Empowered by the Holy Spirit: Transformative Presence Within
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into Joel chapter 2, focusing on the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. Joel, a minor prophet, bridges the Old Testament and the future, prophesying about the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on all mankind. This prophecy is not just historical but is happening now. The Holy Spirit is present, living within believers, making our bodies temples of God. This divine presence is both mysterious and transformational, much like the wind or fire—felt but not seen.
The Holy Spirit is described as a comforter, exclusive to those who believe in Jesus. This comfort is profound, offering peace and assurance that God is always with us. The Holy Spirit also acts as a communicator, enabling a divine connection between humanity and God. This connection was made possible through Jesus' sacrifice, allowing the Holy Spirit to dwell within us. This divine presence empowers us, guiding us in our daily lives and helping us to live out our faith.
Moreover, the Holy Spirit is our power supply, enabling us to serve God effectively. Talent and training are insufficient without the Holy Spirit's power. This power is the same that healed the sick and cast out demons, and it resides within us. The Holy Spirit also serves as God's deposit of heaven within us, marking us for salvation and giving us a purpose to glorify God in our bodies.
Finally, the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—are not qualities we produce on our own but are the result of the Holy Spirit working within us. To see this fruit, we must tend to the soil of our souls, surrendering to the Holy Spirit and allowing God to work through us.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Holy Spirit as a Comforter: The Holy Spirit provides comfort to believers, offering peace and assurance that God is always with us. This comfort is exclusive to those who have accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior. The Holy Spirit is always accessible, never taking a break, and is a constant presence in our lives. [12:17]
2. Divine Communication: The Holy Spirit acts as a communicator, enabling a divine connection between humanity and God. This connection was made possible through Jesus' sacrifice, allowing the Holy Spirit to dwell within us. This divine presence empowers us, guiding us in our daily lives and helping us to live out our faith. [25:06]
3. Power Supply of the Saints: The Holy Spirit is our power supply, enabling us to serve God effectively. Talent and training are insufficient without the Holy Spirit's power. This power is the same that healed the sick and cast out demons, and it resides within us, making us capable of remarkable things. [32:44]
4. God's Deposit of Heaven: The Holy Spirit serves as God's deposit of heaven within us, marking us for salvation and giving us a purpose to glorify God in our bodies. This divine presence is a down payment of the glory to come, sealing us for heaven and empowering us to live out our faith. [34:22]
5. Fruit of the Spirit: The fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—are not qualities we produce on our own but are the result of the Holy Spirit working within us. To see this fruit, we must tend to the soil of our souls, surrendering to the Holy Spirit and allowing God to work through us. [38:03]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:56] - Introduction and Prayer
[01:50] - Reading from Joel Chapter 2
[02:38] - Who is the Holy Spirit?
[03:30] - The Holy Spirit's Presence
[04:32] - Context of the Book of Joel
[05:33] - The Church Age and the Holy Spirit
[06:38] - The Transformational Power of the Holy Spirit
[07:17] - The Hebrew Word "Ruach"
[09:12] - Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire
[10:08] - The Holy Spirit as a Comforter
[12:17] - The Holy Spirit's Comfort in Our Lives
[15:01] - Freedom in the Spirit
[16:45] - The Holy Spirit's Guidance
[18:27] - The Holy Spirit's Direction
[20:24] - Connection Among Believers
[21:58] - The Holy Spirit as a Communicator
[25:06] - Humanity and Divinity Coexisting
[29:35] - Outgoing and Incoming Communication
[32:44] - The Power Supply of the Saints
[34:22] - God's Deposit of Heaven
[38:03] - The Fruit of the Spirit
[39:17] - Tending the Soil of Your Soul
[40:57] - Invitation to the Altar
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Joel 2:28-32 (NASB)
> "It will come about after this that I will pour out My Spirit on all mankind; And your sons and daughters will prophesy, Your old men will dream dreams, Your young men will see visions. Even on the male and female servants I will pour out My Spirit in those days. I will display wonders in the sky and on the earth, Blood, fire, and columns of smoke. The sun will be turned into darkness And the moon into blood Before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes. And it will come about that whoever calls on the name of the Lord Will be delivered; For on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem There will be those who escape, As the Lord has said, Even among the survivors whom the Lord calls."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Joel 2:28-32, what are some of the signs that will accompany the outpouring of the Holy Spirit?
2. How does the sermon describe the Holy Spirit's presence in believers' lives? ([06:38])
3. What are the five ways the pastor mentioned that the Holy Spirit provides comfort to believers? ([13:29])
4. How does the Holy Spirit act as a communicator between humanity and God according to the sermon? ([25:06])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean for the Holy Spirit to be a "comforter" to those who believe, and why is this comfort exclusive to believers? ([12:17])
2. How does the Holy Spirit empower believers to serve God effectively, and why are talent and training insufficient without the Holy Spirit's power? ([32:44])
3. In what ways does the Holy Spirit serve as God's deposit of heaven within us, and what implications does this have for our daily lives? ([34:22])
4. How can believers tend to the soil of their souls to see the fruit of the Spirit manifest in their lives? ([38:03])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt the comfort of the Holy Spirit in a difficult situation. How did this experience strengthen your faith? ([12:17])
2. The sermon mentioned that the Holy Spirit guides us in our daily lives. Can you think of a recent decision where you felt led by the Holy Spirit? How did you discern His guidance? ([19:12])
3. The Holy Spirit is described as our power supply. Identify an area in your life where you feel you need more of the Holy Spirit's power. What steps can you take to invite His power into that area? ([32:44])
4. The Holy Spirit is God's deposit of heaven within us. How does this truth impact your understanding of your identity and purpose as a believer? ([34:22])
5. Choose one aspect of the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control) to focus on this month. What specific action could you take to cultivate it in your interactions with others? ([38:03])
6. The sermon emphasized the importance of surrendering to the Holy Spirit. Is there a specific area of your life where you struggle to surrender? What practical steps can you take to yield to the Holy Spirit's work in that area? ([39:17])
7. Think of a person in your life who tests your patience. What is a short prayer you can say before the next time you interact with that person to invite the Holy Spirit's guidance and peace? ([38:03])
Devotional
Day 1: The Holy Spirit as Our Ever-Present Comforter
The Holy Spirit provides comfort to believers, offering peace and assurance that God is always with us. This comfort is exclusive to those who have accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior. The Holy Spirit is always accessible, never taking a break, and is a constant presence in our lives. This divine comfort is profound, offering a sense of peace that surpasses all understanding. It reassures us that we are never alone, no matter the circumstances we face.
The Holy Spirit's role as a comforter is not just about emotional solace but also about spiritual assurance. It reminds us of God's promises and His unwavering presence in our lives. This comfort is a testament to God's love and care for His children, providing a sense of security and peace that the world cannot offer. [12:17]
Isaiah 66:13 (ESV): "As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you; you shall be comforted in Jerusalem."
Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you felt alone or anxious. How can you invite the Holy Spirit to bring you comfort and peace in that situation today?
Day 2: Divine Communication Through the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit acts as a communicator, enabling a divine connection between humanity and God. This connection was made possible through Jesus' sacrifice, allowing the Holy Spirit to dwell within us. This divine presence empowers us, guiding us in our daily lives and helping us to live out our faith. The Holy Spirit speaks to us in various ways, including through Scripture, prayer, and the inner promptings of our hearts.
This divine communication is a two-way street. Not only does the Holy Spirit convey God's messages to us, but it also helps us to express our deepest thoughts and feelings to God. This connection is vital for our spiritual growth and understanding of God's will for our lives. It is through this divine communication that we receive guidance, wisdom, and encouragement to navigate the complexities of life. [25:06]
1 Corinthians 2:10-11 (ESV): "These things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For who knows a person's thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt guided by the Holy Spirit. How can you be more attentive to the Holy Spirit's communication in your daily life?
Day 3: The Holy Spirit as Our Power Supply
The Holy Spirit is our power supply, enabling us to serve God effectively. Talent and training are insufficient without the Holy Spirit's power. This power is the same that healed the sick and cast out demons, and it resides within us, making us capable of remarkable things. The Holy Spirit empowers us to fulfill God's purposes and to live out our faith with boldness and conviction.
This divine power is not just for extraordinary acts but also for our everyday lives. It gives us the strength to overcome challenges, resist temptations, and live in a way that honors God. The Holy Spirit's power is a reminder that we are not alone in our spiritual journey; we have divine assistance to help us achieve what we cannot do on our own. [32:44]
Ephesians 3:16 (ESV): "That according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being."
Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you feel weak or inadequate. How can you rely on the Holy Spirit's power to strengthen you in that area today?
Day 4: The Holy Spirit as God's Deposit of Heaven
The Holy Spirit serves as God's deposit of heaven within us, marking us for salvation and giving us a purpose to glorify God in our bodies. This divine presence is a down payment of the glory to come, sealing us for heaven and empowering us to live out our faith. The Holy Spirit's indwelling is a guarantee of our inheritance in Christ and a constant reminder of our eternal destiny.
This deposit is not just a future promise but a present reality that transforms our lives. It gives us a sense of purpose and direction, motivating us to live in a way that reflects our heavenly calling. The Holy Spirit's presence within us is a source of hope and assurance, reminding us that we belong to God and that our ultimate home is with Him. [34:22]
2 Corinthians 1:22 (ESV): "And who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee."
Reflection: How does knowing that the Holy Spirit is a deposit of heaven within you change the way you view your daily life and decisions?
Day 5: Bearing the Fruit of the Spirit
The fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—are not qualities we produce on our own but are the result of the Holy Spirit working within us. To see this fruit, we must tend to the soil of our souls, surrendering to the Holy Spirit and allowing God to work through us. These qualities are evidence of a life transformed by the Holy Spirit and are essential for our witness to the world.
Bearing the fruit of the Spirit requires intentionality and cooperation with the Holy Spirit. It involves daily surrender and a willingness to let God shape our character. As we cultivate our relationship with the Holy Spirit, these qualities will naturally manifest in our lives, impacting our relationships and interactions with others. [38:03]
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 of the Spirit do you find most challenging to exhibit? What steps can you take today to surrender that area to the Holy Spirit and allow Him to work through you?
Quotes
1. "We act upon it in our everyday life from this moment forward. Isn't that the mission? When we go to the Word of the Lord, the mission is to hear from God and then know then how to live out our faith." [00:56] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The same with fire. The same as with the Holy Spirit, though you cannot see it, it is very much a real thing, and you can feel it. Does anybody feel the Holy Spirit in this room today?" [03:30] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "God is sending fresh wind and fresh fire. Do you agree with that? Yes. God is sending fresh wind and fresh wire, much, uh, fire, much like what we talked about last week, the tree who is planted by the stream of living water. If you would draw close to him, what does the Bible say? He is faithful to draw close to you." [09:12] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The comfort of the Holy Spirit only comes to those. Who have and know the Holy Spirit. It's very exclusive. The Bible says in John chapter 14, you don't have to turn there, but in verse 16, it says, and this is Jesus, I will ask the father and he will give you another helper. Or maybe your version says a comforter so that he may be with you. Oh, this is good forever." [10:57] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "When you surrender to the Lord, you receive the Holy Spirit. Part of that surrendering to the Lord is allowing him to have permission to change you for who he wants you to be. And so I don't have to be anything that I'm not. God has chosen. He's placed his spirit inside of you and me, and is making you and me into who he says we should be." [15:34] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "The Holy Spirit reminds me that God's word is true even in times of trouble to give me hope and also in times of celebration to give me a praise on my lips. Amen. The Holy Spirit reminds me of the word that I've read or heard." [16:45] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "The Holy Spirit taps me on the shoulder sometimes when I'm going the wrong direction. And somehow, because he's divine and I'm not, he leads me into the right path I need to go. Right? Anybody led by the Holy Spirit in this room? Anybody allow the Holy Spirit to lead you?" [18:27] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "The Holy Spirit is the communicator and commonplace. Commonplace for humanity and divinity to exist in the same space. Now, this is very remarkable. And track with me here, okay? For those of you that know where I'm going with this, okay, good on you. But those of you who are like, huh? Just listen, okay?" [22:41] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "The Holy Spirit is the power supply of the saints. Acts chapter one tells us of a great example of this. Listen, but he said to them, it is not for you to know periods of time or appointed times which the Father has set by his own authority, but you will receive power. Somebody say power. Oh, say it like you know what power means. Power." [32:44] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "The Holy Spirit is God's deposit of heaven. You have a piece of heaven inside of you today, those of you who know Jesus, those of you who have given your life to Christ. And for those of you who haven't, those of you who haven't made that declaration of faith or those of you who haven't made the choice to follow Jesus, to make him the Lord and savior of your life." [34:22] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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