The Holy Spirit is Given to Those Who Obey God

Acts 5:32 says that the Holy Spirit was given by God to those obey Him.  If we want to life Holy Spirit empowered lives, then are we willing to hear and do the will of God in our everyday life? 

The Apostles were empowered to be witnesses for God, miracles and signs of wonder were happening, and even an astounding deliverance from prison occurred, freeing them to go speak "all the words of this life". 
Impulsive Peter, who had denied Jesus after the crucifixion, was now operating in the power of the Spirit with boldness.

What about you and I?  I think a lot of people wonder how to even start in the realm of walking in the Spirit.  Early in chapter 5 we have an example. 

The believers being saved during this time lived in communion together, sharing all that they had.  It wasn't required, but was a spontaneous expression of what God was doing in their midst.  It was beautiful!  Ananias and Sapphira wanted to be associated with these people.  I believe they were moved out of a conviction from God to sell a possession and give it to the Lord.  Notice they didn't sell everything, but "a possession".  They felt compelled to give something.  They sold their possession, collected the proceeds and wavered on what to give.  Do I give it in full?  I can just see it now.  Perhaps they owned a set oxen, they weren't really using them anymore, they were disposable to them, so let's sell them and give those proceeds.  We can afford that.  But once they were sold, and the money is in hand....well, we can all use money, right  "I don't have to give it all.  I'm going to give only a portion."

So they lied.  Husband and wife agreed to lie about what they were giving. 

They pretended to give what they perceived was the "acceptable amount" to gain favor.  They pretended to give it all.

They weren't giving out of obedience to God's voice.  They weren't giving from a right motivation.  They were giving to get something.  To gain a reputation.  And they were caught lying to the Holy Spirit (there's no secrets from God) and they died in their sin.

The Holy Spirit is given to those who obey God.  Are we being obedient to what God has told us, or are we holding back even a bit? 

If we want to walk in greater power of the Holy Spirit, we have to get real in our hearts.  What has God required of me?  Acknowledge it fully.  Don't hedge it, rationalize it, justify a means of escape.  Obey.

If we've been holding back from fully obeying, repent!  Quickly!  God's mercy has sustained us, now we must turn back to the truth and do it.

And begin to walk in a greater fullness of the Spirit.  Begin your best life, now.