Ephesians 1:13-14 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession–to the praise of his glory.

Once you start reading the Bible, particularly the New Testament, with the idea of “faith” on your mind, there is no limit to how much and how often it will come up. As was pointed out to me by the missionary who was instrumental in my receiving the baptism in the Holy Spirit, once you get beyond common grace, everything we receive from God is by faith. (Common grace is a term used to describe the fact that God gives us all life itself, and many blessings besides. Jesus expressed it as, “He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” Matthew 5:45) One thing that is remarkable about this passage is that it directly connects the Holy Spirit with the Gospel of salvation. There are those who strongly try to disconnect those two, mostly because they are against particular manifestations or gifts of the Holy Spirit, but the Bible is pretty clear that there is no salvation without the work of the Holy Spirit. That’s not at all to say that you must have a particular gift as proof of salvation; 1 Corinthians 12 pretty well demolishes that argument. However, believers need to be taught to expect the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives. After all, He is the one who convicts of sin, which is necessary for salvation in the first place. (John 16:8) Being aware of the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives gives an assurance of salvation that can be had no other way, because as this passage declares, He is the proof of our inheritance.

As a pastor, I certainly seek to help the believers understand that the Holy Spirit dwells in them (Romans 8:9-11, 1 Corinthians 3:16) so that they will make themselves available to Him. There is no greater joy, thrill, really, than being aware of being used as an instrument of God by His Spirit. That’s why people who have received speaking gifts like tongues and prophecy sometimes can’t seem to shut up! However, we’ve got to remember that any gift is given for the common good, (1 Corinthians 12:7) and not simply to pump up the direct recipient. In my experience it is a greater problem that so many believers have no expectation of God ever using them in any way. That’s a real tragedy! They expect God to use me, because I’m a pastor, but they have trouble grasping that God wants to use them just as much as He does me. I need to pray and teach so that the eyes of their hearts may be opened so that they will understand what they have been given and act accordingly, for God’s glory, just as this passage says.

Father, Your Word is so rich, and there is so much I want to impart to the believers! Keep me from trying to do that in my own wisdom and strength, which are totally inadequate, but keep me available to You so that You may use me for that purpose. Thank You for the message You’ve given me for this next Sunday. May I be totally sensitive and obedient to Your Spirit so that You may speak through me to impart faith indeed, raising us up as a body of believers who will be all that You desire and intend, drawing many into Your kingdom for their salvation and Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!