WHEN DO WE RECEIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT?
When do we receive the Holy Spirit? The Holy Spirit is that part of the Trinity that lives inside all believers. When and how He enters our hearts is debated for a couple of reasons. The first is the confusion over the terms "indwelled with the Holy Spirit," "filled with the Holy Spirit," and "baptized by the Holy Spirit." The second reason is the tendency of some to see the receiving the Holy Spirit in the early church as recorded in the book of Acts as the model for us today.
Scripture clearly indicates that believers are indwelled with the Holy Spirit—that is, the Holy Spirit moves into their hearts—at the moment of conversion. "For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit" (1 Corinthians 12:13). All believers have the same spirit—the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 1:13 is more specific about the exact moment we receive the Holy Spirit: "In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit." Romans 8:9 explains simply that "Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him."
If the Scriptures so plainly state that all believers have the Holy Spirit, why the controversy? There is a distinct difference between the Holy Spirit indwelling us and the Spirit filling us. The filling of the Holy Spirit was a tool used by God since the Old Testament. In Deuteronomy 34:9, Joshua is filled with the Holy Spirit to take on Moses' responsibilities. In 1 Samuel 19:18-24, King Saul and his servants are filled with the Spirit and prophesy. And in Luke 1:15, the angel explains to Zacharias that his son, John the Baptist, will be filled with the Spirit. After Jesus' death and resurrection the Holy Spirit continued to fill people, including Peter (Acts 4:8), Paul (Acts 13:9), and the other disciples (Acts 13:52). This is different from the simple indwelling of the Spirit experienced by all believers. Some also confuse the baptism of the Holy Spirit. We believe it is the same as the indwelling of the Spirit, although others think it is more similar to the filling of the Spirit.
The book of Acts is a fascinating look into the change from the age of Judaism to the age of the Church. Jesus was a Jew. The disciples were Jews. But the Church is distinctly Christian. The disciples didn't become Christians until John 20:22when Jesus breathed the Holy Spirit into them. In Acts 2:4, they were filled with the Holy Spirit. In Acts 8:14-17, however, God waited to give the Samaritans the Holy Spirit until Peter and John could see. We aren't told why, although perhaps it was so these devout Jews could witness the coming of the Spirit upon a group of people so despised by them. Acts 10:45 seems to corroborate this as the "circumcised believers" (Jews) "were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles."
Today and always, we receive the Holy Spirit the moment we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior. In John 3:5, Jesus says, "…unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God." When we accept Christ, God immediately seals us with His Spirit (2 Corinthians 1:22).
WHEN DO WE RECEIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT?
When do we receive the Holy Spirit? The Holy Spirit is that part of the Trinity that lives inside all believers. When and how He enters our hearts is debated for a couple of reasons. The first is the confusion over the terms "indwelled with the Holy Spirit," "filled with the Holy Spirit," and "baptized by the Holy Spirit." The second reason is the tendency of some to see the receiving the Holy Spirit in the early church as recorded in the book of Acts as the model for us today.
Scripture clearly indicates that believers are indwelled with the Holy Spirit—that is, the Holy Spirit moves into their hearts—at the moment of conversion. "For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit" (1 Corinthians 12:13). All believers have the same spirit—the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 1:13 is more specific about the exact moment we receive the Holy Spirit: "In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit." Romans 8:9 explains simply that "Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him."
If the Scriptures so plainly state that all believers have the Holy Spirit, why the controversy? There is a distinct difference between the Holy Spirit indwelling us and the Spirit filling us. The filling of the Holy Spirit was a tool used by God since the Old Testament. In Deuteronomy 34:9, Joshua is filled with the Holy Spirit to take on Moses' responsibilities. In 1 Samuel 19:18-24, King Saul and his servants are filled with the Spirit and prophesy. And in Luke 1:15, the angel explains to Zacharias that his son, John the Baptist, will be filled with the Spirit. After Jesus' death and resurrection the Holy Spirit continued to fill people, including Peter (Acts 4:8), Paul (Acts 13:9), and the other disciples (Acts 13:52). This is different from the simple indwelling of the Spirit experienced by all believers. Some also confuse the baptism of the Holy Spirit. We believe it is the same as the indwelling of the Spirit, although others think it is more similar to the filling of the Spirit.
The book of Acts is a fascinating look into the change from the age of Judaism to the age of the Church. Jesus was a Jew. The disciples were Jews. But the Church is distinctly Christian. The disciples didn't become Christians until John 20:22when Jesus breathed the Holy Spirit into them. In Acts 2:4, they were filled with the Holy Spirit. In Acts 8:14-17, however, God waited to give the Samaritans the Holy Spirit until Peter and John could see. We aren't told why, although perhaps it was so these devout Jews could witness the coming of the Spirit upon a group of people so despised by them. Acts 10:45 seems to corroborate this as the "circumcised believers" (Jews) "were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles."
Today and always, we receive the Holy Spirit the moment we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior. In John 3:5, Jesus says, "…unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God." When we accept Christ, God immediately seals us with His Spirit (2 Corinthians 1:22).
WHAT IS THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT
What is the fruit of the Spirit?The phrase "the fruit of the Spirit" has caused a great deal of confusion over the years. Perhaps it would be best to begin by explaining what the fruit of the Spirit is not. It is not the result of any effort anyone can make. Not the effort to have faith or to obey or to be loving and kind. The fruit of the Spirit has nothing directly to do with any exertion a believer can make.
The fruit of the Spirit is the natural result of the presence of the Holy Spirit residing in a believer. Philippians 2:13 says, "for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure." Conversely, Isaiah 64:6 says, "all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment…" In and of ourselves, we cannot do good. As Hebrews 13:20-21 says, "Now may the God of peace … equip you with everything good that you may do his will." God accomplishes this as the Holy Spirit indwells believers, changing their character (Philippians 1:6) and manifesting good "fruit." Galatians 5:22-23 lists the characteristics of this fruit.
Love - agape: Agape love is not a sentimental, sweet, affectionate emotion. It is a choice to put others first and to sacrifice ourselves on their behalf (John 15:13). This kind of love can only come through God's power.
Joy - chara: Joy is not happiness; that is, it does not depend on "happenstance." It is independent of our worldly situation. In Philippians 2:1-4, Paul associates complete joy with fellowship and peace in the body of Christ. True joy is the result of a right relationship with God.
Peace - eirene: Peace means everything good within relationships: harmony, friendliness, safety, order, rest, and contentment. First Corinthians 3:3asserts that the opposite—strife—is from the flesh.
Patience - makrothumia: Patience here does not refer to keeping your temper or waiting out an inconvenience. It actually means longsuffering in the face of persecution or abuse. It brings to mind 1 Corinthians 13:5-7 and Jesus' silence while He was being whipped and beaten (Isaiah 53:7).
Kindness - chrestotes: The Bible never tells us to be "nice." "Niceness" often comes from a fear of what others will think or do. "Kindness" is much harder. It encompasses the moral goodness and integrity required to know the right course of action with the strength to choose it.
Goodness - agathosune: Goodness is kindness with an edge. It is fierce kindness, able to do the right thing even if it's hard, even if it hurts someone. "Good" in the New Testament is nearly always associated with God (James 1:17).
Faithfulness - pistis: Faithfulness in this verse does not mean loyalty or dependability. It means belief in God, acknowledgement of His Word, surrender to Him, and the actions that naturally result from that surrender (Hebrews 11:1). When we possess the Spirit's fruit of faithfulness, we are full of faith/trust in God.
Gentleness - prautes: This word doesn't have a true English translation, although "meekness" is often used. It does not refer to actions or attitudes toward others but to the spiritual condition of submission toward God. It means to accept His correction without disputing or resisting. Much like kindness, gentleness comes from a position of strength. It is submission and grace without concern for one's own rights (Philippians 2:5-7).
Self-control - egkrateia: Self-control can also only be manifested through strength. The root word implies a robust power, mastery, and restraining. Paul's teaching concerning self-control actually scared Felix, the governor he confronted in Acts 24 (see verse 25).
The most important concept regarding the fruit of the Spirit is that it is the Spirit's fruit. We are often admonished to be more loving, to have joy, or to be kind, but we cannot do so without the power of the Holy Spirit in us. It is the Holy Spirit who gives love (1 John 4:7), joy (1 Thessalonians 1:6), peace (Romans 8:6), patience (Colossians 1:11), kindness (2 Peter 1:1-9), goodness (2 Thessalonians 1:11), faith (Ephesians 2:8-9), gentleness (2 Corinthians 10:1), and self-control (2 Peter 1:6). Still, we do have a part. Our attitude and our actions affect how the Holy Spirit works in us. We can quench His power and influence (Ephesians 4:30), or we can share in the work of sanctification (1 Peter 1:15; Hebrews 12:14). The "fruit" of the Holy Spirit is directed and powered by God. If we do not abide in Christ, allowing the Holy Spirit to bear fruit in us, we will be clipped off and tossed away just like a shriveled vine (John 15:1-6).
WHAT IS MY SPIRITUAL GIFT
WHAT IS THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT
What is the fruit of the Spirit?The phrase "the fruit of the Spirit" has caused a great deal of confusion over the years. Perhaps it would be best to begin by explaining what the fruit of the Spirit is not. It is not the result of any effort anyone can make. Not the effort to have faith or to obey or to be loving and kind. The fruit of the Spirit has nothing directly to do with any exertion a believer can make.
The fruit of the Spirit is the natural result of the presence of the Holy Spirit residing in a believer. Philippians 2:13 says, "for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure." Conversely, Isaiah 64:6 says, "all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment…" In and of ourselves, we cannot do good. As Hebrews 13:20-21 says, "Now may the God of peace … equip you with everything good that you may do his will." God accomplishes this as the Holy Spirit indwells believers, changing their character (Philippians 1:6) and manifesting good "fruit." Galatians 5:22-23 lists the characteristics of this fruit.
Love - agape: Agape love is not a sentimental, sweet, affectionate emotion. It is a choice to put others first and to sacrifice ourselves on their behalf (John 15:13). This kind of love can only come through God's power.
Joy - chara: Joy is not happiness; that is, it does not depend on "happenstance." It is independent of our worldly situation. In Philippians 2:1-4, Paul associates complete joy with fellowship and peace in the body of Christ. True joy is the result of a right relationship with God.
Peace - eirene: Peace means everything good within relationships: harmony, friendliness, safety, order, rest, and contentment. First Corinthians 3:3asserts that the opposite—strife—is from the flesh.
Patience - makrothumia: Patience here does not refer to keeping your temper or waiting out an inconvenience. It actually means longsuffering in the face of persecution or abuse. It brings to mind 1 Corinthians 13:5-7 and Jesus' silence while He was being whipped and beaten (Isaiah 53:7).
Kindness - chrestotes: The Bible never tells us to be "nice." "Niceness" often comes from a fear of what others will think or do. "Kindness" is much harder. It encompasses the moral goodness and integrity required to know the right course of action with the strength to choose it.
Goodness - agathosune: Goodness is kindness with an edge. It is fierce kindness, able to do the right thing even if it's hard, even if it hurts someone. "Good" in the New Testament is nearly always associated with God (James 1:17).
Faithfulness - pistis: Faithfulness in this verse does not mean loyalty or dependability. It means belief in God, acknowledgement of His Word, surrender to Him, and the actions that naturally result from that surrender (Hebrews 11:1). When we possess the Spirit's fruit of faithfulness, we are full of faith/trust in God.
Gentleness - prautes: This word doesn't have a true English translation, although "meekness" is often used. It does not refer to actions or attitudes toward others but to the spiritual condition of submission toward God. It means to accept His correction without disputing or resisting. Much like kindness, gentleness comes from a position of strength. It is submission and grace without concern for one's own rights (Philippians 2:5-7).
Self-control - egkrateia: Self-control can also only be manifested through strength. The root word implies a robust power, mastery, and restraining. Paul's teaching concerning self-control actually scared Felix, the governor he confronted in Acts 24 (see verse 25).
The most important concept regarding the fruit of the Spirit is that it is the Spirit's fruit. We are often admonished to be more loving, to have joy, or to be kind, but we cannot do so without the power of the Holy Spirit in us. It is the Holy Spirit who gives love (1 John 4:7), joy (1 Thessalonians 1:6), peace (Romans 8:6), patience (Colossians 1:11), kindness (2 Peter 1:1-9), goodness (2 Thessalonians 1:11), faith (Ephesians 2:8-9), gentleness (2 Corinthians 10:1), and self-control (2 Peter 1:6). Still, we do have a part. Our attitude and our actions affect how the Holy Spirit works in us. We can quench His power and influence (Ephesians 4:30), or we can share in the work of sanctification (1 Peter 1:15; Hebrews 12:14). The "fruit" of the Holy Spirit is directed and powered by God. If we do not abide in Christ, allowing the Holy Spirit to bear fruit in us, we will be clipped off and tossed away just like a shriveled vine (John 15:1-6).
WHAT IS MY SPIRITUAL GIFT
What is my spiritual gift? Of spiritual gifts, Paul says, "To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good" (1 Corinthians 12:7). Spiritual gifts are talents and abilities given to Christians by the Holy Spirit to serve the church. In a body made of individual believers, it doesn't make sense for each person to have the same gift—a church made of all teachers, and no servants, would be ineffective. So the Holy Spirit distributes the different gifts so that all the needs of the church can be filled and all the people of the church can be cared for (1 Corinthians 12:11).
Identifying our spiritual gifts is crucial if the church is to function effectively and efficiently. Often our passions in life will line up with our spiritual gifts, but sometimes they are completely different. Natural inborn talents are not to be confused with gifts of the Spirit. Input from others is also helpful, as we may not realize when and in what areas we are having an effect for Christ. Asking God in prayer is critical, since He distributes the gifts. And there are several books and tests available that can be used for input.
One thing to keep in mind is that spiritual gifts are not rigid. Gifts can be used in different ways. Someone with the gift of service may teach or join the worship team because there is a need to be filled. Someone with the gift of mercy may find themselves babysitting to relieve a burdened family. And someone with the gift of encouragement may feel led to start an online Bible ministry, trusting God to fill in other needs as they arise.
Recognizing God's flexibility and creativity will prevent the common problem with identifying spiritual gifts—pigeonholing ourselves. We can get so wrapped up with what a test says that we insist on serving where we want and not where we're needed. That is not the purpose of spiritual gifts. The purpose is to serve the body of Christ, not make an excuse for avoiding what we don't want to do. It's very telling that Paul ends 1 Corinthians 12, a long chapter about spiritual gifts, with the segue "And I will show you a still more excellent way" (verse 31b) then immediately explains how any gift or talent or sacrifice without love is useless (1 Corinthians 13:1-3).
Identifying our spiritual gifts is crucial if the church is to function effectively and efficiently. Often our passions in life will line up with our spiritual gifts, but sometimes they are completely different. Natural inborn talents are not to be confused with gifts of the Spirit. Input from others is also helpful, as we may not realize when and in what areas we are having an effect for Christ. Asking God in prayer is critical, since He distributes the gifts. And there are several books and tests available that can be used for input.
One thing to keep in mind is that spiritual gifts are not rigid. Gifts can be used in different ways. Someone with the gift of service may teach or join the worship team because there is a need to be filled. Someone with the gift of mercy may find themselves babysitting to relieve a burdened family. And someone with the gift of encouragement may feel led to start an online Bible ministry, trusting God to fill in other needs as they arise.
Recognizing God's flexibility and creativity will prevent the common problem with identifying spiritual gifts—pigeonholing ourselves. We can get so wrapped up with what a test says that we insist on serving where we want and not where we're needed. That is not the purpose of spiritual gifts. The purpose is to serve the body of Christ, not make an excuse for avoiding what we don't want to do. It's very telling that Paul ends 1 Corinthians 12, a long chapter about spiritual gifts, with the segue "And I will show you a still more excellent way" (verse 31b) then immediately explains how any gift or talent or sacrifice without love is useless (1 Corinthians 13:1-3).
