Numbers 11:24-25; Acts 2:1-4,16-17, 42; 2 Corinthians 3:5-6;
BE FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT (PENTECOST)
Ephesians 5:18,19
Be filled with the Spirit: speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, (KJV).
👓👓👓👓👓👓👓👓
Scripture commands Christians to be filled with the Holy Spirit.
💺 💺 💺 💺 💺 💺 💺 💺
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
At the end of this lesson,
students will be able to:
1. Explain what it means to be filled with the Spirit, and seek to be filled with the Holy Spirit.
2. Describe characteristics of living a Spirit-filled life and allow the Holy Spirit to work in them to produce the fruit of the Spirit.
3. Become involved in building unity by practical demonstrations of Christ's love.
🫑 🫑 🫑 🫑 🫑 🫑 🫑 🫑 🫑 🫑 🫑 🫑 🫑 🫑 🫑 🫑
1. Filled with the Spirit.
A. Old Testament Example–Numbers 11:24-29
B. New Testament Fulfilment–Acts 2:1-4, 16, 17
2. Spirit-Filled Living
A. Outward Focused–Acts 2:41-47; Eph. 5:18-21
B. Fruit Bearing–Galatians 5:22-25
3. Spirit-Filled Unity and Service
A. Practical Unity–Acts 4:31-35
B. Powerful Ministry–2 Corinthians 3:5, 6
🦋 🦋 🦋 🦋 🦋 🦋 🦋 🦋
Jesus told His followers not to leave Jerusalem until they had received His promised Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4,5). He knew they would need the Holy Spirit's power to proclaim the gospel in a hostile world. He also knew they would need the gifts of the Spirit to build His Church.
The baptism in the Holy Spirit is still needed today to reach our world for Christ and build His Church. We need to live Spirit-filled lives as evidenced by unity and service.
🐥🐥 🐥🐥 🐥🐥 🐥🐥 🐥
A. Old Testament Example – Numbers 11:24-29
The burden of leadership was becoming too great for Moses. God had a plan to help him. This plan involved the gracious bestowing of the Holy Spirit on seventy men who Would take some of Moses' leadership responsibilities.
These seventy men were already leaders (Numbers 11:16). As they stood before the tabernacle, God took some of His Spirit from Moses and placed it on them (verses 24,25). When the Spirit came upon these men, they began to prophesy. The phrase "and did not cease" (verse 25, KJV), is literally "did not add."
It appears their prophesying was temporary, a supernatural sign that they had been divinely anointed for leadership.
For whatever reason, two of those who were chosen did not come to the tabernacle (verse 26). Yet the Spirit rested on them also and they began to prophesy.
One zealous young man was concerned that these men were prophesying and reported what was happening to Moses (verse 27). Joshua wanted Moses to command them to stop (verse 28). But Moses' reply in verse 29 not only gives us a glimpse into Moses' heart, it also provides a pattern that God wants for all His people.
🦩 🦩 🦩 🦩 🦩 🦩🦩 🦩 🦩
Question for Application
Why does God want His people to be filled with the Holy Spirit?
What happened to these men is an Old Testament example of what God wants to accomplish in New Testament believers-to pour out His Spirit on all people.
The main purpose of the baptism in the Holy Spirit is to provide power to be witnesses of Christ (Acts 1:8). But the Baptism also opens the door for spiritual gifts.
🕊️ 🕊️ 🕊️🕊️ 🕊️ 🕊️🕊️ 🕊️
Question for Application
What are the purposes of spiritual gifts?
Spiritual gifts are for the
maturing of believers and an enablement for service. As believers in Christ manifest spiritual gifts, they strengthen each other and bring unity to the Church. The Church then becomes more effective in ministering to the world.
🍀 🍀 🍀 🍀 🍀 🍀 🍀 🍀
B. New Testament Fulfilment–Acts 2:1-4,16,17
In obedience to Jesus
command, the disciples were in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost waiting expectantly for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1). As the Spirit came, the sound of wind filled the room and tongues of fire rested on the heads of each one (verses 2,3). Then the Holy Spirit descended on the disciples and they were filled (verse 4).
Wind and fire were often used as symbols of God's presence and Spirit in the Bible (see Ezekiel 37:9,10,14: John 3:8; Exodus 3:2; 19:18). These outward signs would help the disciples understand what was happening to them. This is the only time these signs appeared, but another sign was repeated each time people were filled with the Spirit.
The sign that confirmed that these followers of Jesus were filled with the Holy Spirit was their Speaking "with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance" (Acts 2:4 KJV). As the Holy Spirit enabled them, these believers spoke in languages they had not learned (see verse 11).
Some in the crowd that gathered mocked the disciples; others were curious. Peter used this opportunity to explain that what they were witnessing was not a display of drunkenness or mere spiritual ecstasy. It was a fulfilment of Joel's prophecy (verses 16,17; Joel 2:28,29).
Question for Application
How do we know speaking in tongues is the initial physical evidence that someone has been filled with the Holy Spirit?
In his sermon, Peter stated that "which ye now see and hear was evidence of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:33, KJV).
Throughout the Book of Acts, when people were filled with the Holy Spirit they spoke in tongues (10:44-46; 19:1-7). Even where speaking in tongues is not mentioned, there are indications that something supernatural took place, likely speaking in tongues (8:18,19).
Peter said the outpouring of the Spirit was to take place in the last days (2:17).
Question for Application
What is the relationship between the last days and the need for the infilling of the Spirit?
When we are filled with the Spirit, we receive power to witness and ability to live holy lives. The Bible speaks of the last days as evil, difficult days. These last days require the fullness of God's Spirit for each Christian to be Christ's witnesses.
🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳🌳 🌳 🌳
A. Outward Focused–Acts 2:4147; Ephesians 5:18-21
Some people, even Pentecostals, think only about speaking in tongues when they talk about being Spirit-filled, but being Spirit-filled is more than that. It also includes practical daily Christian living.
The Early Church was growing rapidly (Acts 2:41). The apostles instructed new believers in the Scriptures concerning Christ and how to live victoriously in Him. As the believers studied together, they enjoyed fellowship, shared their meals (including the Lord's Supper), and joined in times of prayer (verse 42).
The working of the Holy Spirit through miracles by the apostles brought a sense of awe to the Church and to the people of Jerusalem (verse 43). The Holy Spirit was also working in the lives of these believers as they cared for one another (verses 44, 45).
Question for Application
Why is it important for Christians to care for one another?
Jesus said people would know who His disciples are by the love they show one another (John 13:34,35). When we demonstrate love toward other believers, even those outside the church will notice. There was great unity as the early believers continued to meet together at the temple and in various homes.
The transforming work of the Holy Spirit was drawing them closer to each other. Many people of Jerusalem noticed this and were turning to Christ and joining the church. When the Holy Spirit is at work in our lives and in our churches, He will cause unity to prevail.
In writing to believers in Ephesus, the apostle Paul spoke of living a Spirit-filled life (Ephesians 5:18-21). He instructed them not to be drunk with wine, but to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Christians are not to seek the temporary pleasures of this world, characterised by drunkenness. Such pursuits end in behaviour that does not honour Christ or promote spiritual maturity.
Ministering to others and to God through worship, music, and thanksgiving is another way Spirit- filled living is outward focused (verse 19). "Psalms" seems to refer to the Old Testament Psalter, which was used in Christian worship. "Hymns" were probably songs that exalted God. "Spiritual songs" may be a term that differentiates them from secular music or it may refer to spontaneous singing in the Spirit.
The continual outflow of the Spirit in the Christian life results in "giving thanks" (verse 20, KJV). This thanksgiving is not to be expressed only in worship to God and Jesus, but in every circumstance of life.
Spirit-filled believers also recognise the importance of other believers and submit to each other in love (verse 21). Counter to the "what's-in-it-for-me" mentality that permeates society, Spirit-filled believers are to be considerate of others in their choices.
Submission is endeavouring to be like Christ who served rather than demanding to be served (see Matthew 20:28). This is motivated by reverence for God, who willingly sacrificed His Son for our benefit.
🪴 🪴 🪴 🪴 🪴 🪴🪴 🪴 🪴 🪴 🪴🪴 🪴 🪴 🪴 🪴
B. Fruit Bearing– Galatians 5:22-25
The goal of Spirit-filled living is Christlikeness. This is why the Spirit bears fruit in the lives of believers, for the fruit of the Spirit are, in essence, aspects of the character of Jesus.
In Galatians 5:16-25, Paul contrasted the difference between a life controlled by the flesh and by the Spirit. In verses 22 and 23, he listed the fruit of the Spirit. The nine characteristics of the Spirit's fruit can be divided into three categories of three each. The first three have a God-ward focus. Love, joy, and peace come only from our relationship with Jesus Christ and are expressed to God, other believers, and those who do not believe. Long-suffering (patience), gentleness, and goodness focus on the Christian and his relationship to others. Faith, meekness, and temperance (self-control) focus on the inner character of the Christian.
Question for Application
How can believers develop the fruit of the Spirit?
The fruit of the Spirit does not come from our self-efforts; it comes through our relationship with Christ (see John 15:1--17). This process starts when we come to Christ and put to death the old sinful life (Galatians 5:24). We allow the Spirit to prune the sin and habits from our lives that keep us from bearing Christ's image. As we read the Bible each day and allow the Holy Spirit to help us obey it, our minds can be renewed to become more like Christ's (Romans 12:1,2).
Living in the Spirit involves walking in the Spirit. The word "walk" in Galatians 5:25 refers "Conducting our lives in conformity with the Spirit." By walking in the Spirit the fruit of the Spirit can be displayed in our lives.
🌴 🌴 🌴 🌴 🌴 🌴 🌴 🌴
A. Practical Unity–Acts 4:31-35
The growth of the Early Church was not without persecution. The same Sanhedrin that had crucified Jesus had threatened the disciples and instructed them to quit teaching about Jesus (Acts 4:13-22). In response to this opposition, the disciples prayed (verses 23-30). The Holy Spirit filled them again and empowered them to continue preaching with boldness (verse 31).
The unity of the believers was evident in that they were "of one heart and of one soul" (verse 32, KJV). These believers were united in their love for the Lord and for each
other.
This unity was manifested in practical ways (verses 32,34,35). When they saw a fellow believer had a need, they did what they could to meet that need. They were wiling to share their finances and possessions to help others. As needs arose, people sold their property and gave the money to the apostles to distribute as they saw fit.
The power of the Spirit was evident in this atmosphere of unity as the apostles witnessed about the resurrection of the Lord "with great power" (verse 33). Unity allowed the church to enjoy the Lord's favour.
Question for Application
How does the Holy Spirit work to unify Christians?
One way the Spirit works to unify Christians is by exposing wrong desires in their hearts. He prompts them to consider the needs of others above their own and stirs them to compassionate action. The Spirit also births within believers the desire to bring glory to Christ through their actions, spurring them to cooperative effort in advancing the kingdom of God.
🌱 🌱 🌱 🌱 🌱 🌱 🌱 🌱
B. Powerful Ministry – 2 Corinthians 3:5, 6
Question for Application
Why do believers today need the baptism in the Holy Spirit?
The Corinthian believers were proof of Paul's apostolic ministry (2 Corinthians 3:1-4). Paul knew that anything he did of spiritual significance came because God was at work in him (verses 5,6).
The Spirit still empowers Christians to minister to others. Receiving that power is one of the main purposes of being filled with the Spirit.
We proclaim God's Word, inviting people to a personal relationship with Christ, not to earning righteousness by following a code of behaviour. When a person believes the message of Christ, the Spirit gives new life to that person. This life makes this new believer spiritually alive, able to enjoy Communion with God.
🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷
The Early Church was a Spirit-filled church. Being baptised in the Holy Spirit was the norm (Acts 8:14-17:19:1-7: 1 Corinthians 14:5).
Being baptised in the Holy Spirit with the initial, physical evidence of speaking in tongues is still the privilege of every believer.
Jesus Commanded His disciples not to leave Jerusalem until they had received this outpouring of His Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4).
Do we need this promise any less than they did? If you have not been baptised in the Holy Spirit, ask God to fill you with His Spirit. He is faithful and will grant your request (Luke 11:13). Being baptised in the Spirit is only the beginning of a new way of life. If you have been filled with the Spirit, allow God to use you in manifesting His gifts and strengthening the body of Christ. Allow the Holy Spirit full control of your life so you can bear the fruit of the Spirit and develop Christlike character.
🌹 🌹 🌹 🌹 🌹 🌹 🌹 🌹
The baptism in the Holy Spirit provides power for witnessing and fruit for Christlike character. Invite students who have not been filled with the Spirit or who feel like they need a fresh infilling to seek the Lord for this precious gift. Have the other students in class pray with them to be filled with the Spirit.
Exclusive publication of Sunday School Department of the General Council of Assemblies of God Nigeria.
