In what ways can we prepare for the Holy Spirit's work in us? Anticipating the Outpouring (Acts 2:16) “But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel.” Peter’s words remind us that God keeps His promises and that hearts can be made ready for the same Spirit Joel foretold. How do we cooperate with that preparation? 1. Align Our Expectations with God’s Word - Saturate your mind with Scripture, the Spirit’s own sword (Ephesians 6:17). - Trust the literal promise of Joel 2:28—“I will pour out My Spirit on all people”—and let that promise shape prayer and priorities. - Measure every spiritual impression against the written Word; the Spirit never contradicts what He authored (2 Peter 1:21). 2. Cultivate Humble Repentance - Joel’s call included rending hearts, not garments (Joel 2:12–13). - Confess sin promptly (1 John 1:9). A cleansed vessel is ready for filling (2 Timothy 2:21). - Keep short accounts with both God and people (Matthew 5:23–24). 3. Embrace Earnest Prayer - The 120 “were continually devoting themselves to prayer” before Pentecost (Acts 1:14). - Ask specifically for Spirit-empowered boldness and obedience (Acts 4:31). - Pray God’s promises back to Him; it aligns the heart with His agenda (Isaiah 62:6–7). 4. Foster Expectant Unity - “They were all together in one place” when the Spirit came (Acts 2:1). - Guard against grumbling and division (Philippians 2:14–15). - Celebrate diversity of gifting while maintaining one purpose (1 Corinthians 12:4–7). 5. Live in Ongoing Obedience - Obedience is faith in action; the Spirit delights to empower those already moving in God’s revealed will (John 14:21, 23). - Start with clear commands—love, forgive, witness—then trust Him for power to keep them. - Small steps of obedience today position us for greater assignments tomorrow (Luke 16:10). 6. Recognize Our Complete Dependence - Jesus told the disciples not to depart Jerusalem until they were “clothed with power from on high” (Luke 24:49). - Self-reliance quenches the Spirit; admitted weakness invites His strength (2 Corinthians 12:9). - Daily declare, “Apart from You I can do nothing” (John 15:5). 7. Stay Open to God’s Timing and Methods - Joel’s prophecy spanned centuries; fulfillment may unfold in stages. - Refuse to box the Spirit into familiar patterns (John 3:8). - Rejoice whether He moves through wind and fire (Acts 2:2–3) or a gentle whisper (1 Kings 19:12). Bringing It All Together Preparing for the Spirit’s work means hearts cleansed by repentance, minds anchored in truth, lives knit together in unity, and hands ready to obey. When these elements converge, we stand where Peter stood—watching ancient promises ignite present realities. |
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