Empowered by the Holy Spirit: A Call to Revival

Summary

In our journey through the profound doctrines of the Bible, we have reached a pivotal point in understanding the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. We began by acknowledging the limitations of human understanding and the necessity of divine revelation, which God has graciously provided through nature, history, His Son, and the Scriptures. Our exploration has taken us through the nature of God, the fall of man, and the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Now, we turn our focus to the Holy Spirit, whose work is essential in applying the redemption Christ has accomplished to our lives.

The Holy Spirit's role is not merely theoretical but deeply experiential. The baptism of the Holy Spirit is a transformative experience that brings a profound awareness of God's presence and the reality of Jesus Christ. This baptism is not just about receiving spiritual gifts but about a deep, personal encounter with God that ignites our spiritual life and fills us with love and joy in Christ. It is an experience that every Christian should seek, as it is our birthright and promise from God.

Furthermore, the filling of the Holy Spirit is crucial for effective service and witness. It empowers us to speak boldly and live a life that reflects the character of Christ. This filling is not a one-time event but a continual process that enhances our spiritual growth and worship. It is essential for a vibrant Christian life, enabling us to live with gratitude, praise, and a spirit of worship.

In these times, the church's greatest need is a revival, a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit that renews and empowers believers. We are called to seek this filling, to be intercessors, and to pray for God to revive His work among us. As we understand and embrace these truths, we become instruments of God's power and glory in the world.

Key Takeaways:

- The baptism of the Holy Spirit is a profound experience that brings a deep awareness of God's presence and the reality of Jesus Christ. It is not just about spiritual gifts but about a transformative encounter with God that every Christian should seek. [27:48]

- The filling of the Holy Spirit is essential for effective service and witness. It empowers us to speak boldly and live a life that reflects Christ's character. This filling is a continual process that enhances our spiritual growth and worship. [36:35]

- A true Christian life is marked by gratitude, praise, and a spirit of worship, which are the natural outcomes of being filled with the Holy Spirit. This filling enables us to live with joy and thanksgiving, both in private and public worship. [40:33]

- Revival is the church's greatest need, a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit that renews and empowers believers. We are called to seek this filling and pray for God to revive His work among us, becoming instruments of His power and glory. [42:44]

- Understanding the role of the Holy Spirit is crucial for experiencing the fullness of the Christian life. It is through the Spirit that we know the reality of God and Christ, and it is this knowledge that fuels our passion for revival and intercession. [43:30]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:13] - Introduction to the Doctrines
- [01:28] - Authority of the Bible
- [02:03] - Doctrine of God
- [02:57] - The Fall and Sin
- [04:02] - Doctrine of Salvation
- [05:22] - Role of the Holy Spirit
- [07:14] - Sanctification
- [09:19] - Relationship with the Holy Spirit
- [10:20] - Baptism of the Holy Spirit
- [12:00] - Purpose of Doctrine
- [14:27] - Biblical References
- [17:47] - Understanding Baptism of the Spirit
- [24:33] - Consciousness of the Spirit
- [30:15] - Definition of Baptism of the Spirit
- [35:34] - Filling of the Holy Spirit
- [42:12] - Revival and the Church's Need

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 1:5 - "For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence."
2. 1 Corinthians 12:13 - "For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit."
3. Ephesians 5:18-20 - "And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."

#### Observation Questions
1. What does Acts 1:5 suggest about the difference between John's baptism and the baptism of the Holy Spirit? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on the transformative experience of the Holy Spirit? [14:11]
2. According to 1 Corinthians 12:13, what is the significance of being baptized by one Spirit into one body? How does this relate to the unity of believers mentioned in the sermon? [18:20]
3. In Ephesians 5:18-20, what are the outcomes of being filled with the Spirit as described by Paul? How does this align with the sermon’s description of a life marked by gratitude and worship? [40:33]
4. How does the sermon describe the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers for service and witness? [36:35]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the sermon explain the difference between the baptism of the Holy Spirit and the filling of the Holy Spirit? What implications does this have for a believer's spiritual journey? [41:35]
2. The sermon mentions that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is a birthright and promise for every Christian. How does this understanding affect a believer's pursuit of spiritual experiences? [27:14]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the filling of the Holy Spirit is essential for effective Christian service and witness? How might this understanding change one's approach to ministry? [36:35]
4. The sermon calls for a revival and a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit. What does this mean for the church today, and how can believers actively participate in seeking this revival? [42:44]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your personal experience with the Holy Spirit. Have you ever felt a profound awareness of God's presence as described in the sermon? If not, what steps can you take to seek this experience? [27:48]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of being filled with the Spirit for effective service. How can you ensure that you are seeking this filling before engaging in ministry or service activities? [36:35]
3. Consider the role of gratitude and worship in your daily life. How can you cultivate a spirit of thankfulness and praise, both privately and publicly, as a result of being filled with the Holy Spirit? [40:33]
4. The sermon highlights the need for revival in the church. What specific actions can you take to pray for and contribute to a revival in your local church community? [42:44]
5. How can you become an instrument of God's power and glory in the world, as the sermon suggests? Identify one area in your life where you can actively seek the Holy Spirit's guidance and empowerment. [43:30]
6. The sermon discusses the transformative encounter with God through the Holy Spirit. How can you create space in your life for such encounters, and what might be hindering you from experiencing them? [27:48]
7. Reflect on the sermon’s call to be intercessors and pray for God to revive His work among us. How can you incorporate intercessory prayer into your daily routine, and who or what will you pray for specifically? [42:44]

Devotional

Day 1: Experiencing the Transformative Presence of the Holy Spirit
The baptism of the Holy Spirit is a profound experience that brings a deep awareness of God's presence and the reality of Jesus Christ. It is not merely about receiving spiritual gifts but about a transformative encounter with God that every Christian should seek. This experience ignites our spiritual life, filling us with love and joy in Christ. It is our birthright and promise from God, a personal encounter that deepens our relationship with Him and enhances our understanding of His divine nature. As believers, we are encouraged to seek this baptism, allowing it to transform our lives and draw us closer to God. [27:48]

Ephesians 1:13-14 (ESV): "In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory."

Reflection: Think about a moment when you felt distant from God. How can you intentionally seek a deeper encounter with the Holy Spirit this week to renew your awareness of His presence?

Day 2: Empowered for Bold Service and Witness
The filling of the Holy Spirit is essential for effective service and witness. It empowers believers to speak boldly and live lives that reflect the character of Christ. This filling is not a one-time event but a continual process that enhances spiritual growth and worship. It is crucial for a vibrant Christian life, enabling believers to live with gratitude, praise, and a spirit of worship. By seeking the filling of the Holy Spirit, Christians are equipped to serve others and share the gospel with confidence and love. [36:35]

Acts 4:31 (ESV): "And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness."

Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you feel hesitant to share your faith. How can you invite the Holy Spirit to empower you to speak boldly in that situation?

Day 3: Living a Life of Gratitude and Worship
A true Christian life is marked by gratitude, praise, and a spirit of worship, which are the natural outcomes of being filled with the Holy Spirit. This filling enables believers to live with joy and thanksgiving, both in private and public worship. It transforms everyday life into an act of worship, where gratitude becomes a constant attitude. By embracing this spirit of worship, Christians can experience a deeper connection with God and a more fulfilling spiritual journey. [40:33]

Colossians 3:16-17 (ESV): "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

Reflection: Reflect on your daily routine. How can you incorporate moments of gratitude and worship into your everyday activities to cultivate a spirit of thankfulness?

Day 4: Seeking Revival and Renewal
Revival is the church's greatest need, a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit that renews and empowers believers. Christians are called to seek this filling and pray for God to revive His work among them, becoming instruments of His power and glory. This revival brings a renewed passion for God and a desire to see His kingdom advance. By praying for revival, believers can experience a deeper sense of purpose and a greater impact in their communities. [42:44]

Habakkuk 3:2 (ESV): "O Lord, I have heard the report of you, and your work, O Lord, do I fear. In the midst of the years revive it; in the midst of the years make it known; in wrath remember mercy."

Reflection: Consider the spiritual state of your community. How can you actively participate in praying for revival and seeking a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit in your church and neighborhood?

Day 5: Embracing the Fullness of the Christian Life
Understanding the role of the Holy Spirit is crucial for experiencing the fullness of the Christian life. It is through the Spirit that believers know the reality of God and Christ, and it is this knowledge that fuels their passion for revival and intercession. By embracing the Holy Spirit's work, Christians can experience a deeper relationship with God and a more vibrant spiritual life. This understanding leads to a life marked by love, joy, and a commitment to God's purposes. [43:30]

1 Corinthians 2:12 (ESV): "Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God."

Reflection: Reflect on your current understanding of the Holy Spirit's role in your life. What steps can you take to deepen your relationship with the Holy Spirit and experience the fullness of the Christian life?

Quotes

"Now the difficulties I feel generally arise because on all sides we are all a little bit too prone to be dogmatic. The confusion certainly arises because of that. You will find men equally saintly looking at these things and they don't say quite the same thing. That is inevitable with certain aspects of truth, but if that is the case, I say it behoves us not to be over dogmatic. We should tread carefully and we should tread with reverence and with Godly fear." [00:10:29]

"May I say again as we resume our work for another session, my whole object in going through these biblical doctrines is not simply to enlarge my own knowledge or yours primarily, certainly not in an intellectual sense. I am concerned about these things for one reason only, and that is that a deep and a real experience of the power of Salvation is dependent upon our knowledge of these doctrines." [00:11:49]

"The baptism of the Holy Spirit or baptism with the Holy Spirit. Now the difficulties I feel generally arise because on all sides we are all a little bit too prone to be dogmatic. The confusion certainly arises because of that. You will find men equally saintly looking at these things and they don't say quite the same thing. That is inevitable with certain aspects of truth, but if that is the case, I say it behoves us not to be over dogmatic." [00:10:29]

"Now therefore let us start like this: where are these terms used and how are they used and by whom are they used? Well, this term is used, you remember, by John the Baptist. You will find it, for instance, in Luke 3:16 and its parallels. The people had listened to the preaching of John at the Jordan, and they, we are told, mused in their hearts of John whether he were the Christ or not." [00:12:48]

"Now it seems to me that all these terms clearly point to the same thing, and therefore the question we face is, what is this? What is the baptism of the Holy Spirit? Now there are some who say that there is really no difficulty about this at all. They say it is simply a reference to Regeneration and nothing else. They say it just is the thing that happens to a man when he is regenerated." [00:17:43]

"Now this surely is something concerning which we should pause for a moment and meditate very deeply and very seriously upon it. This is an experience, as I understand this teaching, which is the birthright of every Christian. The promise, as the Apostle is unto you, and not only unto you but to your children and to as many as are far off, not confined to just these people in the day of Pentecost." [00:27:33]

"Now my friends, there is no essential difference between the church today and the early Christian church, and you can't read your New Testament about the early church without seeing that these were spiritual people, people with a spiritual reality. They were not formal church members. There was a Living spirit, and they knew in whom they had believed, and they rejoiced in these things." [00:32:14]

"Well, now I say we have to look at these terms. Certain terms are used with regard to the relationship of the Holy Spirit to the believer, and they are most important terms, and in a sense, because they're important, they're not easy. Indeed, I might even say that they're difficult and that they have often led not only to confusion but to a good deal of discussion and of disputation." [00:09:11]

"Now it seems to me that a definition, therefore, which I would put to your consideration is something like this: the baptism of the Holy Spirit is the initial experience of just that. Yes, you can have many further experiences of that, but the first experience of this, I would suggest, is the baptism of the Holy Spirit." [00:30:11]

"Well, what is it? Well, it is clear that this is what John the Baptist and our Lord had both prophesied and predicted. This is what Peter here calls the promise of the Father. Now that's a term that is often used about this. Therefore, says Peter, being by the right hand of God exalted and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he has shed forth this." [00:21:06]

"Now, therefore, let us start like this: where are these terms used and how are they used and by whom are they used? Well, this term is used, you remember, by John the Baptist. You will find it, for instance, in Luke 3:16 and its parallels. The people had listened to the preaching of John at the Jordan, and they, we are told, mused in their hearts of John whether he were the Christ or not." [00:12:48]

"Now, my friends, there is no essential difference between the church today and the early Christian church, and you can't read your New Testament about the early church without seeing that these were spiritual people, people with a spiritual reality. They were not formal church members. There was a Living spirit, and they knew in whom they had believed, and they rejoiced in these things." [00:32:14]

Chatbot

Transcript

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