Day 2 Scripture: Acts 1:4–8.
5 short versus that outline the rest of the book of Acts. In this section, Luke recalls Jesus’ direction to the apostles to wait for the gift of the holy spirit, that they would not know all of God’s timing, but with the spirit they had power and with that power they were to go out and witness. In previous posts I discussed how this outlines the direction the Apostles took, geographically.
6. The gift from the Holy Father, spoken of by Jesus: to be baptized with the Holy Spirit.
7. a. John 14:17 explains that the Spirit of Truth would be with them and live in them. The power of the spirit permanently resided within their soul now that the price of their sins had been paid-in-full.
b. John: 1:32: When Jesus was baptized, the Spirit came down on Him like a dove. Clearly, at this point, the spirit was “with” the apostles, but not yet “in” the apostles.
Romans 8:26 says that the spirit intercedes for us in prayer with groans that words cannot express and Romans 8:28 points out that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him. So, can the Holy Spirit pray for us and guide us even before we accept the gift and invite him into our heart? Absolutely, that is how it works! Can the spirit continue to move through others, even non-believers for the benefit of those who love Him? Without a doubt. However, the state of the spirit being with me, but not in me, while good and reassuring is not sufficient. Only by accepting him with the gift of salvation do I become a new creation, cleansed of my sins.
c. Simple answer is “in me.” This is not to say that I am always obedient, nor do I always even consult the spirit before heading off in my own direction. But I have accepted the gift and I live in the hope and assurance of everlasting life. I am incredibly hesitant to speak for God (that just doesn’t sound like a muy bueno idea) but I think I am slowly maturing in my relationship, growing daily in a desire to follow Him and do things in His time.
Conclusion: God is not some distant, absentee, set-things-in-motion-then-sit-back being. He is active not just in nature and in the universe, providing a hand of guidance and direction, but He, through the Holy Spirit, lives and dwells within us. He washes over us and enters our body, mind and soul, like breath itself.
The Notes are Good 