The Filling of the Holy Spirit: Part 3
Memory Passage
Those who live according to the sinful
nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in
accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The
mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and
peace.
Romans 8:5-6
Scripture Reading: Colossians 1:9
For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.
Scripture Reading: Colossians 3:1-4
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
Scripture Reading: Colossians 3:16-17
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 2:1-5
When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power.
Insights
"Spirit-filling is the very power of God energizing the faculties of our inner man
for the accomplishment of the work to which God has called us. To be Spiritfilled
is to experience divine power to do all kinds of ministry and to overcome
our ignorance and weaknesses." -Dr. Timothy Lin, "How the Holy Spirit
Works"
Consider this!
As it could be acceptable to say that God the Father exists primarily to be
glorified as Creator of all, and that Jesus the Son came primarily as our
Redeemer and Mediator; it could be fair to say that the Holy Spirit's primary
role is seen in terms of His empowering work within us to accomplish spiritual
ministry. At the very heart of spiritual ministry is the impact we make in lives of
others as we work in cooperation with the Spirit to help them understand God
and grow in relationship with Him. We are enabled, by the Spirit's power, to
overcome our own weaknesses and desires. This helps us to fight for the
souls of others.
Personal Reflection
- Have you considered your need to be filled with the Holy Spirit to accomplish
God's purposes for you in His kingdom and among His Church?
- Can you describe a time as you were helping, teaching, praying for or
encouraging others that the Holy Spirit helped you overcome a personal
weakness?
- Think about what percentage of your reliance on effectiveness in ministry is
typically based on your own talent, preparation, or experience vs. the
percentage of effectiveness that is based solely on the Power of God's Spirit to
work through you. What would help you rely more on the Spirit and less on
your own abilities?
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