What does it mean to be filled with the Holy Spirit? Imagine it as God offering unlimited free refills—a gift you can receive again and again. Here’s a story to illustrate:
One of my mentors, a British clergyman, shared how rare it was for him, living modestly in England, to take his children out to eat. When they did, the rule was clear—one soda only, then water. Free refills didn’t exist. However, when they visited the United States, he told his kids they could enjoy all the soda they wanted.
His punchline? In this regard, God is more like an American than an Englishman. God is the God of free refills.
Being Filled with the Holy Spirit
The Spirit’s Role in Salvation
You cannot come to Jesus apart from the Holy Spirit. Titus 3:4-6 explains that God “saved us, not because of works done by us… but by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ.” The Holy Spirit initiates and seals our salvation.
When you trust in Christ, you receive the fullness of God. As Ephesians 1:13 says, the Spirit seals believers, guaranteeing that they belong to Jesus. There’s no waiting for an additional portion of God.
A Pattern of Being Filled
Yet, Ephesians 5:18 calls believers to “be filled with the Spirit.” This command, in its original Greek, suggests an ongoing action—a continual filling, not a one-time event. It’s better translated as “go on being filled with the Spirit.”
This was normal for the early church. The New Testament regularly describes believers as being filled with the Spirit. Examples include:
- Jesus: “full of the Holy Spirit” (Luke 4:1).
- Peter: “filled with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 4:8).
- Paul: “filled with the Holy Spirit” after Ananias prays for him (Acts 9:17).
- Barnabas: “full of the Holy Spirit and faith” (Acts 11:24).
Moreover, the same groups of disciples were filled multiple times. In Acts 2:4, they were filled at Pentecost. In Acts 4:31, they were filled again, and again in Acts 13:52 with joy. This ongoing filling shows that God’s Spirit isn’t a one-time gift—it’s a river of living water that flows continually (John 7:38).
Accepting God’s Free Refills
Why does Jesus describe the Holy Spirit as “rivers of living water” and not a stagnant pool? Rivers flow constantly, providing fresh sustenance. God reconciles us to Himself through Jesus and the Holy Spirit, and He longs to continually fill us, again and again.
Overcoming Resistance
Some resist this idea due to past experiences:
- Misunderstanding: Some believe new believers must “receive” the Spirit as a second experience, creating confusion.
- Abuse: Others have seen pastors misuse the Spirit to justify chaos or questionable theology, turning people away from Spirit-filled living.
But the New Testament reveals that regular filling by the Spirit is biblical and essential—not chaotic or forced, but life-giving and empowering.
Leading with the Spirit
Worship leaders, in particular, should understand the importance of ongoing filling. Ministry isn’t meant to be led from a place of burnout or dormancy. God desires us to lead from the overflow of His Spirit, allowing His “rivers of living water” to refresh and empower us.
Bach seemed to grasp this. He marked his sacred compositions with the initials “J.J.” for “Jesu Juva” (Jesus, help) and “S.D.G.” for “Soli Deo Gloria” (glory to God alone). Similarly, we can ask for the Spirit’s help daily, confident that God provides generously for His glory.
Come, Holy Spirit
God gives His Spirit not only to seal our salvation but to continually fill us, empowering us for every task and every act of worship. So, let us not hesitate to pray, “Veni Sancte Spiritus”—“Come, Holy Spirit.” Fill us anew for the glory of God alone.
God is the God of free refills, offering His Spirit without limit to all who seek Him. Let’s lead and live in His power and grace.
