Bible Study

1.       The Holy Spirit helps us lead. In Acts 6, we see the disciples faced with a challenge when they realized that when they were leading in other areas, some areas were being overlooked in this case, the widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. So they decided to pick leaders who would oversee this and other necessary tasks. Acts 6:3-6 gives us these criteria. “But carefully select from among you, brothers, seven men who are well-attested, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this necessary task, while we devote ourselves to prayer and to ministry of the word. The proposal pleased the entire group, so they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit.” Well-attested here, means “of good reputation

2.       The Holy Spirit aligns our vision towards God, especially when we’re facing hard times. Acts 7:55 “But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked intently towards heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.” I have to admit, this was the hardest for me to learn. If you read the rest of chapter 7 to the end, you see this is the chapter detailing the persecution and ultimate death of Stephen. As a human, it’s hard to deal with loss and death. It’s scary to face persecution. I’ve never been in that position. Do I wish I could have seen Jesus looking down at me at that time? Absolutely. I felt alone, but knowing God was looking down at me could have helped me. Maybe that was the purpose behind the Spirit revealing Christ to Stephen. That he realized this faith thing is for real. He wasn’t alone. Even unto death, he was comforted. The way it applies to us is, we are to let the Spirit work through us to let our families, our community and our cities know that they are not alone. Be there in the hard times, in the darkness. Help! People in this world are being daily persecuted because of their faith. Pray for them, but don’t stop there. Find out what you can do and do it!

3.       The Holy Spirit cannot be bought or sold, it is a heart matter. Acts 8:18-22 “Now Simon, when he saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, offered them money, v.19 saying, “Give me this power too, so that everyone I place my hands on may receive the Holy Spirit.” V.20 But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could acquire God’s gift with money! V.21 You have no share or part in this matter because your heart is not right before God! V.22 Therefore repent of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that he may perhaps forgive you for the intent of your heart”

Quick Note in case your curious, I mostly use The Word Bible software NET Version or my RSV Version or NIV One Year Bible