Watch the video above and talk about it with a group or mentor. Learn more.
There are many differing theories of how we can know the Holy Spirit is in us. Find out here what the Bible says about this controversial topic.
Key Points:
- Some churches teach that we prove we are filled with the Holy Spirit by speaking in tongues, being slain in the spirit, engaging in “holy laughter,” and that certain people have the special power to heal others of illnesses and maladies.
- Galatians 5:22 says that the fruit of the Holy Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. It is these things that are the best gauges of seeing a life of faith in Jesus working itself out for all the world to see.
- Ephesians 5 gives us three ways to see that we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit of God. The Spirit will change the way we speak. We will be filled with thanksgiving to God. We will be subject to one another in love.
- How do we know we are filled with the Holy Spirit of God? We bear the fruit of the Spirit. We are changed in how we speak to one another, our relationships, and our attitudes.
Quote This:
Ephesians 1:13 And now you Gentiles have also heard the truth, the Good News that God saves you. And when you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago.
Talk About It
- What is your initial reaction to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- How has your life changed for the better since you first put your faith in Jesus Christ for salvation through His grace alone? What are some things that are still being “worked out” as God continues to change you by His Spirit?
- Has anyone ever made you feel like a “lesser believer” because you don’t have the same “gifts” they do? Explain.
- Do you believe in being “slain in the spirit,” in “speaking in tongues” or in “holy laughter?” Explain why or why not.
- If someone does not speak in tongues (Acts 2:1-4; 10:44-46), are they filled with the Spirit? Explain.
- Read Ephesians 1:13. What does this say about when and how the Holy Spirit fills believers?
- Pastor Todd says that those who use the events in Acts as “normative” or “prescriptive” for how the Holy Spirit always works are misreading scripture. Do you agree? Explain.
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
