Reclaiming the Power of the Holy Spirit

In our exploration of the Holy Spirit, we delve into the often-overlooked third person of the Trinity, whom I have termed the "neglected person of the Godhead." This neglect is not due to a denial of His existence or divinity but rather a pendulum swing away from the excesses of the charismatic movement. Our journey begins in John 7:37-39, where Jesus invites the thirsty to come to Him and drink, promising that rivers of living water will flow from within them. This living water symbolizes the Holy Spirit, who indwells believers and is meant to overflow into the world around us. Yet, many of us experience a trickle rather than a river, indicating a blockage in our spiritual lives.

The Holy Spirit is not merely an impersonal force but a person with intellect, emotion, and will. He is omnipresent, omniscient, and omnipotent, sharing the divine attributes of God. His role in creation, regeneration, and resurrection underscores His deity. Despite this, He is often sidelined in our lives and churches, leading to spiritual poverty and weakness in testimony. The early church was marked by the Spirit's active guidance and empowerment, a reality we must reclaim.

Our neglect of the Holy Spirit has significant implications. We miss out on the fellowship with a divine person who desires to be intimately involved in our lives. The Spirit brings life, love, grace, truth, and liberty to the church. Without His active presence, our gatherings lack vitality and our lives lack the transformative power that He provides. We must recognize the Holy Spirit as our indwelling heavenly guest, giving Him the attention and honor He deserves.

Key Takeaways

• 1. The Holy Spirit is the neglected person of the Godhead, often overlooked due to a reaction against charismatic excesses. Yet, He is essential for a vibrant spiritual life, as He is the source of the living water that Jesus promised would flow from believers. [00:23]
• 2. The Holy Spirit is a person with intellect, emotion, and will. He is omnipresent, omniscient, and omnipotent, sharing the divine attributes of God. Recognizing His personhood and deity is crucial for understanding His role in our lives. [29:13]
• 3. Our spiritual poverty and weakness in testimony often stem from neglecting the Holy Spirit. He is the source of life, love, grace, truth, and liberty in the church. Without His active presence, our gatherings and lives lack vitality. [10:00]
• 4. The Holy Spirit desires fellowship with us, bringing life and love to the church. We must not ignore Him but instead cultivate a conscious awareness of His presence, allowing Him to transform and empower us. [60:33]
• 5. The Holy Spirit is our indwelling heavenly guest, deserving of our attention and honor. We must not live as if He does not exist but instead recognize His role in guiding and empowering us for effective ministry. [68:21]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:09] - Introduction and Theme
• [00:23] - The Neglected Person of the Godhead
• [00:56] - Scripture Reading: John 7:37-39
• [02:00] - Religion vs. Relationship
• [03:51] - Rivers of Living Water
• [05:27] - The Blockage in Our Lives
• [06:27] - Study of the Holy Spirit
• [07:33] - Doctrine and Devotion
• [09:08] - Historical Neglect of the Holy Spirit
• [12:11] - Misinterpretations and Misunderstandings
• [20:26] - The Spirit's Role in the Church
• [29:13] - The Personhood of the Holy Spirit
• [39:01] - The Deity of the Holy Spirit
• [52:15] - Unity in the Godhead
• [60:33] - Fellowship with the Holy Spirit
• [68:21] - The Indwelling Heavenly Guest
• [71:04] - Closing Prayer

1. John 7:37-39
2. 1 Corinthians 2:10-11
3. Ephesians 4:30

1. In John 7:37-39, what does Jesus promise to those who come to Him and believe? How is this promise related to the Holy Spirit? [01:14]
2. According to the sermon, what are some reasons the Holy Spirit is often neglected in our spiritual lives and churches? [18:39]
3. How does the sermon describe the Holy Spirit's role in the early church, and what evidence is given to support His active involvement? [23:59]
4. What attributes of the Holy Spirit are highlighted in 1 Corinthians 2:10-11, and how do these attributes affirm His personhood? [30:14]

1. The sermon suggests that many believers experience a "trickle" rather than "rivers of living water" in their spiritual lives. What might be some causes of this blockage, and how can believers address it? [05:27]
2. How does the sermon explain the significance of recognizing the Holy Spirit as a person with intellect, emotion, and will? What impact does this understanding have on a believer's relationship with Him? [29:13]
3. The sermon mentions that the Holy Spirit desires fellowship with believers. What does this fellowship look like, and how can it transform a believer's life and the life of the church? [01:00:33]
4. In what ways does the neglect of the Holy Spirit lead to spiritual poverty and weakness in testimony, according to the sermon? [09:08]

1. Reflect on your own spiritual life. Do you feel like you are experiencing "rivers of living water" or just a "trickle"? What steps can you take to remove any blockages and allow the Holy Spirit to flow more freely in your life? [05:27]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of recognizing the Holy Spirit as a person. How can you cultivate a more personal relationship with the Holy Spirit in your daily life? [29:13]
3. Consider the role of the Holy Spirit in your church. How can you and your church community become more aware of and responsive to His presence and guidance? [23:59]
4. The sermon suggests that the Holy Spirit brings life, love, grace, truth, and liberty to the church. Which of these aspects do you feel is most lacking in your life or church, and how can you invite the Holy Spirit to fill that gap? [01:03:40]
5. How can you become more conscious of the Holy Spirit as your "indwelling heavenly guest"? What practical changes can you make to ensure He feels welcomed and honored in your life? [01:08:21]
6. Reflect on a time when you may have grieved the Holy Spirit. What can you learn from that experience, and how can you avoid repeating it in the future? [32:32]
7. The sermon calls for a balance in understanding the Holy Spirit, avoiding both neglect and excess. How can you maintain this balance in your personal faith journey? [19:56]