Empowered by the Spirit: Healing and Victory in Faith
Summary
Creating a family-like atmosphere within the church is essential, where everyone, regardless of background or ethnicity, feels loved and empowered in their spiritual journey. This sense of belonging is crucial for spiritual growth and satisfaction in God's ways. As we gather, we pray for God's powerful presence to bring healing and wholeness, both emotionally and physically, as affirmed throughout the Bible. Jesus, our healer, desires to touch our lives and bodies, bringing us into a state of completeness. Today, we stand in faith, believing for healing miracles, as we have witnessed God’s power in action.
The journey of faith often involves overcoming rejection and establishing oneself in God's love and purpose. Many have experienced cycles of being uprooted, but today marks the end of such seasons, as God breaks generational curses and heals past traumas. We pray for those with physical ailments, believing in God's miraculous power to heal. As we witness healing testimonies, we are reminded of the power of faith and the Holy Spirit's work in our lives.
The conflict between two kingdoms—the kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness—is a reality for every believer. The kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and we must be active participants in this spiritual battle. The enemy seeks to reclaim lost ground in our lives, but through the Holy Spirit, we have the power to resist and overcome. Developing intimacy with the Holy Spirit is crucial, as He is our helper, guiding us into all truth and empowering us to live victoriously.
The Holy Spirit is not just an influence but a person with whom we must cultivate a relationship. This relationship enables us to discern truth, build faith, and experience the surpassing greatness of God's power. As we walk by the Spirit, we are empowered to overcome the desires of the flesh and live in the freedom and victory that Christ has secured for us. The battle is not just external but also internal, as we contend with personal conflicts and strive to embody the fruits of the Spirit.
Ultimately, the key to victory lies in our fellowship with the Holy Spirit. By walking in the Spirit, we can resist the enemy's attempts to draw us back into old patterns and live in the fullness of God's kingdom. This requires a conscious effort to engage with the Holy Spirit daily, allowing His presence to guide and empower us in every aspect of our lives.
Key Takeaways:
- The church is a family where everyone, regardless of background, should feel loved and empowered. This sense of belonging is crucial for spiritual growth and satisfaction in God's ways. [00:00]
- Jesus is our healer, desiring to bring emotional and physical wholeness. By faith, we can experience God's miraculous power in our lives, breaking cycles of rejection and trauma. [48:57]
- The conflict between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness is real. We must actively participate in this spiritual battle, resisting the enemy's attempts to reclaim lost ground. [01:24:24]
- Intimacy with the Holy Spirit is essential. He is our helper, guiding us into all truth and empowering us to live victoriously. Cultivating this relationship is key to overcoming the desires of the flesh. [01:27:15]
- Walking by the Spirit enables us to resist the enemy and live in the fullness of God's kingdom. This requires daily engagement with the Holy Spirit, allowing His presence to guide and empower us. [01:50:19]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Creating a Family Atmosphere
- [02:00] - Prayer for Empowerment and Growth
- [03:30] - Healing and Wholeness in Christ
- [05:00] - Breaking Cycles of Rejection
- [07:00] - Testimonies of Healing
- [10:00] - The Conflict of Two Kingdoms
- [12:00] - Spiritual Warfare and Resistance
- [15:00] - Intimacy with the Holy Spirit
- [18:00] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
- [20:00] - Walking by the Spirit
- [22:00] - Overcoming the Desires of the Flesh
- [25:00] - Living in the Fullness of God's Kingdom
- [27:00] - Closing Prayer and Encouragement
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 11:11-12 (NIV) - "Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence, and violent people have been raiding it."
2. Galatians 5:16-17 (NIV) - "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want."
3. 1 Corinthians 10:12-13 (NIV) - "So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it."
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Observation Questions:
1. According to Matthew 11:12, what does it mean that the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence, and how does this relate to the spiritual battle discussed in the sermon? [01:24:24]
2. In Galatians 5:16-17, what are the two opposing forces mentioned, and how do they affect a believer's daily life? [01:41:51]
3. How does 1 Corinthians 10:12-13 provide assurance to believers facing temptation, and what promise does it offer? [01:27:15]
4. What examples of healing and miracles were shared in the sermon, and how do they demonstrate the power of faith and the Holy Spirit? [48:57]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of the kingdom of heaven suffering violence challenge the common perception of Christianity as solely peaceful and gentle? [01:24:24]
2. What does it mean to "walk by the Spirit," and how can this practice help believers overcome the desires of the flesh as described in Galatians 5:16-17? [01:41:51]
3. How can the promise in 1 Corinthians 10:12-13 be a source of strength for believers who feel overwhelmed by temptation? [01:27:15]
4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that developing intimacy with the Holy Spirit can lead to a victorious Christian life? [01:27:15]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own church experience. How can you contribute to creating a family-like atmosphere where everyone feels loved and empowered, regardless of their background? [49:33]
2. Identify a personal area of rejection or trauma. How can you invite Jesus, the healer, into that area to bring emotional and physical wholeness? [48:57]
3. Consider the spiritual battles you face. What practical steps can you take to actively participate in resisting the enemy's attempts to reclaim lost ground in your life? [01:24:24]
4. How can you cultivate a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit this week? What specific actions will you take to engage with Him daily? [01:27:15]
5. Think of a recent situation where you struggled with the desires of the flesh. How can walking by the Spirit help you respond differently in the future? [01:41:51]
6. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's miraculous power in your life. How can sharing this testimony encourage others in their faith journey? [48:57]
7. What is one specific way you can apply the principle of 1 Corinthians 10:12-13 to a current temptation or challenge you are facing? [01:27:15]
Devotional
Day 1: Creating a Family Atmosphere in the Church
The church is meant to be a family where everyone, regardless of their background or ethnicity, feels loved and empowered in their spiritual journey. This sense of belonging is crucial for spiritual growth and satisfaction in God's ways. When individuals feel accepted and valued, they are more likely to engage deeply with their faith and the community around them. As a church, it is important to foster an environment where people can experience God's love through the actions and attitudes of others. This involves being intentional about inclusivity and creating spaces where people can share their stories and grow together. [00:00]
"So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone" (Ephesians 2:19-20, ESV).
Reflection: Who in your church community might feel like an outsider, and how can you reach out to them this week to make them feel more included and valued?
Day 2: Experiencing Healing and Wholeness Through Faith
Jesus is our healer, desiring to bring emotional and physical wholeness to our lives. By faith, we can experience God's miraculous power, breaking cycles of rejection and trauma. Many people carry wounds from past experiences that hinder their spiritual growth and well-being. However, through faith and prayer, these wounds can be healed, and individuals can find freedom and restoration. It is important to stand in faith, believing that God can and will perform miracles in our lives, just as He has done throughout history. [48:57]
"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds" (Psalm 147:3, ESV).
Reflection: What past hurt or trauma do you need to bring before God today, trusting Him for healing and restoration?
Day 3: Engaging in Spiritual Warfare
The conflict between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness is real, and believers must actively participate in this spiritual battle. The enemy seeks to reclaim lost ground in our lives, but through the Holy Spirit, we have the power to resist and overcome. This requires vigilance and a commitment to spiritual disciplines that strengthen our faith and resolve. By understanding the nature of this conflict, believers can be better equipped to stand firm and resist the enemy's attempts to derail their spiritual journey. [01:24:24]
"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places" (Ephesians 6:12, ESV).
Reflection: What specific area of your life is the enemy trying to reclaim, and how can you actively resist through prayer and reliance on the Holy Spirit?
Day 4: Cultivating Intimacy with the Holy Spirit
Intimacy with the Holy Spirit is essential for living a victorious Christian life. The Holy Spirit is not just an influence but a person with whom believers must cultivate a relationship. This relationship enables believers to discern truth, build faith, and experience the surpassing greatness of God's power. By walking in the Spirit, believers are empowered to overcome the desires of the flesh and live in the freedom and victory that Christ has secured for them. Developing this intimacy requires intentionality and a willingness to engage with the Holy Spirit daily. [01:27:15]
"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you" (John 14:26, ESV).
Reflection: How can you intentionally cultivate a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit this week, allowing Him to guide and empower you?
Day 5: Walking in the Fullness of God's Kingdom
Walking by the Spirit enables believers to resist the enemy and live in the fullness of God's kingdom. This requires daily engagement with the Holy Spirit, allowing His presence to guide and empower every aspect of life. The battle is not just external but also internal, as believers contend with personal conflicts and strive to embody the fruits of the Spirit. By committing to walk in the Spirit, believers can overcome old patterns and live in the freedom and victory that Christ offers. [01:50:19]
"If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit" (Galatians 5:25, ESV).
Reflection: What is one practical step you can take today to ensure you are walking in step with the Spirit, living out the fullness of God's kingdom in your daily life?
Quotes
You know, I've just been in America with a black church and, of course, family is so powerful and we've endeavored to create the same thing here at Encounter where it doesn't matter what your background is, what your ethnicity is, whatever, that this becomes your family. And we behave like a family. We treat each other like a healthy family, which is important, but we just love one another. And my prayer and my desire is that always your spiritual life will be empowered, enhanced, developed, and you will find a place of deep satisfaction in the ways of God. [00:25:06] (53 seconds)
Father, this is the most important time for these people and actually for our church that, Lord, you will just bring them into a place of deep fellowship, relationship, and, Father, as a result, growth. Father, we just welcome them into Encounter Church here in Auckland and we pray let your blessing that makes rich and adds no sorrow to it be their portion today that, Father, they would just receive such a dose of your love, Father, of your spirit into their lives that, Lord, there would be rivers of living water flowing in and around them today. [00:27:02] (41 seconds)
Jesus said, the Spirit of the Lord is upon me in order to heal the broken hearts. And I tell you, one of the greatest aspects of walking in faith and knowing Jesus is that he is our healer. He wants to touch our lives, our bodies, to bring us into wholeness. And so as we sing this, let faith arise in our hearts for God to heal us today. [00:43:32] (28 seconds)
And yet I felt the Lord say to me today that this is the end of the season of rejection and the beginning of establishment of God's love, acceptance and purpose in your life. The journey, I have seen it, has been like you've put your roots down and then something has come to uproot you. And so you go again, you put your roots down, something comes to uproot you. But I say that curse, it's broken today, that disastrous process that's been inherited generationally is broken. And God comes today to heal you of the trauma of this now. [00:46:07] (48 seconds)
The kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violence, take it by force. And we are, whether you realise it or not, are in a place of spiritual conflict. And you can't be passive about this, you know. And I'm amazed at how many Christians live almost as though there's nothing going on, where the devil wants to do everything to bring you back. And I wanted to speak about two major levels of violence. The first level is to get us back into what and where we were. [01:27:02] (34 seconds)
See, the Holy Spirit is our helper. The Bible says in John 14, 16 -18, I will ask the Father, He'll give you another helper, that He may be with you forever. That is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive because it does not see Him nor know Him. But you know Him because He abides in you and will be in you. Abide with you and will be in you. And I will not leave you as orphans. I'll come to you. [01:29:30] (31 seconds)
I love it when the Bible speaks about the Holy Spirit and second Corinthians 13 14 he says the grace of the lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all yeah and I and I want to ask you are you having fellowship with the Holy Spirit the devil wants to overtake you he wants to reground regain the ground that he lost in our lives see he wants us to backslide but you see the Holy Spirit is with you you're going to have fellowship with him. [01:31:15] (38 seconds)
Now, for some people, they think memorising, and I believe in memorising the Bible, I'm not against that. But for some people thinking that they memorise the Bible and they just pronounce verse after verse after verse, it's the truth. No, the truth is the principles behind those verses. Get that? It's the principles. It's what God is really saying behind those verses. Now, that's incredibly important, because then what happens is when the Spirit of Truth comes and you read the Bible, what happens is the Spirit of Truth comes and reveals what God is really saying in that passage. [01:38:59] (43 seconds)
I have prayed and prayed and prayed and prayed for God to give me that surpassing greatness of the power. I want, you know, I once heard a preacher say this, you know, I just pray that when I come to preach, that, Lord, I'll just have sufficient power for today. And the moment he said it, I thought, what a load of utter codswallop. I don't want sufficient power for today. I want surpassing greatness of power so that there might be surpassing greatness of miracles and manifestations of God moving in people's lives. [01:39:45] (46 seconds)
And God has given us. And God has given us the Holy Spirit with whom we build a relationship with, fellowship with, so his power impacts us in such a way that there is genuine overcoming. So that's the first thing, see, there's violence going on in our lives to try to get us to go back. But there's another area of violence in our lives, which is just as powerful and is really, really uncomfortable. And it's the violence of the activation of personal conflicts. [01:41:08] (36 seconds)
But I say here we go walk by the spirit and you will not carry out the desires of the flesh for the flesh sets its desires against the spirit and the spirit against the flesh for they are in opposition to one another so that you may not do the things that you please so immediately he's talked about this fight this war between our flesh our carnal nature our natural man and against the spirit of God and the spirit man. [01:43:26] (35 seconds)
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