Introduction
The Holy Spirit lives within every believer. He gives power to lead an obedient, Christ-centered life. It is the Spirit's power that enables you to live like Jesus.
You cannot control yourself and be controlled by the Spirit at the same time. Christ cannot be in control if you are on the throne of your life.
A Life Empowered by the Holy Spirit
The Christian life is a great adventure with purpose and power. Christ gave the incredible promise:
We cannot, in our own energy, accomplish these great works which Christ has promised that we can do. It is Christ Himself -- living within us, in His resurrection power, walking in our bodies, thinking with our minds, loving with our hearts, speaking with our lips -- who will empower us with the Holy Spirit to do these great works.
As the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit, they received supernatural power that changed them from fearful men into radiant witnesses for Christ. They were used by God to change the course of history. And that power is available to you, to enable you to live a holy and fruitful life for Jesus Christ.
Yet, many Christians do not even know who the Holy Spirit is. Others, knowing Him, do not know how to appropriate His power. Consequently, they go through life without ever experiencing the fruitful life which Christ promised.
Before we can understand why appropriating His power is important for a joyful, victorious life, we need to understand more about the person of the Holy Spirit.