The Spirit Upon Us
By Pastor Chinedu Emmanuel
Luke 24:49 “And behold, I send the promise of my father upon you; but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.”
The book of Isaiah reveals the significant role of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Isaiah 32:15 highlights the transformative power of the Spirit, symbolized by the pouring out of the Spirit from on high, leading barren lands to become fruitful fields. God’s work is accomplished not by human might or power but by the Spirit of the Lord.
The ministry of Jesus exemplifies the dependence on the Holy Spirit. In Matthew 3:16, Jesus received the Spirit descending upon Him like a dove after His baptism which signifies the beginning of His earthly ministry. Jesus was anointed by the Spirit to carry out His mission of preaching the gospel, healing the brokenhearted, delivering the captives, restoring sight to the blind, and setting the oppressed free (Luke 4:18).
Acts 1:8 “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”
As believers, we too are empowered by the Holy Spirit to serve. Acts 1:8 assures us that upon receiving the Holy Spirit, we receive power to be witnesses of Christ’s love and salvation. This empowerment enables us to testify about Christ through both our words and actions, demonstrating the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in our lives and enabling us to fulfill our purpose as witnesses of Christ to the ends of the earth.
God is still looking for such witnesses. The Bible admonished us to select individuals who are full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom for specific responsibilities within the church community (Acts 6:3). This underscores the significance of being spiritually filled and wise in carrying out our duties. It reminds us that maintaining spiritual fullness through prayer, studying the Word, and living a life that honors God is essential for effective ministry and service (Acts 6:4).
The early church serves as a powerful example of the impact of being led by the Holy Spirit. Acts 11:19-21 illustrates how believers, empowered by the Spirit, spread the message of Jesus to different regions, resulting in many conversions. Another example is Barnabas. The scriptures spoke highly of Barnabas calling him a man of honest report, full of the Holy Spirit and faith. His ministry led to the growth of the church.
Peter’s preaching led many to repent and get baptized, showing how powerful it is when the Holy Spirit guides our words. Philip also saw amazing results when he preached about Christ
Acts 8:5-8 “Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.6 And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.7 For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.8 And there was great joy in that city.”
Acts 9:31 “Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.”
To walk in the power of the Holy Spirit, we must submit to Him and not rebel against Him. We should honor Him and not dishonor Him. It’s like being a valuable vessel in a big house – if we cleanse ourselves from dishonor, we will be deemed as vessels fit for the Master’s use.
2 Timothy 2:20-21 “But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.”
Our focus should be on pleasing God, not people, as the Holy Spirit doesn’t seek approval from crowds or choirs. We should follow the example of Jesus, who didn’t seek honor from people but from God alone. Galatians 1:10 “obviously I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God, if pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant”
When we preach, we must ensure it’s God’s word we’re sharing, not our ideas or opinions. It’s important to stay true to God’s teachings to save ourselves and those who listen to us.
1 Tim 4:16 “Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.” NLT
Pastor Chinedu Emmanuel is the Senior Pastor of Fountain of The Living Word Church, New Jersey.
Resources You May Like
- The Work of the Holy Spirit Within You Pt.2)
- Walking in Partnership with the Holy Spirit
- The Sword of the Spirit