Character of Spirit filled persons
More than any other manifestation, a spirit filled person shall have a new character which is Godly. These are certain fine aspects that believers have ignored due to the blindfolding of Satan. Let us look into them closely and never again have a bit of doubt how one would get transformed by a Holy Spirit anointing.
Speaking only that is God given
John 16:14 he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak and he will show you things to come.
Anointed men lift up God in true humility. When a proud person preaches from flesh, we could easily notice the false spirit that lifts up self and not the Holy Spirit or Jesus. Even when they utter humble sounding words like “all by the grace of God and all through Jesus”, they actually mean “I have a special power, I can do it and I have done it so you be submissive to me”. Let us not judge people, but let us have a Spirit of discernment. Many forget it is one of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. (1 Cor 12:10)
Witnessing Jesus
Acts 1:8 but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.”
Today, we hear about testifying (or witnessing) Jesus in churches, prayer meetings etc. But witnessing Jesus is much beyond that. I am sure, that is one of the biggest challenges for the carnal man. Our Lord knew this and understands it is impossible for human beings to witness Him unless the power of the Holy Spirit is given.
Let us judge ourselves. Do we have this nature of witnessing Jesus through our lives? What does it mean? It means nothing but living holy and desiring Fathers will like Jesus did. Unfortunately, we see people claiming they are filled with Holy Spirit living their lives exactly opposite to that of Jesus. They preach what they have learnt (not from revelations) and live according to flesh or soul. Unspiritual leaders live extravagant lives, amass wealth and preach that by offering tithes, they would be blessed by God. (Only the preachers get rich in the process). Jesus did not preach that nor did the apostles. Jesus did not live an extravagant life nor did the apostles. But now, the majority of the churches are under a spirit of prosperity doctrine which is only a ploy of Satan to keep people carnal and worldly.
Jesus preached and lived a life as received from above. One should be ready to give more than any fixed percentage. It is not paying God to get more in return, but to support the local church or a mission. One has to go beyond tithing by being ready if needed, to offer all they have to the poor. Can you see the difference in the spirit in the two streams?
Doing good
Acts 10:38 “{You know of} Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and {how} He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.
A natural result of Holy Spirit anointing is a sense of righteousness and duty. Doing good is just an outcome of that. Jesus did heal and cast out demons soon after He was anointed by the Holy Spirit. And it is His will that we are able to do even more than that.
Christian life is a spontaneous life and beyond set rituals, practices and traditions. Apostle James reiterates this fact.
James 2:17 Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, {being} by itself. James 2:18 But someone may {well} say, “You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.”
We all know that we are not justified by any work but by faith through grace. That is not an excuse for us not to act when we are supposed to. The word of god says that
Eph 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, {it is} the gift of God; Eph 2:9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. Eph 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.
We have been created in Christ Jesus for good works! This is really challenging and encourages me to look beyond. To understand good works, let us look at an example. When we work in an organization, we are paid for the work we do, and not directly for our good behavior with customers, clients etc. But it is a minimum expectation and the boss would be well pleased when we take initiatives and do that. Similarly, our God has kept this not as a rule but left to our discretion so that it comes voluntarily and not by compulsion.
Hope, joy and peace
Rom 15:13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Hope is another sign of anointed. Hope is not depended on circumstances. When Spirit is leading a person, it is not by intelligence or skills one approaches a situation. It is only by faith. And there is hope in faith.
Unconditional love
Rom 5:6 For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. Rom 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Rom 5:10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.
This is one sign of a man in Christ or a man who is anointed by the Holy Spirit. This is not an option. A person who is anointed by the Spirit is filled by the love of God. This love of God is what equips us to love one who doesn’t deserve it. When Jesus loved us, did we deserve it? But how many of us consider this as one of the manifestations of the Holy Spirit. We have heard only about tongues, prophecy, healing etc. There are much more to it, more important functions.
And our Lord asked us to do one thing as the foremost. Love Him with all our heart and love others as He loved us. This is the way He loved us, when we didn’t deserve it. So let us stop selecting whom to love. We are called to love everyone we come across, even our enemies, people giving us trouble, disrespecting us etc. It is difficult humanly. Let us start with a decision and desire to do it. God will fill us with His Spirit and ensure our success in this too.
Recently, while meditating the word of God, I asked God what would be the state of a truly spiritual man who has grown in Christ to a great extent. He revealed to me through the word and His Spirit that it would make him a person who loves all, I mean ALL people, loving them as his own and being ready to even die for them as he would for his own!! This is what Jesus did for us. This is what the apostles did for us. This is the ultimate sign of the Holy Spirit empowerment, to love all irrespective of cast, creed, nationality or whatever. Yes, it is difficult and a high standard indeed. But it is possible with the power of the Holy Spirit. We need to desire and pray for it.
Speaking the word boldly
Acts 4:31 And when they had prayed, the place where they had gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and {began} to speak the word of God with boldness.
Another sign of Holy Spirit is an urge to speak the word of God with boldness. It starts with meditation of the word, God first speaks to the person itself. Then comes a deep repentance, each word hitting the target- his own self. God then gives certain revelations and personal convictions and the receiver is so overjoyed and excited that he feels like sharing it with others. That is how a spirit filled message comes out.
True word of God
Heb 4:12 For the word of God is quick and powerful and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit and of the joints and marrow and is a discerning of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Word pierces the person’s soul, spirit and flesh. It helps one to discern himself in relation with God. True word gives clear perception about flesh (body, self will) soul (emotions, expressions etc) and spirit (holy or evil in self). This truth would make the person who accepts it have deeper self realization, true repentance and all the promises of the freedom in truth.
John 8:32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”
If pure word is not offered and only stories and endless genealogies and traditions are preached, one would never get such understanding or be able to accept truth. This is one of the most serious shortcomings in most of the Christian speakers today. They fail to teach people the word of God.
1 Tim 1:4 nor to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which give rise to mere speculation rather than {furthering} the administration of God which is by faith.
Revelation of the mystery of Jesus Christ.
Rom 16:25 Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret for long ages past,
John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.
He is the way, the way to live, He is the truth who can set you free and He is life, life eternal. The problem in Christendom today is that though the name of Jesus Christ is used in almost every sentence, very few have accepted Him as the only way the only truth and the only life. Very few have come to the new covenant that Jesus gave us and such believers hang around the old covenant teachings, promises and fear of law. This has instilled a belief of rewards for good deeds (tithes, charity, good deeds, loyalty to church, gospel work etc etc) and punishments for not being so. So they become religious and not spiritual.
It is not more knowledge of Jesus Christ that we need now, it is a revelation that would remove the veil and open reveal the mystery of Christ. This is what happened to Saul on his way to Damascus (Acts 9). An encounter with Jesus Christ gave him revelations that he could never get from the master of Law, Gamaliel. Saul gets a revelation about the Messiah mentioned in the Old Testament, about church, the body of Christ and many more in just a second. This is what we need to pray for, a revelation of Christ so that one moves on from the slavery of Law to the freedom through Christ, in the New Covenant.
The freedom in new covenant
In the new covenant, all the above good deeds and much more are done because of a love relationship with Jesus. We are saved by grace and not justified by our deeds. Good deeds are just part of our duty and calling. It is a privilege rather than compulsion.
Eph 2:8 – 10 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, {it is} the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.
We do not fear of any consequences. We are rather motivated and encouraged by the love of Jesus which has been poured out into our hearts.
Gal 6:9 Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.
Gal 6:10 So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.
HUMILITY - an indispensible key
James 4:6 But He gives a greater grace. Therefore {it} says,
“GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.”
When we have a sincere spirit of humility, God gives us more and more grace. This grace gives us an awareness of the higher life and shows us our weaknesses.
Spirit lead man has an urge to obey Him. I have been struggling with this (obedience) since I came to faith. There were many areas where I didn’t have conviction. So I went my way. Even though I had light in certain areas, I couldn’t take steps to obey them. The reason was simple; I was not led by the Holy Spirit but by my own spirit (self will). And if one continues like that, he wouldn’t reach where God wants him to reach. God will give us the grace and power to obey and be a spirit filled person if we are humble.
Believers often complain about others who do not listen when gospel is preached to them. I would say the most difficult people to be taught something is a ‘religious’ believer. Every one of us has this un-teachable spirit in varying degrees. The attitude is “My will and my way is the best”. Let us repent. I admit I have my share of this. It is my earnest desire that nothing stops me from truth, even my preferences, attitudes and all such foolish constituents of ego. Let our will be broken today by the Spirit and let Him speak to us. Be humble and receive the Spirit.
Gal 5:16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. Gal 5:17 For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. Gal 5:25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Gal 5:26 Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another.
I almost decided, I would never get victory over certain sins, carnal nature etc. I told Jesus, I would like to lead a holy life if He would give that to me by grace. When I gave up, defeated and in despair, God gave me victory over many things that were unspiritual. I am still on a journey, far away from my goal but I desire complete obedience. Spirit exposes me to myself even when I make a small mistake. My spiritual growth depends on what I do about it. If I respond to it, I grow, if not, I fall.
The result of submission & obedience
I can speak from my personal life. The result of obeying Him is unimaginable. One would grow manifold spiritually in a few days. What seemed to be unattainable spiritually for years would materialize in a moment. Yes, this is the only way to grow spiritually. Obey Him. And what do you obey? Every word from the word of God, in the right spirit. Meditate; take it seriously, DONT EVER CHOOSE. Decide to obey them. Ask God for grace if you don’t have enough. And we know we don’t have enough grace when we fall.
Spirit Lead life
The following verses are self explanatory. Please read each verse and meditate on it. Let god reveal the spirit in you.
Rom 8:5 For they are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
What are our priorities? Are spiritual matters dominating the minor worldly matters? Yes, when we live in the world, we do have basic necessities for a moderate living, parenting and other responsibilities. But what are we focused on?
Rom 8:6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
Many of the believers too are carnal minded. The word says, it amounts to spiritual death. Am I one of them?
Rom 8:7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be
Do we realize that carnal mindedness or continuing in self will and worldliness is enmity against God. Are you a friend or enemy of God?
Rom 8:8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
Do you please God? – with your life?
Rom 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
We have gone in detail the purpose of Holy Spirit, what happens to a person who is anointed and what fruits an anointed would bear. Are you sure you are anointed by the true Holy Spirit? If not, pray and make sure. Let us ensure that we are for Christ.
Rom 8:10. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
Do you lead a spirit lead life?
Rom 8:11. But if the Spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
Do you have an assurance of salvation and second coming and rapture?
Rom 8:12 Therefore, brethren we are debtors, not to the flesh to live after the flesh.
What is the price we offer for all that has been given through grace? Are you ready to offer yourself, your wealth, health, resources etc to the one who saved you?
Rom 8:13. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
How can then we live a worldly, carnal life? If you live like that, whatever be your title, you are a carnal man and shall die unless you live by the Spirit.
Rom 8:14. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
Forget the general term used by believers. Are you a child of God? Meaning, are you lead by the Holy Spirit each moment? Again remember, it is not about never committing a mistake. It is about allowing the Spirit to correct and guide you each moment.
Rom 8:15. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear, but ye have received the Spirit of adoption thereby we cry Abba Father.
If you are Spirit lead, rejoice and be sure you are a child of God and you can call Him Abba Father.
Rom 8:16. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.
The Spirit that leads you establishes the fact that we are children of God.
Rom 8:17. And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him that we may be also glorified together.
Then what is the complaint about the sufferings you go through? You are heirs to the eternal riches. So rejoice every moment, trials, tribulations or good times. Let these make no difference in the joy.
Conclusion
What could we gather from this little study of the Holy Spirit?
Unfortunately, many fleshly men in some kind of faith believe that they are spiritual because of certain manifestations of the Holy Spirit like tongues or for accepting water baptism. The word of God says they are not if they manifest carnal nature, speak ill of others, be worldly, live unclean private lives. Word says, if I have any of the works of flesh in me now, I am not spiritual.
What we see now is people fighting about denominations, differences of doctrines, teachings, singing styles, clapping styles what not? They are not able to see the common factor Jesus and the common goal -eternity and forget differences. And they claim to have the Spirit of God in them. Let us make it a habit to compare things spoken in Christendom by self styled men of God, with the word of God, like the people of Beria. Let us discern and choose the best but at the same time never stop loving every one irrespective of these doctrinal or denominational differences. I would never encourage someone to compromise and cooperate with an unspiritual leader. If they go wayward, one has the freedom to move on. But if the person is true and sincere in spirit, even when he makes mistakes, one ought to have the humility to adjust and cooperate with him as he is still under Christ the head. Then if the Spirit encourages and equips speak the truth in love.
If we are struggling in any area, not to worry but repent. Our merciful God is just waiting for that sincere acceptance of your failure to shower His blessings and Spirit in you. Even if you are a seasoned believer having years of experience and realize that you have certain traits of flesh and self will as we just meditated, repent. Let our years of experience in faith life, our position or standing in the society NOT make us incapable of accepting Jesus Christ and His Spirit.
Again, as mentioned many a time, let me say a spiritual man might not have become perfect. Perfection is Jesus and the path is an ongoing journey. But a spiritual man is one who is lead by the spirit all the time. If he falls somewhere, the Spirit warns and also gives him conviction. The person responds immediately, reconciles with God and continues the walk. Having said that, let us be compassionate with each other. We are all on a journey.
Summary
Holy Spirit’s presence (or absence) is proven only by the fruit one bears, attitude towards, flesh (will), world (attachment to) and victory in Spiritual life from the domination of Satan.
Anointing of the Holy Spirit is not to be identified by the gifts. Holy Spirit is to be identified by fruit.
Let me conclude with a sincere wish and prayer that we seek Holy Spirit in truth and get a mighty anointing in the coming days. For those of us who have received it in a certain measure also another round of showers from above shall equip us for a higher life. I long for that. I am sure you too do so. Let us support each other in prayers. All grace and glory to God. Hallelujah