Empowered by the Holy Spirit in Ministry

 

Summary

In reflecting on the profound role of the Holy Spirit in our ministry, we are reminded of the essential nature of His presence and work in our lives as ministers of the Gospel. The Holy Spirit is not merely a doctrinal belief but a living reality that we experience and rely upon daily. Without His guidance and empowerment, our ministry would be futile, for it is through the Spirit that we find the wisdom, strength, and hope necessary to fulfill our calling.

We are called to move beyond mere belief in the Holy Spirit to a conscious awareness of His presence and activity in our lives. This awareness is akin to knowing a friend not just by reputation but through personal interaction. The Spirit's work in us is as tangible as the influence of our fellow human beings, and it is through this divine interaction that we are transformed into new creatures in Christ, able to perceive and engage with spiritual realities.

The Holy Spirit is indispensable to our ministry. Without Him, our efforts are hollow, and our words lack the power to transform lives. We are not mere conveyors of information but vessels through which the Spirit speaks and acts. Our effectiveness as ministers is directly tied to our dependence on the Spirit, who equips us with knowledge, wisdom, and the ability to communicate the Gospel with clarity and conviction.

Moreover, the Spirit's role extends to our personal holiness and example. Our lives must reflect the message we preach, for our conduct is a powerful testimony to the truth of the Gospel. The Spirit aids us in living lives of integrity and purity, enabling us to be examples to our congregations and communities.

Finally, we must be vigilant against anything that might grieve the Spirit and hinder His work in us. This includes maintaining a sensitive and truthful heart, avoiding pride and laziness, and cultivating a spirit of prayer and dependence on God. The Spirit's presence is not to be taken for granted, and we must strive to remain in His favor, lest we find ourselves ineffective and our ministry fruitless.

Key Takeaways:

- Conscious Awareness of the Spirit: Moving beyond belief to a conscious awareness of the Holy Spirit's presence is crucial. This awareness transforms our ministry from a mere profession to a living testimony of God's power. We must cultivate a sensitivity to the Spirit's movements in our lives. [01:38]

- Dependence on the Spirit for Ministry: Our ministry's success hinges on the Holy Spirit's empowerment. Without Him, our words are empty, and our efforts are in vain. We must continually seek His guidance and strength to fulfill our calling effectively. [06:54]

- Holiness and Example: The Spirit aids us in living lives of integrity and purity, which are essential for our credibility as ministers. Our conduct must align with our message, serving as a powerful testimony to the truth of the Gospel. [42:46]

- Avoiding Grieving the Spirit: We must be vigilant against anything that might grieve the Spirit, such as pride, laziness, or a lack of truthfulness. Maintaining a sensitive and prayerful heart is essential to remain in His favor. [55:08]

- The Spirit's Role in Preaching: The Spirit not only empowers our preaching but also guides us in selecting and delivering the right message for our audience. We must rely on Him to ensure our words are effective and transformative. [26:43]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:12] - Introduction to the Holy Spirit's Role
- [01:00] - The Ground of Our Confidence
- [01:38] - Conscious Awareness of the Spirit
- [02:40] - Spiritual Discernment
- [03:15] - New Life in Christ
- [04:18] - Responding to Skepticism
- [05:59] - Essential Nature of the Spirit
- [07:32] - Avoiding Delusions of Inspiration
- [10:09] - Seeking the Spirit's Aid
- [12:39] - The Spirit's Instruction on Christ
- [14:22] - The Spirit of Wisdom
- [20:51] - Freedom of Utterance
- [26:43] - Anointing and Delivery
- [39:04] - The Spirit of Supplication
- [42:46] - The Spirit of Holiness
- [55:08] - Grieving the Spirit
- [59:20] - Consequences of Losing the Spirit's Aid

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. John 14:26 (NIV): "But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you."
2. Acts 1:8 (NIV): "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
3. Galatians 5:16 (NIV): "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh."

#### Observation Questions
1. According to the sermon, what is the role of the Holy Spirit in our ministry, and why is it considered essential? [05:59]
2. How does the sermon describe the relationship between personal holiness and the Holy Spirit's work in our lives? [42:46]
3. What are some specific ways mentioned in the sermon that can grieve the Holy Spirit? [55:08]
4. How does the sermon illustrate the concept of being consciously aware of the Holy Spirit's presence? [01:38]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the Holy Spirit empowers our preaching and ministry? How does this relate to Acts 1:8? [26:43]
2. How does the sermon explain the importance of living a life of integrity and purity as a minister? How does this connect to Galatians 5:16? [42:46]
3. What does the sermon imply about the consequences of neglecting the Holy Spirit's guidance in our ministry? [59:20]
4. How does the sermon describe the process of moving from belief in the Holy Spirit to a conscious awareness of His presence? [01:38]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt the Holy Spirit guiding you in a decision. How did you respond, and what was the outcome? [01:38]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of personal holiness. What specific steps can you take this week to align your conduct with the message you preach? [42:46]
3. Consider the ways you might unintentionally grieve the Holy Spirit. What changes can you make to avoid these pitfalls? [55:08]
4. How can you cultivate a more conscious awareness of the Holy Spirit's presence in your daily life and ministry? [01:38]
5. Identify an area in your ministry where you feel you need more of the Holy Spirit's empowerment. What practical steps can you take to seek His guidance and strength? [06:54]
6. Think of a recent sermon or message you delivered. How did you rely on the Holy Spirit during its preparation and delivery? What could you do differently next time? [26:43]
7. How can you ensure that your life serves as a credible testimony to the truth of the Gospel in your community? [42:46]

Devotional

Day 1: Cultivating Awareness of the Spirit's Presence
The Holy Spirit is not just a theological concept but a living presence that actively participates in the life of believers. Moving beyond mere belief to a conscious awareness of the Spirit's presence is crucial for a vibrant spiritual life. This awareness transforms ministry from a mere profession to a living testimony of God's power. It is akin to knowing a friend not just by reputation but through personal interaction. By cultivating a sensitivity to the Spirit's movements, believers can experience a deeper connection with God and a more profound impact in their ministry. [01:38]

"And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you." (John 14:16-17, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a moment today when you can pause and invite the Holy Spirit to make His presence known to you. How can you create space in your daily routine to become more aware of His guidance?


Day 2: Relying on the Spirit for Effective Ministry
The success of any ministry hinges on the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Without His guidance and strength, words are empty, and efforts are in vain. Ministers are called to be vessels through which the Spirit speaks and acts, relying on Him to equip them with the knowledge, wisdom, and ability to communicate the Gospel effectively. This dependence on the Spirit ensures that the message delivered is not just informative but transformative, touching the hearts and lives of those who hear it. [06:54]

"For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power." (1 Corinthians 4:20, ESV)

Reflection: Identify a specific area in your ministry or personal life where you feel powerless. How can you invite the Holy Spirit to empower you in this area today?


Day 3: Living a Life of Holiness and Integrity
The Holy Spirit plays a vital role in guiding believers toward personal holiness and integrity. As ministers of the Gospel, it is essential that one's conduct aligns with the message preached, serving as a powerful testimony to the truth of the Gospel. The Spirit aids in living lives of purity and integrity, enabling believers to be examples to their congregations and communities. This alignment between message and conduct enhances credibility and effectiveness in ministry. [42:46]

"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." (2 Timothy 2:21, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on an area of your life where your actions may not align with your beliefs. What steps can you take today to bring your conduct in line with the message you share with others?


Day 4: Guarding Against Grieving the Spirit
Believers must be vigilant against anything that might grieve the Holy Spirit and hinder His work within them. This includes maintaining a sensitive and truthful heart, avoiding pride and laziness, and cultivating a spirit of prayer and dependence on God. The Spirit's presence should not be taken for granted, and believers must strive to remain in His favor to ensure their ministry remains effective and fruitful. [55:08]

"And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption." (Ephesians 4:30, ESV)

Reflection: Consider a habit or attitude in your life that might be grieving the Holy Spirit. What practical steps can you take today to address this and seek His guidance and forgiveness?


Day 5: The Spirit's Role in Preaching and Teaching
The Holy Spirit not only empowers preaching but also guides in selecting and delivering the right message for the audience. Ministers must rely on the Spirit to ensure their words are effective and transformative, speaking directly to the hearts of those who hear. This reliance on the Spirit's guidance ensures that the message is not only heard but also understood and applied, leading to genuine transformation in the lives of the listeners. [26:43]

"And my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God." (1 Corinthians 2:4-5, ESV)

Reflection: Before your next opportunity to share God's word, take a moment to pray and ask the Holy Spirit to guide your preparation and delivery. How can you ensure that your message is not just informative but transformative?

Quotes



To us the presence and work of the holy spirit are the ground of our confidence as to the wisdom and hopefulness of our life work. If we had not believed in the holy spirit we should have laid down our ministry long air this for who is sufficient for these things our hope of success and our strength for continuing the service lie in our belief that the spirit of the lord resteth upon us. [00:55:28]

We have said we believe in him but in very deed we have advanced beyond faith in this matter and have come into the region of consciousness. Time was when most of us believed in the existence of our present friends, for we had heard of them by the hearing of the ear, but we have now seen each other and returned the fraternal grip, and felt the influence of happy companionship, and therefore we do not now so much believe as know. [01:30:32]

The holy spirit is absolutely essential, without him our office is a mere name. We claim no priesthood over and above that which belongs to every child of god, but we are the successors of those who in olden times were moved of god to declare his word, to testify against transgression and to plead his cause. [06:02:40]

We need the spirit of god to open our mouths that we may show forth the praise of the lord or else we shall not speak with power. We need the divine influence to keep us back from saying many things which if they actually left our tongue would mar our message. [21:52:12]

We depend entirely upon the spirit of god to produce actual effect from the gospel and at this effect we must always aim. We do not stand up in our pulpits to display our skill in spiritual sword play but we come to actual fighting. Our object is to drive the sword of the spirit through men's hearts. [34:30:70]

The lack of distinctly recognizing the power of the holy ghost lies at the root of many useless ministries. The forcible words of robert hall are as true now as when he poured them forth like molten lava upon a semi-social generation. On the one hand it deserves attention that the most eminent and successful preachers of the gospel in different communities a brainerd a baxter and a schwartz have been the most conspicuous for simple dependence on spiritual aid. [37:39:68]

A very important part of our lives consists in praying in the holy ghost and that minister who does not think so had better escape from his ministry. Abundant prayer must go with earnest preaching. We cannot be always on the knees of the body, but the soul should never leave the posture of devotion. [39:09:28]

For a very considerable and essential part of christian ministry lies in example. Our people take much note of what we say out of the pulpit and what we do in the social circle and elsewhere. Do you find it easy my brethren to be saints such saints that others may regard you as examples? [42:49:04]

If you were to walk in all holiness and purity as becometh ministers of the gospel, you must be daily baptized into the spirit of god. Once again we need the spirit as a spirit of discernment, for he knows the minds of men as he knows the mind of god, and we need this very much in dealing with difficult characters. [44:22:64]

Brethren, what are those evils which will grieve the spirit? I answer anything that would have disqualified you as an ordinary christian for communion with god also disqualifies you for feeling the extraordinary power of the holy spirit as a minister but apart from that there are special hindrances among the first we must mention a want of sensitiveness. [55:01:52]

The holy ghost is also vexed by laziness. I cannot imagine the spirit waiting at the door of a sluggard and supplying the deficiencies created by indolence. Sloth in the cause of the redeemer is a vice for which no excuse can be invented. We ourselves feel our flesh creep when we see the dilatory movements of sluggards. [58:26:40]

If the holy ghost be absent, ours is of all positions the most perilous, therefore let us beware. Alas some ministers become like balaam, he was a prophet was he not did he not speak in the name of the lord is he not called the man whose eyes are opened which saw the vision of the almighty. [62:32:74]

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Transcript
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