As we think through the topic of the Holy
Spirit, we may wonder where we are

spiritually. Some questions to ask ourselves are: Have I submitted to the Holy Spirit? Do I ask Him to lead me? Am I learning from the Bible through regular reading, study, and meditation? Am I relying on the Holy Spirit to help me overcome my sinful desires?

Do I enjoy getting together with God’s people for fellowship, Bible study, and prayer? Would people describe me as a happy, joyous Christian? When trouble comes, am I at peace in my innermost being?

When I become aware of sin in my life, do I immediately confess it and ask God to help me to gain the victory?

Am I gentle in my relationships with other people and patient with God? Can I point to certain times when the Holy Spirit gave me the power to perform a certain task or carry a heavy burden? Am I growing in self-control?

To be filled with the Holy Spirit we must be Christ-centered, reading the Bible, submitting to God’s authority, and have confidence that He will do His part as He promised.

If you are a Christian, being filled with the Spirit is not an option—it is a command. But perhaps you have never placed your faith in Jesus. If you have never trusted Him as your Savior, you cannot be filled with the Holy Spirit because He is not in you.

To bring Jesus into your life, you simply need to admit your sin and your inability to save yourself (ephesians 2:8–10). Ask Him to rescue you. He has promised to save all who desire to turn from their sins and call on Him in faith. The Bible says: “As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name” (john 1:12). It also says, “Whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved” (romans 10:13).

Turn to Jesus today. It’s the vital first step to being filled with the Holy Spirit.