InstaStudy

Experiencing Divine Entrance in a Season of Reading and Praying for the Gift of the Holy Ghost as a Sinner: Biblical Principles for Spiritual Awakening and God's Unmerited Grace.

This study explores the biblical path to spiritual awakening and experiencing God's transformative power. It delves into the foundational principles of repentance, water baptism, and receiving the Holy Ghost, emphasizing God's singular nature and His abundant grace available to all who seek Him.

1. Understanding the One True God

1.1 God Revealed as One

Verses: Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 43:10-11; Isaiah 44:6; John 14:8-9
  • The Scriptures consistently declare there is only one God.
  • God manifests Himself in various ways, but His essence is singular.
  • Jesus Christ is the full embodiment of the one God, the Father dwelling in Him.

1.2 Jesus as God Incarnate

Verses: John 1:1,14; Colossians 2:9; 1 Timothy 3:16; Matthew 1:23
  • Jesus is not merely a prophet or a separate deity, but God Himself made flesh.
  • In Christ dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.
  • He is both Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in manifestation.

1.3 The Holy Spirit as God's Presence

Verses: John 14:16-18; Acts 2:4; Romans 8:9-10
  • The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God, the Spirit of Christ, God's active presence.
  • It is not a separate person but God Himself working within believers.
  • Receiving the Holy Spirit is receiving God's indwelling power and guidance.

2. The Foundation of Repentance and Water Baptism

2.1 The Necessity of Repentance

Verses: Acts 2:38; Acts 3:19; Luke 13:3,5
  • Repentance is a change of mind and heart, turning away from sin towards God.
  • It is the first step in God's plan of salvation for all sinners.
  • True repentance leads to a desire for a new life in Christ.

2.2 Water Baptism for the Remission of Sins

Verses: Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16; Romans 6:3-4; Colossians 2:12
  • Water baptism is an essential part of the new birth experience, commanded by Christ.
  • It symbolizes burial with Christ and resurrection to new life.
  • Baptism is to be administered in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.

2.3 The Significance of Jesus' Name in Baptism

Verses: Acts 2:38; Acts 8:16; Acts 10:48; Acts 19:5
  • The apostles consistently baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.
  • This name carries all authority and power, representing the one God.
  • Baptism in Jesus' name signifies identification with His death, burial, and resurrection.

3. Receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost

3.1 The Promise of the Holy Ghost

Verses: Acts 2:38-39; Joel 2:28-29; John 7:38-39
  • The Holy Ghost is a gift promised to all who believe and obey God.
  • It is the fulfillment of prophecy and Christ's promise to send a Comforter.
  • This gift is for 'you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off'.

3.2 The Initial Evidence of Speaking in Tongues

Verses: Acts 2:4; Acts 10:45-46; Acts 19:6; Mark 16:17
  • The Bible consistently shows speaking in other tongues as the initial physical evidence of receiving the Holy Ghost.
  • This is a supernatural utterance given by the Spirit, not learned.
  • It is a sign to believers and unbelievers of God's indwelling presence.

3.3 How to Receive the Holy Ghost

Verses: Acts 2:38; Luke 11:13; Acts 5:32
  • It is received through faith, prayer, and obedience to God's word.
  • Seek God earnestly, repent, and be baptized in Jesus' name.
  • God freely gives His Spirit to those who ask Him.

4. Living a Spirit-Filled Life

4.1 Walking in the Spirit

Verses: Galatians 5:16; Romans 8:1,4; Ephesians 5:18
  • Being filled with the Spirit is not a one-time event but an ongoing experience.
  • Walking in the Spirit means allowing God's Spirit to guide our thoughts and actions.
  • It involves continually yielding to the Spirit's leading and power.

4.2 The Fruit of the Spirit

Verses: Galatians 5:22-23; John 15:8; Philippians 1:11
  • The Spirit's presence produces Christ-like character in believers.
  • Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance are evidences of a Spirit-filled life.
  • These fruits are a natural outflow of God's Spirit working within us.

4.3 Spiritual Gifts for Edification

Verses: 1 Corinthians 12:4-11; Romans 12:6-8; Ephesians 4:11-12
  • The Holy Ghost empowers believers with various gifts for the building up of the church.
  • These gifts are diverse but all originate from the same Spirit.
  • They are to be used in love and for the glory of God.

5. God's Unmerited Grace and Continued Growth

5.1 Salvation by Grace Through Faith

Verses: Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 2:11-12; Romans 3:23-24
  • Salvation is a gift from God, not earned by works, but received through faith.
  • God's grace makes it possible for sinners to be reconciled to Him.
  • This grace teaches us to deny ungodliness and live righteously.

5.2 The Journey of Sanctification

Verses: 1 Thessalonians 4:3; Hebrews 12:14; 2 Corinthians 7:1
  • Sanctification is the ongoing process of being made holy and set apart for God.
  • It involves daily surrender, prayer, and studying God's Word.
  • The Holy Spirit empowers us to live a life pleasing to God.

5.3 Perseverance and Eternal Hope

Verses: Philippians 1:6; Hebrews 10:23; Revelation 2:10
  • God is faithful to complete the good work He began in us.
  • We are called to remain steadfast in our faith until the end.
  • Our hope is in the eternal life and reward promised to those who overcome.