How can we ensure we are open to the Holy Spirit's guidance? Starting Point: The Spirit Fell on Listening Hearts Acts 11:15: “As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, just as He had come upon us at the beginning.” Key Observations from Peter’s Experience • Peter was already obeying the vision God gave in Acts 10, showing that prior obedience keeps the heart ready. • The Spirit acted while the gospel was proclaimed, revealing that openness grows in the atmosphere of God’s Word. • Peter recognized the work of the Spirit because it matched what happened “at the beginning” (Acts 2:1-4), confirming that Scripture and past Spirit-led events form the standard for discernment. Attitudes That Keep the Channel Clear • Humble readiness—James 4:6: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” • Wholehearted surrender—Romans 12:1: presenting body and mind as a living sacrifice removes internal resistance. • Expectant faith—Hebrews 11:6: believing that God rewards those who seek Him positions the soul to receive. • Willing obedience—John 14:21: love expressed through obedience invites deeper manifestation of Christ and His Spirit. Daily Habits That Promote Sensitivity • Saturating the mind with Scripture – Psalm 119:105: the Word lights the path the Spirit guides along. – 2 Timothy 3:16-17: God-breathed truth equips for every good work. • Consistent prayerful communion – Ephesians 6:18: praying “in the Spirit” keeps fellowship vibrant. – Jude 20: building up faith through Spirit-led prayer strengthens discernment. • Quick repentance and confession – Acts 3:19: repentance brings “times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord.” – 1 John 1:9: confession restores unhindered fellowship. • Corporate worship and counsel – Acts 13:2: while leaders worshiped and fasted, the Spirit spoke. – Proverbs 11:14: multitude of counselors provides safety from misinterpretation. • Active service and witness – Galatians 5:25: “Since we live by the Spirit, let us walk in step with the Spirit.” – Obedient action sharpens the ear to further direction. Guardrails That Prevent Grieving or Quenching the Spirit • Avoid persistent sin—Ephesians 4:30 warns not to grieve the Spirit through bitterness, anger, or unwholesome talk. • Reject willful unbelief—Hebrews 3:12 cautions against an unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. • Discern counterfeit voices—1 John 4:1 calls for testing the spirits against the truth of Christ’s incarnation and Word. • Guard the conscience—1 Timothy 1:19 links a good conscience with steadfast faith. Encouragement from Additional Passages • John 16:13: “When He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth.” The promise assures continual guidance. • Romans 8:14: “All who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” Guidance is a family privilege. • 1 Thessalonians 5:19: “Do not quench the Spirit.” A short command reminding that the choice to remain open is ongoing. Putting It All Together Living in humble submission to God’s Word, responding quickly to His promptings, maintaining a repentant heart, and keeping close fellowship with other believers combine to create a posture where the Holy Spirit’s guidance is welcomed and recognized, just as vividly as when He fell in Acts 11:15. |
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