Embracing the Journey: Receiving the Holy Spirit

Feb 17, 2014

Devotional

Day 1: Seek the Holy Spirit through Prayer and Laying on of Hands

Receiving the Holy Spirit is not a passive event but an active pursuit that follows repentance, faith, and water baptism. In the New Testament, believers sought the Spirit through persistent prayer and the laying on of hands, demonstrating both spiritual hunger and tangible care for one another. This practice is not just a ritual but a heartfelt desire for God’s empowering presence, and it is best embraced early in the Christian journey when hearts are open and unburdened by fear or inhibition. If you have not yet received the fullness of the Spirit, you are encouraged to seek, ask, and receive, trusting that God delights to give His Spirit to those who earnestly desire Him. [02:07]

Luke 11:13 (ESV)
"If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"

Reflection: What is one specific way you can set aside time today to earnestly ask God for more of His Spirit, either alone or with someone who can pray with you?

Day 2: Salvation Is a Lifelong Process, Not a One-Time Event

Salvation is not merely a moment of decision or a ticket to heaven, but a journey of being salvaged, restored, and transformed into the image of Christ. The New Testament presents salvation as an ongoing process—beginning with justification, continuing through sanctification, and culminating in glorification. Rather than focusing on the minimum requirements to be “safe,” disciples are called to walk “on the way,” continually growing, learning, and being made holy by God’s ongoing work. This perspective invites believers to press on, never settling, but always seeking the fullness of what God intends for their lives. [23:48]

Philippians 1:6 (ESV)
"And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."

Reflection: In what area of your life do you sense God is still at work salvaging and transforming you, and how can you cooperate with Him in that process today?

Day 3: Desire the Fullness of God—Don’t Settle for Minimum Christianity

God calls His people to be “maximum Christians,” longing for everything He offers rather than settling for the bare minimum. The gifts of the Spirit, including baptism in water and in the Spirit, are not optional extras but essential for living a life that is free from sin and useful to God. Christians are encouraged to “covet” the gifts of the Spirit, to hunger for more, and to never be satisfied with spiritual mediocrity. This passionate pursuit is the only kind of holy coveting God commands, and it leads to a vibrant, empowered, and fruitful life in Christ. [14:14]

1 Corinthians 14:1 (ESV)
"Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy."

Reflection: What is one gift or area of spiritual growth you have hesitated to pursue, and how can you ask God to increase your desire for all He wants to give you?

Day 4: True Repentance and Faith Are Specific and Transforming

Repentance is not a vague or general feeling of regret, but a specific turning from particular sins, and faith is not merely intellectual assent but a wholehearted trust in God that leads to obedience. Many common approaches to evangelism fall short by neglecting the depth of repentance, the necessity of baptism, and the active reception of the Holy Spirit. God’s forgiveness is always given with the purpose of transformation—He justifies us so that He can sanctify us, enabling us to live right and become useful to Him. [18:58]

Acts 2:38 (ESV)
"And Peter said to them, 'Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'"

Reflection: Is there a specific sin or area of disobedience you need to repent of today, and what step can you take to turn from it and walk in newness of life?

Day 5: Nurture Spiritual Newborns in the Family of God

Every new believer is like a spiritual baby—noisy, messy, and in need of much care, attention, and spiritual milk. The church is called to be a loving family that welcomes, nurtures, and disciples these new believers, helping them grow into maturity in Christ. Rather than being content with spiritual maintenance, God’s people are to be “midwives” who birth, nurture, and raise disciples, always keeping their eyes on the goal of full restoration into the image of Jesus. This requires patience, love, and a willingness to invest in others for the long journey of faith. [37:14]

1 Thessalonians 2:7-8 (ESV)
"But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us."

Reflection: Who is a newer believer in your life or church whom you can encourage, support, or disciple this week, and what practical step can you take to help them grow?

Sermon Summary

The journey of receiving the Holy Spirit is not a random or arbitrary event, but a process that follows repentance, faith, and water baptism. In the New Testament, believers actively sought the Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands, demonstrating both a hunger for God and a willingness to receive. This pattern is not just historical but remains vital for us today. The act of laying on hands is a tangible expression of care and desire for another’s spiritual growth, echoing biblical examples from Moses to the apostles. When new believers are open and unencumbered by fear or tradition, they are most receptive to the fullness of God’s gifts. Yet, as time passes, inhibitions and false teachings can hinder the reception of the Spirit, especially among those who have been Christians for a longer time.

It is crucial to recognize that receiving the Spirit is an active process. Just as Peter had to step out of the boat to walk on water, so too must we step out in faith to receive and exercise spiritual gifts. Fear, whether of losing control, of what others might think, or of being deceived, can paralyze us. False teachings—such as the idea that spiritual gifts are no longer for today, or that manifestations like tongues are of the devil—have deeply wounded the church and stifled spiritual growth. Yet, the testimony of history and Scripture is clear: the gifts of the Spirit are for all believers, in every age.

A deeper issue lies in our understanding of salvation itself. Too often, salvation is reduced to a mere escape from hell—a ticket to heaven—rather than the ongoing process of being salvaged, restored, and made useful to God. The New Testament vision is not about crossing a line from “unsaved” to “saved,” but about embarking on a lifelong journey of discipleship, transformation, and sanctification. God’s aim is not just to forgive, but to restore us to the image of His Son, making us holy and equipping us for service. This process requires all four foundational steps: repentance, faith, baptism in water, and receiving the Spirit.

We are called not to be “minimum Christians” who settle for the least required, but to hunger for the fullness of God’s work in us. The church must be a nurturing family, eager to welcome spiritual “babies” and committed to raising them to maturity. Let us not rest content with partial experiences, but press on for all that God has promised, knowing that salvation is a journey, not a destination.

Key Takeaways

1. Receiving the Spirit is an Active Pursuit The Holy Spirit is not given arbitrarily, but to those who seek Him through prayer and the laying on of hands. This pursuit is most fruitful when it follows genuine repentance, faith, and water baptism. The act of seeking is not passive; it requires intentionality and openness to God’s timing and methods. [02:07]
2. Overcoming Inhibitions and False Teaching Many believers struggle to receive the Spirit due to fears—of emotion, of losing control, or of being deceived—and because of false teachings that either demonize spiritual gifts or relegate them to the past. These barriers must be recognized and dismantled, for they rob both individuals and the church of God’s intended fullness. The antidote is a renewed trust in God’s goodness and a willingness to unlearn traditions that do not align with Scripture. [10:47]
3. Salvation is a Process, Not a One-Time Event Biblical salvation is not merely about being safe from hell, but about being salvaged from sin and restored to God’s original purpose. This process—justification, sanctification, and ultimately glorification—requires ongoing faith and obedience. We are “on the way,” being transformed, and must not settle for a static or minimal understanding of what it means to be saved. [23:48]
4. The Full Gospel Calls for Maximum Christians God’s desire is not for “minimum Christians” who do just enough to escape judgment, but for disciples who long for everything He offers. This includes repentance, faith, baptism in water, and the fullness of the Spirit. The church’s mission is to make disciples, not just converts, nurturing believers into maturity and usefulness for God’s kingdom. [27:58]
5. The Church as a Family for Spiritual Growth New believers are like spiritual babies who need a loving, patient family to nurture them. The church must embrace the messiness and demands of spiritual infancy, providing milk before meat, and guiding each one toward maturity in Christ. Our goal is not just to birth new believers, but to raise them up to the full stature of Jesus, restored and equipped for every good work.

** [37:14]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - How the Spirit is Received
[02:07] - The Role of Prayer and Laying on of Hands
[03:16] - Biblical and Modern Examples of Receiving the Spirit
[05:40] - Repentance, Baptism, and the Spirit in Practice
[07:12] - The Importance of Nurturing New Believers
[08:13] - When the Spirit is Not Received: Diagnosing the Barriers
[09:02] - Active Reception and Overcoming Inhibitions
[10:47] - The Impact of False Teaching and Fear
[12:40] - The Gifts of the Spirit Through History
[14:14] - Emotional Inhibition and Evangelical Tradition
[16:59] - The Challenge of Unlearning
[18:14] - The Inadequacy of the Typical Sinner’s Prayer
[20:50] - What Does it Mean to Be Saved?
[23:48] - Salvation as a Lifelong Process
[27:00] - Discipleship vs. Decisionism
[33:04] - The Fullness of Salvation: Justification, Sanctification, Glorification
[37:14] - The Church as a Family for Spiritual Babies
[38:38] - Pressing On for the Fullness of God

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Journey of Receiving the Holy Spirit

Bible Reading

Luke 11:13

“If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

Acts 8:14-17

“When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to Samaria. When they arrived, they prayed for the new believers there that they might receive the Holy Spirit, because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.”

Hebrews 6:1-2

“Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, instruction about cleansing rites, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.”

Observation Questions

In Acts 8:14-17, what steps did the apostles take to help the new believers in Samaria receive the Holy Spirit?
According to Luke 11:13, what is the promise Jesus gives about the Holy Spirit and how is it received?
The sermon mentions that the act of laying on of hands is a normal part of receiving the Spirit in the New Testament. What does Hebrews 6:1-2 list as foundational teachings for believers?
In the sermon, what are the four foundational steps described as necessary for the start of the Christian life? ([05:40])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think the apostles in Acts 8 didn’t just assume the new believers had received the Holy Spirit, but instead prayed and laid hands on them? What does this show about their understanding of receiving the Spirit?
The sermon says that receiving the Spirit is an “active process” and not just something that happens automatically. What does it mean to “actively receive” the Holy Spirit? ([09:02])
The pastor talks about fears and false teachings that can block people from receiving the Spirit. Why might these be such powerful barriers, especially for people who have been Christians for a long time? ([10:47])
The sermon challenges the idea that salvation is just a “ticket to heaven.” How does the New Testament’s view of salvation as a process change the way we think about following Jesus? ([23:48])

Application Questions

The sermon says that new believers are often more open to receiving the Holy Spirit because they have fewer fears and traditions holding them back. If you’ve been a Christian for a while, what fears or traditions might be holding you back from seeking more of God? ([07:12])
The pastor describes the laying on of hands as a “tangible expression of care and desire for another’s spiritual growth.” Have you ever experienced this, or would you be willing to ask for prayer in this way? Why or why not? ([03:16])
The sermon warns against “minimum Christianity”—just doing enough to get by. In what areas of your faith have you settled for the minimum? What would it look like to hunger for the fullness of God’s work in you? ([27:58])
The pastor says that false teachings—like the idea that spiritual gifts are not for today—have “deeply wounded the church.” Have you ever encountered teaching or attitudes that discouraged you from seeking the gifts of the Spirit? How did you respond? ([10:47])
The sermon compares salvation to being “salvaged” and “restored,” not just “safe.” In what ways do you see God restoring you, and where do you still need His work? ([23:48])
The church is called to be a family that nurtures spiritual “babies.” How can you personally help new believers grow, even if it’s messy or inconvenient? ([37:14])
The pastor encourages us not to rest content with partial experiences, but to “press on for all that God has promised.” What is one step you can take this week to pursue more of God’s presence or gifts in your life? ([38:38])

Sermon Clips

“They received the Holy Spirit by being filled to overflowing. Now after someone had repented, believed, and been baptized, then they sought the gift, and they sought the gift for them in two ways. First, praying. That's essential to receiving the gift of the Spirit.”

“To touch someone you're praying for is very important. You touch them when you're concerned about them. You touch them when you want something for them. How often if you visit someone sick in hospital, you just hold their hand while you talk to them? You want to communicate something physically and that's what they did.”

“The longer a Christian goes without that gift, the harder it gets, and the more inhibitions and fears are set up.”

“Some of you will go and get baptized as the result of today. Some of you will go and ask your leaders to lay hands on you and pray for you till you receive this gift. Some of you will even go home and repent of things.”

“A gift must be received, and receiving is not passive, it is active. You will never have the gift of a new language until you speak.”

“You don't know you've got a gift until you use it. You don't know if you've got a musical gift until you sit at the piano and bang the keys. Then you will discover if you haven't, as well as if you have. You don't know what you've got until you try, until you use it.”

“There is an active reception of the gift, but I've found that with a lot of older Christians there are fears that have been built up, especially in England where we are scared stiff of emotion. There are fears of losing self -control. There are fears of what other people might think. There are all sorts of fears.”

“The unforgivable sin is to call the work of the Holy Spirit the work of Satan. Be very careful before you ever say something is of Satan.”

“You are commanded to covet the gifts of the Spirit. Covet them. The only form of coveting a Christian is allowed. The only form of coveting a Christian is commanded, and that's covet the gifts others have. Want them for yourself. Go on wanting them. Covet them until you've got them. That's a command of the Lord.”

“I've noticed again and again that the Holy Spirit releases inhibited emotions. It doesn't cause emotionalism, that's worked up from below, but he releases emotions, and we're afraid of that. Why be afraid of letting your feelings show? It makes worship much more interesting and God enjoys it more when we let him see how we feel and not just tell him.”

“It is tragically true that many evangelical Christians know the Holy Scripture better than they know the Holy Spirit. How would you think if somebody knew your letters better than they knew you, and yet said they loved you? You should know the Holy Spirit better than you know the Holy Scripture, because the person is more important than the book.”

“We need to unlearn. I find that exciting. I still find new things in the Bible I never saw before. It's exciting, unless you're afraid of new things.”

“Jesus did not come to save us from hell. That's a bonus thrown in. He is called Jesus because he came to save us from our sins. That's why he's called Jesus. He's not a hell saver, he's a sin saver. He's the Lamb of God who came to do what? To take away the sins of the world.”

“It's not just a ticket to heaven and an escape from hell. It's to be salvaged, recycled, restored to the original image so that again you can love and serve God. That's salvation. And there's no one in this room who is saved. We are all being saved. In other words, salvation is a process that we've begun, but it's not complete yet.”

“Our aim in evangelism is not to get people across a line, but to get them on the way, and it'll take a lifetime to make a disciple. Jesus didn't tell us to go and get decisions. He said, go and make disciples, teaching them to observe all that I've commanded you.”

“Baptism in water and in the Spirit has little to do with being safe from hell. It's got everything to do with being salvaged from sins. Do you understand? If your objective is solely to escape hell, you will not see the point of baptism in water or in Spirit. But if your objective is to be salvaged from your sins, and be useful to God again, and be saved that way, then all those things you will need.”

“Christianity is not saying to people, you must live right. It's saying, you can live right. No, you must, you can, because everything's on offer.”

“He only justifies us in order to sanctify us. That's an important point. He only forgives so that we can live right. To the woman taken in adultery, he said, neither do I condemn you, but don't do it again. Don't go back. I've forgiven you so that you can live right.”

“Salvation is a process. It starts with justification when God accepts you and forgives you. It goes on to sanctification where he makes you holy, and it goes on to glorification when he gives you a new body and puts you in a new heaven and a new earth, and everything's put back to its original condition.”

“God is not here to make us safe. He's here to salvage us, to restore us to the image of his Son. That's going to take years, but God doesn't ever leave a job half done. As we go on believing, he goes on doing the job and we're restored day by day until one day you and I will look just like Jesus.”

“It's very interesting that every time the Scripture says God is able to keep you, in the context is another verse that says, keep yourself. For example, in Jude, the last verse of Jude says, he is able to keep you from falling. But two verses ahead of that it says, keep yourselves in the love of God. There are two sides to keeping. Keep trusting, keep trusting, and he keeps holding. It's a process of salvation.”

“All I would say to you is don't rest where you are. Go on after the other things that you don't have until you get them. Have it all. Don't be a minimum Christian. Don't say, well I get by with what I've got. Say, I want more. There's always more. There's always more, and if you think you've got it all, you haven't.”

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