In the first part of his series on Exercising Spiritual Gifts, Derek Prince delivers a foundational message on the essential role of the Holy Spirit in the life of every believer. This sermon, recorded in 1986 at YWAM in Hawaii, provides a comprehensive understanding of how to receive the Holy Spirit, what it means to be filled with the Spirit, and the vital connection between the Holy Spirit and the believer’s spiritual gifts.
Prince begins by emphasizing a crucial truth: “You cannot be saved without meeting Jesus.” This statement echoes the foundational Christian doctrine that salvation begins with a personal encounter with Christ. Salvation is not just about intellectual assent but a life-changing meeting with Jesus. Prince clarifies that this personal connection with Jesus leads to an essential transformation, setting the stage for receiving the Holy Spirit.
As the sermon progresses, Prince delves into the vastness of God's provision for believers, emphasizing that there is so much more to receive from God beyond salvation. Salvation is the beginning, not the end. There is a wealth of spiritual power and gifts that God desires to impart to His followers, and receiving the Holy Spirit is the key to unlocking this power.
One of the most powerful moments in the sermon is when Prince discusses how the Holy Spirit empowers believers with supernatural abilities. The Holy Spirit is not just a passive presence but a dynamic, active force that equips Christians to live out their faith in supernatural ways, including the manifestation of spiritual gifts such as prophecy, healing, and speaking in tongues. Prince teaches that the Holy Spirit brings spiritual power—a power that goes far beyond human capabilities.
Prince also addresses a critical point: the proof that you are filled with the Holy Spirit. According to Prince, one of the most evident signs of being filled with the Holy Spirit is the outflowing of supernatural power in the believer’s life. This may include changes in behavior, a greater boldness in sharing the Gospel, or the ability to walk in the Spirit in a way that is unmistakable to others. Additionally, speaking in tongues is presented as one of the key signs that a person has received the Holy Spirit. However, Prince acknowledges that many believers face resistance when it comes to speaking in tongues, often due to spiritual opposition. He warns that Satan will try to restrain you from speaking in tongues, a practice that can be a powerful tool for spiritual warfare and personal edification.
Finally, Derek Prince provides practical instruction on how to receive the Holy Spirit. He emphasizes that receiving the Spirit is available to all believers, not a select few, and it requires faith and openness to God’s work. Prince’s message encourages listeners to position themselves in humility and eager expectation, trusting that God will respond to their hunger for more of the Holy Spirit.
Application for Today’s Believers:
Derek Prince’s message is particularly relevant for modern Christians who may feel spiritually stagnant or unsure about their experience with the Holy Spirit. In a world that often dismisses or misunderstands the power of the Holy Spirit, it’s essential to return to the biblical understanding that the Holy Spirit is a gift meant to empower every believer. For those who have not yet experienced the fullness of the Spirit or are uncertain about speaking in tongues, Prince’s teachings offer clarity, encouragement, and biblical guidance for how to pursue this vital spiritual encounter.
The sermon also serves as a reminder that spiritual gifts are not only for the early church; they are meant to operate today. The Holy Spirit is still at work, and Christians are called to walk in the power of the Spirit, operating in gifts that will build the Church and expand God’s kingdom.
Prince’s teaching encourages believers to press forward in their faith, eager to receive everything God has for them, especially the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit.
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