Embracing the Holy Spirit: Surrendering for Spiritual Fulfillment
Summary
The fruit and gifts of the Holy Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, supernatural power, and miracles—are not the reason we love God, but they are beautiful perks of a relationship with Him. Just as a friendship brings unexpected blessings, so too does walking with Jesus. Scripture tells us that everyone who belongs to Jesus has the Spirit of God living within them, and with that comes the promise of spiritual fruit and supernatural gifts. Yet, many of us experience a gap between what we hope for and what we actually see in our lives. The question is: how do we close that gap and experience more of the Spirit’s fullness?
The answer begins with understanding that the Holy Spirit is not a force to be manipulated or a genie to grant our wishes. He is God, a person with a will, feelings, and a plan that is higher than ours. The gifts and fruit of the Spirit are not earned or demanded; they are given as He chooses. Our role is not to control or coerce, but to partner and cooperate with Him.
To help us understand this, we looked at two words: “anointing” and “kenosis.” Anointing, often overused in church circles, is a profound biblical concept. In the Old Testament, anointing with oil symbolized God’s Spirit being poured out, choosing and empowering someone for a purpose. Jesus Himself was anointed by the Holy Spirit at His baptism, marking the beginning of His ministry and miracles. The same Spirit that empowered Jesus now lives in every believer, making us “anointed” to experience God’s authority, gifts, and power.
Kenosis, a less familiar term, means “to empty oneself.” Philippians 2 teaches that Jesus, though fully God, emptied Himself of divine privileges to live as a human, relying on the Holy Spirit. He modeled for us a life of dependence on God’s Spirit, not on our own strength or status. In the same way, we are called to empty ourselves—not of divinity, but of anything that crowds out the Spirit’s work in us.
Often, our lives are so full—sometimes with bad things, but often with good things—that there’s no room left for the Spirit’s fruit and gifts to flourish. Idolatry isn’t just about golden calves; it’s anything we put our hope, identity, or devotion in above God. Even good things—work, family, success, hobbies—can become idols if they take up too much space in our hearts. The invitation is to practice kenosis: to lay down even what is good to make room for what is better—the fullness of the Holy Spirit.
Key Takeaways
- The Holy Spirit is a Person, Not a Perk
The fruit and gifts of the Spirit are wonderful, but they are not the essence of our relationship with God. The Holy Spirit is not a force to be manipulated or a vending machine for spiritual experiences. He is God Himself, with a will and desires, and our relationship with Him is rooted in love and reverence, not in what He can do for us. [34:41]
- Anointing Means Being Chosen and Empowered
In both the Old and New Testaments, anointing signifies God’s choice, presence, and empowerment for a purpose. Jesus was anointed by the Spirit at His baptism, and that same Spirit now lives in every believer. This means we are chosen and empowered to live out God’s purposes, not by our own strength, but by the Spirit’s presence and power within us. [47:39]
- Kenosis: Making Room for the Spirit
Jesus modeled kenosis—emptying Himself of privilege and self-sufficiency—to rely fully on the Holy Spirit. We are called to do the same, not by emptying ourselves of divinity, but by letting go of anything that fills our lives so much that there’s no room for God. Sometimes, even good things must be set aside to make space for the Spirit’s greater work. [54:27]
- Idolatry is Anything That Crowds Out God
Idolatry isn’t just about statues or false gods; it’s anything we put our hope, identity, or devotion in above God. Work, family, success, hobbies, or even ministry can become idols if they take up too much space in our hearts. The call is to examine what fills our lives and be willing to lay down even good things to make room for God’s best. [01:02:50]
- The Path to More of the Spirit is Surrender, Not Striving
The gap between what we hope for and what we experience of the Spirit is often due to a lack of space in our lives. The way forward is not to strive harder or demand more, but to surrender—emptying ourselves of what crowds out the Spirit, and inviting Him to fill us afresh. This is the path to experiencing the fruit, gifts, power, and miracles that God desires for us. [01:08:47]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[33:36] - Relationship with God and Spiritual Perks
[34:41] - The Gap Between Hope and Experience
[37:43] - The Holy Spirit’s Will and Gifts
[38:58] - Anointing: Meaning and Misuse
[40:39] - Jesus’ Baptism and the Anointing of the Spirit
[42:07] - Jesus Declares His Anointing
[45:26] - Anointing in the Old and New Testaments
[47:39] - Believers Are Anointed
[48:56] - The Mystery of Jesus’ Power and Kenosis
[51:08] - Jesus’ Humanity and Divine Power
[52:55] - Kenosis: Jesus Emptied Himself
[54:27] - Pentecost and the Spirit’s Power in Us
[55:02] - Making Room for the Spirit
[58:46] - The Garage Analogy: Clearing Space
[01:01:08] - Idolatry: Why It’s Harmful
[01:02:50] - Modern Idols and Identity
[01:04:38] - Social Identity and Kenosis
[01:06:14] - Kids’ Sports and Competing Priorities
[01:07:28] - Anything Can Become an Idol
[01:08:47] - Practical Kenosis: Laying Down What Crowds Out God
[01:10:27] - Prayer and Blessing
[01:11:52] - Announcements and Closing
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: The Fruit, Gifts, and Fullness of the Holy Spirit
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### Bible Reading
1. Galatians 5:22-23
*But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.*
2. Philippians 2:5-7
*In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.*
3. Romans 8:9-11
*You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.*
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Galatians 5, what are the specific qualities that make up the fruit of the Spirit?
2. In Philippians 2, what does it say Jesus did with his divine privileges, and what word does the sermon use to describe this action? ([52:55])
3. What does Romans 8 say about who has the Spirit of God living in them? ([47:39])
4. In the sermon, what are some examples given of things that can fill up our lives and crowd out the work of the Holy Spirit? ([01:02:50])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the Bible describes the fruit and gifts of the Spirit as something that naturally grows out of a relationship with God, rather than something we can demand or control? ([34:41])
2. The sermon talks about “kenosis”—Jesus emptying himself of privilege to rely on the Holy Spirit. What does this teach us about how we should approach our own lives and relationship with God? ([52:55])
3. The pastor says that even good things can become idols if they take up too much space in our hearts. How can someone tell when a good thing has become an idol? ([01:02:50])
4. The sermon mentions a “gap” between what we hope to experience of the Spirit and what we actually see. What are some reasons for this gap, according to the message? ([34:41])
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon says the Holy Spirit is a person, not a perk. In what ways have you treated God more like a vending machine than a person? How can you shift your mindset this week? ([34:41])
2. The idea of “anointing” means being chosen and empowered by God. Where in your life do you need to remember that you are already anointed and empowered by the Spirit? ([47:39])
3. Kenosis is about emptying ourselves to make room for God. What is one thing—good or bad—that is taking up too much space in your life right now? What would it look like to “empty” yourself of it, even for a season? ([01:08:47])
4. The pastor gave examples like work, family, hobbies, or even ministry becoming idols. Is there something in your life that has become an idol, even if it’s a good thing? How can you begin to lay it down? ([01:02:50])
5. The “garage” analogy was used to talk about making space for the Spirit. What practical steps can you take this week to clear out some “space” in your schedule, mind, or heart for God? ([58:46])
6. The message says the path to more of the Spirit is surrender, not striving. What is one area where you’ve been striving for spiritual fruit or gifts? How can you practice surrender instead? ([01:08:47])
7. The sermon ended with a prayer of confession and a call to lay things on the altar. Is there something you need to confess or lay down before God tonight? How can the group support you in this? ([01:10:27])
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to spend a few moments in silent prayer, asking God to show them anything that needs to be “emptied out” to make more room for the Holy Spirit. Then pray together for fresh filling, surrender, and the courage to lay down even good things for God’s best.
Devotional
Day 1: The Anointing of the Holy Spirit Empowers Believers
The anointing of the Holy Spirit is not just a religious term or a feeling, but a real and powerful presence that marks, empowers, and authorizes those who belong to Jesus. Just as Jesus was anointed at His baptism and began His ministry in the power of the Spirit, so too are believers anointed when they belong to Christ. This anointing means that God’s Spirit lives in you, bringing with Him the fruit, gifts, power, and miracles that are the perks of relationship with God. You are chosen, filled, and empowered to overcome temptation, to love deeply, and to participate in God’s work in the world—not because of your own merit, but because the Spirit of God dwells in you. [47:39]
Romans 8:9,11 (ESV)
"You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him... If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you."
Reflection: In what area of your life do you most need to remember and rely on the truth that you are already anointed and empowered by the Holy Spirit?
Day 2: Kenosis—Emptying Ourselves to Make Room for the Spirit
Jesus modeled for us the way of kenosis—emptying Himself of divine privileges, not His divinity, but His rights and powers, so that He could fully rely on the Holy Spirit. This act of self-emptying is not just a theological concept but a practical invitation for us to follow. We are called to lay down our own privileges, ambitions, and distractions, making space in our lives for the Spirit to fill us, guide us, and work through us. When we empty ourselves, we create room for God’s presence, power, and fruit to flourish in us, just as Jesus did. [54:27]
Philippians 2:5-7 (ESV)
"Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men."
Reflection: What is one thing—good or bad—that you sense God inviting you to lay down this week to make more room for His Spirit?
Day 3: The Fruit and Gifts of the Spirit Are Meant to Flourish in Us
The Holy Spirit brings both fruit and gifts into the lives of believers—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control, as well as supernatural gifts like prophecy, healing, and wisdom. These are not just ideals or distant hopes; they are meant to be the natural outgrowth of a Spirit-filled life. Yet, many of us experience a gap between what we hope for and what we actually see. The Spirit’s presence is already in us, and as we partner with Him, these fruits and gifts can flourish, blessing us and those around us. [34:41]
Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV)
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."
Reflection: Which fruit or gift of the Spirit do you most long to see grow in your life, and what step can you take today to cooperate with the Spirit in that area?
Day 4: Idolatry Crowds Out the Spirit’s Work
Idolatry is not just about statues or false gods; it’s anything we put our hope, faith, or identity in above God—work, success, relationships, even good things like family or ministry. When our lives are so full of these things, even good things, that there’s no room left for the Spirit, we miss out on the fullness of what God wants to do in us. God calls us to identify and lay down our idols, not because He wants to deprive us, but because He wants us to truly flourish and experience His best. [01:01:08]
Exodus 20:3-4 (ESV)
"You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth."
Reflection: What is one thing in your life—perhaps even a good thing—that has begun to take up more space in your heart than God, and how can you begin to surrender it to Him?
Day 5: Making Room for the Spirit—A Practical Invitation
To experience the fullness of the Spirit’s fruit, gifts, power, and miracles, we must intentionally make room in our lives. This means regularly examining what fills our time, thoughts, and passions, and being willing to empty ourselves of even good things to make space for what is better. Sometimes, the Spirit’s work is hindered not by our lack of desire, but by our lack of space. God invites us to lay down what is valuable to us, to place it on the altar, and to open our lives for His Spirit to move freely and powerfully. [01:08:47]
Romans 12:1 (ESV)
"I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship."
Reflection: What practical step can you take today to “clean out the garage” of your soul and make more room for the Holy Spirit’s presence and work in your life?
Quotes
Wouldn't you love to experience more of that fruit? More love? Anybody use more love in your life? More joy, peace, patience, kindness? I mean, who wouldn't want more of that? Wouldn't you want more of these supernatural gifts like prophecy and miracles and healing and wisdom so that you could supernaturally help other people? Who wouldn't want more of that? [00:35:18] (21 seconds)
We can't make him give us that stuff. We can't control him or manipulate him. I don't think we would presume to change him. And we know the power and the miracle, they're literally gifts. They're literally gifts. So we can't earn them. [00:38:05] (16 seconds)
If you belong to Jesus, you are chosen by God to be filled with his Spirit and to experience his authority and his power and his gifts and his fruit and to have the power to see miracles and to overcome temptation. Just like Jesus and Satan and disease and blindness and leprosy and demons and death. If you are a follower of Jesus, good news, you're anointed. [00:48:27] (26 seconds)
Though he was God, Jesus didn't think of equality with God as something to hold on to. Can you imagine if you were the son of a king to say, I'm a son of a king, but I don't need all that stuff. No way, but that's what Jesus did. He says, even though he was God, he didn't think that was something for him to hold on to or to cling to. Instead, what does it say? He gave up. He gave up his divine privileges. And he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. [00:52:31] (30 seconds)
When he left the Father and came to be born in Bethlehem, Jesus canoed himself. He emptied himself. But he didn't empty himself of his divine identity. He never stopped being God. He didn't cano himself of his divine nature. He was always still God. But he emptied himself of something, right? Divine privileges. [00:53:33] (22 seconds)
Maybe sometimes the reason for the gap, maybe the reason we're not seeing all this fruit growing out of us and experiencing all these amazing gifts and seeing all these miracles and power and all that stuff, maybe sometimes the reason for the gap is that we're so full of other stuff we haven't left room for the holy spirit. [00:56:51] (19 seconds)
Idolatry is not bad because the Bible prohibits it. The Bible prohibits it because it's bad. You hear that? You should have written that one down. That was amen worthy. [01:01:13] (15 seconds)
If we really want to experience the fruit of the Spirit, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, if we really want to experience the gifts of the Spirit, and really see what prophecy and healing and miracles is really all about, if we really want the healings and the miracles and the boldness and the power of the Spirit, some of us need to clean out the garage. You know, some of us need to cano a little some of the things that dominate our time and our thoughts and our passion and our energy. Some of us need to empty our lives a little. Some of us need to empty ourselves of even what is good to make room for what is better. [01:08:09] (38 seconds)
What might be taking up too much space in the garage of your soul? And what might it look like for you to say to God, look, this thing might not even be bad, but it's taking up space that's keeping me from experiencing your Spirit. And so I want to empty myself of it. And here's an Old Testament thing. I want to lay that on the altar. It's valuable to me, right? An offering had to be valuable, right? I'm going to lay it on the altar. I want to make room for your gifts and for your fruit and for your power and for your miracles. I want to make room for your Spirit in my life. [01:08:51] (43 seconds)
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