How can you be “filled with the Spirit”?

Begin at the beginning of the day. 

A runner does not finish the race and then warm up. We don't fill the car's tank after the trip is done. The earlier you give your day to the Spirit, the more of your day he can bless.

First, we must confess our sins. 

The "Holy" Spirit cannot control a person in rebellion against the Lord. We can lie against the Spirit (Acts 5:3), grieve him (Ephesians 4:30), and quench his power in our lives (1 Thessalonians 5:19). 

So, get a piece of paper and a pencil, and get alone with God. Ask the Spirit to reveal to your mind anything separating you from God. Write down whatever comes to mind, as specifically and honestly as possible. Then confess each sin specifically to God, claim his forgiving grace (1 John 1:9), and throw the paper away. Conduct this "spiritual inventory" regularly.

Next, surrender every dimension of your life to the Spirit. 

Put him in charge of your plans for the day, your decisions, problems, and opportunities. Ask him to guide your steps and protect your character. Yield all that you will do this day to him.

Now, step out by faith, believing that he has answered your prayer. 

The Bible nowhere describes how it feels to be filled with the Spirit. It takes just as much faith to believe that the Spirit is controlling your day as it did to ask Jesus to be your Savior.

Here is what will not result from this decision: 

• continuous emotional heights (Ephesians 5:19)


• permanent filling (Ephesians 5:18)


• sinless perfection (1 John 1:8)


• or any particular gift (1 Corinthians 12:29–30). 

Here are results of this decision as seen in the book of Acts: 

• preaching and witnessing in the power of the Spirit (v. 2:4ff)


• gathering in fellowship (2:42, 46)


• performing signs, wonders, and miracles (2:43; 19:11)


• giving sacrificially to needy brethren (2:44–45)


• healing the sick and the lame (4:31)


• adding new believers (2:45; 5:14)


• expanding the faith and establishing churches in new areas (9:31)


• maintaining the unity of the believers (4:32)


• raising the dead (9:36)


• and defeating Satan and his demons (13:6–12; 16:16).

When we are surrendered to the Spirit, we are empowered for God's purpose and plan for our lives. 

And eternity is always affected by our obedience.