What Does it Mean to be Filled and Led by the Holy Spirit? // Wildfire
The Message Bible refers to the Holy Spirit’s arrival and the spread of the gospel as “...like a wildfire.” Originally called the Holy Ghost because of his unseen nature, Jesus promised His Spirit would come and gift us the power to live like Him and share the life-changing message of the resurrection with the world. This two-part message series asks the questions: Who is the Holy Spirit? Why do we need Him? How can we be filled and led by Him? Join us Sundays for the answers!
Being filled with the Spirit is what empowers me to be authentic and attractive. It is not a suggestion but a command that informs and defines all my relationships, my wisdom, and my ability to live purely. When I am inhabited by the Holy Spirit I am able to accomplish what I never could do on my own.
Message Notes
When the Feast of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Without warning there was a sound like a strong wind, gale force—no one could tell where it came from. It filled the whole building. Then, like a wildfire, the Holy Spirit spread through their ranks.
Acts 2:1-3 MSGBut very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you...when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth.
John 16:7, 13 NIV
When I walk in the Spirit, the Spirit works in me.
Humility
When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling.
I Corinthians 2:1-3 NIV
Not arrogance in what we know, but humility because of who we know.
Unity
My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.
John 17:20-21 NIV
Jesus told the world to judge the validity of his message by the unity of his people.
Identity
So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh...the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Galatians 5:16, 22-23 NIV
We won’t be known by what be know, but by what we grow.
The Holy Spirit is waiting to work like a wildfire in our lives.
All he needs is our welcome.
Bottom Line
When the Holy Spirit permeates my life, I am authentic, attractive, and empowered. My whole life is obviously affected. I can do what I could never do on my own.
Next Steps
Humble myself and realize how inadequate I am without the Spirit.
Pray: Whatever it takes, Lord, fill me with the Holy Spirit and any gifts or abilities you would be pleased to give me.
Commit to living the Good News.
