Let's take a good look at what experiences scripture associates with being filled with the Spirit. Being filled with the Spirit is not merely an intellectual doctrine, or an idea, or something you have to believe you are despite the evidence being contrary to it. There's nothing worse than trying to believe you are filled with the Spirit yet not feeling you are. Being filled with the Spirit, is an experience. And you will know you are filled with the Spirit whenever you have had any of the symptoms scripture describes. This is how people in the bible knew others were filled with the Spirit, whenever it says "and being filled with the Spirit.. they did this, or did that, or said this, or said that". Because the Spirit is invisible, the authors of the scripture (and us today) can only see the results of the Spirit's influence.
Scripture commands us to be filled with the Spirit:
Eph 5:18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
Now let's look at the possible symptoms of being filled, from both the Old and New Testament. These are some (not all) symptoms (results) of being filled with the Spirit. There are possibly more.
This is what scripture reveals it means to receive power, these are the symptoms. As Jesus promised:
Act 1:8 But you shall receive power, the Holy Spirit coming upon you. And you shall be witnesses to Me both in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and to the end of the earth.
Scripture commands us to be filled with the Spirit:
Eph 5:18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
Now let's look at the possible symptoms of being filled, from both the Old and New Testament. These are some (not all) symptoms (results) of being filled with the Spirit. There are possibly more.
- You will bear and bring good news, to heal, to release, to free (Isaiah 61).
- Manifestation of tongues, or other spiritual gifts e.g. teaching/preaching. (Acts 2:4, Acts 4:8)
- Prophesying and knowledge of things to come ( Matt 10:20, Luke 1:67, Luke 1:41, 1 Sa 10:6, Joe 2:28, 2 Sa 23:2, 1 Pe 1:11)
- Praising God. (Eph 5)
- Singing to God. (Eph 5)
- Thankfulness. (Eph 5)
- Submission (to God, and one another). (Eph 5)
- Greater clarity and understanding of God's will (Eph 5:17, Psalm 143:10, Proverbs 1:23, Rom 8:27).
- Boldness (Acts 1:8, Acts 13:9, Acts 4:31).
- Abundant joy (Luke 10:21)
- An aversion to alcohol, drugs etc (Luke 1:15, Eph 5:18).
- Seeing God's glory, dreams, or visions (Acts 7:55, Joe 2:28)
- Ability to Exercise Forgiveness, even during martyrdom (Acts 7:60)
- Knowing the love of Christ, and being filled with the fullness of God (Eph 3:16-21)
- Being strengthened in your inner man (Eph 3:16-21)
- Able to believe God for the impossible (Eph 3:21)
- Filled with faith (Acts 6:8, Acts 11:24)
- Ecstatic dancing and /or shouting (1 Sam 10:10, 1 Sam 19:20, 1 Sam 19:23, Num 11:25 )
- Great wisdom and insight (Gen 41:38, Job 32:8)
- Specific skills that are supernaturally acquired (Isaiah 11:2, Exo 31)
- You will become a different person (1 Sa 10:6)
- Be able to keep good and sound doctrine (2 Ti 1:14)
- Inward thirsting will be fully satisfied (Isaiah 44:3, Rev 22:17, John 7:37-39)
- You are carried to another place (translated) (2 Ki 2:16), perhaps to another place on earth, or perhaps to heaven (2 Cor 12)
- Your soul and body is quickened and strengthened (Eze 2:2, Eze 37:9, Rom 8:11)
- You will succeed (Zec 4:6)
- Supernatural physical strength (Jdg 14:6)
- Powerful and effective prayers (Jud 1:20)
- Freedom from fear, and a sound mind (2 Ti 1:7)
- Victory over false prophets and evil (1 Jn 4:4)
- Victory over the flesh (Gal 5:16)
This is what scripture reveals it means to receive power, these are the symptoms. As Jesus promised:
Act 1:8 But you shall receive power, the Holy Spirit coming upon you. And you shall be witnesses to Me both in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and to the end of the earth.