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Growing in Spirit and in Truth #2 Presented by the Rev. Kim L. Coleman on March 5, 2006
In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. Matthew 1:9
Review of Last Month’s Teaching & Opening Prayer § Growing in Spirit and in Truth requires both hearing and action. § Practice acknowledging awareness. § Commit to using awareness as a prayer starter. § Effective prayer requires faith, honesty, humility and patience. § Whatever we give him, God’s always saying, “now, what shall we make of this?” § This month: Growing in Spirit and In Truth requires the Holy Spirit. Our aim today is to offer a Holy Spirit primer.
Who is this Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit is that Biblical being about whom the average church member’s understanding is so vague it is nearly non-existent. (Anon)
§ The Holy Spirit is known by many names. All these names point to an identity that becomes more and more clear as the biblical text advances towards the NT Day of Pentecost. § The Holy Spirit is the Third Person of the Trinity, God at work within the world and in the Church even now (BCP, Catechism, pg. 852) § The Holy Spirit is God.
What is the Holy Spirit’s Job? To glorify Christ.
§ The Old Testament operation of the Holy Spirit most often was task oriented, aimed at empowering people to accomplish something for God, and temporary. God the Holy Spirit came, the Holy Spirit saw, the Holy Spirit conquered, and the Holy Spirit moves on (e.g., Genesis 1:2 and I Samuel 16:13).
§ The New Testament pre-Pentecost operation of the Holy Spirit was one of abiding presence. Where Jesus was, so was the Holy Spirit. (John 14:15-17)
§ In the world, pre/post Pentecost, the HS works to reprove sin, righteousness, judgment, and to hinder the growth of lawlessness (John 16:8-11) by pointing towards Jesus as the way, the truth, the life and only way to the Father.
§ The Holy Spirit after Pentecost is the indwelling presence of God in the believer. The Holy Spirit baptizes, indwells and fills (not more of God in you but more of you surrendering to God’s will).
In the Church, the Holy Spirit brings the church together (I Corinthians 12: 13,14; Acts 2:1-21) and administers gifts (Hebrews 2:4)
In the believer, the Holy Spirit multi-tasks: Brings understanding (Romans 12:2); Baptizes (I Corinthians 6:19); Helps the believer live for God (Galatians 5:16-18); Transforms our minds (Romans 8:29); Comforts/Counsels (Acts 9:31, John 14:16); Guides (John 16:13); Sanctifies (Romans 15:16) by setting us apart to do the work of the Lord; Teaches (1 Corinthians 2:13); Directs (Acts 13:2) - The Holy Spirit directs us in the proper path that God would have us go to accomplish His work; and Intercedes (Romans 8:26).
How Do I Know I have the Holy Spirit?
§ We know by faith (John 16:7, Ephesians 1:13 and 2 Corinthians 5:6-7)
How do I Know I Am Filled?
§ We know by evidence (Ephesians 5:15-20) Being directed and empowered by the Holy Spirit produces (1) a greater love for Christ and God’s word; (2) a growing concern for those who do not know Christ as Savior; (3) a greater boldness, liberty and power in witnessing; and (4) a joyful, thankful heart and submissive will.
§ We know by the production of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22, 23) By fruit (singular) we are talking about character, about God’s expectation for our lives, that we might be like Jesus.
§ Caution against valuing authenticating signs and feelings over faith.
§ Ask the question, who or what is being glorified?
Growing in Spirit and In Truth By Walking in the Spirit
§ Remove barriers to growth including ignorance and sin
§ Confess your imperfection (sin) and need for Holy Spirit direction and empowerment. This only is possible when we can admit another way outside the way we hold dear.
§ Practice exhaling and inhaling 1
Exhale Confess (agreement with God concerning sin and a change in attitude and direction)
Inhale Surrender the control of your life to Christ and appropriate (receive) by faith the filling of the Holy Spirit. Surrender is a matter of choice not of force.
Growing in Spirit and in Truth #3
——————————————— 1 A Campus Crusade for Christ concept
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