How can we seek a "double portion" of God's Spirit in our lives? An Old Testament Pattern: Elisha’s Request “After they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, ‘Ask, what shall I do for you before I am taken from you?’ And Elisha said, ‘Please let me inherit a double portion of your spirit.’ ” (2 Kings 2:9) What the “Double Portion” Signifies • Inheritance language—firstborn sons received a double share (Deuteronomy 21:17). • Spiritual succession—Elisha desired the same Spirit-empowered ministry Elijah carried, but multiplied for maximum impact. • Full surrender—he burned his plow (1 Kings 19:21), signaling total commitment to God’s call. New-Covenant Fulfillment: More of the Same Spirit • Acts 1:8—“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you.” • Ephesians 5:18—“Be filled with the Spirit.” The Greek tense pictures continual filling. • John 14:12—Jesus promises “greater works” through believers indwelt by the Spirit. God invites every follower of Christ to pursue increasing measures of His empowering presence. Heart Postures That Attract a Double Portion • Hunger: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness” (Matthew 5:6). • Humility: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). • Holiness: “Pursue…holiness, without which no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14). • Honor for Mentors: Elisha stuck to Elijah “until they were separated” (2 Kings 2:11). Practical Ways to Seek More of the Spirit 1. Persistent Prayer • Luke 11:13—The Father “will give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him.” • Set specific times to ask for fresh filling; refuse to quit after one request. 2. Saturate Your Mind with the Word • Colossians 3:16—“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.” • The Spirit rides on Scripture; memorize, meditate, and obey promptly. 3. Stay Close to God-Chosen Relationships • Proverbs 13:20—“He who walks with the wise will become wise.” • Walk with Spirit-filled believers; glean impartation and accountability. 4. Step Out in Obedient Faith • Acts 5:32—God gives the Spirit “to those who obey Him.” • Share the gospel, pray for the sick, serve sacrificially; power follows obedience. 5. Guard the Vessel • 2 Timothy 2:21—Clean vessels are “useful to the Master.” • Repent quickly, refuse bitterness, and flee moral compromise. Recognizing a Double Portion at Work • Increased boldness (Acts 4:31). • Deeper love for Jesus and people (Romans 5:5). • Manifest spiritual gifts that edify others (1 Corinthians 12:7). • Resilience in trials (2 Corinthians 4:7-9). Common Obstacles & Biblical Remedies • Unbelief → Remedy: Romans 10:17—fuel faith through hearing the Word. • Distraction → Remedy: Psalm 27:4—single-minded pursuit of God’s presence. • Unconfessed sin → Remedy: 1 John 1:9—confession brings cleansing and fresh filling. Living Daily in the Overflow • Start each morning yielding to the Spirit: “Here I am, Lord—fill and send me.” • Throughout the day, pause and listen; quick obedience keeps the flow open. • End the day in gratitude, recounting evidences of His power and preparing your heart for even more tomorrow. |
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