Listened to a really interesting and challenging talk earlier.
How can we grow and live and act more in the power of the Holy Spirit?
What authority do we have?
Do we want to see awesome movements of God in our lives?
Do we want to see people healed?
How much do we want to grow?
Do we want maximum authority in our futures?
Do we want to walk with Jesus and we don't want our foolishness to spoil the future.
Growing in Authority ....
1: Before filling
Luke 3:21 (NIV)
When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened
We may be saved but have not been baptised in the Spirit. Faith is flimsy. Worship has less meaning, prayer is difficult and I run out of what to pray. Church may seem boring and I am on the outside.
How do we get filled.
Humility - I need help. Remember that Jesus was also baptised in the Spirit.
2: Ask and the in-filling.
Luke 3:22 (NIV)
and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased."
We feel and sense something of God. We feel loved and comforted.
There are limitations - we feel filled but we don't have the power to make things happen.
Being filled is not enough.
3: Follow the Spirit
Luke 4:1 (NIV)
Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert,
We must move into a relationship where we are lead by the Holy Spirit. We must move from emotions to communication. We can now start to hear God speaking to us.
We do the things that God says but still things don't happen. We don't see the power.
4: Power of the Spirit
Luke 4:14 (NIV)
Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside.
We have a level of authority and this comes from ...
Luke 4:1-13 (NIV)
Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert, [2] where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry. [3] The devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread." [4] Jesus answered, "It is written: `Man does not live on bread alone.' " [5] The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. [6] And he said to him, "I will give you all their authority and splendor, for it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. [7] So if you worship me, it will all be yours." [8] Jesus answered, "It is written: `Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.' " [9] The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. "If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down from here. [10] For it is written: " `He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully; [11] they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.' " [12] Jesus answered, "It says: `Do not put the Lord your God to the test.' " [13] When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.
Between being filled and lead and authority is a time of testing.
- desires of flesh v3-4. Can God trust us with His authority.
Luke 4:4 (NIV)
Jesus answered, "It is written: `Man does not live on bread alone.' "
- worshipping God alone v7-8
Luke 4:7-8 (NIV)
So if you worship me, it will all be yours." [8] Jesus answered, "It is written: `Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.' "
- don't put God to test v12
Luke 4:12 (NIV)
Jesus answered, "It says: `Do not put the Lord your God to the test.' "
At this point we can be in a place where we can start doing great works in the name and power of the Holy Spirit.
I think I might have more to add as I reflect more on this.
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