Why the Holy Spirit Fills Us

One of the strangest figures in Scripture is the magician called Simon (Acts 8:9–24). He amazed the people of Samaria with his magical tricks. But when Philip preached the gospel, Simon himself was amazed at the signs and great miracles performed by the Holy Spirit. When Peter and John came to the area and laid their hands on those who then received the Spirit, Simon offered them money with the request, "Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit" (Acts 8:19). Peter then rebuked him for his materialistic selfishness. Years ago, a dear friend taught me four simple words: "It's not about us." God doesn't share his glory. As someone said, if you want to get along with the Lord, stay off his throne. His Spirit works to glorify the Father and lead people to the Son. He "fills" the people of God so he can use them to advance the kingdom of God. It's not about us. However, the paradoxical truth is that the more we are submitted to God's Spirit for God's glory, the more satisfying and significant our lives become. As we will see later in this study, those who are "filled" with the Spirit experience the "fruit of the Spirit": love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22–23). We experience the power, purpose, and providential leading of God. We are transformed into the character of Jesus (Romans 8:29) and our lives become all they are meant to be. The Spirit "fills" us so he can use us. And the more he uses us, the more fulfilled we are. For prayer: Examine your life purpose today. What is your definition of success? If you are living for God's glory to advance his kingdom, you can be empowered by his Spirit. If you're living for your glory to advance your agenda, you cannot be empowered by the Spirit. Thank God for his perfect plan for your life, and ask his Spirit to use you to advance his kingdom.