Peter, John, and the other disciples were all baptized in the Spirit at Pentecost. They were filled again with the Spirit during prayer shortly thereafter. Carefully read this account in Acts 4:23-31. What can you learn from this account to help position yourself to be ever filled with the Spirit?

Through Paul, God says “do not neglect the gift” of the Holy Spirit, but “stir up that inner fire which God gave you” (1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6 Phillips). In other words, be continuously filled with the Holy Spirit. Carefully read Ephesians 5:18-19; 6:18 and Jude 20. What is the Spirit showing you about keeping His fire stirred up in you?

So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out.

—Romans 12:1-2 The Message

Chapter 4 - Day 4 Devo

Day 4 Devo

HE HAS GIFTED YOU FOR A PURPOSE

Each person is given something to do that shows who God is: Everyone gets in on it, everyone benefits.

—1 Corinthians 12:7 The Message

The Holy Spirit has given us specific gifts to continue the work Jesus began. Although the gifts are diverse, “it is the one and only Spirit who distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have” (1 Corinthians 12:11 NLT).

Are these gifts for today? Should we be doing the works Jesus did? Absolutely. Evangelist Reinhard Bonnke, who has seen millions come to Christ across the African continent, declares,

“I believe so strongly that God is the worker of miracles for His people. I believe the signs that followed Jesus as He walked the earth could—and should—be true in our lives today. Jesus said to His disciples, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.”5

Carefully read Romans 12:3-8 and name the gifts mentioned. Overall, how would you describe these (their purpose and function)?

Now read 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 and identify the nine gifts. In general, how would you describe these (their purpose and function)?

Look over the gifts in both passages. Are any of these gifts operating in you? If so, which one(s)?

Are you unsure? Which of these gifts are you drawn to or excite you? Ask the Holy Spirit to show you how He has gifted you.

Your attitude toward others and how the Spirit has gifted you is important. God says, “Let Christ himself be your example as to what your attitude should be” (Philippians 2:5 Phillips). Reinhard confirms this, adding,