirit
How are we filled with, or influenced by, the Spirit? The answer is simple to understand, but difficult to live out. By yielding to Him. Obeying Him. Being filled with the Spirit is a day-to-day, even moment-by-moment surrendering of our lives to Christ. Then we won’t disobey this command:
Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God.
Ephesians 4:30
This verse is often used by charismatics to defend the activity of the gifts of the Spirit. If you argue against charismatic views or any limitations on the gifts, you’ll have this verse quoted to you. But the context reveals it’s discussing obedience:
Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another. “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil. Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.
Ephesians 4:25-32
3. Exhibiting Godly Speech
Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 5:19-20
The following verses, Ephesians 5:19-20, also reveal what Paul meant in verse 18: Both verses reveal what Paul meant in verse 18 and they’re about our speech. And why is that? Jesus said:
Those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart.
Matthew 5:18
What we say is a reflection of our hearts. What could be a better indication of whether we’re filled with the Spirit than what comes out of our mouths.
James 3:1-12 discusses the tongue. It says we can tame everything in creation, but we can’t tame our tongues: they’re like wild fires burning out of control destroying everything in sight (vv. 6-8). This is why James says, “If someone could tame his tongue, he would be a perfect man” (v. 2).
What does it look like practically to exhibit Spirit-filled speech? The Amplified Bible provides the answer:
Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word nor unwholesome or worthless talk [ever] come out of your mouth, but only such [speech] as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace (God’s favor) to those who hear it.
Ephesians 4:29
4. Producing the Fruit of the Spirit
Think for a moment about the word fruit: it refers to something produced. We call apples and oranges fruit, because they’re produced from trees. We call children “fruit of the womb,” because they’re produced from pregnancy. If you work hard for something, it’s called the “fruit of your labor” because it’s produced from your effort.
When we talk about the fruit of the Spirit, we’re talking about what the Holy Spirit produces in our lives. People who are truly filled with the Spirit should produce an abundance of the fruit of the Spirit:
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
Galatians 5:22-23
If you want to know when you’re filled with the Spirit it’s when you’re producing the fruit of the Spirit. If people claim to be filled with the Spirit, there should be plenty of these fruit evident.
Unfortunately, some people claim to be filled with the Spirit, but their manifestations look more like the works of the flesh. Disorderly occurrences such as laughing in the Spirit, being slain or drunk in the Spirit, excessive crying, screaming, dancing, or violent shaking are a few of the supposed evidences of the Spirit’s work in a person’s life. What these demonstrations do is make people ask, “Are [they] out of [their] mind?” (1 Corinthians 14:23).
5. Not Producing the Works of the Flesh
Conversely, the flesh is the opposite of the Spirit. The HOLY Spirit allows us to live holy lives, and much of that means resisting sin. says:
Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another.
Galatians 5:16-17
If you’re walking in the Spirit you’re not walking in the flesh. Being filled with the Spirit means not producing the works of the flesh. If you meet people who say they’re filled with the Spirit, their lives should be largely absent of the works listed in :
Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like.
Galatians 5:19-21
The opposite of exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit is exhibiting the works of the flesh. If you want to know when you’re not filled with the Spirit, it’s when you’re producing the works of the flesh.
6. Looking Like Jesus
While other people were filled with the Spirit, Jesus was “FULL OF the Holy Spirit”:
- Luke 4:1 And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness
- Colossians l 1:19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell
- Colossians 2:9 For it pleased the Father in [Jesus] all the fullness should dwell…in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.
Jesus was the most Spirit-filled Person to walk the earth. He reveals what it looks like to be filled with the Spirit.
Conversely, it would be impossible for people to engage in behavior unseen in Christ’s life and claim it’s part of being filled with the Spirit.
Discussion Questions:
- Do you agree or disagree with this post? Why or why not?
- What used to come to mind when you heard the words, “filled with the Spirit”” What comes to mind now?
- Have you heard teaching, or witnessed people’s actions that contradict what Scripture teaches about being filled with the Spirit?
- “Being filled with the Spirit isn’t referring to ____?” What would you put in the blank that wasn’t covered in the post?
- “Being filled with the Spirit does mean ____?” What would you put in the blank that wasn’t covered in the post?
28 Responses
Good job. Well done.
Hello,
Thank you. Glad it ministered to you.
Good afternoon,
Again, thank you for a reply.
On a personal note, I learned how to manage my “emotions and feelings” a long, long, time ago. It is quite difficult being led by emotions and feelings when one lives within a man-made system.
I speak of a language far older than Greek. The Bible is written in that particular ancient language.
B-I-B-L-E. Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth. The Bible will never tell man anything. For man must “become a living soul.” (Genesis 2:7). One cannot read the Bible as if it is merely a book. Only the Holy Spirit gives interpretation of the Word of God. This is why Jesus speaks of the “Secret” and Paul the “Mystery.”
I am still trying to learn what it “means” to be filled with the Holy Spirit. I will keep searching.
Hello again,
I responded below your comments…
You’re welcome.
I’m sorry, but I don’t know what you mean.
Are you referring to Hebrew, or something else? If something else, could you explain?
Genesis 2:7 is not referring to conversion, or spiritual life. Instead, it’s referring to man being given physical life.
Although, I do agree with you that man must be regenerated, or brought to life spiritually, to understand the truth in God’s Word, and be taught by the Holy Spirit.
Do you believe in the sufficiency of scripture? If so then your search should begin and end with God’s Word.
Thank you for the speedy reply. Yes, I did read the entire article. And in all fairness, I re-read it to double-check and make sure I did not overlook my very own question. Again, I did not read the answer to what it means to be filled with the Holy Spirit. I am a deeply spiritual woman. I live of spirit, by spirit and for spirit. So, I wanted to know what does it mean to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Again, verses are not the spirit. What EXACTLY does it MEAN to be filled with the Holy Spirit?
Also, I noticed that you mentioned: “adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries.” These words are translations and transliterations of an ancient language. The aforementioned words did not exist centuries ago. Therefore, the aforementioned words have a deeper meaning.
The Bible tells us what it means to be filled with the Holy Spirit. It seems like perhaps you think feelings or emotions tell us what it means to be filled with the Holy Spirit?
By ancient language you mean the Greek language? Yes, we translate these words into English. We understand what they mean and the Holy Spirit is our teacher. What is the deeper meaning you see behind these words?
I just happened to stumble across this article called, “What Does (and Doesn’t) It Mean to “Be Filled with the Spirit”?” I read the article but the author never answered or bothered to explain what it meant to be filled with the spirit? The author quoted Bible verses. Bible verses are not the spirit. What EXACTLY does it MEAN to be filled with the Holy Spirit?
Hello ZK,
Thank you for reading the post and asking your question. Although, I am wondering if you read the entire post? The reason I ask is the second half of the post answers the question: “What It Does Mean to Be Filled with the Holy Spirit.”
Look for these six headings in the post…
1. The Holy Spirit Influences Us
2. Submitting to the Holy Spirit
3. Exhibiting Godly Speech
4. Producing the Fruit of the Spirit
5. Not Producing the Works of the Flesh
6. Looking Like Jesus
This is what it means to be filled with the Spirit.
Thank you Scott. I am helped
Glad to hear Buzare. God bless!
Two things that you mentioned above are exactly what I needed to see (read). First, your scripture reference to Galatians 5:22-23, and second, the analogy of the “driving under the influence.” My husband and I both believe in God giving and people receiving the Spiritual Gifts that are mentioned in 1Corinthians 12. My husband, also a pastor, was “filled” with the Holy Spirit several years ago. Now, let me explain what he describes as being filled with the Holy Spirit. Just as you mentioned above, he thinks a person is NOT filled with the Holy Spirit unless they, as you also described above, performs the manifestations such as shaking, moving, or flopping around. He does know and preach that all saved Christians having the Holy Spirit living in them, but that they need to ask for the “Filling of the Holy Spirit” where they perform the shaking and moving acts. I was also praying for that, but about 6 months ago, I was led by the Holy Spirit that I AM FILLED with the Holy Spirit. I see not only my husband shake and move around, but others in the church as well. There was (died 3 months ago) an elderly lady in our church whom advised me to watch as some people are “filled” with the Holy Spirit are not praising God, but just outwardly performing. Recently, the Holy Spirit revealed to me the difference. My husband keeps telling me that I will be filled with the Holy Spirit when I do not care what others think. He, along with a few other men in our church, believe that a person is not truly filled with the Holy Spirit unless they “perform” the moving, shaking, or running. I believe those acts are real if truly led by the Holy Spirit and they are praising God.
Hi Melissa,
Thank you for reading my post and then sharing your thoughts. Also, I want to let you know I truly appreciate the way you expressed yourself. It’s clear you disagree with me on some points, and it blesses me that you didn’t come across contentiously. As you probably know, this is a topic that – unfortunately and unnecessarily – often leads to heated arguments.
You mentioned the gifts in 1 Corinthians 12 that the God gives through the Holy Spirit. We can definitely agree on those gifts, and I’d say we agree because they are in Scripture. So that leads me to the question I have for you: what verses support the behavior you’re describing, i.e. the shaking and similar movements?
If your response is that we don’t need verses to support that behavior, then my next question would be: how do you argue against a person like Todd Bentley who “was known to forcefully kick, hit, smack, or knock over participants“? When Todd claims, “the Holy Spirit led him to such actions,” how would you respond?
Scott,
To my knowledge there are no scriptures to back up the sporadic movements such as kicking, flipping and flopping of arms and legs, and shaking. In the book of Acts, Paul writes about the Day of Pentecost when the people were filled with the Holy Ghost, but I do not recall the movements. I am not sure what we disagree on, but I am just trying to get further insight on the receiving of the Holy Spirit (being filled with the Holy Ghost). So, I guess I have a question… Must a person be slain in spirit, have the movements as we both have mentioned in order to be “Filled with the Holy Spirit? The reason I ask is because my husband claims those things must happen in order to say a person has been filled with the Holy Spirit.
Hi Melissa,
I appreciate your sincerity in trying to learn the truth. I was raised Catholic, then I became a Christian in a Calvary Chapel, then I went into ministry as a youth pastor at a Baptist church, and finally I moved on to WCC, a non-denominational conservative, Bible-teaching church. The point in mentioning this is I’ve learned we don’t often see the errors of our churches and their theology while we’re in those churches…or at least it’s very difficult to see!
I suspect if you were outside the culture you’re in you’d more readily see the unbiblical nature of these beliefs and practices. I’m sorry to have to say that, but it’s true. Can we agree Jesus was the most Spirit-filled Man to walk the earth? So can we agree that what we see from Him would most clearly demonstrate what it looks like to be Spirit-filled? Do we ever see Him act like that (kicking, flipping, flopping, etc)? Do we see that behavior from any other godly men? Paul, Peter, etc?
There’s no verse describing behavior like that at Pentecost. If we were expected to act like that wouldn’t we see it prescribed in the epistles, which are the letters of instruction for New Testament living?
You asked:
In answer to your question I would definitely say no! In fact, I think that type of behavior seems more influenced by a demon than the Holy Spirit. When you see people acting this way it looks like the descriptions in Scripture of people who are possessed by demons…as opposed to influenced by – or filled with – the Holy Spirit.
If you want to know what it looks like to be filled with the Spirit, read about the fruit of the Spirit. That fruit is what the Holy Spirit produces in a Spirit-filled person.
Thank you for your learning attitude!
It’s not very often that you come across two people discussing such a controversial issue in such a cordial and hospitable way! Thank you, Melissa and Scott, for your example!
If I may, I would like to offer an answer to the question, “how are filled with the Spirit?”
It is clear from Scripture that all believers have the Holy Spirit, but how do we follow the command in Ephesians 5:18 to “be filled with the Spirit”? I think Colossians 3:16 provides some interesting insight
It has been said by scholars that Ephesians 5:18-19 and Colossians 3:16 are “sister passages.” In other words, Paul is trying to say the same thing. In Ephesians 5:18, the command is to “be filled with the Spirit.” In Colossians 3:16, the command is to “let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly.” In both passages, the result of obeying this command is identical: teaching, admonishing, singing and thankfulness.
If you harmonize these two passages, they seem to say that “being filled with the Spirit” is synonymous with letting “the Word of Christ dwell in your richly,” since they both produce identical results. I believe that to be Spirit-filled is to be Word-filled. The more we live in God’s Word, the more God’s Spirit will influence our lives.
Thought, Scott or Melissa?
Hi Aaron,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Yes, Colossians 3:16 looks like a great complement to Ephesians 5:18-19.
Along with the fruit the Holy Spirit produces in our lives, it looks like those verses reveal other behaviors a Spirit-filled person will exhibit! I also agree with you that being Spirit-filled is synonymous with being Word-filled. You harmonized those verses and summarized the question very well.
VERY interesting and brave post to write. Many people get quite spun up. Good word.
The How-to Guru
Thanks for reading and commenting Shan.
This is good! I love the point about being influenced. I often times tell people the reason I don’t drink is because I don’t want anything in my spirit that would interfere with the Holy Spirit. This includes what I watch, listen to and the conversations I entertain. They have the potential if not checked to interfere with my witness.
Great thoughts Tiffani. Yes, most of what we introduce into our lives – whether through our mouths or eyes – is going to influence our relationships with the Lord.
By the way, the reason I said “most” instead of all, is Paul discussed some things being permissible, but not beneficial; therefore, they might not influence negatively, but they also don’t influence negatively.
I LOVE THIS POST! I always enjoy reading your posts because it is from such a different perspective than most of the blogs I read. I had a similar conversation with my father when I was younger. See, I was told at a young age that I wasn’t reverent enough when I prayed, didn’t show enough passion when I worshipped, and didn’t know how to “act” in church. I remember being in a theological class with my dad (I was homeschooled, and I got to go to class with him every Tuesday). Anyway, they were discussing this very same idea and how people worship so differently in various denominations but are in the same religion. So, because it was a great class and an amazing doctor teaching, I got to answer. I remember saying that it seemed like an over-complicated question because we are told to live like Christ, and he worshipped among others, sometimes alone, never boastfully, and he used his gifts to glorify God. Musicians can worship through music, dancers through dance, speakers through preaching, and so on… but my point was with your thoughts. Being filled with the spirit should look like Christ, and I don’t remember him handling a snake, or in my case, I was always called out for not participating in holding my hands to heaven and swaying to worship music. And as far as bearing fruit… I think loving all people, showing kindness, and helping the down-trodden is bearing the fruit… I don’t think you have to manifest anything in the flesh as prove for others to see. Sorry for the long reply! I just really like your content! Great post!!!
Thank you Rachael!
It’s interesting (and sad) that you were told that at a young age for a number of reasons.
First, worship takes place in the heart. Plenty of people can look outwardly like they’re worshiping when their hearts are elsewhere. Conversely, others might look like they’re not worshiping and who knows the great work God might be doing in their hearts.
Second, young people should be encouraged, not criticized.
Yes, snake handling could’ve been added to the list; doing some foolish in the name of the Lord isn’t evidence of being Spirit filled.
Scott, good points, but you forgot to mentioned among the “manifestations” to “surf in the spirit” ?. Not to be prideful, but from the beginning of my encounter with The Lord, I knew that this was real, and I never fell for all the fake stuff that people were doing including speaking in tongues(languages). The gift was given for a purpose and for a period of time that The Lord used in a mighty way among His people. Praise God that there aren’t these so called “super saints”. But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. Gal.5:16.
Thanks Ricardo :).
Yes, I felt like tongues (known languages) went outside the scope of this post.
I wasn’t as discerning early on, believing in a charismatic view that wasn’t biblical.
Amen so much truth in this post. The one that stuck out the most to me is the producing fruit of the spirit.
Thank you Mihaela.
Glad the post encouraged you.
Filled with the spirit is one of those terms veiled with mystery – only so because such diverse teachings permeate the Church. I tend to land where you do, the Spirit fills us with inner renewal, prompts toward growth and wisdom, and gives us power. I don’t believe that miraculous signs and wonders, like tongues, are the only way to know if someone is filled with the Spirit. In my opinion, heart renewal is an even more astounding miracle!
Thanks John.
Yes, good thing it’s not the only way to know, or there’d be a lot of unsaved people!