# Experiencing the Spirit ![rw-book-cover](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/512U2L4z3jL._SL200_.jpg) ## Metadata - Author: [[Henry Blackaby, Mel Blackaby]] - Full Title: Experiencing the Spirit - Category: #books ## Highlights - Christians are seeking gifts of the Holy Spirit and not the Holy Spirit Himself ([Location 772](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B002B9MGIC&location=772)) - They want power but not a relationship with the One whose presence gives power. They want to do great things for God, but they haven't understood that greatness in the kingdom of God comes out of a relationship with Christ and the filling of the Holy Spirit. ([Location 772](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B002B9MGIC&location=772)) - If we seek the gifts of the Spirit and not the Holy Spirit Himself, we'll always focus on self. We must learn to understand that there are no gifts apart from an intimate relationship with the Spirit. ([Location 776](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B002B9MGIC&location=776)) - One of the most overlooked verses in the Bible is John 16:7. There Jesus explained, “I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.” ([Location 795](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B002B9MGIC&location=795)) - Peter, who had been self-pleasing, self-trusting, and self-seeking, had now died to self Peter—full of sin, continually getting into trouble, foolish and impetuous—had now been filled with the Spirit. And the mighty power of God flowed in and through his life. ([Location 806](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B002B9MGIC&location=806)) - What Megan discovered is foundational for all of us: the relationship must come first. Don't try to understand the deep things of God without first being born again of the Spirit of God. Don't try to do great things for God without first being empowered by the Spirit of ([Location 828](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B002B9MGIC&location=828)) - God. Your entire Christian life is a by-product of this relationship. ([Location 830](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B002B9MGIC&location=830)) - As Paul said, “If the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you” (Romans 8:11). This is an amazing truth that we must not move past too quickly: the powerful Holy Spirit who worked in Jesus’ life is the same Spirit who works in us. ([Location 840](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B002B9MGIC&location=840)) - We must understand a simple principle: if you do not walk in the Spirit, you do not have a spiritual gift. Apart from the Spirit, whatever “gifts” we display can be only our natural talents, drawing attention to self ([Location 850](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B002B9MGIC&location=850)) - Believers often ask each other (or themselves), “What's your spiritual gift?” The true answer to that question is this: the Holy Spirit is the gift. He Himself is the indispensable gift of God in your life. ([Location 852](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B002B9MGIC&location=852)) - Peter said in Acts 2:38, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” ([Location 857](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B002B9MGIC&location=857)) - Hear it once more: the Holy Spirit Himself is God's gift to you. The same Holy Spirit who manifested Himself in the life of Jesus and in the early believers has been sent to work through you. If you open your life to Him, He'll manifest His power in your life. Don't bypass the relationship and try to experience the power. First the rehtionship, then the power. ([Location 885](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B002B9MGIC&location=885))