Receiving the Holy Spirit: Because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power

The wisdom from above (the word of God) is like leaven, it is not only knowledge but also contains a transforming spiritual principle, the wisdom is progressive and expansive knowledge: "Because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.", 1 Thessalonians 1:5-6.

The word of God is spirit and power, the disciples not only teach but transmit the gifts of the holy spirit: "Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful", Luke 6:36, "Be holy, because I am holy", 1 Peter 1:16.
The apostle Paul tells us about a suffering that turns into joy, the old man tied to his passions, must give way to the new man who is liberated in truth and wisdom, this change implies a pain that must give way to joy: "Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have stripped off the old self with its practices and have clothed yourselves with the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge according to the image of its creator", Colossians 3:9-10.
The gospel explains that to be born again and have a new childhood we have to suffer according to the flesh: "Whoever suffers in the body is done with sin.", 1 Peter 4:1. Receiving the holy spirit in our hearts implies a strong examination of conscience, it is essential to free the mind from all forms of error, this is the true power of the spirit: "Wisdom will never be at home with anyone who is deceitful or a slave of sin. For a holy and disciplined spirit will flee from deceit." Wisdom 1:4.
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