Lesson 91 – When the Spirit Is with You

Acts 10:34-38

"Then Peter opened his mouth and said: 'In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. The word which God sent to the children of Israel—He is Lord of all—that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began in Galilee after the baptism which John preached: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.'"

    The Spirit is with every believer. As Peter explains, God shows no partiality, accepting people from every nation when they choose to fear him and pursue the righteousness of Christ.

    Just as God's Spirit was poured out on Christ for ministry, the Spirit is equally poured out on every believer. Of course, the works of the Spirit in us are not the same as they with Christ. We've got different purposes in the kingdom than Christ. He came to work out our salvation, was anointed unto good works and defeated the powers of Satan on the cross.

    We are anointed by the Spirit in other ways. Some of these are also unto good works, building up the body of Christ and ministering to those in need. And there is no doubt the Spirit strengthens our faith, sustains us during trials, gives wisdom, and meets every need to live for Christ. The Spirit also anoints to give power in ministry, enabling believers to boldly proclaim the name of Christ to a dying world.

    Regardless of God's purpose for your life, the Spirit's anointing is reality for every believer. God simply doesn't choose to give one the Spirit and to withhold the Spirit from another. Just as Christ was anointed by the Spirit, so is everyone of the church of Jesus Christ.

    Luke records that as Peter was preaching these words, the Spirit fell upon all those who heard (vs 44). They believed, and with their belief, God sent the Spirit upon them in power. He was poured out on even those of non-Jewish descent whom many thought would be excluded (vs 45). But that was not God's way. Everyone who believed received the Spirit in just the same way (vs 47).

    There is no discrimination in the kingdom. There should be no discrimination in the church.

LORD JESUS

Lord, I thank you for the free gift of your Spirit, bringing you near to every believer. Thank you for leaving none out, choosing to give yourself without partiality. Amen.