Pressing Into the Spirit: Transformation Through Communion
Summary
In this message, the focus is on pressing into the Spirit of God, allowing His presence to transform and guide us. We are encouraged to push past our physical and mental limitations, distractions, and fears to reach deeper into the spiritual realm. This journey into the Spirit is not just about personal growth but about aligning ourselves with God's will and purpose. It is in the secret place, a place of intimate communion with God, that we find healing, revelation, and transformation. This is where God reveals His nature, His mercy, and His love, drawing us closer to Him and shaping our identity in His image.
The call is to dwell in the Spirit, to live and move in it, allowing God to teach and guide us. Trust is essential in this process, as we must relinquish control and allow God to operate beyond our confines. The message emphasizes the importance of spending time in prayer and the Word, as this is how we learn to understand and operate in the Spirit. It is through this intimate relationship with God that we can truly understand our role in His kingdom and the gifts He has given us.
The journey into the Spirit is not without challenges. It requires us to push beyond our comfort zones and face opposition. Yet, it is through these trials that we are drawn closer to God, gaining greater revelation and understanding. The message encourages us to embrace these challenges, knowing that they are opportunities for growth and deeper communion with God.
Ultimately, the call is to be intercessors, to pray and push in the Spirit, breaking through the barriers that hold back God's release. It is through our prayers and intercession that we can see the manifestation of God's promises and purposes in our lives and the world around us.
Key Takeaways:
1. Pressing into the Spirit: We are called to push past our physical and mental limitations to reach deeper into the Spirit. This requires intentional effort and a willingness to let go of distractions and fears. In doing so, we open ourselves to the transformative power of God's presence. [57:20]
2. The Secret Place: The secret place is where we find healing, revelation, and transformation. It is a place of intimate communion with God, where He reveals His nature and shapes our identity. Spending time in this place is essential for understanding our role in God's kingdom. [01:05:28]
3. Trust and Surrender: Trusting God and surrendering control is crucial in our spiritual journey. We must allow God to operate beyond our confines and trust His plan, even when it challenges us. This trust is built through prayer and time spent in the Word. [01:15:02]
4. Facing Challenges: The journey into the Spirit is not without challenges. These trials are opportunities for growth and deeper communion with God. Embracing these challenges with faith and perseverance leads to greater revelation and understanding. [01:18:31]
5. Intercession and Release: We are called to be intercessors, praying and pushing in the Spirit to break through barriers. Our prayers and intercession are vital for seeing the manifestation of God's promises and purposes in our lives and the world. [01:39:23]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:57:20] - Pressing Beyond Limits
[00:59:24] - Worship and Presence
[01:04:47] - Healing in the Secret Place
[01:05:28] - God’s Guidance and Trust
[01:10:12] - Trials and Revelation
[01:12:36] - Surrender and Obedience
[01:13:25] - God’s Call and Our Response
[01:15:02] - The Secret Place and Identity
[01:16:22] - Prayer and Boldness
[01:18:31] - Spiritual Warfare and Intercession
[01:19:47] - Fasting and Spiritual Growth
[01:20:50] - The Power of Prayer
[01:25:49] - Access to the Kingdom
[01:28:30] - Transformation in God’s Presence
[01:31:10] - Identity in Christ
[01:34:29] - Dwelling in the Spirit
[01:39:23] - Intercession and Release
[01:41:53] - Spiritual Hunger and Passion
[01:45:45] - Pushing Through in Prayer
[01:48:34] - United in Prayer and Purpose
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 91:1 - "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty."
2. Romans 12:1-2 - "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does the sermon suggest is the significance of "pressing into the Spirit"? How does this relate to overcoming physical and mental limitations? [57:20]
2. According to the sermon, what is the "secret place," and what are the benefits of dwelling there? [01:05:28]
3. How does the sermon describe the role of trust and surrender in our spiritual journey? [01:15:02]
4. What challenges are mentioned in the sermon that believers might face on their journey into the Spirit? [01:18:31]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Psalm 91:1 relate to the concept of the "secret place" mentioned in the sermon? What does it mean to "abide under the shadow of the Almighty"?
2. In what ways does Romans 12:1-2 connect with the idea of transformation through dwelling in the Spirit as discussed in the sermon? [01:31:10]
3. The sermon emphasizes the importance of intercession. How does this align with the biblical examples of intercessory prayer? [01:39:23]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between facing challenges and spiritual growth? How can these challenges lead to greater revelation? [01:18:31]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt limited by physical or mental barriers. How can you intentionally press into the Spirit to overcome these limitations? [57:20]
2. What steps can you take to create a "secret place" in your daily life where you can experience healing and transformation? [01:05:28]
3. Trusting God often requires surrendering control. What is one area of your life where you struggle to relinquish control, and how can you begin to trust God more in that area? [01:15:02]
4. Think of a recent challenge you faced. How did it affect your relationship with God, and what did you learn from it about His nature and your identity in Him? [01:18:31]
5. The sermon calls us to be intercessors. Identify one specific situation or person you feel called to intercede for this week. How will you commit to praying for them? [01:39:23]
6. How can you incorporate more time in prayer and the Word into your daily routine to better understand your role in God's kingdom? [01:15:02]
7. Consider the distractions in your life that keep you from dwelling in the Spirit. What practical steps can you take to minimize these distractions and focus more on your spiritual growth? [01:41:53]
Devotional
Day 1: Pressing Beyond Limitations
In our spiritual journey, we are called to press beyond our physical and mental limitations to reach deeper into the Spirit. This requires intentional effort and a willingness to let go of distractions and fears. By doing so, we open ourselves to the transformative power of God's presence. This journey is not just about personal growth but about aligning ourselves with God's will and purpose. It is in this deeper spiritual realm that we find healing, revelation, and transformation. As we push past our limitations, we allow God's presence to guide and shape us, drawing us closer to Him and shaping our identity in His image. [57:20]
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: What is one specific fear or distraction that is holding you back from pressing deeper into your spiritual journey? How can you intentionally set it aside today to allow God's transformative power to work in you?
Day 2: The Secret Place of Communion
The secret place is where we find healing, revelation, and transformation. It is a place of intimate communion with God, where He reveals His nature and shapes our identity. Spending time in this place is essential for understanding our role in God's kingdom. In the secret place, we are invited to dwell in the Spirit, to live and move in it, allowing God to teach and guide us. This intimate relationship with God is where we can truly understand our role in His kingdom and the gifts He has given us. [01:05:28]
Psalm 91:1-2 (ESV): "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, 'My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'"
Reflection: How can you create a "secret place" in your daily routine where you can spend uninterrupted time with God? What steps will you take to make this a priority?
Day 3: Trust and Surrender
Trusting God and surrendering control is crucial in our spiritual journey. We must allow God to operate beyond our confines and trust His plan, even when it challenges us. This trust is built through prayer and time spent in the Word. As we relinquish control, we open ourselves to the guidance and teaching of the Spirit, allowing God to work in ways that surpass our understanding. This surrender is not a one-time event but a continual process of letting go and trusting in God's perfect plan for our lives. [01:15:02]
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to God? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?
Day 4: Embracing Challenges
The journey into the Spirit is not without challenges. These trials are opportunities for growth and deeper communion with God. Embracing these challenges with faith and perseverance leads to greater revelation and understanding. As we face opposition and push beyond our comfort zones, we are drawn closer to God, gaining greater insight into His nature and His plans for us. These challenges are not meant to defeat us but to strengthen our faith and deepen our relationship with God. [01:18:31]
James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Reflection: Think of a current challenge you are facing. How can you view this challenge as an opportunity for spiritual growth and deeper communion with God?
Day 5: Intercession and Release
We are called to be intercessors, praying and pushing in the Spirit to break through barriers. Our prayers and intercession are vital for seeing the manifestation of God's promises and purposes in our lives and the world. Through our prayers, we can see the release of God's power and the fulfillment of His promises. This call to intercession is not just for personal gain but for the advancement of God's kingdom and the transformation of the world around us. As we engage in intercession, we partner with God in bringing about His will on earth. [01:39:23]
1 Timothy 2:1-2 (ESV): "First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way."
Reflection: Who is someone in your life or community that you feel called to intercede for? How can you commit to praying for them consistently this week?
Quotes
"Push, push, push past what you're used to. If you're used to going this far, push past a little further. Lift your voice a little louder. Let your gaze be higher. Lift your head a little higher. Envision Him a little brighter, and push." [00:57:55] (21 seconds)
"And as he calls you up higher. higher he is going to require you to dwell in his presence continue to read psalms 91 god wants us to dwell in his spirit live in his spirit move and function in his spirit if you need to sit you can but the reason he wants this is so he can flow and operate and begin to teach you you see many people don't understand how the things of the spirit work because they don't spend time in it in order for you to begin to understand how god's spirit moves and operates even through your life in the giftings he's given you you must stay in the word and in his spirit because the longer you begin to stay in his spirits the more he can begin to teach you and carry you into places that he desires for you to go but it requires trust everywhere you look through the word of god it requires trust out of the people it requires them to say god i'm no longer in control and you are in control you see the place where we get messed up in is when we begin to take control and say god i want you to operate and work but in these confines and god says i will never be limited to your confines either you want me to work or you don't and this is why god is trying to draw his people in this last day and hour he's trying to say all who will come whoever will be willing whoever will be willing who absolutely should not kill him will get to this place will get to this ever will open their spirits and hearts to obey my word and stay in my presence and love me and know me and fellowship with me and trust me it is those that i will show my glory through but it will challenge you it will take you to places and limits that you did not want to go you read through that psalm a thousand shall fall at that right hand and ten thousand think about the situation that you're in the midst of the place where all of them are falling you've got to trust it shall not come nigh thee god will always push you past your limits to where he can be limitless in your life" [01:06:13] (172 seconds)
"many times we don't understand god's plan and the easiest of advice i can get to you is stop trying to figure it out you hear and you speak what he says and you do what he tells you to do easiest way to serve god but yet it's the hardest because of this and in this time we are now entering into this fast it's going to challenge every one of you every single temptation desire pleasure not sinful will come to you and want to distract you and want to pull you away from dwelling in the secret place of the most high because when you dwell in that place there is transformation there is change there is revelation there is change there is revelation there is wisdom knowledge and understanding god reveals his name his character his nature" [01:09:05] (66 seconds)
"It wasn't until Job went through all those things. That he finally got into that place with God. Where he saw him like he had never seen him before. He said before I had heard of thee. But now I have seen thee with my own eyes. There are things that will happen in your life. They happen not to destroy you. But to bring you into a closer place with the Lord. So you can have greater revelation of what it's all about." [01:11:50] (33 seconds)
"Because when you begin to pray in the spirit. In the secret place. God begins to work through you. Fears you used to have. God begins to remove them. God begins to create boldness in you. Look at Moses. When he was there at the burning bush. And God told him where to go. He was fearful and afraid to do what God had asked him to do. But as you continue to see him. Stepping out in faith. Stepping past comfort. And stepping into what God had asked. It continues to change. The whole vernacular and everything changes. From Aaron speaking to Moses. Why?" [01:16:03] (40 seconds)
"Before you can ever understand the full plan, it's got to be birthed in the spirit, birthed in intercession, birthed in prayer, birthed in you giving everything up to God. It's got to be birthed first. In the spirit. And then you will see the manifestation of what God has spoken in the spirit come to pass. He spoke his word. God is a spirit. And the worlds were created." [01:19:10] (30 seconds)
"Because as you speak it and you're in alignment and it is his will, seek first the kingdom of God and all its righteousness and all these things will be done unto you as you seek. Seek him first, not your own kingdom, not your own righteousness. And it takes time to understand these things. But you have got to understand there is so much power in this room. There is so much authority, dominion. There are gifts. There are apostles, prophets, pastors, evangelists, teachers, the fivefold. Everything that God needs to fulfill his will is right here." [01:26:37] (42 seconds)
"You can't activate a bomb in a whole different country. You've got to be in proximity so the signal can connect. You can't activate in the spirit the release that God wants from afar, just touching him once in a while. This is why you've got to live in the spirit, dwell in the spirit, abide in the spirit. You've got to, you've got to pray. You've got to seek him. You've got to allow him to change you." [01:29:47] (27 seconds)
"And it was not until I began to just dwell in the secret place and began to read the scriptures and see that it was mere men and women that God used for his glory, but they stayed in relationship with him and they stayed in a place of allowing him to change them that I began to say, okay, God, whatever you want to do." [01:33:24] (28 seconds)
"And when I stepped out, just like Peter stepped out, you're shaking, you're nervous, but the more you stay in prayer and in the secret place, he can strengthen you. He can build your inner man. He can strengthen you to be the man and woman he wants. That comes by dwelling in that place." [01:35:32] (20 seconds)
"The release comes by you saying, I receive. I receive. I receive. I receive. I'll keep praying. I'll keep pushing. I believe it's coming. I believe it's coming. I know it's coming. Do you want Bible? Daniel prayed. And the very first day Daniel prayed, his word was heard. But he kept praying. And he kept pushing. And he kept pressing. And he kept pressing." [01:37:09] (29 seconds)
"As you press in the spirit, you're pushing against the darkness. But you are also sending out a clarion call. And help is on the way to release what needs to be released in this area. And that is why in that dream, the arms of the angel were handcuffed. Because it needed prayer to be released. And tonight, he needs someone that will begin to" [01:38:54] (29 seconds)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Jan 06, 2025. Do you have any questions about it?