THE IN-FILLING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT (I)
“Then Paul said, “John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.” When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.” Acts 19:4-6 NKJV
Our theme scripture is one that has often been misinterpreted and has caused misunderstanding among those who are young in or new to the faith.
The baptism of John was one that encouraged people to repent and prepare their hearts for the One who was to come. It was a sign of readiness but not the fullness of salvation. When Paul met these disciples, he realized they had stopped short, they had turned from sin but had not yet embraced Christ as the risen Lord. Once they believed in Jesus and were baptized in His name, they received the Holy Spirit.
Here we must make an important distinction: every believer receives the Holy Spirit at the moment of salvation. Paul reminds us elsewhere that the Spirit is the seal of our salvation (Ephesians 1:13). The Spirit is not given later through a human act alone though God is not limited in His ways, but it is ultimately through faith in Christ.
Child of God, what we seek daily, is to be filled anew, to walk in His power, and to be vessels through which His gifts and fruit flow. Let no man claim otherwise.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You that by faith in You I have received the gift of Your Spirit, the seal of my salvation. I long daily to be filled with Your power, to serve with boldness and to walk in holiness. Teach me to surrender more fully, that the fruit and gifts of the Spirit may be evident in my life, to the glory of your name. Amen.
CI.
RELATED RESOURCES
• Ephesians 1:13
• 1 Corinthians 12:13
• Romans 8:9
