Filled With The Spirit | December 2022 Monthly Newsletter

Written by Ps. Nicholas Hung | Senior Pastor of Antioch Gospel Church

Church, as I grow in my own relationship with Jesus I’m realising more and more that there aren’t too many things more important in our journey of Christian growth than that of being continually filled with the Holy Spirit.

“And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit.” (Ephesians 5:18 NKJV)

What do those words, ‘filled with the Spirit,’ mean to you?

Does the idea of being filled with the Spirit conjure up thoughts about powerful moments like Moses meeting God at the burning bush, Isaiah being overwhelmed by God’s presence at the temple, or Saul (later Paul) meeting God on the road to Damascus? Do these words remind you of a one-time encounter with God, or a powerful experience you’ve had with the Holy Spirit or a miracle moment that you hold dear in your memory? Or do they draw your thoughts towards the filling (or desire to be filled) with a spiritual gift such as speaking in tongues or prophesying?

I’ll be the first to say that powerful moments with the Holy Spirit like these are beautiful and important in our spiritual journey. I’ve had many such moments, many of which have made indelible marks upon my soul and provided me with strong assurances of the glorious love and living nature of our God. Moments matter; but I’ve also come to realise that momentary encounters often aren’t enough to sustain us through seasons - for that we need to be filled with the daily, flowing, fresh touch and filling of the Holy Spirit.

As I write this article while meditating on what it means to be filled with the Spirit I’m drawn to the beautiful joys of what an everyday infilling of the living God and the reality of being constantly refilled and replenished with Him over and over again has done within me. It’s a reality that’s based not only upon a knowledge of God’s word but also upon my own experiences and those of others. The Holy Spirit’s continual in-filling is a very real reality.

Fundamentally, when an individual surrenders their heart and life to God, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within their heart and fills them. He lives within the heart of every believer (1 Corinthians 6:19, Romans 8:11, Romans 8:15, 2 Timothy 1:14). However, there’s a vast difference between being knowing the Holy Spirit dwells within us versus knowing the Holy Spirit Who dwells within us. The kind of filling of the Holy Spirit that I believe Paul is writing about is a continual filling that is so personal, so intimate, so deep, and so pervasive that it makes the temporal things of this world pale into insignificance.

Until one actually experiences the reality of what it’s actually like to have God moving powerfully in their everyday lives it’s hard to fathom. Consider the following verse:

“And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 13:52 NKJV)

Read in isolation this verse intimates a correlation between the filling of joy and the filling of Holy Spirit. But it’s only when we consider the context within which it is written that we discover the connection is downright amazing. These disciples were the very same people who were severely persecuted and whom had just been expelled out of the region, yet they were able to to continue bursting over with joy. Wow!

I believe that these believers were able to remain joyful, passionate, purposeful and driven in spite of their persecutions only because they were filled with the Spirit.

Sometimes Christians get so hung up, confused or even downright depressed over doctrinal debates and arguments about whether they’re actually filled with the Spirit, or not. But some doctrinal debates simply aren’t worth getting caught up in – like this one! 

While the development of accurate doctrine is a vital ingredient in our Christian discipleship, the Holy Spirit isn’t easily found through doctrinal debates or discourse, but rather through an open heart, humility and willingness to continually draw nearer to the Holy Spirit Himself, asking the Father to fill us. 

Instead of asking ourselves whether we are filled with the Holy Spirit or not, why not try asking questions that reveal the extent of the works of the Holy Spirit within us, such as … ‘Am I falling more in love with Jesus every day? In what ways are my thoughts and desires becoming more attuned to Him each day? Is my power and ability to withstand flesh temptations and reject sinful tendencies gaining strength? Am I fully concerned for the salvation of my family members and friends and in what ways do their nonchalant opinions and impressions about God concern me? Are my desires shifting, away from desires rooted in worldly pleasures and other temporary things, towards heavenly things and eternal things? Am I finding myself consistently drawn to God’s word?’

If you can answer ‘yes’ to most of these, or other similar questions, that’s a strong sign that you’re being filled with the Holy Spirit and He is working within you. If not, don’t fret – just go ahead and ask the Holy Spirit to do these things within you – He’s more willing to fill us than we are to be filled.

The Holy Spirit’s filling impacts people in different ways. Don’t make comparisons. One may find themselves spending hours immersing (perhaps ‘devouring’ is a better word) themselves in the word and yet still wanting more. Another may find the Spirit’s urge to share the gospel with others irresistible. For sure, the filling of the Holy Spirit leads each heart closer to the heart of God and deeper into His character and likeness, along with the fruits that only come with knowing Him (Galatians 5:23-24).

We need to be filled with the Holy Spirit. And there’s nothing like walking through this life filled with God’s Spirit. So go on Church, you don’t need my permission … reach out to the Holy Spirit today anticipating fresh encounters and experiences with Him, expecting to discover God in ways that truly transform the heart.

You’re in our prayers.

Many blessings,

Pastor Nicholas Hung