Understanding the Holy Spirit: Your Spiritual Immunity

Many Christians have never heard of the Holy Spirit. For those who have, they often only know of Him as “the One who seals” their salvation. This lack of understanding leaves many vulnerable to spiritual activities they do not recognize or have no authority over.

The Introduction of the Holy Spirit

In Acts 19:1-3, we see a crucial moment in early Christianity:

1 And it happened, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus. And finding some disciples 2 he said to them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" So they said to him, "We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit." 3 And he said to them, "Into what then were you baptized?" So they said, "Into John's baptism."

John the Baptizer was a significant figure. He baptized many people in preparation for Jesus Christ. However, those baptized by John were not immersed in the Holy Spirit. When Paul encountered this group, he realized they needed the empowering presence of Jesus through the Holy Spirit.

Receiving the Holy Spirit

Paul educated them about the Holy Spirit. After that, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Paul laid hands on them, and the Holy Spirit came upon them. They spoke in tongues and prophesied.

This powerful moment demonstrates the importance of the Holy Spirit. From the creation of the earth to Christ's resurrection, all spiritual things happen through the Holy Spirit. He is God’s power made manifest.

The Holy Spirit in Jesus’ Life

The presence of the Holy Spirit is evident in Jesus’ life.

Then Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, being tempted for forty days by the devil. - Luke 4:1-2

During His time in the wilderness, Satan attempted to derail God’s plan for salvation. Using Jesus' hunger, the devil tempted Him to turn stones into bread. This was a ploy to exploit Jesus’ weakness.

Resisting Temptation

Satan did not stop there. He continued to tempt Jesus with wealth and fame. Yet, Jesus focused on God’s Word and commanded Satan to leave.

When the devil had finished every temptation, he left Him until an opportune time. - Luke 4:13

How did Jesus resist Satan's temptations so easily?

Jesus had a unique relationship with His Father. He was both fully human and fully God. This unique identity helped Him rely on His Father’s Spirit during moments of vulnerability.

We, too, are fully human. However, we also have God living within us. Jesus understood His identity, His Father's power, and never allowed worldly pressures or doubts to dictate His actions.

The Importance of Trusting the Holy Spirit

Detachment from worldly attachments is crucial for realizing God’s purpose in our lives. This divine act aligns us with the purpose set before our birth.

Worldly Attachments

Here’s what Jesus says about worldly attachments:

• Pride: Put it on the Cross. I welcome the humble and resist the prideful.

• Selfish Ambition: Surrender it. I came as humble yet disregarded, attaining global recognition only after My death.

• Identity: Leave it behind. The world is ruled by Satan, who has nothing in common with Me. It hated Me, and it will hate you too.

• Idols of the Heart: Destroy them. God despises idolatry. If you love Me, you will keep My commands.

• Perversion: Eliminate it. Anything that distorts the truth about Me, Jesus, must be cast away.

• Holiness: Embrace it. Choose to be holy, for I am holy. Your significance in the kingdom is greater than what the world deems important.

  
  

Embracing the Holy Spirit

If you've received the Holy Spirit through salvation, you are spiritually immune to death and destruction. This divine assurance changes everything.

Conclusion: The Empowerment of the Holy Spirit

This empowerment provides you with the strength to face your daily battles. Trusting the Holy Spirit enables you to lean into God’s will, discern truth, and resist temptation more effectively.

If you are eager to learn more, watch the whole video teaching on this subject here.