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Living in Holy Anticipation: Preparing the Heart, Aligning the Will, and Positioning the Life to Eagerly Expect and Faithfully Receive the Promised Gift of the Holy Ghost According to the Scriptures.

This study explores the scriptural foundation for eagerly anticipating and faithfully receiving the Holy Ghost. We will delve into the divine promise, the necessary heart preparation, the alignment of our will with God's word, and how to position our lives to experience this transformative gift, understanding its purpose and power for believers today.

1. The Divine Promise and Identity of the Holy Ghost

1.1 The Promise of the Spirit

Verses: Joel 2:28-29; John 14:16-17; Acts 1:4-5, 8
  • God's ancient promise to pour out His Spirit upon all flesh.
  • Jesus reiterated this promise, instructing His disciples to wait for the power from on high.
  • The Holy Ghost is the promised Comforter, Guide, and source of divine power for believers.

1.2 Understanding the Identity of the Holy Ghost

Verses: John 14:18; Romans 8:9-11; 2 Corinthians 3:17; Colossians 2:9
  • The Holy Ghost is not a separate entity but the Spirit of God Himself, the Spirit of Christ.
  • It is God's presence and power dwelling within the believer, making Christ real in our lives.
  • Jesus is the fullness of the Godhead bodily, and His Spirit is the Spirit of truth.

1.3 The Purpose of the Holy Ghost

Verses: John 16:13; Acts 1:8; Romans 8:26; Galatians 5:22-23
  • To empower believers for witness and service, giving boldness and spiritual ability.
  • To guide into all truth, convict of sin, and reveal the things of God.
  • To produce spiritual fruit and enable a life of victory over sin.

2. Preparing the Heart for Reception

2.1 Cultivating a Thirsty Heart

Verses: Psalm 42:1-2; Isaiah 55:1; John 7:37-39
  • The Holy Ghost is given to those who genuinely hunger and thirst for righteousness.
  • A deep desire and longing for God's presence is a prerequisite for receiving His Spirit.
  • We must actively seek and pursue God with all our heart.

2.2 Removing Hindrances to the Spirit

Verses: Isaiah 59:1-2; Ephesians 4:30-32; James 4:8
  • Unconfessed sin, bitterness, and unforgiveness can grieve the Spirit and hinder reception.
  • We must cleanse our hands and purify our hearts through repentance and confession.
  • A yielded and obedient heart creates an open vessel for the Spirit's infilling.

2.3 Embracing Humility and Teachability

Verses: Psalm 25:9; Proverbs 3:5-6; Matthew 18:3-4
  • God gives grace to the humble, and a humble heart is receptive to divine instruction.
  • We must be willing to lay aside our own understanding and embrace God's way.
  • A childlike faith and willingness to be taught are essential for spiritual growth and reception.

3. Aligning the Will: Repentance and Baptism in Jesus' Name

3.1 The Call to Repentance

Verses: Acts 2:38; Luke 13:3; 2 Peter 3:9
  • Repentance is a fundamental command, involving a change of mind, heart, and direction from sin to God.
  • It is a prerequisite for the remission of sins and for receiving the Holy Ghost.
  • True repentance leads to a turning away from ungodliness and a commitment to follow Christ.

3.2 Water Baptism in the Name of Jesus Christ

Verses: Acts 2:38; Acts 8:16; Acts 10:48; Acts 19:5; Colossians 2:12
  • Scriptural water baptism is to be administered in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.
  • This act identifies the believer with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection.
  • It is an essential step of obedience and a part of the New Testament pattern for salvation and receiving the Spirit.

3.3 The Connection Between Baptism and the Spirit

Verses: Acts 2:38-39; Acts 19:1-6
  • The promise of the Holy Ghost is directly linked to repentance and baptism in Jesus' name.
  • These acts of obedience prepare the way for the infilling of the Spirit.
  • The early church consistently experienced the Holy Ghost after these foundational steps.

4. Positioning the Life to Eagerly Expect and Faithfully Receive

4.1 Waiting in Expectation

Verses: Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4; Psalm 27:14
  • Just as the disciples waited, we are to wait with eager expectation for the promise.
  • This waiting is not passive but an active posture of faith and prayer.
  • God honors persistent faith and a heart that truly believes He will fulfill His word.

4.2 Persistent Prayer and Supplication

Verses: Luke 11:9-13; Acts 1:14; Acts 4:31
  • Prayer is a vital channel through which we connect with God and receive His gifts.
  • We are encouraged to ask, seek, and knock, knowing God desires to give the Holy Spirit to those who ask.
  • Corporate prayer can also create an atmosphere conducive to the Spirit's outpouring.

4.3 Faith to Receive

Verses: Galatians 3:14; Mark 11:24; Hebrews 11:6
  • The Holy Ghost is received by faith, not by works or human effort.
  • We must believe that God is faithful to His promise and that He desires to fill us.
  • Faith involves acting on God's word and being ready to yield to the Spirit's leading.

5. Living a Spirit-Filled Life: Manifestations and Continued Walk

5.1 The Initial Evidence of Speaking in Tongues

Verses: Acts 2:4; Acts 10:44-46; Acts 19:6
  • The scriptures consistently show 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 language.
  • It serves as a sign to the believer and a confirmation of the Spirit's indwelling.

5.2 Walking in the Spirit

Verses: Galatians 5:16, 25; Romans 8:1-4
  • Receiving the Spirit is the beginning; we are called to continually walk and live by the Spirit.
  • This involves daily surrender, obedience to God's word, and yielding to the Spirit's guidance.
  • Walking in the Spirit empowers us to overcome the desires of the flesh.

5.3 The Fruit and Gifts of the Spirit

Verses: Galatians 5:22-23; 1 Corinthians 12:7-11
  • The Spirit produces divine character (fruit) in the believer's life, such as love, joy, peace, and self-control.
  • The Spirit also bestows spiritual gifts for the edification of the church and the advancement of God's kingdom.
  • These manifestations are evidence of the Spirit's active presence and work within us.

5.4 Continual Infilling and Renewal

Verses: Ephesians 5:18; 2 Corinthians 4:16; Jude 1:20
  • Being filled with the Spirit is not a one-time event but an ongoing experience.
  • We are commanded to 'be filled' continually, implying a daily yielding and seeking.
  • Praying in the Spirit (tongues) helps to build up our faith and maintain spiritual vitality.