The Rise of the Men and Women Full of the Holy Spirit

God looks beyond outward qualifications and values the character of those who serve Him. Acts 6:3 emphasizes the importance of having a good reputation, being full of the Holy Spirit, and possessing wisdom.

"Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business." (Acts 6:3 NKJV)

To become a person God can use, we must allow Him to transform us from within.

The Mind as a Battleground

The transformation of our minds begins when we surrender our thoughts to the Lord. Our thoughts influence our emotions, decisions, and actions. That is why we must be conscious of what we allow into our minds, bringing every thought into obedience to Christ.

"...casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ." (2 Corinthians 10:5 NKJV)

Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we learn to reject thoughts that oppose God's will and embrace those that lead us toward righteousness.

The Fruit of the Holy Spirit

A transformed mind produces a transformed character. Galatians 5:22–23 teaches that the fruit of the Holy Spirit includes love, joy, peace, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law." (Galatians 5:22–23 NKJV)

As we submit our minds to the Holy Spirit, these qualities become evident in our lives, helping us reflect the character of Christ.

Becoming a Vessel of Grace and Power

Stephen was described as a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit.

"And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch." (Acts 6:5 NKJV)

His life reminds us that being used by God requires spiritual maturity and godly character. As we surrender our thoughts and emotions to Jesus Christ, we learn to exercise self-control and become more prepared to serve Him faithfully.

Conclusion

Many desire to be used by God, but becoming a vessel for His purposes requires a life surrendered to Him. When we allow the Holy Spirit to transform our minds and develop Christlike character within us, we become people of good reputation, wisdom, and faithfulness. Ang hunahuna ug emosyon nga gitugyan kang Ginoong Jesu-Cristo mahimong instrumento sa Iyang grasya, gahom, ug kabubut-on.

This sermon was delivered by Bs. Rey Paraguya last Sept 27, 2026.