The Promise, Power and Purpose of God's Spirit - Receive it [5]

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: 

old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.  

(2 Corinthians 5:17)

Baptism in God’s Spirit is crucial in becoming the new creatures God has called us to be.  It’s important because it enables us to become powerful witnesses of the Gospel message:

 

But ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me, both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. (Acts 1:8)

 

And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover.  (Luke 16:17-18)

Becoming new creatures in Christ as a result of the resurrection power in Jesus is promised to us. 

Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:  Romans 1:34

However, it is not an automatic occurrence.  It is nothing that we did, nothing we can do that entitles us to the resurrection power of Jesus. 

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:  Ephesians 2:8

There is a giving of ourselves that we must adhere to in order to walk in the fullness and live a live unfettered by the enemy, the influences of the world and our corrupt self-nature.  When we follow the plan as given to us through the word of God, we become new creatures in Christ; shaped in the image of our heavenly father.

¨     RECEIVING GOD’S SPIRIT

 Repent And Be Baptized:

 

Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38)

 Believe It’s for You:

 

For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. (Acts 2:39)

Desire It:

 

. . . Jesus stood and cried, saying, if any man thirst let him come unto me, and drink.  He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.  (but this spake He of the Spirit, which they that believed on Him should receive; for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.) (John 7:37-39)

Accept It as A Gift:

God’s Spirit has already been given. It was given to the Church on the Day of Pentecost. Because it’s a gift, you can’t do anything to earn it:

 

. . .the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38)

 

This only would I learn of you. Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?  He therefore that ministereth to you in the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?  That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles; through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. (Galatians 3:2,5,14)

Begin to praise and thank God for the gift of God’s Spirit.

Yield To God:

Yield your tongue to God in praise and worship. As you praise Him audibly you may first experience stammering lips. As you continue to yield your tongue to God’s Spirit and He will speak through you words foreign to your understanding. This is the confirming physical sign of Holy Spirit baptism:

 

And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (Acts 2:4)

Request The Prayers of Other Believers:

God’s Spirit can be received through the laying on of hands (Acts 8,9,19) or without the laying on of hands (Acts 2,4,10). Study these chapters which show how Spirit-filled believers can help you experience baptism in God’s Spirit.

 

 

* The Promise, Power & Purpose of God's Spirit – The New Creature [4]

And that ye put on the new man, which after God is 

created in righteousness and true holiness.  

Ephesians 4:24

Today we’re talking about the new creature that we’re to be after accepting Jesus as our Lord and Savior.  We’re to put off the "old self" or old man. 

regarding our previous way of life, put off our old self [completely discard our former nature], which is being corrupted through deceitful desires, Ephesians 4:22

Apostle Paul explains this as the deceptive, corrupting influence of sin which marks our life before Christ. It doesn’t matter who we were, who we thought we were or who or what others thought we were; before Christ we were dead in our sins.  The only way to be quickened to life is by making this change. 

Putting off the old man is impossible without knowing God and having His Holy Spirit dwelling on the inside.  We have to be renewed in our mind

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.   And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:1-2;

- renewed in knowledge after the image of our Creator

And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:  Colossians 3:10

 In other words, our new self is the life which transforms us to become more like Christ; that’s "created after the likeness of God."  Scripture explain how the new self is created as a reflection of the Creator.  Our new self is being created like God in "holiness." We’re to control our bodies "in holiness and honor"

That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;  Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.  For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.  1 Thessalonians 4:4-7

We are to live holy lives as followers of Christ.

The "old man" refers to the flesh or self-nature. Apostle Paul writes:

That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.  Ephesians 4:22-24

And this is where the problem exists; because the old man wants to continue as what it was rather than be what we’re called to be.  Enter God’s spirit.  He knew we can’t do this on our own.  It’s only through the power of the Spirit, we’re saved, filled, sealed, and sanctified. God’s Spirit reveals His thoughts, teaches, and guides us into all truth. His Spirit helps us in our weakness and intercedes for us.

The word of God tells us after we have surrendered our lives to God we become new creatures.  Old things pass away.

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.   2 Corinthians 5:17

It’s God’s spirit that activates the process within us by cleansing us spiritually.  He doesn’t fill us with His spirit to compensate us in our weakness; that’s like giving the paralytic a wheelchair or a seeing eye dog to someone blind.  Thank God that we have ways that can compensate for our infirmities!  But when it comes to our soul, to being holy, we can’t view God’s spirit in that light.  He fills us with His power to allow us to be victorious over every single ungodly negative thing.  In this vein of speaking, the Holy Ghost is not a compensator but the power that energizes us to victory; to be victorious, to be overcomers!  But there’s some things that we, being born again, must do with the energizing power of God’s Spirit:

 ¨     The first thing we must do is:  PUT OUR FLESH TO DEATH:

 The flesh must be crucified. It will not die a natural death. We must crucify it by refusing to be controlled by it:

Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Romans 6:6-7

For I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me.   Galatians 2:20

And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.  Galatians 5:24

¨     Secondly, we must WALK IN THE SPIRIT:

Our daily walk (how we live) can be controlled by Satan working through our flesh, the world, or demon powers if we permit it. We don’t have to be controlled by the world, the flesh, or the Devil. We must learn to walk in the Spirit:

This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. Galatians 5:16

If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.  Galatians 5:25 

To walk in the Spirit means to let God's Spirit control our conduct and life.

Though at times it seems like it, the flesh is not more powerful than the spirit. If we let the God’s Spirit manifest His power in us, He will quicken our mortal body of flesh. To "quicken" means to endue with life.  We don’t have to live in the bonds of sin. God can quicken our spirit to new life:

Now Christ lives his life in you! And even though your body may be dead because of the effects of sin, his life-giving Spirit imparts life to you because you are fully accepted by God.  Yes, God raised Jesus to life! And since God’s Spirit of Resurrection lives in you, he will also raise your dying body to life by the same Spirit that breathes life into you!  So then, beloved ones, the flesh has no claims on us at all, and we have no further obligation to live in obedience to it.  For when you live controlled by the flesh, you are about to die. But if the life of the Spirit puts to death the corrupt ways of the flesh, we then taste his abundant life.  The mature children of God are those who are moved by the impulses of the Holy Spirit.  Romans 8:10-14

 To be led by the Spirit we must have the Holy Spirit within us. 
We must be born again by the Spirit

 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit’s spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.  John 3:6-7

                                            We must also be filled with the Holy Spirit. 

 

It’s God’s Spirit who gives us power to walk in His spirit rather than the flesh. It can’t be emphasized enough the importance of His Spirit in overcoming the world, the flesh, and the Devil. Through His Spirit, we are led by the Spirit instead of the flesh.

¨     Thirdly, we must LET OUR SPIRIT SPEAK BY THE HOLY SPIRIT:

 God communicates to our spirit by His Spirit:

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.  Romans 8:14

It’s a 2-way street.  We communicate directly to God from our spirit through His Spirit:

For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.   1 Corinthians 14:2

When we speak in an unknown language, which is the physical evidence of the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2), our spirit’s communicating directly to God. When this happens, one of the important functions of the Holy Spirit’s to pray according to the will of God:

Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities; for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is in the mind of the Spirit, because He maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.  Romans 8:26-27

¨     Forth, we must DEVELOP THE FRUIT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT:

The enduement of power also enables us to live a Christ-like life. This is accomplished through qualities God’s Spirit develops in our life. These qualities are called spiritual fruit. The fruit of God’s Spirit refers to the nature of God’s Spirit being evident in our life. God desires that all the fruit be evident in our life. 

In contrast to the works of the flesh, develop the fruit of the Holy Spirit. This includes:

. . . love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith. Meekness, temperance. . . Galatians 5:22-23 

¨     Fifth, DON’T LIVE IN CONDEMNATION:

Satan uses the weaknesses of the flesh to make us live in condemnation. But Apostle Paul said:

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.    Romans 8:1

If we fail and engage in fleshly conduct, don’t remain in condemnation. Repent and ask forgiveness:

For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.  2 Corinthians 7:9

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  1 John 1:9

Sermonette

THE Promise, Power and Purpose of God's Spirit [3]

 

Today, we’re going to talk about important purposes and functions of God’s Spirit.  The main purpose for the power of God’s Spirit is given to us in Acts.   All the purposes of God’s Spirit are targeted to accomplish this greater purpose. The greatest purpose of God’s Spirit’s revealed in the promise by Jesus:

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and YE SHALL BE WITNESSES UNTO ME both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. (Acts 1:8)

The power to become witnesses for Jesus is the true evidence of God’s Spirit. It was present immediately in the life of Apostle Peter. Before Peter experienced God’s Spirit for himself, he fearfully denied he knew Jesus. But after receiving the enduement of the power of God’s Spirit, Peter stood and gave a powerful witness to the Gospel that resulted in the salvation of 3,000 people.

It was the power of God’s Spirit in the early church that resulted in the spread of the Gospel throughout the world. The gospels are the best read for learning about Jesus. If you want to learn about God’s spirit, read the books of Acts.  The book of Acts is a record of the powerful witness which was evident as a result of baptism in God’s Spirit.

God’s spirit is Power:

 

But God hath not given us the SPIRIT of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7)

 

After Jesus returned from His wilderness experience, the bible states He returned in power fully equipped to do the work of the Heavenly Father.

 

And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of Him through all the region round about. (Luke 4:14)

That "spirit of power" is God’s Spirit.  Jesus was anointed with God’s spirit and the power that comes with it:

 

How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with Him. (Acts 10:38)

Jesus became famous in His region for doing good, for healing the oppressed – he was able to do this because He was full of God’s spirit the same as we should be. 

God’s Spirit ministers and enables us in many powerful ways and has many purposes in the lives of believers. God’s Spirit:

 Dwells in us:  We are actually the temple or dwelling place of God’s Spirit.

 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?  1 Corinthians 6:19

Unites us in one spirit with God and other believers: There is great power in unity as demonstrated in the account of the tower of Babel (See Genesis 11; especially note verse 6).  When we are filled with God’s spirit, we become part of the body of Christ and the body works in unison.

But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.  1 Corinthians 6:17

Intercedes for us: This powerful intercessor prays for us according to God's will.

God’s Spirit takes hold of us in our human frailty to empower us in our weakness. For example, at times we don’t even know how to pray, or know the best things to ask for. But God’s Spirit rises up within us to super-intercede on our behalf, pleading to God with emotional sighs too deep for words.  Romans 8:26

Guides us: God’s Spirit enables us to walk in power and not confusion. He guides us to the place of power, the perfect will of God.

But when the truth-giving Spirit comes, he will unveil the reality of every truth within you. He won’t speak on his own, but only what he hears from the Father, and he will reveal prophetically to you what is to come. (John 16:13)

 Imparts the love of Christ to us and through us:

Apostle Paul talks about the hope that we have because of the love of God; how

 . . . this hope is not a disappointing fantasy, because we experience the endless love of God flowing into our hearts through His Holy Spirit who lives in us!  

 . . .  the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.  Romans 5:5

Reveals Biblical truth to us: Powerful spiritual revelation comes through God’s Spirit.

God now unveils these profound realities to us by the Spirit. Yes, he has revealed to us his inmost heart and deepest mysteries through God’s Spirit, who constantly explores all things. (I Corinthians 2:10)

Comforts us: He comforts us and gives us rest in times of grief and misery in our down times.

Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.  Acts 9:31

Conforms us to the image of Christ: We are powerless to change ourselves into the image of Christ. Self-improvement plans are inadequate and usually doomed to failure. But through the power of God’s Spirit, we can be conformed to the image of Jesus.

But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. (2 Corinthians 3:18)

Teaches us: The greatest teacher takes up residence within us when we are endued with the power of God’s Spirit. Knowledge is powerful, and God’s Spirit imparts spiritual knowledge.

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.   (John 14:26)

Inspires us to true worship:  Praise and worship are powerful spiritual strategies. In some Old Testament battles they were the main methods used against the enemies of God.  It is far more powerful that an emotional move; it is spirit led!

God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.  (John 4:24)

Quickens us: The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in us to quicken us. This means we are endued with resurrection-like power while yet in these mortal bodies.

Yes, God raised Jesus to life! And since God’s Spirit of Resurrection lives in us, he will also raise our dying body to life by the same Spirit that breathes life into us.  Romans 8:11

 Sanctifies us:  We don’t not have to try to live a holy life through self-effort. The power of God’s Spirit sanctifies our thoughts and actions. He enables holy living.  Apostle Paul said:

 . . . we are dearly loved by the Lord. He proved it by choosing us from the beginning for salvation through the Spirit, who set us apart for holiness, and through our belief in the truth.  To this end he handpicked us for salvation through the gospel so that we would have the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.  2 Thessalonians 2:13-14

Changes us: Power is necessary to effect change and God’s Spirit gives power for positive change.

he came to save us. Not because of any virtuous deed that we have done but only because of his extravagant mercy.   Titus 3:5

 Convicts us of wrong: Sin results in spiritual power failure. God’s Spirit convicts of wrong and leads us to repentance. This enables the continued flow of God's power.

And when he comes, he will expose sin and prove that the world is wrong about God’s righteousness and his judgments.  John 16:8-11

We bear this out through the sanctifying power of God’s Holy Spirit leading us to repentance and righteousness.

Gives assurance of salvation: Knowing our position gives us power. God’s Spirit assures our position in Him.

The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:  Romans 8:16

Gives us liberty: Liberty provides the greatest opportunity for power. God’s Spirit gives liberty through Jesus Christ. 

For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.  Romans 8:2

Speaks through us:  We are not limited by our own speaking ability. God’s Spirit speaks God's Words of power and authority through us.

But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost.  Mark 13:11

Demonstrates God's power:  God’s Spirit enables the demonstration of His power in every area of our life.

And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:  I Corinthians 2:4

 Strengthens us: When we are weak, God’s strength is manifested.

That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; Ephesians 3:16

All of these are purposes of God’s spirit residing in us!  They are the reasons we need God’s spirit dwelling in us; leading and directing our life.  By and through the power of God’s spirit, we become new creatures; fit for the king’s use; we become ambassadors of the Kingdom; kingdom representatives.  Spiritually fit and activated to witness to a lost and dying world the gospel; the good news of Jesus Christ.

 

Sermonette