How To Receive The Holy Spirit Series

HOW TO RECEIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Acts 2:1-4

Key Verse: “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” (Acts 2:38 KJV)

Supporting Texts: Luke 11:13, John 7:37-39, Acts 8:14-17, Acts 19:1-6

INTRODUCTION:

The Holy Spirit is the greatest gift that God gives to His children. Jesus promised His disciples that after His departure, the Spirit would come upon them to comfort, teach, empower, and guide them. This promise is not limited to the early church but extends to every believer who desires a deeper walk with God.

Many Christians live powerless lives because they have not experienced the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Others struggle with fear, doubt, and spiritual dryness because they have not learned how to receive Him fully. God does not want His children to live in emptiness but to be filled with His Spirit.

Receiving the Holy Spirit is not about human effort but about positioning oneself to embrace God’s promise. It requires repentance, faith, desire, prayer, and absolute surrender to His will. In this study, we will explore practical steps on how to receive the Holy Spirit.

1. REPENTANCE PREPARES THE HEART FOR THE HOLY SPIRIT

Before a person can receive the Spirit, there must be genuine repentance and cleansing from sin.

a) Turn away from sin (Acts 2:38)

Sin hinders the flow of the Spirit. Repentance clears the heart for God’s presence.

b) Accept Christ as Saviour (John 1:12)

Receiving Jesus is the foundation for receiving His Spirit. The Spirit is given to sons and daughters of God.

c) Purify your motives (Psalm 51:10-11)

A sincere heart, not selfish ambition, attracts the indwelling of the Spirit.

d) Walk in obedience (Acts 5:32)

The Holy Spirit is given to those who obey God’s Word and His commandments.

Biblical Example: The disciples repented, forsook their old ways, and waited in the Upper Room before the Holy Spirit came upon them at Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4).

2. FAITH IS THE KEY TO RECEIVING THE HOLY SPIRIT

Without faith, it is impossible to receive or experience the Spirit’s fullness.

a) Believe the promise (Acts 1:4-5)

The promise of the Spirit is sure, and faith holds on to what God has said.

b) Receive by faith, not feelings (Galatians 3:14)

We do not wait for emotions; we simply believe and receive.

c) Remove doubt and fear (James 1:6-7)

A double-minded person cannot receive from the Lord.

d) Expect God to fill you (Hebrews 11:6)

Faith expects results; trust God that when you ask, He will answer.

Biblical Example: Cornelius and his household received the Holy Spirit by faith while Peter was still speaking the Word (Acts 10:44-46).

3. DESIRE AND HUNGER ATTRACT THE HOLY SPIRIT

The Spirit comes to those who earnestly long for Him with a sincere heart.

a) Thirst for the Spirit (John 7:37-39)

Jesus promised living water to all who thirst and come to Him.

b) Ask with a genuine desire (Luke 11:13)

If earthly fathers give good gifts, how much more will God give the Spirit to those who ask?

c) Create room for Him (2 Kings 4:9-10)

Like the Shunammite woman prepared a room for Elisha, we must prepare our hearts for the Spirit’s habitation.

d) Wait patiently (Acts 1:13-14)

The disciples tarried in prayer, showing desire and expectation for the promise.

Biblical Example: On the day of Pentecost, the disciples were filled because they were together with one accord in expectation and prayer (Acts 2:1-4).

4. PRAYER AND LAYING ON OF HANDS FACILITATE RECEIVING THE SPIRIT

Prayer opens the heavens, and God often uses His servants as channels to release the Spirit.

a) Persistent prayer (Acts 4:31)

As believers prayed, the place was shaken, and they were filled with the Spirit.

b) Asking specifically (Luke 11:9-10)

We must ask deliberately and consistently until we receive.

c) Laying on of hands (Acts 8:17)

The apostles laid hands on the believers, and they received the Holy Spirit.

d) Prophetic impartation (2 Timothy 1:6-7)

Spiritual gifts and the Spirit’s power can be stirred through impartation by anointed vessels.

Biblical Example: Paul laid hands on the believers in Ephesus, and they received the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues and prophesying (Acts 19:6).

5. TOTAL SURRENDER BRINGS THE FULLNESS OF THE SPIRIT

The Spirit cannot fill a life that is not yielded to God’s authority.

a) Yield your body as God’s temple (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

The Spirit dwells in those who dedicate their lives fully to God.

b) Surrender your will (Romans 12:1-2)

God fills those who submit their desires and plans to Him.

c) Allow the Spirit control (Ephesians 5:18)

Being filled means letting Him lead every area of your life.