InstaStudy

Denying the Flesh and Embracing Spiritual Discipline to Receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost and Walk in Divine Power.

This study explores the biblical mandate to deny worldly desires and cultivate spiritual disciplines, leading to the reception of the Holy Ghost and an empowered walk in God's divine purpose. It delves into the nature of the one true God, the essential steps of salvation, and the transformative power available to believers.

1. The One True God and His Redemptive Plan

1.1 The Revelation of God as One

Verses: Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 43:10-11; Isaiah 44:6; John 14:8-9
  • God is one, not a plurality of persons.
  • Jesus is the manifestation of the one God in flesh.
  • There is no God beside Him, He is the Alpha and Omega.

1.2 Jesus Christ: God Manifest in Flesh

Verses: 1 Timothy 3:16; Colossians 2:9; John 1:1, 14; Isaiah 9:6
  • In Jesus dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.
  • He is both fully God and fully man.
  • He is the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost revealed in different capacities.

1.3 The Purpose of His Coming

Verses: Luke 19:10; John 3:16; Romans 5:8; 1 John 3:8
  • To seek and save that which was lost.
  • To reconcile humanity to God through His sacrifice.
  • To destroy the works of the devil and offer eternal life.

2. The Foundation of Salvation: Repentance and Water Baptism

2.1 The Necessity of Repentance

Verses: Acts 2:38; Luke 13:3; Acts 3:19; Mark 1:15
  • Repentance is a change of mind and heart, turning from sin to God.
  • It involves godly sorrow for sin and a commitment to change.
  • It is the essential first step in responding to the gospel.

2.2 Water Baptism in Jesus' Name

Verses: Acts 2:38; Acts 8:16; Acts 10:48; Acts 19:5; Colossians 2:12
  • Baptism is for the remission of sins and identification with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection.
  • It must be administered by immersion in the name of Jesus Christ.
  • This is the biblical pattern demonstrated throughout the book of Acts.

2.3 The Significance of the Name of Jesus

Verses: Acts 4:12; Philippians 2:9-11; Colossians 3:17
  • There is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.
  • All authority in heaven and earth has been given to the name of Jesus.
  • We are commanded to do all things in the name of the Lord Jesus.

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 14:16-17
  • The Holy Ghost is a divine gift promised to all who obey God.
  • It is the Spirit of God, the Spirit of Jesus, dwelling within believers.
  • This promise is for you, your children, and all who are afar off.

3.2 The Initial Evidence of Speaking in Tongues

Verses: Acts 2:4; Acts 10:44-46; Acts 19:6; Mark 16:17
  • Speaking in other tongues, as the Spirit gives utterance, is the initial physical evidence of receiving the Holy Ghost.
  • This supernatural experience is consistent throughout the New Testament accounts.
  • It is a sign to both believers and unbelievers of God's presence.

3.3 The Purpose and Power of the Holy Ghost

Verses: Acts 1:8; John 16:13; Romans 8:26; Galatians 5:22-23
  • The Holy Ghost empowers believers for witness and service.
  • It guides us into all truth and helps us in our weaknesses.
  • It produces the fruit of the Spirit, transforming our character.

4. Denying the Flesh and Walking in Divine Power

4.1 The Conflict Between Flesh and Spirit

Verses: Galatians 5:16-17; Romans 7:18-25; Romans 8:5-8
  • There is a constant war between the desires of the flesh and the Spirit.
  • To be carnally minded leads to death, but spiritual mindedness leads to life and peace.
  • We must choose daily to walk in the Spirit and not fulfill the lusts of the flesh.

4.2 Spiritual Disciplines for Victory

Verses: Romans 12:1-2; 1 Corinthians 9:27; Ephesians 6:10-18; James 4:7
  • Presenting our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God.
  • Bringing our bodies into subjection through prayer, fasting, and Bible study.
  • Putting on the whole armor of God to stand against spiritual wickedness.

4.3 Manifesting Divine Power

Verses: Mark 16:17-18; 1 Corinthians 12:7-11; John 14:12
  • Believers are empowered to cast out devils, speak with new tongues, and heal the sick.
  • The Holy Ghost distributes spiritual gifts for the edification of the church.
  • Through Christ, we can do greater works than He did, by His Spirit within us.

4.4 Living a Life of Holiness and Purpose

Verses: 1 Peter 1:15-16; Hebrews 12:14; Matthew 5:16; Philippians 2:14-15
  • We are called to be holy in all our conduct, reflecting God's nature.
  • Without holiness, no one will see the Lord.
  • Our lives, empowered by the Spirit, should shine as lights in a dark world, fulfilling God's purpose.