Acts 1:1-5 The Passion Translation (TPT)
Although Christ’s work of redemption has been completed for us, there is still the unfinished work of getting us ready as his Bride. Through the work of the Spirit, the Lord is getting each one of us ready to rule and reign as the Lord’s eternal partners. We must be transformed in the renewing of our minds and our devotion to God must transcend any loyalty we have to our flesh or this world. As believers, we are not to be conformed to this world; instead, we are to allow the Holy Spirit to change how we think (Rom 12:2). The Spirit will bring us into close fellowship with the Father; a powerful place to live.
In our passage today, Luke reminds the disciples (as well as all of us) of the essential need we have for the Holy Spirit. Only the Spirit can bring the transformation we need to live in Oneness with the Father. Spiritual power and spiritual fruit are signs of the transformation process. Invite the Holy Spirit to fill you—lover of God.
Acts 1:1-5
1 To Theophilus, the lover of God.
I write to you again, my dear friend, to give you further details about the life of our Lord Jesus and all the things that he did and taught.
2 Just before he ascended into heaven, he left instructions for the apostles he had chosen by the Holy Spirit. 3 After the sufferings of his cross, Jesus appeared alive many times to these same apostles over a forty-day period. Jesus proved to them with many convincing signs that he had been resurrected. During these encounters, he taught them the truths of God’s kingdom realm 4 and shared meals with them. Jesus instructed them, “Don’t leave Jerusalem, but wait here until you receive the gift I told you about, the gift the Father has promised. 5 For John baptized you in water, but in a few days from now you will be baptized in the Holy Spirit!”
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the promised gift of the Spirit. Help me to work with the Spirit to produce the fruit and power that should characterize all your children. In Jesus’ name. Amen.