Positioning Ourselves to Receive God's Empowering Spirit
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound truth of positioning ourselves to receive from God, likened to a cup that receives from the hand that pours. This imagery is drawn from the understanding that God desires to fill us with His Spirit, enabling us to do things beyond our natural abilities. The Holy Spirit is present and active, ready to transform our lives if we are willing to connect and yield to Him. This transformation is not passive; it requires us to be actively involved, positioning ourselves to receive His outpouring.
We delved into the importance of being present and engaged in worship, as it is in these moments that the Holy Spirit can flood our minds with divine ideas and courage. The Spirit empowers us to face challenges with boldness, just as Peter did after being filled with the Spirit. This empowerment is not limited to spiritual matters but extends to every aspect of our lives, including our jobs and families.
Furthermore, we discussed the privilege and honor of serving God, recognizing that it is a divine appointment that no one can take away. This service is not just about fulfilling duties but about being enthusiastic and passionate in our devotion to God. We are called to radiate with the glow of the Holy Spirit, allowing His joy and peace to overflow in our lives.
The message also emphasized the need to seize opportunities, as they have a limited lifespan. We must view and feel the victory before it manifests, focusing on the fight and finishing it to achieve the victory. This requires courage, trust in God, and a willingness to be led by His Spirit. As we position ourselves to receive, we are assured that God is at work, even when we do not see it, and He will lead us to places beyond our imagination.
Key Takeaways:
1. Positioning to Receive: Just as a cup must be positioned to receive from the hand that pours, we must actively position ourselves to receive from God. This involves being present and engaged in worship, allowing the Holy Spirit to fill us with divine ideas and courage. [05:24]
2. Empowerment by the Spirit: The Holy Spirit empowers us to do things beyond our natural abilities, transforming our lives and enabling us to face challenges with boldness. This empowerment extends to every aspect of our lives, including our jobs and families. [08:15]
3. Privilege of Service: Serving God is a divine privilege and honor that no one can take away. We are called to be enthusiastic and passionate in our devotion, radiating with the glow of the Holy Spirit and allowing His joy and peace to overflow in our lives. [10:58]
4. Seizing Opportunities: Opportunities have a limited lifespan and must be seized within their lifetime. We must view and feel the victory before it manifests, focusing on the fight and finishing it to achieve the victory. [37:44]
5. Trust and Courage: Trusting in God and having courage are essential for being used by Him. We must be willing to be led by His Spirit, even when we do not fully understand, and trust that He is at work, leading us to places beyond our imagination. [21:35]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[05:24] - Positioning to Receive
[07:39] - The Power of Worship
[08:15] - Empowerment by the Spirit
[10:58] - Privilege of Service
[13:46] - The Cup That Receives
[17:36] - Involvement and Courage
[20:53] - Trust and Courage
[21:35] - Trusting God's Plan
[24:04] - Love and Forgiveness
[25:35] - Led by the Spirit
[27:02] - Enthusiasm in Service
[30:04] - Divine Provision
[32:22] - Passionate Devotion
[35:27] - God at Work
[36:18] - Seizing Opportunities
[37:44] - Viewing the Victory
[39:07] - Focus and Finish
[41:18] - The Word Guides Us
[46:41] - Appreciating Opportunities
[48:29] - Taking Action
[49:58] - Unstoppable Spirit
[51:46] - Closing Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 23:5 - "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows."
2. Acts 2:17 - "In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams."
3. Romans 8:14 - "For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God."
#### Observation Questions
1. What imagery is used in Psalm 23:5 to describe God's provision and blessing? How does this relate to the sermon’s theme of positioning ourselves to receive from God?
2. According to Acts 2:17, what are the signs of the Holy Spirit being poured out on people? How does this connect to the sermon’s message about empowerment by the Spirit?
3. In Romans 8:14, what does it mean to be led by the Spirit of God? How was this concept illustrated in the sermon? [25:35]
4. How did the sermon describe the role of worship in positioning ourselves to receive from God? [07:39]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the imagery of a cup overflowing in Psalm 23:5 illustrate the idea of being filled with the Holy Spirit? What does this suggest about the nature of God’s blessings?
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the Holy Spirit empowers individuals to go beyond their natural abilities? How does this empowerment manifest in everyday life? [08:15]
3. How does the sermon interpret the privilege of serving God as a divine appointment? What implications does this have for how one approaches their service and devotion? [10:58]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the importance of seizing opportunities, and how does this relate to the concept of viewing and feeling victory before it manifests? [37:44]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current spiritual practices. How can you better position yourself to receive from God, similar to the cup that receives from the hand that pours? [13:46]
2. Think of a recent challenge you faced. How did you rely on the Holy Spirit for empowerment, and how might you do so more intentionally in the future? [08:15]
3. Consider your current role in serving God. How can you approach your service with more enthusiasm and passion, recognizing it as a divine privilege? [10:58]
4. Identify an opportunity in your life that you may be hesitant to seize. What steps can you take to view and feel the victory before it manifests, as encouraged in the sermon? [37:44]
5. How can you cultivate trust and courage in your relationship with God, especially when facing uncertainty or fear? [21:35]
6. Reflect on a time when you felt the Holy Spirit leading you. How did you respond, and what might you do differently next time to be more open to His guidance? [25:35]
7. In what ways can you ensure that your passion for serving God remains "boiling hot" and not lukewarm, as described in the sermon? [32:22]
Devotional
Day 1: Positioning to Receive: Active Engagement with God
In our spiritual journey, positioning ourselves to receive from God is akin to a cup being ready to receive from the hand that pours. This requires an active engagement in worship and a willingness to be present in moments where the Holy Spirit can work within us. By being open and attentive, we allow the Spirit to fill us with divine ideas and courage, empowering us to transcend our natural limitations. This active positioning is not a passive waiting but a deliberate act of faith and readiness to embrace the outpouring of God's Spirit. [05:24]
Isaiah 55:1-3 (ESV): "Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live; and I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David."
Reflection: In what specific ways can you position yourself today to be more receptive to God's presence and guidance in your life?
Day 2: Empowerment by the Spirit: Beyond Natural Abilities
The Holy Spirit empowers us to accomplish tasks and face challenges that exceed our natural abilities. This empowerment is not confined to spiritual matters but extends to every facet of our lives, including our professional and personal spheres. By yielding to the Spirit, we are transformed and equipped with boldness, much like Peter, who was emboldened after being filled with the Spirit. This divine empowerment enables us to navigate life's complexities with courage and confidence, knowing that we are not alone in our endeavors. [08:15]
Ephesians 3:16-19 (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, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."
Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you feel limited by your natural abilities. How can you invite the Holy Spirit to empower you in this area today?
Day 3: Privilege of Service: Enthusiastic Devotion
Serving God is a divine privilege and honor that cannot be taken away. It is not merely about fulfilling duties but about being enthusiastic and passionate in our devotion. As we serve, we are called to radiate with the glow of the Holy Spirit, allowing His joy and peace to overflow in our lives. This service is a reflection of our love for God and a testament to the transformative power of His Spirit within us. Embracing this privilege with enthusiasm enriches our spiritual journey and deepens our relationship with God. [10:58]
1 Peter 4:10-11 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."
Reflection: Reflect on your current service to God. How can you infuse more enthusiasm and passion into your acts of service this week?
Day 4: Seizing Opportunities: Acting with Vision and Purpose
Opportunities in life have a limited lifespan and must be seized within their timeframe. We are encouraged to view and feel the victory before it manifests, focusing on the fight and finishing it to achieve the victory. This requires a proactive approach, courage, and trust in God's plan. By seizing opportunities with vision and purpose, we align ourselves with God's work and open the door to experiences and achievements beyond our imagination. [37:44]
Ecclesiastes 9:10 (ESV): "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going."
Reflection: Consider an opportunity currently before you. What steps can you take today to seize it with vision and purpose, trusting in God's guidance?
Day 5: Trust and Courage: Following God's Lead
Trusting in God and having courage are essential for being used by Him. We are called to be willing to be led by His Spirit, even when we do not fully understand the path ahead. This trust assures us that God is at work, leading us to places beyond our imagination. By embracing trust and courage, we open ourselves to the fullness of God's plan and the transformative journey He has prepared for us. [21:35]
Joshua 1:9 (ESV): "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to trust God's plan? How can you take a step of courage today to follow His lead, even if the path is unclear?
Quotes
oh god i want to run over dear god with joy unspeakable and full of glory with peace that surpasses human understanding yes lord i want to run over over lord god almighty with abundance with plenty paul said for my god shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory he is the lord that pause and i have the cup that receives as he pause it i receive i suppose it i position myself to receive from the holy ghost he says in the last days i'll pour out of my spirit upon all flesh he says your sons and your daughters shall prophesy what he's trying to say is that you shall do the things that you couldn't do before [00:01:13]
to do things that are beyond men that to do things that are beyond your abilities to do things that are beyond your capability that is what the holy ghost does and that spirit is in this place that spirit is here right now [00:02:16]
i know it i feel it i see it i sense it i perceive it that spirit is here and will you have your feel this morning would you have your feel would you have your feel i said would you have your feel this morning that you don't live the same way that you have come would you have your feel brothers and sisters would you have your feel would you drink the woman said that give me some of this water to drink that i might not come back here again and again so would you come and drink this morning of his presence would you drink because when you drink ideas will flow in your mind when you drink he will fill you and cause you to see what others could not see that's what the holy spirit does as we yield ourselves to him this [00:02:42]
that he says that in the last days i will pour out of my spirit upon all flesh so that you can do the things you could not do before amen what do you think came over peter the same peter that was shy and reticent and and afraid of even a little girl but the spirit of god came upon him and he could face this hindering and speak words that only god could have given him and they said that these people are different that they don't have any education they don't have any business they're speaking the way they speak with boldness and courage and looking them in the eye it's the holy ghost that does that [00:08:17]
and you think he can't help you in your job you think he can't help you in your family you think he can't transform your life it's the holy ghost and all i ask you when you come for a worship service like this is that you plug in is that you connect amen you connect you are there be present let the spirit of god speak to you let the spirit of god touch you let him transform your life jesus said that mary has chosen the good part and it will not be taken away from her any encounter that you have with the holy ghost will not be taken away from you no one can take it away no situation no government law no economic situation can't change it don't in your spirit and that's what i ask you to do [00:08:56]
so that was so powerful and all i was thinking about was what a privilege we have to do what we do i tell you what a privilege what an honor it is for us to serve god what an honor that god can use a man that god can use us that god can use you guys to minister to his people the brother sam or bro Hahahikanah to minister to his people the brother Sam or Badorke when you're on the drums or on the keyboard that god can use you what a privilege what an honor he says he's able to raise stones to praise him he's able to glory to god would you lift up your hands and just worship the father And say thank him. Just thank him. Thank him for the privilege and the honor that he's bestowed upon us. The Bible says that no man can take this honor. [00:10:03]
there is a way to position yourself to receive from this hand that pause just like you are in church this morning there is a way to you position yourself to receive hallelujah my um daughter was asking me that how am able to prepare for service am I able to know what to say and things like that and I said that I have to hear what God is saying I have to position myself to receive you know what happens if I don't he becomes still amen become still in the Lord hurrah my heart pourrait sole said to them to go get manna every morning some of them felt they should be smart and that they will keep it but he says no you have to go every day amen the bible says the steadfast love of the lord never ceases he says they are new every morning so you have to be refreshed every morning you have to be positioned every day to receive from god for the work that we do we also have to be positioned to receive because if you are not positioned to receive the hand that pause as he pause it you will not be there to receive it so there is a way and when we talk about the [00:17:36]
that receives he's not saying my dear son or daughter that you should be docile in it no he's not saying that you should take a backseat praise God he's not saying that you should be on the sidelines he's not saying that you should be out of the loop he wants you to be vitally involved in it intentionally involved in it praise God let me read a couple of scriptures for [00:19:04]
you must be vitally involved in it. Because when you're involved. God will take you places. You have never even dreamed about. Praise God. [00:20:56]
he says be enthusiastic to serve the Lord keeping your passion towards him boiling hot oh my God God has to bless some of these guys that translate the scriptures amen keeping my passion toward him [00:31:25]
he said let's keeping your passion towards him boiling hot radiate with the glow of the holy spirit and let him fill you with excitement as you serve him powerful scripture [00:33:00]
glory glory glory let this whole boss forth within you and tell you how to position your cup to receive let this whole overflow overflow within you let this hope bust forth within you releasing a continual joy don't give up in a time of trouble but commune with god at all times it is weeping men here for it not any time but joy comes in the morning trouble will come but the bible brothers and sisters he says that it's only for a moment so don't don't the bible says don't um don't um cast off restraints don't lose your confidence in him because there is trouble don't lose your confidence in him he's at work he's at work are you with me somebody he's at work tell someone he's at work god is at work in my life how do they sing that song even when i don't feel it he's walking okay when i feel it you're walking you never stop working yes you never stop yeah even now yeah yeah even now he's walking i'm telling you [00:34:01]
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