And he said to them, Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed? Acts 19:2
Here it was Paul who asked these 12 disciples this question. Now, I ask you, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” Before you say “Yes”, I want you to consider the influence and the power of the Holy Spirit in the life of those who first received Him. Our experience of Him today cannot be less or different from theirs. If we are not close to them in experience, we must ask earnestly for the Spirit.
Let me remind you why it is important to receive the Holy Spirit
- Anyone who does not have the Spirit of God does not belong to Him Rm 8:9. No one can be a part of Christ, a member of His Body, without the Spirit. The Holy Spirit gives us Christ’s life and births us into His family. You cannot claim membership and have the heritage of the children of God if you do not have the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is like the blood running in the veins of those who have received Christ.
- Without the Holy Spirit we cannot effectively witness Christ. Acts 1:8. You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you and you will be my witnesses…. Kingdom witnesses are men and women filled with the Holy Spirit. They are able to provide evidence of Christ’s life and power. They resemble Christ and bear His fruits…fruit of the Spirit. They are clothed with power to do the works of Christ.
- Without the Holy Spirit, the flesh profits nothing…Jn 6:63. As believers our services to God and man can only be meaningful, impactful and profitable if they are done by the help of the Spirit. Works that are recognized in Heaven must be by the Spirit. Works that point the way to God are done under the influence of the Spirit. Works that will receive eternal reward must be by the Spirit. You cannot attain to Christ life by self-discipline. Holiness, righteousness, Godliness, love etc cannot become your nature by just careful living. Victory over sinful self is not attainable by following principles and step by step methodologies. To be whole in Christ you must submit to the Holy Spirit’s full control.
- All who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God Rm 8:14. If you follow the Holy Spirit, your life will reveal God (Christ). The outcomes of your life will certainly have attributes that are like God’s. God’s life is not ordinary life. So, we are talking about extraordinary outcomes. Are you seeing such in your life?
We can go on and on and talk about this great need. Let me ask you again, “Did your receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” Do not rest content if the outcomes of your own life are not comparable to those who first received the Holy Spirit. The Father promised to give to those who ask for the Holy Spirit. So, ask and receive in faith in Jesus name and seek greater acquaintance with the only one you need to Help you in all things. Amen.