Man Camp '19 Session 1: How to be Filled with the Holy Spirit
Scripture References: 2 Corinthians 5:17; Romans 8:1; Ephesians 5:18; Acts 2:1-4; 1 Corinthians 6:19; Acts 8:14-17; Acts 19:1-7; Joel 2:28-29; Ezekiel 36:27; Galatians 5:16
Intro: Privileged to be here. Before the main message on being Spirit-filled, a vital clarification on the Gospel using an analogy: Are you a pig trying to fly, or an eagle learning to fly?
Key Points:
- Gospel Clarity: Pig to Eagle, Not Pig Trying:
- Not Christianity: God tells a pig (sinner) to become a Christian and then try really hard to fly (live righteously) by works, inevitably failing and feeling condemned/guilty. This is a deadly half-gospel.
- True Christianity: God tells the pig He is making it a new creation – an eagle – by His grace through Christ (2 Cor 5:17). All pig sins (past, present, future) are forgiven. Identity is fundamentally changed. Now, as an eagle, learn to fly, empowered by His Spirit (Phil 2:13). Failure (acting like a pig) doesn't change your identity as an eagle. Reject the devil's condemnation (Rom 8:1). You are righteous in Christ.
- The Spirit's Journey: Place to People: In the Old Testament, God's presence/Spirit was largely confined to places (Tabernacle, Temple) and occasionally upon key people (Moses, prophets, judges). But the prophets foretold (Joel 2) and Moses longed for a day the Spirit would be on all God's people.
- The Spirit at Conversion (Crucial & Complete): Jesus accomplished this. At conversion, all believers receive the Holy Spirit decisively: born of the Spirit (John 3), sealed (Eph 1), indwelt (Rom 8:9). Our bodies become His temple (1 Cor 6:19). This is a massive, foundational work.
- Being Filled After Conversion (Ongoing & Needed): Though indwelt, Scripture also commands believers to be filled with the Spirit (Eph 5:18). Examples like the Samaritans (Acts 8) and Ephesian disciples (Acts 19) show believers receiving/being filled after their initial conversion. This isn't contradiction, but ongoing empowerment.
- Why Seek Ongoing Filling?: Benefits include: deeper assurance of salvation (Rom 8:15-16), power for witness (Acts 1:8), increased fruit (Gal 5:22-23), more effective gifts (1 Cor 12), and greater power over sin (Ezek 36:27, Gal 5:16). Speaking in tongues is also mentioned in Acts as an initial evidence/ongoing tool for some.
Conclusion: First, stand firm in the full Gospel: you are a new creation in Christ, totally forgiven, righteous, and free from condemnation. Second, embrace the biblical truth that beyond the Spirit's initial indwelling at conversion, there is an ongoing need and provision for being filled with the Holy Spirit for empowerment, fruitfulness, and deeper intimacy.
Call to Action: Receive assurance: You are righteous in Christ! Reject all condemnation. Now, ask the Father by faith for a fresh filling of the Holy Spirit. Desire all He has for you – the power, the fruit, the gifts, the freedom. Let's pray together now to be filled afresh.
*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI.
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