All those who BELIEVE on the Lord Jesus Christ RECEIVE the Holy Spirit of God (John 7:37-39). This blessed and divine Person dwells within every born again believer (1 Corinthians 6:19; Romans 8:9). The living God wants to powerfully WORK in the submissive believer to produce CHRIST-LIKENESS (see Philippians 2:13):

THE KEY COMMAND:

"BE (CONTINUOUSLY) FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT"

(Ephesians 5:18)

Paraphrase: Do not be under the influence of alcohol, but be under the blessed influence and control of the God who indwells you!

Surgeon's glove illustration: The surgeon wants to fill the glove and put his hand in it to accomplish a wonderful work that only the surgeon can do. But the glove must meet certain conditions or else the surgeon cannot use it.

There are THREE CONDITIONS that must be met in order to be filled with the Spirit:

CONDITION #1

"GRIEVE NOT THE HOLY SPIRIT”

(EPHESIANS 4:30)

Meaning: Do not be allowing sin to go unconfessed, thus causing sorrow and grief to the Holy One who indwells you. He refuses to fill and use an unclean vessel.

Key Word: CONFESS (1 John 1:9--acknowledge, don't hide, don't cover up but face up, be honest before God, see sin as God does, hate sin as God does, admit to it).

Surgeon's glove illustration: Obviously a surgeon would refuse to use a glove that is all dirty. When he begins to do his work, he always uses a clean glove.

Personal questions: Am I clean and fit for the Master's use? Is there any unconfessed sin in my life (Psalm 139:23-24)?

Passages to Study: 1 John 1:5-10; John 13:4-11; James 4:8-10; Psalm 51 and Psalm 32.

CONDITION #2

"QUENCH NOT THE SPIRIT"

(1 THESSALONIANS 5:19)

Meaning: Do not be hindering or limiting God's mighty working in your life by saying "NO" to God or by being unwilling to do His will.

Key Word: YIELD (saying YES to God, a complete willingness to do God's will—whatever, however, whenever; saying “NO” to self and letting God have His way and His sway, presenting myself to God and placing myself at His disposal.

Surgeon's glove illustration: This would be like the surgeon’s glove clinging on to a chair or to some other object while refusing to allow the surgeon to put his hand into it (refusing to be used). The surgeon says, "Just let me put my hand into you so that I can do a marvelous work!” But the glove refuses!

Personal Questions: Am I willing to do God’s will no matter what it is or am I insistent on having my own way and doing what pleases Me? See Luke 22:42 and Romans 6:13.

CONDITION #3

"WALK IN (BY) THE SPIRIT"

(GALATIANS 5:16)

Meaning: Constantly be walking or living by the power of God the Holy Spirit who dwells within.

Keyword: DEPEND (rely, trust, cling to, have God as your sufficiency)

Surgeon's glove illustration: Says the glove to the surgeon, “I don't need you at all! I'll do this operation all by myself!” How foolish! What the glove should say is this: "I can do nothing apart from the hand of the surgeon which can fill me and use me!" (see JOHN 15:5)

Personal questions: Am I depending on the Lord for help and strength moment my moment, or am I struggling in my own strength and trying to accomplish things myself? Am I God-conscious and God-dependent? See Ephesians 6:10; Phil. 4:13; John 15:1-7; etc.

THE BLESSED RESULT

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, self-control (Gal.5:22-23).

"Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God" (Philippians 1:11).

"For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness, and truth" (Ephesians 5:9).

"Out of his belly (innermost being) shall flow rivers of living water" (John 7:38).

Ye shall "be endued with power from on high. . .ye shall receive power after that the Holy Spirit is come upon you" (Luke 24:49 and Acts 1:8).

"Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing" (Romans 15:13).

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