The Spirit’s Unique Power
Read 1 Corinthians 2:2–5
For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. And I was with you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling. (1 Corinthians 2:2–3 NASB)
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Insight for Today
Written by Chuck Swindoll, these encouraging devotional thoughts are published seven days per week.
The Spirit Discloses Truth
Read John 16:12–13
“There is so much more I want to tell you, but you can’t bear it now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. (John 16:12–13)
During the Last Supper, Jesus made a sweeping prediction most of us have never accepted at face value; namely, “He [the Holy Spirit] will guide you into all truth.” Imagine!
How Are We Filled with the Spirit? Part Two
Read Ephesians 4:1
Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called. (Ephesians 4:1 NASB)
The Spirit’s filling is like walking. When we are little children, every tiny step is a conscious effort and a magnificent achievement. Soon, we learn to link two or three steps together before we fall. And then before you know it, by the time we’ve reached four or five, we’re walking and not even thinking about it. Walking has simply become a part of life.
How Are We Filled with the Spirit? Part One
Read Ephesians 5:15, 17–18; John 15:5
So then, be careful how you walk, not as unwise people, but as wise....Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, in which there is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit. (Ephesians 5:15, 17–18 NASB)
Even though every believer has the Holy Spirit, it is possible to operate our lives apart from His control. But when that happens—which it does with many Christians every day—what is missed is nothing short of tragic.
Fuel That Never Runs Out
Read Colossians 2:6
Therefore, as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him. (Colossians 2:6 NASB)
When the Spirit Takes Control
Read Romans 6:16; 8:15–17, 26–28; Galatians 5:22–23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22–23 NASB)
Good news! You don’t have to serve our old master, sin, any longer! By the Spirit‘s filling, evidences of our new nature emerge.
My Flesh...His Spirit
Read Galatians 5:16–17, 19–21
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the desire of the flesh is against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, in order to keep you from doing whatever you want. (Galatians 5:16–17 NASB)
The Spirit...My Sin
Read Romans 6:12–13, 7:24, 8:1
Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires. Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God. (Romans 6:12–13)
A Probing Question
Read John 14:12; Romans 12:1–2
“Truly, truly I say to you, the one who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these will he do; because I am going to the Father. (John 14:12 NASB)
After relating the shocking, supernatural changes that resulted from the Spirit taking up residence inside the early followers of Jesus, I’m compelled to ask you: Is the Spirit of God being allowed to transform your life? In case you think that’s an irrelevant question, read the opening words of Romans 12:
Invincible and Joyful
Read Acts 5:27–32
Then they brought the apostles before the high council, where the high priest confronted them. “We gave you strict orders never again to teach in this man’s name!” he said. “Instead, you have filled all Jerusalem with your teaching about him, and you want to make us responsible for his death!” But Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than any human authority.” (Acts 5:27–29)
