INCLUDING THE HOLY SPIRIT IN YOUR LIFE

Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit,
and news about him spread through the whole countryside.
Luke 4:14

Having a desire for the Holy Spirit’s power in your life is a good thing.
However, many who teach on the subject often stray from biblical truths.
Consequently, strive to acquire the Holy Spirit
but they end up being driven by emotions rather than doctrine.
They misinterpret the assurance of the Holy Spirit’s presence
as a type of enthusiasm or emotional upheaval as opposed to a steady rock
Who is there to guide and assist us with decisions, temptations, etc.

When reviewing the temptation of Jesus, we are told of the Holy Spirit’s presence.
We see that Jesus was “full of the Holy Spirit” and “led by the Spirit” (Luke 4:1).
So what can we learn from this verse?
In order to be ‘filled’ with the Holy Spirit, we need to surrender to His presence.
When we surrender to His will, we allow Him to lead us.
A Spirit-filled believer is identified as an obedient believer.

In the face of temptation, Jesus withstood the direct attempts of Satan to get Him to sin.
We have to assume that the presence of the Holy Spirit gave Jesus the strength to resist.
Being Spirit-filled provides the believer with strength to resist temptations
and to live an obedient, righteous life.

After being tempted, Jesus returned to Galilee “in the power of the Spirit”. (Luke 4:14)
When Jesus surrendered to the Holy Spirit,
He allowed the Holy Spirit to be a continual part of His life.
Why would Jesus choose to do that?
Because He knew the importance and value of including the Holy Spirit in His life.
He didn’t feel like the Spirit was only available to call on during certain times,
but a valuable resource to be integrated into the lives of those following the Lord.
More than likely He wanted all believers to understand it as well.

In order to enjoy the presence of the Holy Spirit,
believers should start with surrendering and then proceed to obedience.
When we are missing the power of the Spirit, it is not due to a shortage of emotions,
but a shortage of living the Christlike life.
We create an environment for the Spirit by living righteous lives.
We need to follow the example of Jesus and start with ‘truth’, not ’emotions’.

If you feel you are missing the Holy Spirit in your own life,
then read and meditate on verses Luke 4:1-15.
Think about the example Jesus established for all believers.
Then try following His example.
The presence of the Holy Spirit was predicted in the Old Testament
(look at Luke 4:16-21 and Isaiah 61:1-2).
Anytime something is predicted in the Old Testament and fulfilled in the New Testament,
it should be considered as important and believers should take notice.