Discipline #7 - Abiding in the Fullness of the Spirit
THE SEVENTH DISCIPLINE ABIDING IN THE FULLNESS OF THE SPIRIT Notes For Video #8: TEXT: “He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” (John 7:38)
“When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together (Homothumadon at the same temperature “one accord”) in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested[a] on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled (pluros) with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.” Acts 2:1-4, ESV Go back to the Promise: 8 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you (eperchomai) , and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Observations on Acts Chapters 1 & 2: A. We are baptized in the Holy Spirit 5 “for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized (Baptizo) with[a] the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” Acts 1:5, ESV The word “bapto” describes our entry into the dynamic of His fulness of the Spirit living out the life of Jesus in power. B. The Holy Spirit Comes Upon You. 8 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you (eperchomai) , and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” To come upon means the Holy Spirit wants to reshape our Perspective (on the world), our passion (for the lost) and our pointedness (in focusing on human need). These are the resources for our enablement to live as a witness. C. The Holy Spirit is Poured out.
‘”And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams;” Acts 2:17, ESV Living in the abundance of His presence. God would say to us, “Live in the fullness of the Spirit of enthusiasm and let the rivers surge in and through you to light the world wherever you go, day by day. D. We are filled with the Holy Spirit
4 “And they were all filled (Pluros) with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.” Acts 2:4, ESV “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law,” Galatians 4:4, ESV Fulness = Pregnant with Kairos … More than enough to be victorious in every life situation. “And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness,30 while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” 31 And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.” Acts 4:29-31, ESV E. The Holy Spirit Falls Upon Us. 44 “While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell (Greek Epipito suggests a divine embrace) on all who heard the word.” Acts 10:44, ESV Luke 15: A Son Falling into his Fathers Embrace … A Second work of Grace not adding to our Salvation but rather an enablement for power-filled service. F. We Receive Him. “Then they laid their hands on them and they received (lambano Greek receive conveys both the ideas giving and receiving) the Holy Spirit.” Acts 8:17, ESV
Lord Baptize Me Afresh
“And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” Acts 2:38-39, ESV There is no substitute for Holy Spirit’s rives of life and power! Summary:
1. The first-time believers were filled with the Holy Spirit: 1. They spoke languages with tongues of praise to God. 2. Tongues of fire appeared over their heads. 3. Their hearts were open and united to seek God. 2. Central to maintaining fullness in the Holy Spirit is the practice of praying in the Spirit (see Jude 20; I Cor. 14:15; Eph. 6:18). 3. Holy Spirit-fullness has the following traits: 1. An open, bold, and assertive praise to God. 2. A purifying presence of the fire of God upon one’s life. 3. A generosity that reaches out to help, so there comes a unity and accord in the Body of Christ. Abiding in the fullness of the Holy Spirit is not just an experiential phenomenon. It is a discipline we decide we want to have true of our life. S.O.A.P. Study on Acts 2:38-39.