Empowered by the Holy Spirit: A Call to Devotion
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into the profound significance of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We began by acknowledging God's presence and expressing our hunger for Him. We reflected on how God pursued us by sending Jesus to die for us, emphasizing that our response should be wholehearted devotion, not just a few hours a week. We read from Ezekiel about the river of life, symbolizing the Holy Spirit's life-giving power.
I shared personal experiences and historical accounts of people being filled with the Holy Spirit, including my own childhood encounter and stories of missionaries and revivalists like the Moravians, D.L. Moody, and Charles Finney. These stories illustrated the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to overcome hardships, perform miracles, and live righteously.
We discussed the necessity of being continually filled with the Holy Spirit, as seen in the lives of the disciples and early Christians. The Holy Spirit is not just a one-time experience but a continual infilling that empowers us to live out our faith boldly and effectively. We were reminded that the Holy Spirit is our comforter, helper, and guide, enabling us to live victorious lives free from depression and fear.
The sermon concluded with a call to seek the Holy Spirit earnestly, to desire His gifts, and to live lives that glorify God. We were encouraged to press into God's presence daily, to pray, and to allow the Holy Spirit to work through us to bless others. The river of life, which flows from God's sanctuary, is now within us, and we are called to let it flow out to bring healing and life to those around us.
### Key Takeaways
1. Wholehearted Devotion: God desires our full commitment, not just a few hours a week. Jesus' sacrifice calls for our entire heart, soul, mind, and strength. Reflect on how you can give more of yourself to God daily. [37:52]
2. Continual Infilling of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit's presence is not a one-time event but a continual process. Just as the disciples were filled repeatedly, we too must seek to be continually filled to live empowered lives. [56:30]
3. Empowerment for Mission: The Holy Spirit empowers us to overcome obstacles and perform miracles. This empowerment is for fulfilling God's mission, not for personal pride. Reflect on how you can use the Holy Spirit's power to witness and serve others. [49:54]
4. Desire for Spiritual Gifts: The gifts of the Holy Spirit, such as prophecy and healing, should be earnestly desired. These gifts are given to build up the church and to be witnesses of God's power. Are you passionately desiring these gifts in your life? [01:00:20]
5. Living Water Within Us: The river of life, symbolizing the Holy Spirit, flows from within us. We no longer need to seek God's presence far away; it is within us, ready to bless others. Reflect on how you can let this living water flow out to impact those around you. [01:06:41]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[36:32] - Opening Prayer
[37:52] - Wholehearted Devotion
[39:21] - Personal Testimony
[41:15] - Jesus and the Holy Spirit
[42:49] - Overcoming Hardships
[44:26] - Moravian Missionaries
[46:10] - The Power of the Holy Spirit
[48:12] - The Missing Element
[49:54] - Who is the Holy Spirit?
[51:32] - Living with the Holy Spirit
[53:07] - Sustaining Passion for God
[54:58] - Boldness in Persecution
[56:30] - Continual Infilling
[57:38] - Avoiding Worldly Temptations
[59:06] - The Promise of the Holy Spirit
[01:00:20] - Desiring Spiritual Gifts
[01:01:34] - Manifesting Gifts
[01:03:04] - Witnessing with Gifts
[01:04:34] - Ezekiel's Vision
[01:06:41] - Living Water Within Us
[01:07:59] - How to be Filled
[01:08:36] - Persistent Seeking
[01:09:49] - Revival Stories
[01:11:04] - D.L. Moody's Transformation
[01:12:50] - Charles Finney's Impact
[01:15:21] - Evan Roberts and Welsh Revival
[01:16:53] - Call to Prayer
[01:17:51] - Compassion for the Lost
[01:19:21] - Invitation to be Filled
[01:20:41] - Worship and Transformation
[01:22:15] - Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness
[01:32:18] - Persistent Seeking
[01:45:37] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Ezekiel 47:12 (ESV) - "And on the banks, on both sides of the river, there will grow all kinds of trees for food. Their leaves will not wither, nor their fruit fail, but they will bear fresh fruit every month, because the water for them flows from the sanctuary. Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for healing."
2. 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."
3. Ephesians 5:18 (ESV) - "And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Ezekiel 47:12, what is the source of the life-giving water for the trees? How does this relate to the Holy Spirit in our lives? [01:04:34]
2. In Acts 1:8, what is promised to the disciples when the Holy Spirit comes upon them? How does this empowerment manifest in their mission? [48:12]
3. What does Ephesians 5:18 instruct believers to do instead of getting drunk with wine? How does this continual filling of the Holy Spirit impact a believer's life? [57:38]
4. Reflecting on the sermon, what personal experiences and historical accounts were shared to illustrate the transformative power of the Holy Spirit? [39:21]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the river of life in Ezekiel's vision symbolize the Holy Spirit's role in a believer's life? What does it mean for this river to flow from within us? [01:06:41]
2. Acts 1:8 speaks about receiving power from the Holy Spirit to be witnesses. How does this empowerment help believers overcome obstacles and perform miracles? [49:54]
3. Ephesians 5:18 emphasizes being continually filled with the Holy Spirit. Why is this continual infilling necessary for living a victorious Christian life? [56:30]
4. The sermon mentioned the necessity of desiring spiritual gifts. How do these gifts build up the church and serve as a witness to God's power? [01:00:20]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current level of devotion to God. How can you give more of yourself to Him daily, beyond just a few hours a week? [37:52]
2. Have you experienced a time when you felt filled with the Holy Spirit? How did it impact your life and faith? What steps can you take to seek a continual infilling of the Holy Spirit? [56:30]
3. The Holy Spirit empowers us for mission. Identify one obstacle you are currently facing. How can you rely on the Holy Spirit's power to overcome it and serve others? [49:54]
4. Are you earnestly desiring the gifts of the Holy Spirit, such as prophecy and healing? What specific steps can you take to cultivate these gifts in your life? [01:00:20]
5. The sermon emphasized the river of life flowing from within us. How can you let this living water flow out to impact those around you this week? [01:06:41]
6. Think about a time when you felt distant from God. What practical steps can you take to press into His presence daily and sustain your passion for Him? [53:07]
7. Reflect on the historical accounts shared in the sermon. How do these stories inspire you to seek a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit and live a life that glorifies God? [39:21]
Devotional
Day 1: Wholehearted Devotion
God desires our full commitment, not just a few hours a week. Jesus' sacrifice calls for our entire heart, soul, mind, and strength. Reflect on how you can give more of yourself to God daily. This means prioritizing your relationship with God above all else, seeking Him in every aspect of your life, and allowing His love to transform you. Wholehearted devotion is about living a life that is fully surrendered to God, where every decision, action, and thought is aligned with His will.
In practical terms, this could mean setting aside dedicated time each day for prayer and Bible study, actively participating in your church community, and looking for ways to serve others in love. It also involves being mindful of the influences in your life and making choices that honor God. Wholehearted devotion is a journey of continually drawing closer to God and allowing His Spirit to guide and shape you. [37:52]
Ezekiel 36:26-27 (ESV): "And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to prioritize your relationship with God and demonstrate wholehearted devotion in your daily life?
Day 2: Continual Infilling of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit's presence is not a one-time event but a continual process. Just as the disciples were filled repeatedly, we too must seek to be continually filled to live empowered lives. The Holy Spirit empowers us to live out our faith boldly and effectively, providing the strength and guidance we need to navigate life's challenges. This continual infilling is essential for maintaining a vibrant and dynamic relationship with God.
To experience this continual infilling, it is important to cultivate a lifestyle of prayer, worship, and obedience. Regularly spending time in God's presence, seeking His guidance, and being open to His leading are key aspects of this process. Additionally, being part of a supportive Christian community can help encourage and sustain your spiritual growth. Remember, the Holy Spirit is our comforter, helper, and guide, enabling us to live victorious lives free from depression and fear. [56:30]
Ephesians 5:18-20 (ESV): "And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Reflection: How can you create space in your daily routine to seek the continual infilling of the Holy Spirit and allow Him to guide and empower you?
Day 3: Empowerment for Mission
The Holy Spirit empowers us to overcome obstacles and perform miracles. This empowerment is for fulfilling God's mission, not for personal pride. Reflect on how you can use the Holy Spirit's power to witness and serve others. The Holy Spirit equips us with the necessary gifts and abilities to carry out God's work, enabling us to be effective witnesses of His love and power.
This empowerment is not about seeking personal glory or recognition but about being vessels through which God's purposes are accomplished. It involves stepping out in faith, trusting that the Holy Spirit will provide the strength and wisdom needed to face challenges and opportunities. By relying on the Holy Spirit, we can make a significant impact in the lives of those around us, demonstrating God's love and power in tangible ways. [49:54]
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: In what specific ways can you rely on the Holy Spirit's empowerment to witness and serve others in your community today?
Day 4: Desire for Spiritual Gifts
The gifts of the Holy Spirit, such as prophecy and healing, should be earnestly desired. These gifts are given to build up the church and to be witnesses of God's power. Are you passionately desiring these gifts in your life? The spiritual gifts are not just for personal edification but are meant to benefit the entire body of Christ and to demonstrate God's presence and power to the world.
To desire spiritual gifts earnestly means to seek them with a sincere heart, asking God to equip you with the gifts that will best serve His purposes. It also involves being open to the Holy Spirit's leading and being willing to step out in faith to use these gifts. As you grow in your relationship with God, He will reveal the specific gifts He has for you and how you can use them to glorify Him and bless others. [01:00:20]
1 Corinthians 12:7-11 (ESV): "To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills."
Reflection: What specific spiritual gifts do you feel led to desire and seek from God? How can you use these gifts to build up the church and witness to others?
Day 5: Living Water Within Us
The river of life, symbolizing the Holy Spirit, flows from within us. We no longer need to seek God's presence far away; it is within us, ready to bless others. Reflect on how you can let this living water flow out to impact those around you. The Holy Spirit's presence within us is a source of life, healing, and transformation, and we are called to let this living water flow out to bring healing and life to those around us.
This means being intentional about allowing the Holy Spirit to work through us in our daily interactions and relationships. It involves being sensitive to the needs of others and being willing to share God's love and truth with them. By living in the fullness of the Holy Spirit, we can be a source of encouragement, hope, and healing to those we encounter, demonstrating the reality of God's presence in our lives. [01:06:41]
John 7:38-39 (ESV): "Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, 'Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.' Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified."
Reflection: How can you be more intentional about allowing the Holy Spirit's living water to flow through you to bless and impact those around you today?
Quotes
1. "Are you hungry for God today? You know God pursued us by coming to this earth to die for us. He gave us everything for you and me. And sometimes we come to church only two hours a day. And we're like, oh, that's it. But you know God came for us because he longs that we will come for him every day of our lives. He didn't come to die for us so that we just give him two hours of the week. No, Jesus wants your whole heart." [37:52] (63 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "With the Holy Spirit in Jesus, he's able to overcome every obstacle. It is by the Holy Spirit that Jesus overcomes all the temptations. And so when a person is filled with the Holy Spirit, they don't care about the hardships in life anymore. All they care about is righteousness. What the Holy Spirit is telling them to do. Why? Because the Holy Spirit helps us overcome all hardships." [42:49] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "And so when we are finished, when we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we constantly want to please only one person, God. God becomes number one in our lives, not our family, not our friends, not our teachers. Not our co-workers, nobody else, not even me, myself. The kingdom of God becomes priority. We become consumed with our love for God." [56:30] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "And so the Holy Spirit is promised to everyone. It's not just for a select few. And if you are depressed and living in fear, you're not filled with the Holy Spirit. The fruit of the Spirit, the Bible says, is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and salvation. Self-control. And these fruits, the Holy Spirit is given to all who will believe." [59:06] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Jesus says that, hey, this temple of God is no longer far away, 10 kilometers away, but it's within your heart. You no longer have to travel for two, three days or a week, but now it's in your heart. This river that brings blessings to people around you, it's within you. You can pray at work during lunchtime. You can pray in your bathroom. Anywhere you go, you can pray. As you pray, God will fill you so that you can bless others. And God says, you will be my witnesses to give glory to God." [01:06:41] (68 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "And I want to say that this river of God, it brings glory to God. That is the life-changing force. It is not you who change people. It's not even reading the Bible that changes people. But it's the Holy Spirit working in you. There are many people who have read the Bible from beginning to the end and still have not changed. But it is when the Holy Spirit reveals the Scriptures, that's when people are changed. And the best part is when God uses us to do it." [01:07:59] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "And some of us started to look like the world now. And the world invites you, hey, come and drink with us. Yeah, just a little soju. And the world is watching you. You're a Christian, but you drink with us. So there's nothing special about you. And my thought is, as long as you lose control, that is too much. If something in your brain alternates, that's too much. Instead, keep on being filled with the Holy Spirit." [57:38] (57 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "And so some of us need that second infilling of the Holy Spirit. Yeah, when John and Peter, they prayed, fill us again, they were filled again. I don't know, some of us might even think this sermon is boring. But actually, the Bible says, the Holy Spirit is given to Christians. Go and heal the sick. To cast out demons. Raise the dead. Pray in tongues. Preach the gospel." [56:30] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "And I want to tell you, you can be a Christian, but still lack something. You can believe in Jesus, but still lack the baptism of the Holy Spirit. The Bible says that there were 12 disciples in Ephesus. They asked for forgiveness. And when Apostle Paul came to them, he asked, Did you get baptized in the Holy Ghost? And they said, We received the baptism of water, So when Paul laid hands on them, they received the Holy Spirit." [48:12] (61 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "And so the disciples of Jesus, John and Peter, they were walking and they healed a lame man. And some of us, we would think they would start praying, Oh God, please let there never be persecution again. But actually, no, what they start praying is, God, give us more boldness when persecution comes. Do more miracles through us. We don't care about what this world does to us. We will follow you." [54:58] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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