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What You'll Discover in this Episode:
180: The Empowering Of The Spirit
The Empowering Of The Spirit
In this episode Pastor Jeff will talk about the Holy Spirit’s empowering ministry. He supplies the needed power to live the Christian life and to offer any kind of service you are involved in. Living and serving in Christian ministry requires His resources, not ours. Ability that we do not have within ourselves. But God shares it with us through the Holy Spirit.
The number one way to be equipped in biblical counseling is to meditate the word of God, to know more about the scripture. To know more the word of God and the work of the Holy Spirit. We want a ministry of the Word and the Spirit.
Understanding the Truth in the Bible
Joshua 1:8 says, "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”
A person seeking counsel will need to understand that the Holy Spirit is working with them, in them and upon them - as described in the Scripture. It has to be the power of the spirit that brings boldness, empowerment, and spiritual strength.
The Bible provides us with a variety of words to draw upon. This is important. There are several terminologies that we learn from culture that become a habitual part of our conversations. We need to ‘unlearn’ the world's way of thinking and communicating. Let’s make sure you're using the same terminology that God uses in the Bible. We need to study and think about the Bible if we want to develop biblical thinking and a biblical method of explanation. In reality, we can instruct people with Bible verses.
The Holy Spirit as “With”, “In”, and “Upon”
With - Acts 1:5
In - Romans 8:9
Upon - Acts 1:8
I am one of those that after becoming a Christian I attended one of those churches who taught that baptism of the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues, etc. was taboo. There were always questions niggling my mind concerning scripture on that topic. We are so thankful that we are now in agreement with the Holy Spirit on the matter instead of grieving Him. I’m in agreement that the language being used are all synonymous. 1 Corintians 12-14 was a great help the us. I’m going to encourage my husband and family to listen to this podcast. Speaking in tongues is not something my husband has much of a desire to grow in (it has caused him to stumble in his walk), but he has always had a boldness to witness and a passion for God’s Word. Bless you, Jeff, for taking on this controversial topic. I look forward to learning more about it and being able to rightly divide the word of truth and have an answer for the hope that is in me. (2 Timothy 2:15 and 1 Peter 3:15)
I have the Book LIving Water by Pastor Chuck Smith and even set up a table at our Womens Christmas Brunch around the Living Water. I gave each woman a copy of the Book, and then a month later, we studied The Book and some studies that Pastor Chuck taught on the Baptism of The Holy Spirit. I agree that some churches create an atmosphere of either “It is forbidden to talk about” or “Make it weird” God is clear on The Spirit and the Power that comes forth and its use is for all to be indwelled. These Holy Spirit Studies are very informative, and I am appreciating all of them, Thank you Pastor Jeff.
Love Living Water by Chuck Smith, it a transformational look at the Holy Spirit the person. How the Spirit is first with us, then dwells in us and then continues to be poured out upon us to overflowing to others.
“You can fill a cup, but if you keep pouring, it’s going to overflow. This is distinct from just being just filled. This is overflowing with the Spirit. ”
…..“True education doesn’t come from the wisdom of the world, but by the guidance and the wisdom that comes from the Holy Spirit.”-Pastor Chuck Smith
from “Living Water
Chuck Smith
The guidance and wisdom of the Spirit is the way to receive God’s Word in full and equips is to share with others.
Mike, that is a great excerpt from the book. So many great details of The Holy Spirit. Have you had a chance to listen to Pasto Chuck’s teachings on The Baptism of The Holy Spirit? I believe it is a 3–4-part series, the first two I found awhile back, were recordings of him teaching and the last ones are just audio.
This is why God sent HIS Spirit, for us to be equipped and used by God for HIS use and purpose in others’ lives.
I have listened to his teachings on the baptism of The Holy Spirit. He is a great teacher of Gods Word. He lays his sermons on a shelf that everyone can grasp.
Thank you for bringing the teaching of the empowering of the Holy Spirit to us. I really appreciate this series of giving credence to the person of the Holy Spirit without weirdness.
I also really appreciate this series Doretha. I feel the person of the Holy Spirit is mistakenly overlooked by many. This includes me early on in my faith.
Hey everyone!
Some take-aways:
-I believe the Holy Spirit is the filter with which we need to see everything, and our interaction with everything. We can trust Him to guide us and to guide others.
-There is power from the Holy Spirit in our lives to battle temptation. It isn’t a sin to be tempted but it is sin when we give in because of the victory of Jesus.
-We are empowered by Him.
-I believe that the reason there are heated discussions about the Holy Spirit is A) fear, and B) lack of knowledge of Him.
The last one is interesting. Fear of an unseen force. I am sure the day of Pentecost was frightening to many people. I know that when I have been in churches that started speaking in tongues, it was chaos and I headed for the door. I know it was my lack of knowledge of Him but I also knew that God is not chaos. however, since then, I have learned much about the Holy Spirit. I did read “Living Water” by Chuck Smith. Great book. He explains so well all aspects of the Holy Spirit in His purpose, His power, His involvement with us. I recommend it.
Again, I like the way you break things down, Anita. Your 4th point about fear and lack of knowledge I believe is right on with the enemy’s tactics to weaken and destroy the church. Fear is his biggest weapon and then as Hosea 4:6, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge …” (and Proverbs 10:14 and 11:9 are good as well)
“now go out and do it”, Having recently been studying Romans 6,7,8 when anyone agrees with God’s word but tries to step out into it in their own desires and strength, Paul says its not victory we find but a war within our members. In reality Christ has freed us and given us the victory and that is led and empowered by the Holy Spirit. We cannot underestimate the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer and forget that without Christ -as John 15:5 says- we can do nothing.
First point that caught my attention was, “Here is what the word says now go do it.” I think I have that mentality and forget that it is the power of God working in me to do what pleases Him. It must be a layer of pride in me that says “I can do it – I’ll prove it to you” that I have not given up in my personality. But how relieving it is to simply say, “God, I am Yours and must be used to glorify You. Help me, for Your Spirit is willing, my flesh is weak, and Your grace is sufficient.”
The other point was using biblical language! My husband and I are teaching the youth on Sundays and a video we looked at had some strange language – and we talked about why it is important to use Biblical language, instead of using other worldly terms; worldly terms distort the true message of God’s word. It has taught me to ask the question: “Now that could work, but is it accurate?” A very helpful question to be asking when someone talks about the Bible or even if I am trying to communicate the Bible – I have to ask “Is it accurate?”
Hi Kayla,
Good word on the language. We do need to use the correct verbiage but also to explain what those ‘christianese’ words mean. It’s a great way the Holy Spirit works through us and the counselee for understanding of what God is saying or teaching. I bet that was a great conversation. Good ‘word’ Kayla!
It was a fairly good conversation, I hope the kids grasped something – haha! But it really has challenged me more than anything. I have become a skeptic of the world and curious reader of the Word. Thank you Anita!
This episode is so important !!
Understanding the Bible and clearly speaking it that the hearer might easily apply it to there lives. We do this by the power of the Holy Spirit giving us understanding of The word.
“We want to give the word of truth clearly!”
-Jeff Christianson
So simple but so powerful !
John 16: 13 “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.
Landon, Amen. I agree. Its starts with us being intentional in our time with the Lord, in Prayer and Reading Scripture, therefor as the Word says, ” Go out and make disciples” These verses are found in Matthew 28: 18-20 Mark 16:15
God wants us to tell everyone about HIM and the sacrifice that was made on the Cross. So important for the Gospel message to be shared and The Spirit to move in.
Yes, “so simple but powerful”, I agree. John 16:13 is one of my favorite scriptures. This whole series on the Holy Spirit is vital to every Christian’s walk.
I really appreciated what you said about the fact that the word of God involves principles for implementation BUT the power to do it is not of ourselves it is of the Holy Spirit.
And following on from that if we simply hand out scripture like the bible is an instruction manual we totally miss the point. That is that the word is living and active and brought alive in a living relationship.
Also the word of God and the Holy Spirit acts on our hearts as we consider that this is God’s word. This is his story where we find him and are changed from one degree to another. This is how I want to encourage myself and others.
Also I do agree that the abuse in certain parts of the charismatic church put people of and just shut down any conversation and that’s sad. I’m praying as we go through this series. I want truth.
I totally agree with you Ann, using Scripture only as an instruction manual misses the point. Our Creator has given us the revelation of Himself, who He is and what He has done and What He will do and how He wants us to be apart of His glory – He is the most wonderful God our Father who desires His children to live in a way pleasing to Him, but for His glory. We are all being transformed into His image through the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit by knowledge of God through His word.
Jeff mentioned the importance to have an accurate and understandable vocabulary with your counselee based on the Bible. I could not agree more. So often we throw out words that we think all people understand the meaning but in fact they don’t. I am talking a word as simple as Christian. If you are talking to a Mormon they will tell you that they are Christians. However, when you break down their definition and your definition you quickly realize your vocabulary does not match. So like Jeff said we need to go to the Bible together and make sure that our vocabulary matches what is in the Bible. Heb. 4:12, “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Totally agree Don.
We need to clearly state the truth in the most simple way . It’s easy to feel good about what we say when we use fancy words but the important thing is making sure people understand what we are saying and are able to apply it.
God bless you brother!
Learning, walking, and listening to the Holy Spirit is wonderful. We have the work of the
Holy Spirit as He empowers us, which provides for us to become bold, confident, and stand firm on the word of God, sharing in that boldness with others. Acts 1:8 says the Spirit shall come upon you, and you shall be witnesses to me. The Holy Spirit personally fills Christian believers with a measure of his presence and empowers them for gospel ministry. I pray for the Holy Spirit’s power and guidance as I hear his promptings throughout my day. As we learn more about the Holy Spirit’s gifts and how he speaks to us, the more he reveals in our lives as we grow in God’s word and can take that gospel to others.
Yes Kirsten that’s a great reminder that it is the Holy Spirit who convicts a person’s heart and therefore we can be confident that he will equip us in ministry working through us to share the truth of the gospel. And knowing that we can be assured that the pressure is not on us or our ability to persuade, but we can and should share the Gospel all the more.
While listening to this episode, was reminded of a thought I had when I was growing up. I would hear sermons on the life of King David and e times when he was recognized as “a man after God’s own heart.” This statement and attribute which was ascribed to him gave me such a, what I thought was, ‘holy jealousy.’ I always had wanted to have that said of me. That I was and am “a man after God’s own heart.” But I became sad, thinking that because scripture is no longer being written this could never be recorded as an attribute that I possess. It wasn’t until earlier this year that I began thinking through this desire and made a connection I never had before.
I realized, because of Jesus’ sacrifice and His outpouring of the Holy Spirit, have the the very Spirit of God living inside me. David didn’t have access to the Spirit because He wasn’t provided to the earth yet. That was what made his faith so spectacular. David was obedient to God’s instruction and it was counted to him as righteousness. He didn’t have the Spirit explicitly living within him, yet he was still called a man after God’s own heart due to his obedience and faith.
I have the Holy Spirit living and active within my heart and life. Therefore, I have the very presence of God with me every day guiding and directing me into the image of Christ. That’s pretty cool, if you ask me.
David is an excellent example and knowing we have the gift of the Holy Spirit is amazing, especially as we learn to hear him and grow ever closer. The more we learn to listen, the more he shows us what we are to do and respond to certain situations.
I agree with your comment Kristen and we can see that even if we silence the Holy Spirit as David did, God will send us a Nathan! May you and I be quick to hear and obey the Holy Spirit always.
Hi Timothy, it is an amazing thing when we realize that a Holy and Righteous God lives in us; teaching, training, directing, correcting…but us, sinners.
And yes, “…the very presence of God.” Makes you want to keep your voice just above a whisper! Good word. Thanks for sharing your heart.
Many years ago, we had a Japanese foreign exchange student living in our home. She commented to me how different education in Japan is from the U.S. She told me in Japan they learn about things, but don’t usually get a chance to experience them and so only know of them. This is what makes the difference between head and heart knowledge. Thank you for saying in your podcast today relationship with the Holy Spirit is a way of life, not an event. This is the way to experience the amazing gift the Spirit is in our lives. The more we get out of the way and let Him have charge the more we experience the abundant life.
I believe fear and a lack of understanding of the precious gift we have in the Holy Spirit has kept too much of the church from what God has called us to be. Thank you, Jeff, for encouraging the church with the truth of His Word.
Yvonne, you said, “I believe fear and a lack of understanding of the precious gift we have in the Holy Spirit has kept too much of the church from what God has called us to be.” What a truthful statement that is. And yet how terribly tragic, right? The Holy Spirit, the gift given to us by the Father as Jesus returned back into the Kingdom. May this be the generation that the knowledge of the Holy Spirit is spread worldwide in a greater way.
Laura, I say amen and amen to what you have written.
Hi Yvonne do you mean that fear stops people from operating in the gifts of the Spirit or simply just walking by the Spirit? Personally the more I try to follow Christ the more I learn that all of the Christian life is impossible without the Holy Spirit. Impossible to subdue this flesh without him. Impossible to love without him. Impossible to forgive without him. Praise God that the Holy Spirit works to sanctify me. Thank you for your comment.
Ann-Louise, I agree with you it is impossible to stand in the victory of the cross daily without the help of the Holy Spirit. We end up striving, despairing, exhausted, frustrated and … instead of thriving we go through the motions. Ultimately, we either surrender to Him, give up or turn away. Praising God with you for the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives.
Thank you for your question. I do believe we can be fearful of operating in the gifts and/or simply walking by the Spirit. It is about giving up control and trusting Him. What do you think?
Hi Yvonne, thank you for sharing about the exchange student. That is a great example of the difference between head and heart knowledge. I also appreciated the way Jeff expressed that a relationship with the Holy Spirit is away of life not an event.
What an excellent conversation, Pastor Jeff! Spending time talking about and learning about the Holy Spirit is SO worthwhile. In the past I have had to apologize to the Holy Spirit for looking around him and sometimes straight through him in order to get to Jesus! How foolish, right?
The title of this message is the empowering of the Holy Spirit and I experienced exactly that in 1993. At that time I had been a smoker for 20 years and found it impossible to quit on my own. Absolutely impossible! I began to pray, all while smoking, asking the Lord if it bothered him that I smoked. This continued for a few weeks. One morning, unexpectedly, the Holy Spirit revealed that I was going to give God my smoking. And He was right, I literally got on my knees and gave God my smoking. I have never smoked since. What I could not accomplish the Holy Spirit empowered me to do for the glory of God!
Laura, this is such a wonderful testimony of the power of the Holy Spirit working in our lives. Thank you for sharing it. Your story floods my mind with many stories of what He has done that I could have never achieved on my own. They were small things and big things. I praise God with you for the gift of His Spirit.
Amazing story of the freedom and Hope that Christ offers, that no one else can. Thanks for sharing your story Laura