TOPIC: FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT

• Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow?

• What is God revealing to me in this passage?

Paul promised that he would, God permitting, come back to Ephesus (v.1; Acts 18:21). He did not forget to fulfil his promise. This time, he was not in a hurry. He spent three months in the synagogue and two years in the marketplace. Notice what Paul did when his usual strategies for ministry did not work as some were hardened and opposed him (vs. 8 -9). Notice the result of his ministry in v.10. We should learn to diversify our strategies as the occasion and location demand.

Like his mentees, Priscilla and Aquila, Paul also noticed that something was missing in the lives of these disciples (vs.1,2). They appeared to be fine Christians and actively serving the Lord. However, their actions and responses, especially to spiritual issues, showed clearly that there was something important missing in their lives and ministry. Paul helped them transit from following the message of John the Baptist (turning away from sin i.e., repentance) to acknowledging and turning to Christ in faith (acceptance of His forgiveness).

He only gives life in its fullness. Many in our churches today still need to make this transition from dependence on church attendance and mere ceremonial worship to accepting the salvation that is available only in Jesus. Only when we receive Christ’s offer of salvation can we be filled with His Spirit (Acts 2: 38 -40). Notice that water baptism which is symbolic of our identification with the death of Jesus and resurrection to a new life (Rom. 6: 6) can come before or after the infilling of the Holy Spirit (5 – 6; Acts 8: 14 – 17; 10: 44 – 48). Note also what they did when the Spirit came upon them (v.6).

• Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?

• Dear Lord, fill me with your Spirit to meet with the challenges of today.

• Pray for deeper knowledge in your studies.

Pray for the family of God’s people against the attack of the enemy to make their children not to follow the Christian path. Pray against peer groups that make them forget their upbringing. Pray for New Testament Assemble.

• 1 Chron. 7-9; Luke 1:21-38