Here is a common question that often gets asked by many: "How do you know if you're filled with the Holy Spirit?" By God's Grace, today we're going to answer some pressing questions concerning the Holy Spirit.
The question on whether one is filled with the Holy Spirit or not shouldn't be underrated, because it's such an important question.
Such a question doesn't just come from the human mind but God Himself deposits it there as an avenue to draw man closer to Himself.
Be it a Christian or nonbeliever who happens to ask this sort of question, as Spirit-filled Believers, we should always be willing to give them an accurate, helpful and relevant answer.
In the holy scriptures, we are commanded to "not be drunk with wine, but be filled with the Holy Spirit." It is an instruction that falls on everyone who desires to follow God.
Ephesians 5:17-18 KJVWherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. [18] And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit.
Even as Spirit-filled Christians, I believe that each day of our life, it is needful we pause and ask ourselves this question: "Am I filled with the Holy Spirit today?" Remember that as Christians, there is no advantage but only repercussions for not being full of the Spirit.
Why Do We Need The Holy Spirit?
There are very many reasons why we need the Holy Spirit. Let's take a look at some of them below:
1. Without The Holy Spirit We Can't Make Heaven
John 3:4-7 KJVNicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? [5] Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. [6] That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. [7] Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
In the above scripture, our Lord Jesus makes us understand that being born again is literally being 'born of the Spirit'; which can be further translated as having the Holy Spirit in us. Those who do not have the Spirit of God cannot be classed as 'born again'.
It is the Spirit that gives life (John 6:63). There's no 'new life in Christ' without the Holy Spirit.
2. The Holy Spirit Validates Our Sonship
The Bible makes us understand that only those who have the Holy Spirit are truly the children of God.
Romans 8:9 KJVBut ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
It is the Holy Spirit in us who establishes a connection between us and God. The Holy Spirit acts like the middle man between God and man. Without the Holy Spirit in man, there is no connection between him and God.
3. The Holy Spirit Seals Us For Redemption
Ephesians 4:30 KJVAnd grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
The Holy Spirit in us is God's stamp of ownership upon us. He separates us from the world and preserves us for God's day of redemption.
Why Is It Important To Be Filled With The Holy Spirit?
It is very important for us to be filled with the Holy Spirit. It is in fact indispensable, if truly we want to walk with God, serve Him heartily and finish this race strong.
1. To Live Above Satan, Sin And The World
Zechariah 4:6 KJVThen he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.
No human has power of their own to live above the enemy and his devices. It is only by being filled with the Holy Spirit that we can do that.
No one has the ability to live above sin without being filled with the Holy Spirit. Infilling of the Spirit of God evicts the desire for sin. When we are full of the Holy Spirit, we are empowered to live above sin.
The ways and things of this fallen world only captivate and ensnare those who are not full of the Holy Spirit. When we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we can easily set our minds on things that are above.
2. To Become Useful To God
The Holy Spirit is the power of God (Acts 1:8). Being full of the Spirit equals to being full of the power of God.
Acts 6:8 KJVAnd Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.
Only those who are full of the Holy Spirit can do great and mighty things for God. With arm of flesh, no man can accomplish anything worthwhile for God. One of the secrets to kingdom productivity is being full of the Holy Spirit.
How Do You Know If You Have The Holy Spirit?
The entrance of the Holy Spirit often comes with a powerful manifestation and transformation effect. The Holy Spirit comes into no one quietly and stays quietly. It is actually demons that sneak into people quietly and stay quietly. The Holy Spirit is not sneaky, He's DISRUPTIVE. No one has the Holy Spirit and remains the same.
So how exactly do you know you have the Holy Spirit? Some persons are often quick to say they have the Holy Spirit, but if you should ask them about their experience when they received the Holy Spirit, surprisingly they may have nothing meaningful to say.
1. He Often Comes With The Gift of Tongues
When the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples on the day of Pentecost, they instantly received the gift of tongues and 'began to speak in unknown tongues' (Acts 2:4). When the Holy Spirit comes upon us, He always comes with a sign. It might not always be the gift of tongues but there are many other ways He does confirm His entrance.
2. Spiritual Gifts Get Deposited And Activated
Some might say they have the Holy Spirit, but the question is, what spiritual gifts do they have? What gifts of the Holy Spirit are manifest in that individual? We can use this alone as a yardstick to measure whether one has the Holy Spirit or not.
1 Corinthians 12:4 KJVNow there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
1 Corinthians 12:4 NIVThere are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them.
3. There's Often Hunger For Prayer
I've never seen anyone who has the Holy Spirit and isn't hungry for prayer and even more prayer. The Holy Spirit is the spirit of prayer; He loves prayer. The more of Him we have, the more desire and energy we'll have for prayer. If there is a Christian who doesn't like praying, it's very likely they don't have or are not filled with the Holy Spirit.
4. Intense Desire For Holiness And Hatred For Sin
Is there a Christian who loves sin and sinning? Check closely whether they truly have the Holy Spirit. As His name implies, the Holy Spirit is 'holy'. He doesn't give anyone the desire for sin, He actually attacks and evicts that desire.
5. A Burning Desire For The Word And Sharing Of The Word
When the Holy Spirit comes in, He comes for serious business—not for games. The Holy Spirit is a teacher (John 16:13), He teaches us the Word and enables us propagate the same.
Acts 4:31 KJVAnd when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
Ever seen a person who has and is filled with the Holy Spirit but neither loves the Word of God nor sharing the Word and telling others about God? Probably not the Holy Spirit.
I can go on and on concerning this but maybe that will be in another article.
Prayer To Be Filled With The Holy Spirit
There is often an inner knowing when we have the Holy Spirit, and the signs I've touched on above are often evident. If you have a doubt in your mind then go ahead and ask the Lord to baptise you in the Holy Spirit.
Our Lord Jesus Christ is the One who baptises with the Holy Spirit (Luke 3:26). But before you ask Him, make sure you are saved. If you haven't yet welcomed Him into your heart as your personal Lord and Saviour, go ahead and pray this salvation prayer.
No one needs to pray a long list of prayer items just for asking the Lord for the Holy Spirit. A simple faith-filled prayer will do, but make sure to pray it daily until you receive. You may also need to consecrate yourself, fast and pray on certain days.
Again, there has to be a genuine and intense desire to be filled with the Holy Spirit (for just reasons only). Earnestly desire (hunger) to be filled, then go on and ask the Lord.
Matthew 5:6 KJVBlessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
The Holy spirit isn't given to unserious people. He is given to those who have made up their mind to walk with God. If you are that person, go ahead and use this prayer:
Thank You Father for Your gift of salvation. Thank You Lord Jesus for saving me. Lord Jesus, I declare to You today that I have my mind made up to walk with You and serve You. I ask that you send Your Precious Holy Spirit to fill me up, transform and use me. Like it was on the day of Pentecost, Lord let Your Spirit mightily come upon me, to clothe me with power and equip me for Your service. Amen.
Final Thoughts On Being Filled With The Holy Spirit
It is needful every genuine Christian understands that a one-time infilling of the Holy Spirit is not enough. The goal should be to stay constantly filled with the Holy Spirit. There are too many dangers outside of that place.
We should make deliberate efforts to position ourselves daily and receive a refilling and refreshing of the Holy Spirit.
For more on the Holy Spirit, read this article: How To Receive The Baptism Of The Holy Spirit
If you have any questions concerning this article, go ahead and leave me a comment below.
God bless you.
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