How To Be Filled With The Holy Spirit – A Guide by A.W. Tozer

Introduction

Welcome to this comprehensive guide on how to be filled with the Holy Spirit. In this article, we will explore the teachings of renowned theologian A.W. Tozer and delve into the process of experiencing the presence and power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Tozer’s profound insights and spiritual guidance will serve as a roadmap towards a deeper relationship with God and a life marked by the fruit of the Spirit.

Contents:

1. Understanding the Holy Spirit

To begin our journey towards being filled with the Holy Spirit, it is crucial to understand the nature and role of the Holy Spirit in our lives. The Holy Spirit, also known as the third person of the Trinity, is not only a force or an influence but a divine person.

Tozer explains that the Holy Spirit is the power by which we progress in our spiritual lives. He equates the Holy Spirit to the operational presence of God in the world today, guiding and empowering believers. Understanding and acknowledging the Holy Spirit as a personal entity is essential for our spiritual growth.

2. The Necessity of Being Filled

Many Christians lead lives without fully experiencing the power of the Holy Spirit. Tozer argues that this lack of experience is due to a failure in surrendering ourselves fully to God. He emphasizes the importance of being filled with the Spirit, which enables us to live the abundant life that Jesus promised.

Being filled with the Holy Spirit is not a one-time event, but an ongoing process. Tozer urges believers to continually seek the filling of the Spirit, surrendering their will and desires to God. This surrender allows the Holy Spirit to have greater control and influence in our lives, leading to transformation and spiritual growth.

3. The Path to Being Filled

Tozer outlines several key steps that individuals can take to be filled with the Holy Spirit.

Humbly Acknowledge Your Need

The first step towards being filled with the Holy Spirit is to humbly acknowledge our need for Him. Tozer touches on the idea of spiritual hunger and the importance of recognizing our spiritual poverty. This acknowledgment opens the door for the Holy Spirit to come and fill us with His power and presence.

Repentance and Surrender

Tozer emphasizes the significance of repentance and surrender in the process of being filled with the Holy Spirit. Repentance involves turning away from sin and renouncing any hindrances that prevent us from fully surrendering to God. Surrender, on the other hand, involves giving complete control to the Holy Spirit and yielding to His divine guidance.

Daily Dependence on God

Tozer emphasizes the importance of a daily dependence on God in order to stay filled with the Holy Spirit. This dependence involves constant prayer, reading and meditating on God’s Word, and seeking His guidance in every aspect of our lives. By making these practices a habit, we create space for the Holy Spirit to work and move powerfully in our lives.

4. Obstacles to Being Filled

Tozer identifies various obstacles that can hinder the filling of the Holy Spirit in our lives. These obstacles include pride, unbelief, self-reliance, and attachment to worldly desires. By recognizing and addressing these hindrances, we can remove the roadblocks that prevent the Holy Spirit from working freely in and through us.

5. The Results of Being Filled

When we are filled with the Holy Spirit, our lives are transformed. Tozer describes the results of being filled with the Spirit as the fruit of the Spirit. This fruit includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Being filled with the Holy Spirit enables us to live in alignment with these virtues and exhibit them in our interactions with others.

Closing

In conclusion, A.W. Tozer provides insightful guidance to help believers seek and experience the filling of the Holy Spirit. By understanding the nature and role of the Holy Spirit, recognizing the necessity and path to being filled, overcoming obstacles, and embracing the results, we can live a life that is empowered by the Holy Spirit, marked by spiritual growth, and characterized by the fruit of the Spirit.

FAQs

Q1: Is being filled with the Holy Spirit only for a select few?

No, being filled with the Holy Spirit is available to all believers. It is not limited to a select group but is a promise for every Christian who desires a deeper relationship with God.

Q2: How can I know if I am filled with the Holy Spirit?

Being filled with the Holy Spirit is often accompanied by a deep sense of peace, joy, and love. Additionally, there may be a transformation in attitudes, desires, and behaviors. Spending time in prayer, studying God’s Word, and seeking guidance from mature believers can help confirm the filling of the Holy Spirit.

Q3: Can the filling of the Holy Spirit be lost?

While being filled with the Holy Spirit is an ongoing process, it is possible to grieve or quench the Spirit through sin and disobedience. However, sincere repentance and surrender can restore the filling of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer.