Empowered by the Spirit: Aligning Action with Prophecy

 

Summary

In today's gathering, I focused on the importance of the gifts of the Spirit, which serve as both diagnostic and prescriptive tools within the ministry. Just as Jesus diagnosed problems accurately and prescribed solutions, our ministry must follow suit. It is not enough to simply identify issues within the church or individual lives; we must also offer guidance and solutions inspired by the Holy Spirit.

I emphasized that receiving a prophecy, particularly regarding financial increase, implies a call to action. If we continue in our old ways without making necessary changes, we cannot expect the fulfillment of prophetic words concerning our finances. This principle of sowing and reaping is fundamental to seeing the manifestation of God's promises in our lives.

During the service, I ministered to several individuals, speaking into their lives with specific and personal prophecies. For instance, I declared restoration over a woman's personal finances and spoke of an increase in income. For another, I highlighted the importance of training between the calling and commissioning into ministry, using biblical examples like Jeremiah, Samuel, and the Apostle Paul to illustrate this process.

I also addressed the congregation about the power of the Holy Spirit, urging them to seek a full infilling for a more effective service to God. I encouraged them to engage with church leadership to receive this empowerment, as it is essential for a vibrant and dynamic Christian life.

Throughout the service, I delivered words of encouragement, direction, and correction, always pointing back to the necessity of aligning our actions with the prophetic words we receive. The Holy Spirit's role in guiding, equipping, and empowering us for our calling was a central theme.

Key Takeaways:

- The gifts of the Spirit are not only for identifying problems but also for providing divine solutions. As followers of Christ, we must be agents of change, not merely commentators on the state of affairs. [01:07:07]

- Prophecy, especially concerning financial blessings, requires a response and change in behavior. To see the fulfillment of God's promises, we must align our actions with His word, understanding that divine provision often comes with the expectation of our participation. [01:09:16]

- There is a significant difference between being called to ministry and being commissioned into it. The period between these two stages is crucial for training and preparation, as seen in the lives of biblical figures like Samuel and Paul. [49:38]

- The Holy Spirit's baptism is not an optional extra but a vital empowerment for service. Christians should seek to be filled to the brim with the Spirit, embracing the power that comes with this gift for the advancement of God's kingdom. [01:01:13]

- In our walk with God, we must be open to the Holy Spirit's leading, even when it challenges our preconceptions. The Spirit is not merely a gentle guide but an assertive presence that seeks to lead us into the fullness of God's plan for our lives. [30:05]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 - "There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines."

2. Galatians 6:7-9 - "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

3. Acts 1:8 - "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

#### Observation Questions
1. What are the different kinds of gifts mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, and who distributes them?
2. According to Galatians 6:7-9, what is the principle of sowing and reaping, and how does it apply to our actions?
3. In Acts 1:8, what is promised to the disciples when the Holy Spirit comes upon them, and what is their mission afterward?
4. During the sermon, what was emphasized about the relationship between receiving a prophecy and taking action? ([09:16])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How do the different spiritual gifts mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 contribute to the common good of the church?
2. What does the principle of sowing and reaping in Galatians 6:7-9 suggest about the importance of our actions in relation to God's promises?
3. How does the empowerment of the Holy Spirit in Acts 1:8 enable believers to fulfill their mission, and why is this empowerment essential?
4. Reflecting on the sermon, why is it important to align our actions with the prophetic words we receive? ([09:16])

#### Application Questions
1. Think about the spiritual gifts listed in 1 Corinthians 12:4-11. Which gift do you feel you have, and how can you use it to serve your church community more effectively?
2. Reflect on a recent prophecy or word of encouragement you received. What specific actions can you take to align your behavior with that word to see its fulfillment? ([09:16])
3. The sermon emphasized the importance of training between the calling and commissioning into ministry. What steps can you take to prepare yourself during this period of training? ([49:38])
4. The principle of sowing and reaping in Galatians 6:7-9 is fundamental. Identify one area in your life where you need to make changes to align with this principle. What specific actions will you take this week?
5. The sermon highlighted the necessity of seeking the full infilling of the Holy Spirit for effective service. Have you experienced this empowerment? If not, what steps will you take to seek it? ([01:01:13])
6. How can you be more open to the Holy Spirit's leading, especially when it challenges your preconceptions? Share a recent experience where you felt the Holy Spirit guiding you in an unexpected way. ([30:05])
7. The sermon mentioned the importance of being both diagnostic and prescriptive in ministry. How can you apply this approach in your interactions with others in your church or community? ([01:07:07])

Devotional

Day 1: Divine Solutions for Earthly Problems
God's Spirit provides more than just insight into issues; He offers heavenly solutions for our earthly struggles. Believers are called to be more than observers of the world's condition; they are to be active participants in God's transformative work. The Spirit's gifts are not just for show or personal edification but are meant to be used in service to others, addressing real needs with divine wisdom and power. This active engagement in problem-solving reflects Jesus' own ministry, where He not only identified the ailments of the world but also provided healing and hope. The church is thus challenged to move beyond diagnosis to become a place where the Spirit's power is manifested in practical, life-changing ways. [01:07:07]

James 1:22-25 ESV
"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing."

Reflection: How can you apply a recent insight you've received from the Holy Spirit to actively address a challenge within your community?

Day 2: Prophetic Words Demand Our Action
When one receives a prophecy, especially regarding financial prosperity, it is not merely a promise to await passively but a call to action. This principle of sowing and reaping is a biblical truth that requires a proactive stance. Aligning one's actions with the prophetic word is essential to see it come to fruition. It is a reminder that God's blessings often come with the expectation of our participation and that faith without works is incomplete. The fulfillment of God's promises in one's life, therefore, is contingent upon a willingness to make necessary changes and to step out in faith, trusting that God will honor the obedience to His word. [01:09:16]

2 Corinthians 9:6-8 ESV
"The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work."

Reflection: What specific change in your behavior is required to align with a prophetic word you've received?

Day 3: Preparation Precedes Ministry
The journey from being called to being commissioned in ministry is marked by a significant period of preparation and training. This time is not a delay but a divinely appointed season for growth and equipping. The lives of biblical figures like Samuel and Paul illustrate the importance of being shaped and readied for the work God has in store. It is a time to develop character, understand one's calling, and gain the skills necessary for effective ministry. This process ensures that when the time for commissioning comes, one is not only willing but also thoroughly prepared to step into their God-given role. [49:38]

1 Samuel 3:19-20 ESV
"And Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground. And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established as a prophet of the Lord."

Reflection: What area of your life is currently in a season of preparation, and how can you actively engage in this process?

Day 4: The Necessity of Spiritual Empowerment
The baptism of the Holy Spirit is not an optional addition to the Christian life but a fundamental empowerment for service. Believers are encouraged to seek a full infilling of the Spirit to engage in God's work with power and effectiveness. This empowerment is essential for a vibrant and dynamic Christian life, enabling one to serve with the gifts and strength that come from God alone. The Holy Spirit's role is to equip and embolden believers to advance God's kingdom on earth, and without this divine enablement, one's efforts are incomplete. [01:01:13]

Ephesians 3:16-17 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,"

Reflection: In what ways can you actively seek a deeper infilling of the Holy Spirit to enhance your service to God?

Day 5: Openness to the Spirit's Assertive Guidance
The Holy Spirit's role in a believer's life is not limited to gentle nudges but includes assertive guidance into the fullness of God's plan. This may challenge preconceptions and comfort zones, but it is essential for growth and alignment with divine purposes. The Spirit seeks to lead believers into deeper truths, greater obedience, and more impactful ministry. Being open to the Spirit's leading requires a willingness to listen, change, and step out in faith, trusting that God's ways are higher than our own and that His plans are for our ultimate good. [30:05]

Acts 10:19-20 ESV
"And while Peter was pondering the vision, the Spirit said to him, 'Behold, three men are looking for you. Rise and go down and accompany them without hesitation, for I have sent them.'"

Reflection: What is one way the Holy Spirit is challenging you to step out of your comfort zone, and how can you respond obediently today?

Quotes

"Lord says son there's been a generational thing of anxiety that's come against men in your family for some nine Generations... I'm breaking that Spirit of anxiety off of you..." [04:08] ( | | )

"God bless you you did a great job are you married or single I'm single okay well well not for long listen the Lord would say my son marriage first Ministry second..." [05:33] ( | | )

"I put a Grace upon you to care for the hurting and the wounded and the bleeding... you too will be like that Good Samaritan you will be the wine my brother and you will be the oil my sister..." [01:04:29] ( | | )

"Lord says son and daughter I brought you together supernaturally your marriage was a setup I set it up I did it I did it I did it I did it you were going north you were going south..." [01:03:17] ( | | )

"Lord says woman of God leadership leadership leadership you have not asked for it I could care less uh I do not call the qualified but I do qualify the called..." [20:39] ( | | )

"Lord says woman of God you're surrounded by musical notes I want you to use the musical gift skill Talent OR ability that I have given you it's time to practice practice practice..." [32:08] ( | | )

"Lord says son and daughter I am removing shyness to minity I'm removing a lack of confidence in the Supernatural power of God I'm going to let you preach and teach in many languages..." [52:32] ( | | )

"Lord says son and daughter I brought you here uh-huh I brought you here I brought you here out of the spiritual battle that you've been in for the last 5 years it's been pure hell pure hell pure hell..." [27:06] ( | | )

"Lord says son the call of God is coming to you the call of God is coming to to you I will work out the details in due time but you are called to a significant role of ministry in the body of Christ..." [49:01] ( | | )

"Lord says woman of God I'm baptizing you with the Holy Spirit and fire you'll move in a level of anointing that others only looked for and dreamed of but God would say you'll be a woman of power..." [15:32] ( | | )