One phrase that can be a bit confusing is the phrase “filled with the Spirit.” As we look at that phrase we need to remember a couple of important points:
(1) Being filled with the Spirit is not the same as having the Spirit living inside of you. Remember that Paul wrote to the Ephesians telling them: “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.” (Ephesians 5:18) This after he had talked about their being sealed with the Spirit, about the Spirit living in them, etc.
(2) People were filled with the Spirit before the outpouring of the Spirit in Acts 2. In Luke 1 alone we see John the Baptist, his mother Elizabeth and his father Zechariah all being filled with the Spirit.
(3) Being filled with the Spirit does not relate to doing miracles. John the Baptist was filled with the Spirit from birth, yet never did miracles. (John 10:41)
The question came up on an earlier post about what the point of having the Spirit is if we aren’t doing miracles. A look at John the Baptist’s life should show us that we can be empowered by the Spirit to do great things for God with no need for miraculous activity.
We’ll continue on this topic next week.
“The question came up on an earlier post about what the point of having the Spirit is if we aren’t doing miracles. ”
Isn’t it odd that people are still asking ‘so what’s in it for me’ even with salvation? I have always had to restrain a smile when ‘word only’ brethren ask, “So what does it/He do?” or “What advantage is there for me to have the Spirit ‘in’ me?”…. arrrggh
Good stuff Tim.
It is refreshing to read these posts. I am with you almost 100%.
John Piper has a good post on the Holy Spirit, http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/Sermons/ByDate/1981/287_Be_Filled_with_the_Spirit/ I don’t completley agree with him on every point either but it, like yours is very good.
Forgive me for plugging another site on your blog without your permission. If you want to delete it I will not be offended in the least.
Royce
A lot of people put a lot of emphasis on the miraculous aspect of the Spirit’s ministry and have a hard time envisioning anything else. To me, allowing the Spirit to work in the way that he chooses, rather than putting him in a certain box (be it miracles or Word only), brings a “time of refreshment.” I know it has for me. So I guess I have “gotten something out of it”!
Thanks Royce. I have no problem with outside links. Seems like WordPress does, though; maybe I can figure out how to keep such posts from being moderated.
great thoughts.
i enjoyed writing a paper and preaching a sermon series on the Spirit a year or two ago. The bible says ALOT about Spirit but we don’t..
Thanks Brian. Many times we’ve played a game of extremes: either we want to see miracles on a daily basis or we want to avoid talking about the Spirit at all.
Tim,
I look forward to reading your thoughts on this subject!
1Pt:1:25: But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.