Empowered by God's Spirit: Love, Gifts, and Healing
Summary
In our gathering tonight, we focused on the profound truth that nothing is impossible for God. We began by lifting up those in our community who are facing physical challenges, believing in the healing power of God to restore and strengthen them. We acknowledged the importance of interceding for one another, standing in the gap for those who couldn't be with us, and trusting in the virtue and strength of God to bring wholeness.
We explored Isaiah 11, which speaks of the Spirit of the Lord resting upon Jesus, bringing wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, and the fear of the Lord. This passage reminds us that Jesus operated in the fullness of the Spirit, and as His followers, we are called to do the same. We are conduits of God's Spirit, and the effectiveness of His work through us depends on how we allow Him to flow through our lives. By removing distractions and humbling ourselves in prayer and fasting, we create a clean conduit for God's Spirit to move freely.
We also delved into the gifts of the Spirit, emphasizing that these gifts are not for personal gain but for the edification of the body of Christ. Each gift, whether it be wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, or miracles, is given to build up the church and to minister to others. We are reminded that our joy comes not from the results we see but from doing the will of God. Even when things don't work out as we expect, we can find joy in knowing we have been obedient to God's call.
The fear of the Lord is a key element in operating in the gifts of the Spirit. It keeps us humble and ensures that we give all glory to God, recognizing that any power or authority we have comes from Him. We are encouraged to love the body of Christ as Jesus does, understanding that the gifts operate through love and are meant to serve others.
As we move forward, let us pray for a deeper love for God's people and a greater sensitivity to His Spirit. May we be vessels of His glory, allowing His gifts to flow through us to touch and transform lives.
Key Takeaways:
- Intercession and Healing: We are called to intercede for those who are absent or in need, believing in the healing power of God to restore and strengthen them. Our prayers can bring wholeness and demonstrate the love of Christ to those around us. [35:12]
- Conduits of God's Spirit: We are conduits through which God's Spirit flows. By removing distractions and humbling ourselves, we allow His Spirit to move freely and effectively through us, impacting the world around us. [43:41]
- Gifts of the Spirit: The gifts of the Spirit are given for the edification of the body of Christ. They are not for personal gain but to build up the church and minister to others. Our joy comes from doing God's will, not from the results we see. [44:45]
- Fear of the Lord: The fear of the Lord is essential in operating in the gifts of the Spirit. It keeps us humble and ensures that we give all glory to God, recognizing that any power or authority we have comes from Him. [01:53:00]
- Love for the Body of Christ: We are encouraged to love the body of Christ as Jesus does. The gifts operate through love and are meant to serve others. By loving God's people, we align ourselves with His heart and purpose. [02:16:35]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [35:12] - Testimony and Intercession
- [42:35] - The Spirit of the Lord
- [43:41] - Conduits of God's Spirit
- [44:45] - Gifts of the Spirit
- [55:59] - The Glory of God
- [56:58] - Authentic Worship
- [58:09] - Reverence for God's Glory
- [59:32] - Liberty in Worship
- [01:01:13] - The Fear of the Lord
- [01:08:32] - Perseverance in Faith
- [01:14:26] - Miracles and Faith
- [01:19:13] - The Body of Christ
- [01:23:25] - Operating in the Gifts
- [01:53:00] - Righteous Judgment
- [02:16:35] - Love for the Body of Christ
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Isaiah 11:1-5
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Observation Questions:
1. What are the different aspects of the Spirit of the Lord mentioned in Isaiah 11, and how do they manifest in Jesus' life? [42:35]
2. How does the sermon describe the role of believers as conduits of God's Spirit? What analogy is used to explain this concept? [43:41]
3. According to the sermon, what is the purpose of the gifts of the Spirit, and how should they be used within the church? [44:45]
4. What is the significance of the fear of the Lord in operating the gifts of the Spirit, as discussed in the sermon? [01:53:00]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of being a conduit for God's Spirit challenge or affirm your understanding of your role in the church? [43:41]
2. In what ways does the fear of the Lord influence the use of spiritual gifts, and why is it considered essential? [01:53:00]
3. How can believers find joy in doing God's will, even when the outcomes are not as expected? What does this reveal about the nature of obedience? [44:45]
4. How does the sermon suggest believers should handle the glory of God, and what are the potential dangers of mishandling it? [58:09]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you interceded for someone in need. How did that experience impact your faith, and how can you continue to stand in the gap for others? [35:12]
2. Identify any distractions in your life that might be hindering the flow of God's Spirit through you. What practical steps can you take to remove these distractions? [43:41]
3. Consider the spiritual gifts you believe God has given you. How can you use these gifts to edify the body of Christ and serve others this week? [44:45]
4. How can you cultivate a deeper fear of the Lord in your daily life, ensuring that all glory is given to God? What specific actions can you take to maintain humility? [01:53:00]
5. Think about someone in your church community who might need encouragement or support. How can you demonstrate the love of Christ to them in a tangible way this week? [02:16:35]
6. Reflect on your current prayer and fasting practices. How can these disciplines help you become a more effective conduit for God's Spirit? [43:41]
7. How can you foster a greater love for the body of Christ, aligning your heart with Jesus' love for His church? What specific actions can you take to build unity and support within your church community? [02:16:35]
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Intercession
In times of need, intercession becomes a powerful tool for believers. It is an act of standing in the gap for others, lifting them up in prayer, and believing in God's ability to heal and restore. Intercession is not just about asking for physical healing but also about seeking wholeness and strength for those who are struggling. By interceding, we demonstrate the love of Christ and become vessels of His compassion and grace. As we pray for others, we align ourselves with God's heart and purpose, trusting that He will work in their lives in ways we cannot imagine. [35:12]
Isaiah 58:9-10 (ESV): "Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry, and he will say, ‘Here I am.’ If you take away the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness, if you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday."
Reflection: Who in your life is in need of prayer today? How can you commit to interceding for them consistently this week?
Day 2: Becoming Conduits of the Spirit
As followers of Christ, we are called to be conduits through which God's Spirit flows. This requires us to remove distractions and humble ourselves, creating a clean channel for His Spirit to move freely and effectively through us. When we allow God's Spirit to work in us, we can impact the world around us in profound ways. It is not about our strength or abilities but about surrendering to His will and allowing Him to guide our actions. By doing so, we become instruments of His love and grace, bringing light to those in darkness. [43:41]
2 Timothy 2:21 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work."
Reflection: What distractions in your life are hindering the flow of God's Spirit? How can you create space for His presence today?
Day 3: The Purpose of Spiritual Gifts
The gifts of the Spirit are given to believers not for personal gain but for the edification of the body of Christ. Each gift, whether it be wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, or miracles, is meant to build up the church and minister to others. Our joy should come from doing God's will, not from the results we see. Even when things don't work out as expected, we can find joy in knowing we have been obedient to God's call. By using our gifts to serve others, we align ourselves with God's purpose and become a blessing to those around us. [44:45]
1 Peter 4:10-11 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ."
Reflection: What spiritual gift has God given you, and how can you use it to serve others in your community this week?
Day 4: Embracing the Fear of the Lord
The fear of the Lord is a key element in operating in the gifts of the Spirit. It keeps us humble and ensures that we give all glory to God, recognizing that any power or authority we have comes from Him. This reverence for God helps us to remain grounded and focused on His will rather than our own desires. By embracing the fear of the Lord, we acknowledge His sovereignty and submit to His guidance, allowing Him to work through us in powerful ways. It is through this humility that we can truly serve others and bring glory to His name. [01:53:00]
Proverbs 9:10 (ESV): "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight."
Reflection: How does the fear of the Lord influence your daily decisions and actions? In what ways can you cultivate a deeper reverence for God in your life?
Day 5: Loving the Body of Christ
As believers, we are called to love the body of Christ as Jesus does. The gifts of the Spirit operate through love and are meant to serve others. By loving God's people, we align ourselves with His heart and purpose, becoming vessels of His grace and compassion. This love is not just about words but about actions that demonstrate our commitment to serving and uplifting one another. As we grow in love for the body of Christ, we become more effective in using our gifts to build up the church and minister to those in need. [02:16:35]
1 John 4:11-12 (ESV): "Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us."
Reflection: How can you actively show love to someone in your church community today? What practical steps can you take to serve and support them?
Quotes
"God chooses to work through individuals. And the measure of effectiveness that he can work through us is determined by us. We're like a pipe. And depending on how dirty that pipe is, we're going to have to do it. And the type of the pipe determines the bedroom with or how much can flow through it." [00:43:56] (30 seconds)
"And the amount of distractions in the conduit determine the amount of flow and capacity that we operate in. God, we need to flow through the when we humble ourselves in prayer and fasting we clean the conduit we remove the distractions and we create something that God's spirit can freely move through." [00:46:53] (19 seconds)
"We are not to fail the temple of the living God because it's holy and so this temple is separate set apart that's what holy means we become a holy people we're peculiar which means we're owned he becomes lord and if he's lord of all then he gets to have the say the final say in anything that happens in our life." [00:52:13] (22 seconds)
"There's a way to handle God's glory. There's only one way to handle it. And it's through the... There's only one way. And it's the Word of God. Come on. You don't take the glory to yourself. You don't handle the glory yourself. You got to let God's glory be handled the way God said handled it." [00:58:43] (16 seconds)
"God's glory entered into the tabernacle when it did that says that the cloud filled it. What was that cloud? That cloud was covering up the glory of God. It was a manifestation of visible glory of God. That glory was over the Ark of the Covenant between the cherubim. He said, that's where I'm going to dwell." [00:57:37] (19 seconds)
"God's going to put words in your mouth and you're going to speak words from God and gives you a gift of prophecy. It's a gift. Receive it. Receive it. But what good are these gifts if all these are operating alone and independently and jealous of one another? I don't have their gift. I must not be very important." [01:17:58] (20 seconds)
"Because when we come together, you know, we do we make up the body of Christ. Jesus had all of them operating. And they were all alive when we come together into the room. All the gifts are sure. present. We're here. That's why it's so important. We need you in the house of God." [01:18:12] (20 seconds)
"And that love becomes a protection in our lives to keep us from destroying ourselves. Because the gifts will destroy somebody that doesn't love. He said, though I have all wisdom and all knowledge, I know everything. But if I don't speak with tongues and men of angels have not love, I'm a sounding brass or clangs." [02:16:45] (22 seconds)
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