Acts 2:32–33; Galatians 3:2 (NKJV)
Acts 2:32–33 (NKJV)
“This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses. Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear.”
Galatians 3:2 (NKJV)
“This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?”
Grace and Truth Revealed Through the Spirit
Our theme for this Lenten season, Grace and Truth (John 1:16–17), finds powerful expression in the gift of the Holy Spirit. The outpouring of the Spirit is not earned by human effort; it is received as an act of divine grace and embraced through faith.
In Acts 2, Peter boldly declares that the risen and exalted Christ has poured out the promised Holy Spirit. The Spirit is not a reward for human performance but a fulfillment of the Father’s promise through the Son. This is grace in action—God giving what humanity could never achieve by merit.
Paul reinforces this truth in Galatians 3:2. He challenges the believers: Did you receive the Spirit by obeying the law or by believing the message? The answer is clear—by faith. The Holy Spirit is received not through ritual, background, status, or effort, but through trusting in the finished work of Christ.
The Holy Spirit: A Gift of Grace
The Holy Spirit is:
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The seal of our salvation (Ephesians 1:13).
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The power for holy living (Romans 8:13).
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The comforter and teacher (John 14:26).
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The enabler for witness (Acts 1:8).
Just as salvation is by grace through faith, so also is the reception and continual infilling of the Spirit. We do not strive to qualify; we believe and receive.
Grace provides the promise.
Truth reveals the Person of Christ.
Faith receives the Spirit.
Receiving by Faith
To receive the Holy Spirit by faith means:
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Believing the Promise – Trusting that what God has promised, He will perform.
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Relying on Christ’s Finished Work – The Spirit is poured out because Jesus is exalted.
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Yielding in Obedience – Faith expresses itself in surrender.
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Expecting Manifestation – The Spirit’s presence produces fruit and power.
Faith is not passive; it is confident trust in God’s Word. When we ask in faith, we receive. When we believe, we experience.
Application for Today
As we journey through Lent, let us examine our posture. Are we trying to earn spiritual depth through effort alone? Or are we walking in dependence upon the Spirit?
The Christian life cannot be lived in human strength. Programs, structure, and discipline are valuable, but without the Spirit, they remain empty forms. Grace supplies the Spirit; faith appropriates Him.
Today, consciously receive afresh the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Lay aside self-reliance. Embrace divine empowerment.
Pastor Ebenezer Adeyinka Daramola
Prayer Points:
- Father, thank You for the promise of the Holy Spirit that was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost in Jesus’ name. (John 16:7; Acts 2:1-4).
- Thank You Jesus, for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon us as received from the Father in Jesus’ name. (Acts 2:33).
- Thank You Holy Spirit for being our Comforter, Helper, Guide, and the Revealer of the truth of God in Jesus’ name. (John 16:13).
- We pray for the outpouring of Your Holy Spirit upon us like the day of Pentecost in Jesus’ name. (Acts 2:4).
- We receive the Holy Spirit by faith in the Son of God in Jesus’ name.
- We receive Holy Spirit empowerment afresh and anew for the task ahead in Jesus’ name. (Ephesians 3:16).
- We receive divine strength through the Holy Spirit to see us through in Jesus’ name. (Ephesians 3:16).
- Father, as Your child in Christ, I desire to be totally an instrument for Your Kingdom to manifest through my life. I desire to receive Your promise of the Holy Spirit to those who believe in Jesus’ name.
- I pray that You renew me and my faith with the power of Your Spirit in the name of Jesus.
- Send the fire of the Holy Spirit over me, as on the day of Pentecost in the name of Jesus.
- In faith, I open myself to the Spirit’s work in my life. O Holy Spirit, work through me. Guide me into all truth, lead me deeper in faith, inspire my prayers and work powerfully through those prayers, and move me beyond my comforts to the places of ministry and witness in Jesus’ name.
- Come, Holy Spirit, come. Fill me anew! Set me afire! Breathe in me and work through me in Jesus’ name.
- Jesus, my Saviour, baptise me in the Holy Spirit so that the power of Your resurrection will work in me and transform me according to Your will in Jesus’ name.
- Holy Spirit, empower me and fill me to overflowing. I hold nothing back from You in Jesus’ name.
- Holy Spirit, work Your gifts in me and through me, all of me, so that the Father’s Kingdom may be manifested in and through my life, in Jesus’ name.
