In the book The Acts of the Apostles we can find this beautiful quote,

“To the consecrated worker there is wonderful consolation in the knowledge that even Christ during His life on earth sought His Father daily for fresh supplies of needed grace ... His own example is an assurance that earnest, persevering supplication to God in faith — faith that leads to entire dependence upon God, and unreserved consecration to His work — will avail to bring men the Holy Spirit’s aid in the battle against sin.” Ellen G. White, Acts of the Apostles, p.56

If this was a daily necessity for Jesus, then how IS THAT much more important for us?

In 2 Corinthians 4:16 NKJV there is an important statement,

“... yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.”

Our inward person needs daily care. In what way does this daily renewal take place? According to Eph 3:16,17,19 NKJV it happens through the Holy Spirit,

“That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love ... that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.”

A DIVINE COMMAND

As a rule it is necessary to pray daily for a renewal of the Holy Spirit. As a result Christ lives in us. A very important principle for the daily renewal is found in Ephesians 5:18 NKJV,

“... be filled with the Spirit.”

Take note that this is more than just advice. This is a divine command. Our God expects us to want to live with the Holy Spirit. The Greek experts say that this text says more precisely, quoting Johannes Mager,

“Let yourselves be consistently and continually filled anew with the Spirit.” Editor Werner E. Lange, Unser größtes Bedürfnis (Lüneburg, 2011), S. 42

The apostle Paul wrote this in Ephesians chapter 5, even though he wrote the following in chapter 1:13: “... in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise.”

The Ephesians had evidently already received the Holy Spirit. Nevertheless, it was necessary for them to be, [1] “strengthened with might through His Spirit” and to [2] “be filled with the Spirit” and [3] “let yourselves be consistently and continually filled with the Spirit anew”.

QUESTIONS FOR MEDITATION & DEVOTION

1. Thinking of Jesus seeking for daily renewal, how does this make you feel about YOU seeking renewal daily?

2. Do you remember the last time you receive a direct command from someone that wanted your good? Did it work? What did happen with you obeyed it?

3. Paul gave some important advice to the Corinthians, which one do you like the most?