How can we ensure we have "received the Holy Spirit" in our lives? The Foundational Promise: Acts 2:38 “Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’ ” What the Verse Teaches, Step by Step • Repent – turn from sin to God. • Be baptized in Jesus’ name – publicly identify with Christ. • Receive forgiveness – guilt is cleansed. • Receive the Holy Spirit – God’s own presence comes to indwell. Clear Marks That We Have Received the Spirit • Inner Witness: “The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” (Romans 8:16) • New Desires: “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16) • Spiritual Fruit: “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace…” (Galatians 5:22-23) • Growing Obedience: “Those who obey His commands live in Him, and He in them.” (1 John 3:24) • Bold Witness: “You will receive power… and you will be My witnesses.” (Acts 1:8) Practical Steps to Walk in the Assurance 1. Examine the Foundation – Have I truly repented and trusted Christ alone? (John 3:16; Acts 3:19) 2. Confirm Obedience in Baptism – Follow the New Testament pattern of believer’s baptism. (Matthew 28:19) 3. Embrace Daily Surrender – “Be filled with the Spirit.” (Ephesians 5:18) Invite His control each day. 4. Feed on Scripture – The Spirit breathes through the Word He inspired. (2 Timothy 3:16) 5. Cultivate Fellowship – The Spirit knits believers together for encouragement and accountability. (Hebrews 10:24-25) 6. Serve with Your Gifts – The Spirit distributes gifts “for the common good.” (1 Corinthians 12:7) Using them affirms His presence. 7. Guard Holiness – “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit.” (Ephesians 4:30) Turn from anything that quenches His work. Key Encouragements to Hold Fast • God keeps His word; if the conditions are met, the promise stands secure. (Titus 1:2) • Assurance rests on God’s character, not on fluctuating feelings. (1 John 5:13) • Ongoing obedience deepens confidence that the Spirit truly resides within. (Philippians 2:12-13) |
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