Welcome Lent 2013 @Emmanuel

Grace & The Holy Spirit new life in the Holy Spirit Week 3 27 Feb 2013: Grace & The Holy Spirit new life in the Holy Spirit

Who is the Holy Spirit? “The Holy Spirit” “The Spirit” “The Spirit of God” “Breath of God”

3rd Person of God the Trinity.. PERSON not “it” “He” The Holy Spirit Who is the Holy Spirit? 3rd Person of God the Trinity.. PERSON not “it” “He” “One with” and Equal with Father & Son There from BEFORE Day 1! – Genesis 1 v 2 …the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.

Who is the Holy Spirit? Exodus 31: 3-5 – Bezalel (craftsmanship) Not so much to the fore in the Old Testament Came in power on particular people at particular times for particular tasks: Exodus 31: 3-5 – Bezalel (craftsmanship) Judges 6: 34 - Gideon (leadership)

“I will pour out my Spirit on all people…” The Holy Spirit Who is the Holy Spirit? The “coming of the Spirit” promised by the Prophets comes after Jesus returns to heaven. “I will pour out my Spirit on all people…” Joel 2: 28-32

The Holy Spirit Who is the Holy Spirit? Jesus promised ‘another’: means “of exactly the same kind” John 14:16 The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Jesus, the Spirit of Christ

The Holy Spirit Who is the Holy Spirit? Sent from God the Father and Jesus: John 14: 26; John 16: 7 Advocate, Comforter, Counsellor, Guide, Teacher

Came in a new and fuller way at Pentecost: Acts 2 The Holy Spirit Who is the Holy Spirit? Came in a new and fuller way at Pentecost: Acts 2 Fulfilment of the promises…

When we open our lives to God and give ourselves to Him, The Holy Spirit Who is the Holy Spirit? When we open our lives to God and give ourselves to Him, His life comes into us and we are “born again”… of the Spirit John 3: 1-8

The Holy Spirit Who is the Holy Spirit? As with physical birth, people have different experiences of being born again.

As with physical growth, maturing… The Holy Spirit Who is the Holy Spirit? As with physical growth, maturing… we grow in our understanding and our experiences of the Holy Spirit and He forms the character of Jesus in us as we mature in Christ Ephesians 4: 13

gradual, slow process, forming, shaping us in the likeness of Jesus The Holy Spirit Who is the Holy Spirit? Exciting moments, sometimes miraculous, full of joy, overwhelmed by God’s love… AND gradual, slow process, forming, shaping us in the likeness of Jesus

Sometimes the Holy Spirit comes at baptism – not always (Acts 19: 1-7) Who is the Holy Spirit? Sometimes the Holy Spirit comes at baptism – not always (Acts 19: 1-7) But Anyone who wants more of God can receive the Holy Spirit at any time.

Fruit of the Spirit = Character The Holy Spirit Who is the Holy Spirit? Fruit of the Spirit = Character same for everyone Galatians 5: 22-24 (not same as gifts)

Gifts of the Spirit = Enabling, Spiritual abilities The Holy Spirit Who is the Holy Spirit? Gifts of the Spirit = Enabling, Spiritual abilities Different gifts for different people 1 Corinthians 12: 7-11 (not same as fruit)

Jesus told us to ask… How do we receive the Holy Spirit? …with a confidence that God the Father is a good God who gives good things to his children Luke 11: 13

…with persistence (sometimes that’s to help prepare us) The Holy Spirit How do we receive the Holy Spirit? Jesus told us to ask… …with persistence (sometimes that’s to help prepare us) Luke 11: 9-10

Peter preached… How do we receive the Holy Spirit? …repent of your sins, turn to God and be baptized… then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit Acts 2: 38

Important to be open… How do we receive the Holy Spirit? …asking (praying), turning to God and being baptized – all about being open to God, willing to surrender Acts 2: 38

On your own or with someone… The Holy Spirit How do we receive the Holy Spirit? On your own or with someone… …sometimes there was laying on hands & praying, others the Spirit came anyway Acts 10: 44; 19: 6

God has no favourites! Why some people and not others? The Holy Spirit Why some people and not others? God has no favourites! “I will pour out my Spirit on the special ones??” – NO! “I will pour out my Spirit on all people” also John 3:16-17

“receiving” and “being filled” The Holy Spirit Why some people and not others? “receiving” and “being filled” …Everyone who has given themselves to Christ has the Spirit within them. Rom 8:9 Not all are filled with the Spirit all the time

“receiving” and “being filled” The Holy Spirit Why some people and not others? “receiving” and “being filled” We need to keep on being filled with the Spirit E.g. Acts 2, Acts 4:8, 4:31

Things that commonly hinder include… The Holy Spirit Why some people and not others? Things that commonly hinder include… Doubt If I ask will God give me anything?

Things that commonly hinder include… The Holy Spirit Why some people and not others? Things that commonly hinder include… Fear What will God give me? Will it be good or scary? Will I still be in control?

Things that commonly hinder include… The Holy Spirit Why some people and not others? Things that commonly hinder include… Inadequacy Sense of being unforgiveable or unworthy that God would give you something good (His Spirit)

Things that commonly hinder include… The Holy Spirit Why some people and not others? Things that commonly hinder include… Unforgiveness If we are holding on to bitterness & have not forgiven others we are not open to receive God’s Spirit

Things that commonly hinder include… The Holy Spirit Why some people and not others? Things that commonly hinder include… Independence Wanting to be in control of our lives rather than surrendering and allowing God to be in control.

How do we receive the Holy Spirit? Pray and ask for God to fill you Ask for help to see/understand anything that might be in the way

How do we receive the Holy Spirit? Trust that God will do good in your life whether it comes in a “moment” of excitement or slowly like trickling oil anointing

Seek to know and experience God himself not just a spiritual buzz The Holy Spirit How do we receive the Holy Spirit? Seek to know and experience God himself not just a spiritual buzz

Recognising the Holy Spirit Have you changed? Do you feel different, but more importantly, are you different? Subtle changes of attitude, manor, character, changes in an area described as the fruit?

Recognising the Holy Spirit Is what’s happening in agreement with the Bible? Sometimes people make mistakes, think that it is God when it is just their own thoughts, emotions or even the enemy.

Recognising the Holy Spirit Is what’s happening in agreement with the Bible? Sometimes God blesses us in amazing ways which do affect our thoughts and emotions. If it is God, it will be good.

Recognising the Holy Spirit Persevere Jesus said “keep on asking”… And keep trying so that you learn and gain experience, as in prayer and learning to recognise God’s voice

How do we receive the Holy Spirit? If you don’t get what you hoped for or expected or the same as someone else… don’t get hung up on it! God knows what he’s doing. Keep thanking & praising Persevere

How do we receive the Holy Spirit? Trust God Put yourself in God’s hands and trust Him to do the good he has promised. Luke 11:13