Three Facets of the Process of Being Filled with the Spirit • Deshen Daily

And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them (Ezekiel 36:27 KJV)

What are the different processes that take place in us when God fills us with the Spirit? There are at least three major facets of the act of filling. I have labeled these facets receiving, indwelling, and expressing. Though this devotional is restricted to the Holy Spirit, please note that the same facets apply to the human spirit and spiritual power as non-personal spirit.

The first facet of being filled with the Spirit is receiving the Spirit as a glass receives water poured into it. Two concurrent activities take place simultaneously here. First, God gives or puts the Spirit as though pouring Living Water into us—vessels. Second, we receive the Spirit. The giving and the receiving occur as one process.

The next facet that follows receiving is keeping or containing the Spirit, just as glass contains the water poured into it. This facet is the most mysterious of all—the Spirit we received from God becomes one with our human spirit(1 Cor. 6:17). I encourage you to read this as many times as it takes to get a complete revelation of this truth: also read this devotional on the Spirit in us or inside of us and watch Deshen Live Bible study from this week. After receiving the Spirit, the next facet is He becomes one with us and operates in and through us as us. The mystery of Christ in you!

The last facet is the exciting and thrilling one. It is the facet of expression. Whatever you have received in your spirit expresses itself in your mind and body. For example, when someone is filled with the spirit of fear, they become fearful—emotions(1 Tim. 1:7). The woman who “had” or was filled with the spirit of infirmity from Satan was sick in her body(Luke 13:11). The spirit/Spirit in your human spirit will be expressed with corresponding manifestations in your heart or body. The Holy Spirit in our human spirit produces joy and peace in our hearts, love in our character as well as power and wisdom in our actions and words.

The ultimate purpose God fills us is for indwelling and expression. For instance, in Ezekiel 36:27 above, when God puts the Spirit in us, we become tender and obedient to His Word!

Watch Deshen Live Bible Study recording: What Does it Mean to Be Filled with the Holy Spirit?

Can you list and explain the different facts discussed above?

Can you see why God “puts” the Spirit within us? What happens when God puts the spirit of power in you? What would happen if He puts the spirit of faith in you? May the Lord make these three facets a reality in your life!

Ask the Father to help you learn to cooperate with His Spirit in you.