People filled with the Holy Spirit before the ministry of Jesus Christ

In the OT Ex 31:3 Bezalel filled with the Spirit for artwork on the tabernacle; Dt 34:9 fn Joshua filled with the Spirit to succeed Moses

To be filled with the Holy Spirit is to be energised and controlled by the third person of the Godhead in such a way that under the acknowledged lordship of Jesus Christ the full presence and power of God are experienced. Spirit-filling leads to renewal, obedience, boldness in testimony and an arresting quality in believers’ lives.

In the events surrounding the birth of John the Baptist Lk 1:15 John the Baptist filled with the Spirit from birth; Lk 1:41 Elizabeth filled with the Spirit and speaks words of praise; Lk 1:67 Zechariah prophesies about the life of John and God’s salvation

And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness

Jesus Christ is full of the Holy Spirit

Lk 4:1

And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness

Characteristics of the Spirit-filled life

The Spirit of Christ should rule believers’ lives Ro 8:4-6 See also Gal 5:16,25

The Spirit produces fruit of Christlike character Ro 15:13; 2Co 6:6; Gal 5:22-23

The Spirit brings liberty Ro 7:6 See also 2Co 3:17; Gal 5:1

Being filled with the Spirit often leads to words of praise Ac 2:4 See also Ac 4:31; 10:44-46; 19:6; Eph 5:18-20

Holy Spirit, filling with

To be filled with the Holy Spirit is to be energised and controlled by the third person of the Godhead in such a way that under the acknowledged lordship of Jesus Christ the full presence and power of God are experienced. Spirit-filling leads to renewal, obedience, boldness in testimony and an arresting quality in believers’ lives