February 1, 2019
Acts 19:1-4 The Message (MSG)
In our passage today, the Apostle Paul is visiting those who claim to be “disciples.” As he observes their lives and listens to their words, Paul notices something lacking in these Ephesians. He comes to them with a question about the Holy Spirit. Think about this situation. These disciples are more than likely teaching others about the need for repentance before God and to honor Him as Lord; this is the message of John the Baptist. It is a good and sound message. But, Paul knows this level of understanding is only the beginning in the story of God’s love and work of Christ Jesus for salvation. The Holy Spirit is where we find the power for Kingdom living.
God wants to get down inside humanity—each individual led by the Spirit—not just invite people to be baptized and make a mental ascent to honor God’s authority. He wants to save us from our sin and it takes the work of the Holy Spirit to accomplish this in our lives. We are spiritual train wrecks without the impartation of the Spirit of Truth. We will make up our own truth if the Spirit doesn’t guide our lives; actually, we will try to control others to live by our truth. If we are going to be saved from sin and death, the Spirit must wash us and walk with us into Christ’s righteousness and wholeness. This is the Good News!