Active Waiting: Embracing the Power of the Holy Spirit
Summary
### Summary
Welcome, everyone. Today, we are diving into the theme of "Waiting for the Power," focusing on the importance of being in one mind and one accord as we anticipate the move of the Holy Spirit. We began by reflecting on the disciples' experience in the upper room, where they waited for the promise of the Holy Spirit. Jesus instructed them to stay in Jerusalem and wait for what the Father had promised. This waiting period was not passive; it involved prayer, reading scripture, and being in one accord ([01:13:44]).
The concept of waiting is often misunderstood. In our fast-paced world, waiting can feel like a waste of time. However, biblical waiting is active and expectant. It involves preparing ourselves for what God is about to do. Just as a mother prepares for the arrival of her baby, we must prepare for the arrival of the Holy Spirit by engaging in prayer and scripture ([01:24:15]).
We also discussed the significance of unity. The disciples were in one place and one accord when the Holy Spirit came upon them. This unity is crucial for experiencing the fullness of God's power. When we are united, God commands a blessing. This unity is not just about being in the same physical space but being of the same mind and spirit ([01:15:42]).
On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came as a rushing mighty wind, filling the house and empowering the disciples to speak in tongues. This was a fulfillment of the prophecy in Joel, where God promised to pour out His Spirit on all flesh. The ability to speak in tongues is a sign of the Holy Spirit's presence and power. It is not something we learn but something we yield to as the Spirit gives us the ability ([01:45:18]).
We also touched on the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit continually. It's not a one-time event but a continuous process of renewal. The Holy Spirit empowers us to perform miracles, have new strength, and live a life that glorifies God. This power is available to all who believe and seek God earnestly ([01:56:00]).
As we concluded, we emphasized the need for a fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit. We prayed for God to fill us anew, to pour out His Spirit upon us, and to empower us for the work He has called us to do. We must be willing to engage actively in the process, to seek God with our whole heart, and to be united in purpose and spirit ([02:00:08]).
### Key Takeaways
1. Active Waiting: Biblical waiting is not passive but involves active engagement in prayer, scripture reading, and being in one accord. Just as a mother prepares for her baby, we must prepare for the arrival of the Holy Spirit by being expectant and proactive. This kind of waiting positions us to receive what God has promised. [01:24:15]
2. Unity Commands a Blessing: The disciples were in one place and one accord when the Holy Spirit came upon them. This unity is crucial for experiencing the fullness of God's power. When we are united in mind and spirit, God commands a blessing. This unity goes beyond physical presence; it is about being of the same mind and spirit. [01:15:42]
3. The Power of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit empowers us to perform miracles, have new strength, and live a life that glorifies God. This power is available to all who believe and seek God earnestly. The ability to speak in tongues is a sign of the Holy Spirit's presence and power, and it is something we yield to as the Spirit gives us the ability. [01:45:18]
4. Continuous Renewal: Being filled with the Holy Spirit is not a one-time event but a continuous process of renewal. We must seek God continually, asking for a fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit. This continuous renewal empowers us to live a life that glorifies God and fulfills His purposes. [01:56:00]
5. Engaging in the Process: To wait on the Lord is to engage actively in the process of what God is doing. We must be willing to get in the flow of God's work, to seek Him with our whole heart, and to be united in purpose and spirit. This active engagement positions us to receive the fullness of God's power and blessings. [02:00:08]
### YouTube Chapters
1. [0:00] - Welcome
2. [01:13:44] - Introduction to Waiting for the Power
3. [01:15:42] - Unity Commands a Blessing
4. [01:24:15] - The Concept of Active Waiting
5. [01:45:18] - The Power of the Holy Spirit
6. [01:56:00] - Continuous Renewal by the Holy Spirit
7. [02:00:08] - Engaging in the Process
8. [02:13:22] - Closing Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Acts 1:4-5 (NASB 2020): "Gathering them together, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised, 'Which,' He said, 'you heard of from Me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.'"
2. Acts 2:1-4 (NASB 2020): "When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a noise like a violent rushing wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. And tongues that looked like fire appeared to them, distributing themselves, and a tongue rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with different tongues, as the Spirit was giving them the ability to speak out."
3. Isaiah 40:31 (NASB 2020): "Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary."
### Observation Questions
1. What specific instructions did Jesus give to the disciples regarding the Holy Spirit in Acts 1:4-5?
2. Describe the events that took place on the day of Pentecost as recorded in Acts 2:1-4.
3. According to Isaiah 40:31, what are the benefits of waiting on the Lord?
4. In the sermon, what activities did the disciples engage in while waiting for the Holy Spirit? ([01:13:44])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus emphasized the importance of waiting in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit? ([01:13:44])
2. How does the unity of the disciples in Acts 2:1-4 contribute to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit?
3. What does Isaiah 40:31 suggest about the nature of biblical waiting compared to our modern understanding of waiting?
4. How does the concept of "active waiting" as described in the sermon change your perspective on waiting for God's promises? ([01:24:15])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you had to wait for something important. How did you prepare yourself during that waiting period? How can you apply the concept of "active waiting" in your spiritual life? ([01:24:15])
2. The sermon emphasized the importance of unity among believers. What steps can you take to foster unity within your small group or church community? ([01:15:42])
3. Have you ever experienced a moment when you felt empowered by the Holy Spirit? How did it impact your actions and decisions? ([01:45:18])
4. Continuous renewal by the Holy Spirit is essential for a vibrant spiritual life. What practices can you incorporate into your daily routine to seek this renewal? ([01:56:00])
5. The sermon mentioned the importance of engaging actively in the process of what God is doing. What specific actions can you take this week to align yourself with God's work and purpose? ([02:00:08])
6. How can you cultivate an expectant and proactive attitude in your prayer life, similar to the disciples in the upper room? ([01:13:44])
7. Think of a situation where you need God's power and guidance. How can you position yourself to receive the Holy Spirit's empowerment in that area? ([01:45:18])
Devotional
Day 1: Active Waiting
Waiting on the Lord is not passive but involves active engagement in prayer, scripture reading, and being in one accord. Just as a mother prepares for her baby, we must prepare for the arrival of the Holy Spirit by being expectant and proactive. This kind of waiting positions us to receive what God has promised. Biblical waiting is about preparing ourselves for what God is about to do. It is an active process that involves prayer, reading scripture, and being in one accord with fellow believers. This kind of waiting is not about sitting idly but about being expectant and proactive, much like a mother preparing for the arrival of her baby. By engaging in these activities, we position ourselves to receive the promises of God. [01:24:15]
Isaiah 40:31 (ESV): "But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."
Reflection: How can you actively engage in waiting for the Lord today? What specific steps can you take to prepare yourself for the arrival of the Holy Spirit?
Day 2: Unity Commands a Blessing
The disciples were in one place and one accord when the Holy Spirit came upon them. This unity is crucial for experiencing the fullness of God's power. When we are united in mind and spirit, God commands a blessing. This unity goes beyond physical presence; it is about being of the same mind and spirit. Unity among believers is essential for experiencing the fullness of God's power. The disciples were in one place and one accord when the Holy Spirit came upon them, highlighting the importance of being united in mind and spirit. This unity is not just about being in the same physical space but about sharing the same purpose and spirit. When we are united, God commands a blessing upon us. [01:15:42]
Psalm 133:1-3 (ESV): "Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes! It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion! For there the Lord has commanded the blessing, life forevermore."
Reflection: In what ways can you foster unity within your community or church? How can you contribute to being of one mind and spirit with fellow believers?
Day 3: The Power of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit empowers us to perform miracles, have new strength, and live a life that glorifies God. This power is available to all who believe and seek God earnestly. The ability to speak in tongues is a sign of the Holy Spirit's presence and power, and it is something we yield to as the Spirit gives us the ability. The Holy Spirit's power is transformative, enabling us to perform miracles, gain new strength, and live lives that glorify God. This power is available to all who believe and earnestly seek God. Speaking in tongues is one of the signs of the Holy Spirit's presence and power, and it is something we yield to as the Spirit gives us the ability. [01:45:18]
Acts 1:8 (ESV): "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
Reflection: How have you experienced the power of the Holy Spirit in your life? What steps can you take to seek this power more earnestly?
Day 4: Continuous Renewal
Being filled with the Holy Spirit is not a one-time event but a continuous process of renewal. We must seek God continually, asking for a fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit. This continuous renewal empowers us to live a life that glorifies God and fulfills His purposes. The process of being filled with the Holy Spirit is ongoing. It is not a one-time event but a continuous renewal that empowers us to live lives that glorify God and fulfill His purposes. We must continually seek God, asking for a fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit to renew and empower us. [01:56:00]
Ephesians 5:18 (ESV): "And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit."
Reflection: What does continuous renewal by the Holy Spirit look like in your daily life? How can you seek a fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit today?
Day 5: Engaging in the Process
To wait on the Lord is to engage actively in the process of what God is doing. We must be willing to get in the flow of God's work, to seek Him with our whole heart, and to be united in purpose and spirit. This active engagement positions us to receive the fullness of God's power and blessings. Engaging in the process of what God is doing requires active participation. We must be willing to get in the flow of God's work, seek Him with our whole heart, and be united in purpose and spirit. This active engagement positions us to receive the fullness of God's power and blessings. [02:00:08]
Jeremiah 29:13 (ESV): "You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart."
Reflection: How can you actively engage in what God is doing in your life and community? What steps can you take to seek God with your whole heart today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Attention to the things that matter. Somebody look at your neighbor and say, pay attention to the things that matter. Stop worrying about stuff that's out of your control. Say this, say God is big enough to handle everybody's problems at once and He don't need you. Are y'all hearing that? Are you catching that? Because it gets us off point, it gets us off focus, it gets us out of place." [01:37:19]
2. "When you get a word from the Lord that resonates in your spirit, there should be an attitude that resonates in your spirit of expectancy. Prophet Ron is here today. When Prophet Ron tells me and my wife something, when he tells us something by the Spirit of the Lord, we start praying about it, we start looking for it, we get excited about it because we know that God honors His word. Is anybody in this room today?" [01:28:58]
3. "I don't really believe that we ever come to church because we don't leave church because we are the church. And I believe we have to walk in that anointing everywhere we go. When you walk in the store, the church just walked in the store. When you walked into your office at work, the church just walked into your office. That's why atmospheres should change. That's why attitudes should change. That's why people should look at you and either hate you or love you." [01:40:14]
4. "If I'm not talking to you about Jesus, I'm not talking to you about the right stuff. If our conversation isn't about God, then we're having the wrong conversation. If I'm not talking to you about the goodness of Jesus and what He's done for me, then we're having a different conversation. One that I don't want to be a part of because that leads down to another place where you end up worshiping gods that are other than Jesus." [01:48:58]
5. "You know, Adrian, we need a good old-fashioned baptism of the Holy Ghost in here. We just need to quit worrying about a lot of stuff that ain't ours to worry about. We need to let it go. We need to let it go. We got children to raise. We got work to do. We got people to save. We got 20,000 people that we've made contact with over here in the storehouse." [01:50:36]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Jesus is just about to return to His Father and He calls His disciples around. He tells them, go ahead and take Me out and I'm gonna do the rest. Go to Jerusalem. He said, here's what I want you to do. I want you to wait for what I'm about to release. I want you to wait for what the Father is about to release." [01:37:19]
2. "There is something that's got to shift in this house and the only way it shifts in this house is that it shifts in me, it shifts in you, it shifts in you, it shifts in you, it shifts in you, it shifts in all of us together until we come into one mind. Come on, somebody say one mind. Say one place. Say one accord. Say waiting. You say power. Yeah, that's what we're looking for." [01:38:43]
3. "When you read the word, don't just read the word, let the word read you because it is a discerner of your thoughts and the intents of your heart. So it will read you as well as you read it. But I want to just ask you a question, how many of you like to stand in line? Well, I got three people that just kind of smiled. Anybody like to stand in line? No." [01:22:33]
4. "To wait upon Him is to engage in the process. To wait upon Him is to engage with what the word is already saying. To wait upon Him is to engage in what God is trying to do in the moment. To go ahead and get in there. You can't swim until you get in the river. And everybody wants to swim but nobody wants to get in the river. You gotta get in the river. You gotta get in the water. You gotta get in the flow." [01:30:32]
5. "The promise was this, that they were going to receive power. The word power in, I know many of you have heard this many times, this is not new to you, but it's dunamis which implies that this is power that will come to you that will give you the ability. Power that gives you ability. Ability for what? Ability to perform miracles, ability to have new strength, ability to perform mighty works, the ability to run and not grow weary, the ability to walk and not faint." [01:43:47]
6. "If you ask God earnestly for everything that He has got for you, and you seek Him and you position yourself in a place to receive, I promise you He will baptize you with the Holy Ghost because the Holy Ghost came on the day of Pentecost as a rushing mighty wind. And guess what? He never left. Somebody say He's still here. Stand with me. He's still here. He's still here." [01:56:00]
7. "When you seek me, I will find you. When you call for me, you will be saved. When you call upon the Lord, all who call upon the Lord will be saved. I wonder if anybody in here would just take a chance right now and just lift your hands and begin to call upon the Lord. You say, I've been saved for 40 years. Go ahead and let Him save you all over again today." [01:58:17]
8. "We need to be of one mind. Those kind of songs, we're hungry for you, I'm desperate for you, I'm needing you, you are holy forever God, the church is alive. When Shana was singing that, I said, God, we're breathing today. We're breathing today. We're breathing today. We're breathing. God, let the church breathe today. Let the church and breathe on us, Holy Spirit, so we can breathe what you are breathing." [01:42:13]
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?