God’s Gift of the Holy Spirit
Ephesians 5:11-21
Led by the Holy Spirit. In step with Him. Worshipping and praying in the Spirit. Serving the way He shows us. This describes the Spirit-filled life.
Do you know . . .
What gift God gives each Christian? (Romans 5:5) At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came to permanently indwell believers. Ever since that time, God has given this same gift – the third member of the Trinity – to reside in Christ-followers. We don’t get just His divine power; we get Him, the Spirit of the living Christ.
When this gift comes? In the early days of the church, the disciples were instructed to wait in Jerusalem for the promised Holy Spirit. But when the Spirit of Christ descended upon them at Pentecost, the waiting days ceased. (Acts 2:1-4) At the moment of our salvation, we receive the Spirit as a permanent seal of our inheritance (Ephesians 1:13-14) and as our Guide for this life. We do not have to wait.
Whether this gift comes in stages? This is an important question, and the answer is no. Immediately upon salvation, we get the fullness of God’s Spirit. We cannot get any more of the person of the Holy Spirit than we have the moment we become children of God. However, He desires more of us!
If you have received Christ as your personal Savior, then you have the precious gift of His Spirit dwelling within you. The Spirit of God makes it possible for us to live by faith and please our heavenly Father. (Hebrews 11:6) Is He leading your life?
Daily Devotions with Dr. Charles Stanlley, InTouch Ministries