July 27, 2008

What We Believe
About the Holy Spirit's Work in the World, the Church and the Believer, pt. 5
Steve Lane

A. Introduction/Review

...but are we experiencing all that is promised?

A central work of the Holy Spirit is to manifest the active presence of God in the world. Impossible, unless the individuals of the body are truly Spirit-controlled -- Spirit-filled.

John 7: 38 - 39
"Streams of living water will flow from within."

"The one thing needed for the church in its search for spiritual excellence is to be filled with the Spirit of God."
-Andrew Murray

This is one of those sweeping, major themes of the Bible, yet many miss it.

John 14: 23 - 27
God makes Himself known to us by the indwelling of His Spirit.

Is your love abounding more and more in the depth and knowledge of Jesus?

B. Only by the Spirit!

2 Corinthians 3: 18
Has there been a revolution, a transformation? Is the character of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit evident?

Luke 22: 14 - 24
Are we like the disciples after spending three years with Jesus? (hint: they argued)

Galatians 2: 20
Romans 6: 11
2 Corinthians 2: 15 - 16
2 Corinthians 5: 14 - 20
As long as He was on the outside, it was not enough for their indwelling sin.

Ephesians 5: 18
John 1: 32 - 34
This is not to high an experience for you or for me.

C. Living the Life of Love

John 17: 26
Philippians 1: 9 - 11
Ephesians 3: 17,19
2 Corinthians 5: 14
Think of the "lay down your life" eternal perspective kind of love.

After Pentecost, notice the power of the preaching and understanding of the Word.

But, we are content with just enough change to make us comfortable.

It is uncomfortable to love people the way Jesus loved them.

The Holy Spirit gives the desire and power to be a blessing to others.

D. Conclusion

Three days of prayer -- to pray for each one of us to be Spirit-filled.

The intercessory section of the Prayer Guide.

Acts 1:8,14
Psalm 17: 14
I am asking you to join me.

2 Chronicles 6: 19 - 20
Yet give attention to your servant's prayer and his plea for mercy, O LORD my God. Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is praying in your presence. May your eyes be open toward this temple [us] day and night, this place of which you said you would put your Name there. May you hear the prayer your servant prays toward this place.