Verses 1-7
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Verse 2. Understand that receiving the power of the Holy Spirit is separate from salvation.
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It is important to understand the role of the Holy Spirit in order to be an effective believer.
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Verse 6. When you first receive the power of the Holy Spirit, the resulting effects can be speaking in tongues and/or prophesying.
Verses 8-10
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When we preach the gospel, some people will only be further hardened by what they hear. They will show this by speaking evil of the Word of God.
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Verse 9. If you notice people in a gathering/crowd who are being hardened and insulting the gospel, withdraw from them. Do not include hardened people in gatherings of believers.
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Verses 11-12
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Verses 11-12. God can choose to grant special miracles—miracles that are not normally done.
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Understand that all things are possible with God. Believe God for any kind of miracle.
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Understand that granting miracles is in God's control. God grants them (Acts 14:3).
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You will experience more miracles the more that you preach the gospel and pray for people. Do these things!
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Verses 13-17
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Remember that the power to cast out demons does not come from man. It comes directly from God.
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Verse 15. Demons know about people who are great in their obedience to God.
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If you do not personally follow Christ, you will not have power over demons.
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Grow in your self-control and obedience to God, and you will have more power over demons (Matthew 17:19,21).
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Verse 17. Also remember that the fear of God brings more glory to Christ. Believe in fearing God!
Verses 18-20
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When people are truly turning to Christ, they will abandon their sinful ways, and especially any association with false religions, no matter how much money they might lose as a result.
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Verse 18. Expect that people who are being saved will readily confess their sins and give up whatever they need to.
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Don't shy away from encouraging new believers to admit and give up their worldly habits.
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Verse 19. Also, it is important, as a believer, to throw away or destroy items that have demonic associations or that were made with malicious intent.
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Verses 21-22
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Understand that the Holy Spirit can guide your plans and even give you direction for places you are supposed to go. Remember this, and make your plans carefully.
Verses 23-41
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Verse 26. Effective believers will persuade many people to follow Jesus. Purpose to bring many people into the kingdom!
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Verses 37-40. Paul and his companions did not vandalize pagan property, rob their temples, nor blaspheme the foreign gods. They avoided being repulsive or obnoxious wherever possible. This allowed them to avoid certain accusations.
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Understand that even though preaching the gospel will anger some, do your best to comply with governing laws, and respect people's property, even if it's pagan or idolatrous.
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Verse 40. Be orderly in your ways, and you will avoid many problems and unnecessary confrontations.
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