There are several ways of understanding "Filling with the Holy Spirit." Some people teach that it happens at conversion: when one asks Jesus into his or her heart. Others believe that filling occurs at some point during the believer's growth: at baptism, or simply when the Spirit decides. Still others believe that the filling of the Spirit is a temporary, circumstantial occurrence, used for specific work of God on earth through His servants. Whatever your personal beliefs, several Scriptural steps are most certainly involved.
1. Become a believer. In preparation for The Filling of the Spirit, one must be a believer in Jesus Christ as Son of God who made the full payment for our sins. Without this acclamation of faith, one cannot be filled with the Holy Spirit, for biblically, the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God and of Christ. This is very clearly stated in the New Testament
2. Confess known sin and seek and receive forgiveness for all sin by reliance on the completed work of Jesus Christ on the cross. The Scriptures teach that God works in those whose lives are free of SIN. Keep "short records" with God about sin. Confess sin instantly, letting no departure from God's will continue
3. Desire to be fully controlled by the Holy Spirit, which may also be called being under the full influence of the Spirit or to be constantly led by God. Seek this control in prayer. Do not place any conditions on what God may do in your life. Be ready for him to exhibit his control in any way he pleases. Do not demand anything as a sign of his filling. Expect only that he will make his full dominion evident as He did in the beginning
4. Read examples of people being filled with the Holy Spirit. Such as Acts2:4, Acts10:44-46 and Acts19:1-6
5. Claim the promise of God that he will reveal himself and fill your life with good things. Say the prayer for Wisdom and Revelation in Ephesians 1:17 for yourself. I recommend that you say this prayer everyday for one year and God will begin to reveal many things to you.
* Believing that God has responded by taking charge of your life (filling) as you have confessed, sought Him, and invited Him to control you, begin walking with Christ by faith, confident that He is leading and will lead you fully and empower you to live for Him.
* Galatians 3:14 says that we receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. James 2:14,20 says that faith without works is dead. Ask God what you can do for Him to walk in faith.
