Aspects of A Spirit FIlled LIfe

Aspects of a Spirit Filled Life

Illustration: Nov. 9, 1938, Berlin. “Crystal Night.” Jewish youth previous killed a German diplomat. Nazi troops just arising, Nazi sympathizers, took advantage of the sentiments to begin the open destructions of Jewish businesses, schools, libraries, synagogues and the possessing Jewish Property. 91 Jews murdered that night. Jewish men arrested. Most Jewish businesses were smashed, looted. The official beginning Holocaust. Smashed so many windows, there was glass everywhere. Called it Crystal Night.

Acts 7, Crystal Night of the New Testament. No longer will we warn these guys – from here forward the Jews will imprison them, flog them, execute them.

• Acts 8:1, The result of Stephen’s execution was a scattering of Believers through Judea and Samaria.
• Acts 8, Philip when to Samria.
• Acts 9, Saul is confronted by Jesus.
• Acts 10, Peter is clearly shown that the Gentiles have a place in the House of God. That God’s plan with the Gentiles is to graft them into the Covenant.
• Acts 11:19-22 describes some unnamed Jews who begin telling Gentiles about Jesus.
• Acts 11:22, instead of rejoicing at the news of the Gentiles being saved, they sent Barnabas to investigate the authenticity of their salvation. It is hard for us to understand just how deeply suspicious the Jewish Christian’s were of Gentile conversion.

I. Barnabas: Example of a Spirit Filled Leader:

• Real name Joseph. (Acts 4:36) His nickname, Barnabas, means “Son of Encouragement.”
• From Tribe of Levi. Native Cyprus. (Acts 4:36)
• Earlier: Barnabas sold land, gave it to the Apostles.
• Nominated: to be an Apostle.

Observations: A Spirit Filled Leader: (v.24-26)

1. Spirit filled leaders are . Acts 11:23

2. Spirit Filled leaders have many . Acts 11:23-24

3. Spirit filled leaders use . Acts 11:25-26.

In need of help, Barnabas goes all the way to Tarsus to get Saul! 90 miles each way. Any of us would love to Have Saul/Paul on our ministry team. But Barnabas is the first to just trust him and see his potential. I think he was one of the first people to give Paul an opportunity to serve God.

4. Spirit filled leaders are . Acts 11:26

II. What is the “Filling”?

Ephesians 5:18, Play-ru-say” (Filled)

• Present tense: Happening right now!
• Plural: All of you be filled with the Spirit. Paul does not expect just a fringe group to have the Holy Spirit. It is given to “all.”
• Imperative mood: A command! It means: “Get filled!”
• Passive: Done to you! The Spirit takes control of you.

III. Aspects of a Spirit Filled Life: (I might change the order of these)

• Must (Acts 11:26, Romans 8:15, John 14:17)
• Practicing (1 Thess. 5:17-19)
• Regular (Eph. 5:18) Brother Andy, “It is the acquiescence of the heart to God.” And “it’s willing surrender. Gentle surrender. It’s going without a fight. It’s letting yourself be taken over by somebody.”
• Put up (Ephesians 4:30)