What steps ensure we receive "the Spirit" as taught in Scripture? The Vital Caution from 2 Corinthians 11:4 “For if someone comes and proclaims a Jesus other than the One we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit than the one you received, or a different gospel than the one you accepted, you put up with it way too easily.” Paul warns that a “different spirit” is possible. To receive the genuine Spirit, Scripture sets clear, identifiable steps—each affirmed elsewhere in God’s Word. Step 1: Embrace the True Jesus of the Gospel • John 1:12—“Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.” • 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 summarizes the gospel Paul preached: Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose on the third day. Believing this specific message guards us from counterfeit “Jesuses.” Step 2: Respond in Repentant Faith • Mark 1:15—“Repent and believe the gospel.” • 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.’” Genuine faith includes a turn from sin toward the Lord. Step 3: Obey in Baptism • Acts 2:38 (above) links baptism with the promised gift of the Spirit. • Acts 10:47-48—Cornelius’s household believed, received the Spirit, and was then baptized in Jesus’ name. Obedient immersion publicly aligns us with Christ and His body. Step 4: Ask and Receive by Grace, Not Works • Galatians 3:2—“Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law, or by hearing with faith?” • Luke 11:13—“How much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” The Spirit is a gracious gift, received through believing prayer. Step 5: Yield Daily to the Spirit’s Leading • Galatians 5:16—“Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” • Ephesians 4:30—“Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God.” Continual surrender keeps the channel clear for His fullness. Step 6: Test Every Message and Manifestation • 1 John 4:1—“Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” • 2 Corinthians 11:4 reminds that a “different spirit” can masquerade as genuine. The Word is our measuring rod; anything contradicting Scripture is rejected. Step 7: Rest in the Spirit’s Inner Assurance • Romans 8:16—“The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” A settled witness within provides confidence that we have truly received Him. Putting It Together 1. Believe the biblical gospel of the crucified and risen Jesus. 2. Repent—turn from sin to God. 3. Obey in baptism as an outward act of faith. 4. Ask the Father, trusting His promise to give the Spirit. 5. Continually yield, walking in step with Him. 6. Measure all teachings and experiences by Scripture. 7. Enjoy the Spirit’s confirming testimony of sonship. Following these Scriptural steps safeguards us from counterfeit influences and ensures we receive—and keep walking in—the authentic, life-giving Spirit promised by our Lord. |
    |