How to Be Spiritually Empowered
In a world filled with chaos, uncertainty, and spiritual battles, every man needs a source of strength that transcends the natural. The Bible reveals a powerful gift available to every believer—a gift that empowers us to live victoriously, pray effectively, and walk in the fullness of God’s purpose. This gift is the Baptism in the Holy Spirit, a divine empowerment promised by Jesus Himself. As men seeking to live with authentic faith, we must understand how to receive this gift and allow it to transform our lives. Let’s explore this biblical truth and the practical steps to experience it for ourselves.
Jesus Instructed All Believers to Receive the Holy Spirit as a Gift from the Father
Before ascending to heaven, Jesus gave His followers a clear directive: wait for the promise of the Father. In Luke 24:49, He said, “I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” This promise was fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples in a dramatic display of power (Acts 2:1-4). But this wasn’t a one-time event reserved for the early church—it’s a gift available to all who believe.
Jesus reinforced this in John 7:38-39, declaring, “Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” John explains that He was speaking of the Spirit, whom believers would receive. The Baptism in the Holy Spirit is not an optional add-on; it’s a vital part of the Christian life, a gift from the Father to equip us for every good work. As men, we’re called to lead, protect, and provide—not just in the physical realm, but in the spiritual. The Holy Spirit empowers us to do so with divine strength.
Every Example of Receiving the Gift Was Evidenced by Speaking in Tongues
When we examine the Book of Acts, a consistent pattern emerges: those who received the Baptism in the Holy Spirit spoke in tongues as an immediate evidence of this infilling. On Pentecost, the disciples “began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them” (Acts 2:4). In Acts 10:44-46, when the Holy Spirit fell on Cornelius and his household, “the circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God.”
Again, in Acts 19:6, when Paul laid hands on the Ephesian believers, “the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.” This supernatural language is not a human invention—it’s a heavenly gift, a sign of the Spirit’s presence and power. For the modern believer, this remains the biblical evidence of receiving the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. It’s not about emotionalism or hype; it’s about aligning with the Word of God and the experience of the early church.
The Purposes of Speaking in Tongues
Why does God give us this gift? The Bible reveals multiple purposes, each designed to strengthen us individually and collectively as the body of Christ.
As a Sign to Unbelievers
In 1 Corinthians 14:22, Paul writes, “Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers.” When unbelievers witness the supernatural—something beyond human explanation—it points them to the reality of God. On Pentecost, the crowd marveled as they heard the disciples speaking in their own languages (Acts 2:6-8), prompting Peter to preach the gospel. As men, our lives should be a testimony of God’s power, and speaking in tongues can serve as a bold declaration of His presence.
Corporate Demonstration for Interpretation
In a gathered setting, tongues can be accompanied by interpretation, edifying the church. Paul instructs in 1 Corinthians 14:13, “For this reason the one who speaks in a tongue should pray that they may interpret what they say.” This public use builds up the body, providing encouragement, revelation, or direction as the Spirit leads. It’s a reminder that we’re not lone rangers—our gifts are meant to bless others.
Personal Edification
Jude 1:20 urges us, “But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit.” Speaking in tongues strengthens our inner man. Paul says, “Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves” (1 Corinthians 14:4). In moments of weakness, confusion, or exhaustion, this gift becomes a lifeline, recharging our spiritual batteries and aligning us with God’s peace.
Intercession, Praying for God’s Will to Be Accomplished
Perhaps the most profound purpose is found in Romans 8:26-27: “The Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans… in accordance with the will of God.” When we pray in tongues, the Holy Spirit prays through us, interceding perfectly for situations we may not even fully understand. As men called to stand in the gap, this is a powerful tool to see God’s will unfold in our families, communities, and beyond.
Instructions to Receive
So how do we receive this gift? The process is simple, yet rooted in faith and obedience to Scripture.
You Must Be a Believer in Christ
The Holy Spirit is given to those who have accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior. Acts 2:38 says, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Salvation is the foundation—without it, the gift cannot be received.
Ask the Father for the Gift of the Holy Spirit
In Luke 11:13, Jesus assures us, “If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” God is not reluctant—He delights in giving this gift. Approach Him with childlike faith and ask boldly.
Receive
Receiving is an act of faith. When the disciples were filled, they didn’t wait for a feeling—they opened their mouths and spoke as the Spirit gave them utterance (Acts 2:4). Don’t overcomplicate it. Trust God, yield to His Spirit, and allow the words to flow. It may feel unfamiliar at first, but faith steps beyond the natural into the supernatural.
Take the 45-Day Challenge
The Baptism in the Holy Spirit is not a one-time experience—it’s a gateway to a lifestyle of spiritual empowerment. As men, we’re called to live with purpose, strength, and boldness. I invite you to take the 45-Day Challenge at FivestarMan.com. Over the next 45 days, commit to seeking God daily for this gift. Pray, study the Scriptures we’ve explored, and step out in faith to receive the Holy Spirit’s fullness. Journal your experiences, and watch how God begins to move in your life.
The world needs men who are spiritually empowered—men who pray with authority, lead with conviction, and stand as signs of God’s power. The Baptism in the Holy Spirit is your inheritance as a believer. Don’t wait another day to claim it. Visit FivestarMan.com, join the challenge, and step into the life God has destined for you.
Neil Kennedy is the founder of FivestarMan, a movement dedicated to empowering men to live authentically and purposefully through biblical principles.
