Part 2: The Indwelling Spirit – Receiving and Being Filled

Part 2: The Indwelling Spirit – Receiving and Being Filled

Series Title: Walking in the Spirit – Embracing the Holy Spirit’s Role in Our Lives

1. Historical Context and Background

Key Verses:

Acts 2:1–4 (Written c. 60–62 AD)

Ephesians 5:18 (Written c. 60–62 AD)

Authorship

Acts was written by Luke, a physician and companion of Paul, documenting the early church and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

Ephesians was written by Paul, emphasizing unity in the Spirit and the Spirit-filled life.

Context

The Day of Pentecost was a Jewish festival celebrating the firstfruits harvest. It became the spiritual “harvest” of the early church when the Holy Spirit was poured out.

Ephesus was a major Roman city filled with idolatry. Paul contrasts being filled with wine (common in pagan rituals) with being filled by the Holy Spirit.

2. Passage Analysis

Acts 2:1–4 (ESV)

“When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place... and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.”

Ephesians 5:18 (ESV)

“And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.”

Theological Themes

Indwelling vs. Filling: The Spirit indwells every believer at salvation (Romans 8:9), but believers are to be continually filled (Ephesians 5:18).

Empowerment for Ministry: The Spirit doesn’t just live in us—He empowers us to live boldly and speak truth.

Sanctification: Being filled with the Spirit produces transformation.

Liturgical/Practical Context

Acts 2 is central in Pentecost Sunday celebrations.

Ephesians 5:18 is often cited in teachings about holiness, Christian behavior, and spiritual discipline.

3. Text and Analysis (Verse by Verse)

Acts 2:1-2

📝 Commentary: The unity and obedience of the disciples set the stage for a divine encounter. 📖 Greek Term: Pleroo – “to fill completely.” 📚 Reference: Joel 2:28-29 📘 Application: Be positioned in obedience and unity if you desire a fresh move of the Spirit.

Acts 2:3-4

📝 Commentary: The Spirit’s arrival was audible, visible, and powerful. Tongues symbolized the breaking of language and cultural barriers. 📖 Greek Term: Glossa – “languages” or “tongues.” 📚 Reference: 1 Corinthians 14:2 📘 Application: God empowers us to communicate His message beyond limitations.

Ephesians 5:18

📝 Commentary: Being Spirit-filled is not a one-time event—it’s a daily choice. Paul draws a contrast between temporary escape (wine) and divine empowerment (Spirit). 📖 Greek Term: Plerousthe – a present imperative verb, meaning “keep on being filled.” 📚 Reference: Galatians 5:16-18 📘 Application: Make space daily—through prayer, worship, and surrender—to be refilled.

4. Preaching and Teaching Outline

Sermon Title: Spirit-Filled, Not Self-Filled

1. The Spirit is Received at Salvation

📖 Romans 8:9 📘 Application: If you’re in Christ, the Spirit already dwells in you. Walk confidently in that truth.

2. Filling is Ongoing, Not One-Time

📖 Ephesians 5:18 📘 Analogy: Like a cell phone, we must stay plugged in to be fully charged. Prioritize spiritual habits.

3. The Spirit Empowers Us for Witnessing and Ministry

📖 Acts 1:8 📘 Story: Share how even timid disciples became bold after Pentecost. God’s Spirit will give you courage too.

4. Filling Produces Supernatural Fruit

📖 Galatians 5:22-23 📘 Application: Ask, “Am I displaying love, joy, peace…?” If not, it’s time to refill.

5. Reference Scriptures

Romans 8:11 – The Spirit gives life to our mortal bodies.

Galatians 3:2 – We received the Spirit by faith, not works.

John 7:38-39 – Rivers of living water flow from those filled with the Spirit.

Titus 3:5-6 – Renewal of the Spirit.

6. Summary

This lesson explores the powerful truth that the Holy Spirit not only indwells us at salvation but desires to fill us daily with fresh power, guidance, and transformation. Being Spirit-filled is essential to Christian life, not optional.

Reflection Questions

Have I experienced the Spirit’s filling, or am I trying to live in my own strength?

What daily habits help me stay full of the Spirit?

In what ways is God calling me to minister out of Spirit-empowered boldness?