A Man Full Of The Spirit

by Jones, A. H. | Category: General | Jun 1968

Many children of God today are deeply concerned at the lack of divine power in their lives. This concern sometimes leads to frustration and causes them to desire a sensational experience that will assure them that they are filled with the Spirit. It is taught by some that a person is not baptized in the Holy Spirit until he has had an ecstatic experience and has spoken with "tongues". Others teach that a person cannot be filled with the Spirit until such an experience has been known by him. Scripture makes it plain that all believers are baptized in one Spirit into one Body (1 Corinthians 12.13), and that this takes place when they are born again. Furthermore, Paul writes, "If any man hath not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His" (Romans 8.9). Let no whisper of the Devil cast doubt in our minds on this matter. The human mind ever seeks to exalt itself. We need to be careful of our ambitions and motives in divine things. Those who desire a deeper spiritual experience should seek it in accordance with the word of God and beware lest they are really seeking self-exaltation.

No one would question that the life of the Lord Jesus was one which manifested the leading of the Holy Spirit. The first thirty years of that life were lived in comparative obscurity. In Nazareth He laboured as a humble carpenter. Yet His life during those years received the approbation of His Father, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased". We do well to keep before us the life of the Lord Jesus as we seek to live for God today. This will give us a balanced view in our service for God. God can be glorified in our working lives today as He was in the life of the perfect Man.

It is recorded that after His baptism by John, the Lord was "led of the Spirit". He was not led immediately to the multitudes; He was led mo the wilderness. God has His way of leading, and often He leads a man, full of the Spirit, into a lonely pathway away from public service. Such divine leading is God's way of preparation for His servants. Moses was led away into obscurity, and Paul went to Arabia. He who would live for God today must be ready for divine leading into lonely paths where public service may not be possible, and where the adversary will try him to the uttermost. The aim of those who are Spirit-filled will be similar to that of the Lord Jesus who said, "I do always the things that please My Father". Self-exaltation or self-determination will find no place in the Christian who is filled with the Holy Spirit. His great concern will be to do the will of God in meekness and humility. Stephen is described as a "man full of the Holy Spirit". The statements made concerning him indicate the characteristics we should expect to see in such men. When men were needed to care for the widows (Acts 6), those chosen were "of good report, full of the Spirit and of wisdom". They were men who had a reputation for uprightness and consistency in their lives, and men who were wise. The wisdom that cometh from above is "first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without variance (or partiality R.V.M.), without hypocrisy" (James, 3.17). Jealousy and faction are associated with that which is earthly, sensual, and devilish, and they find no place in the Spirit filled believer.

Stephen is also described as a man "full of faith". The fulness of the Spirit will always be accompanied by fulness of faith. Many who speak of the fulness of the Spirit are lacking in faith, and are not content unless they see "signs". It should be remembered that in the early days of this age God bore witness to His word "by signs and wonders, and by manifold powers, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will" (Hebrews 2.4). The tenor of Scripture shows that signs and wonders have been used by God at definite epochs in history. There is no indication that we should expect these in our time. There were no signs and wonders in the days of the godly remnant that came from Babylon to rebuild the house of God. Yet we can know the power of the Spirit, and who would question that we have seen precious manifestations of this? We have seen His power manifested in men with traits of character similar to those seen in Stephen. The fulness of the Spirit in Stephen's life was demonstrated in the power of his life and ministry. There is no reference in the Scripture record of Stephen's life to indicate an ecstatic experience such as speaking with tongues.

To have an exercise to be filled with the Holy Spirit is good but let us remember that this is firstly a matter of character. The apostle Paul brings before us the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5.22.23). There are brought to our notice nine virtues which combine to make the fruit of the Spirit. There is, here, no reference to miraculous manifestations. True Christian character is demonstrated in this blending of the fruit of the Spirit and will be evident in a balanced Christian's life. Firstly, there is love. This must be the motive or else all we do is profitless (1 Corinthians 13.1-3). Then there is joy; the Spirit-filled Christian will be a happy person. His company will cheer others. Next we have peace; calmness in every circumstance. Then long-suffering; the ability to bear gently with others and to bear personal slights and animosity. Kindness will be seen in word and deed; and goodness (a kindly activity on behalf of others - Lightfoot). Then faithfulness; one who trusts God will gain the trust of others. Meekness is an absence of self-assertion. God's will and the blessing of others will be sought. Lastly, temperance (or self-control); if this is lacking, the character of the Christian will be marred. All these nine traits of character will be seen in a Spirit-filled Christian.

If we are troubled about the lack of divine power then we must look to see if the fruit of the Spirit is seen in our lives. When these qualities are fully manifested there will be no lack of spiritual power in our service.

Jones, A. H. | Jun 1968
General