How can we seek the Holy Spirit's gifts as seen in Acts 19:6? Setting the scene - “And when Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.” (Acts 19:6) - Believers in Ephesus had just been baptized in the name of Jesus (Acts 19:5). Immediately after Paul’s hands were laid on them, two gifts surfaced—tongues and prophecy—showing the Spirit’s power is both experiential and vocal. Recognizing the pattern in Acts 19 - Clear gospel teaching - Personal faith and repentance - Baptism in Jesus’ name - Laying on of hands by recognized leaders - Immediate reception and manifestation of the Spirit’s gifts This sequence appears elsewhere (Acts 8:14-17; 10:44-46), affirming it as a reliable biblical model. Essential heart postures - Repentance and faith: “Repent and be baptized… and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38-39) - Child-like asking: “How much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” (Luke 11:13) - Desire that is motivated by love: “Earnestly pursue love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts.” (1 Corinthians 14:1) - Submission to Christ’s lordship and Scripture’s authority (2 Timothy 3:16). Practical steps to seek the gifts 1. Confirm your standing in Christ (John 1:12; Acts 16:31). 2. Obey in baptism if you have not already (Acts 2:38). 3. Ask the Father specifically for the Spirit’s gifts (Luke 11:13). 4. Welcome the laying on of hands by mature, trusted elders (Acts 8:17; 1 Timothy 4:14). 5. Immerse your mind in Scripture so the Spirit has “tracks to run on” (Colossians 3:16). 6. Spend focused time in worship, fasting, and listening (Acts 13:2). 7. Serve actively in the local body; gifts surface in the context of need (1 Corinthians 12; Ephesians 4:12). 8. Step out when promptings come—speak, pray, act—“fan into flame the gift of God” (2 Timothy 1:6). Guardrails for discernment - Gifts are for the common good, not personal spotlight (1 Corinthians 12:7; 14:12). - Test every spiritual impression against Scripture (1 John 4:1). - Remain under pastoral accountability (Hebrews 13:17). - Expect order, not confusion, when the Spirit moves (1 Corinthians 14:33). Encouragement to expect fruit - Power for witness: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses.” (Acts 1:8) - Character transformation accompanies power: “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace…” (Galatians 5:22-23). - As you seek the gifts, anticipate God to build up His church and glorify Christ through you. |
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