The Spirit-Filled Congregation The Lordship of The Holy Spirit

Spirit – Filled Members 1 Corinthians 3:17 Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. NKJV Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty (emancipation from bondage, freedom) Amp

Spirit – Filled Members The Bible here points out two key facts about the presence and influence of the Holy Spirit in a congregation. 1.The Holy Spirit is LORD The word LORD in the New Testament corresponds to the word Jehovah in the Old Testament.

Spirit – Filled Members This means that in any normal Christian congregation, the Holy Spirit has supreme sovereignty. That’s why in City Chapel we say The Holy Spirit is the Senior Pastor. This is simply to emphasise His Presence and Authority over us as a congregation and community.

Spirit – Filled Members 2. Where the Lordship of the Spirit is acknowledged and practice, there is resultant liberty or freedom. In other words; Where the Spirit is LORD, there is Liberty There is Government and Liberty

Spirit – Filled Members You can illustrate liberty as: Freedom to be Freedom to be Shackles are gone Shackles are gone Prison doors are opened (spiritually, emotionally, physically and mentally) Prison doors are opened (spiritually, emotionally, physically and mentally) Bondage and boundaries are removed Bondage and boundaries are removed The Spirit river can flow The Spirit river can flow

Spirit – Filled Members Some people think where there is government and rules, there can be no real freedom. Actually the reverse is the case: Imagine a country where there are no rules for driving on the road Imagine a country where there are no rules for driving on the road Imagine a game of football with no rules Imagine a game of football with no rules

Spirit – Filled Members CHAOS: When you come together, you are not really eating the Lord’s Supper. [a] 21 This is because when you eat, each person eats without waiting for the others. Some people do not get enough to eat, while others have too much to drink. a 1 Cor 11:20-21

Spirit – Filled Members ORDER: So, my friends, when you come together to the Lord’s Table, be reverent and courteous with one another. If you’re so hungry that you can’t wait to be served, go home and get a sandwich. But by no means risk turning this Meal into an eating and drinking binge or a family squabble. It is a spiritual meal—a love feast. 1 Cor 11:33

Spirit – Filled Members 1 Corinthians 14:40 Let all things be done decently and in order. Kjv But let everything be done in a right and orderly way. NCV But all things should be done with regard to decency and propriety and in an orderly fashion. AMP

Spirit – Filled Members But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. John 14:26 The Spirit and The Word are One.....

Spirit – Filled Members This means: Any dream, vision or prophecy should line up with Scripture Any dream, vision or prophecy should line up with Scripture Any manifestation of the Spirit in any member of a congregation should line up with the Word Any manifestation of the Spirit in any member of a congregation should line up with the Word If anyone gives you a word from the Lord or dream...align it with scripture If anyone gives you a word from the Lord or dream...align it with scripture

Spirit – Filled Members The spirits of prophets are under the control of the prophets themselves. God is not a God of confusion but a God of peace. 1 Cor 14:33 For the spirits of the prophets (the speakers in tongues) are under the speaker’s control [and subject to being silenced as may be necessary], For He [Who is the source of their prophesying] is not a God of confusion and disorder but of peace and order.

Spirit – Filled Members So here’s what I want you to do. When you gather for worship, each one of you be prepared with something that will be useful for all: Sing a hymn, teach a lesson, tell a story, lead a prayer, provide an insight. If prayers are offered in tongues, two or three’s the limit, and then only if someone is present who can interpret what you’re saying. Otherwise, keep it between God and yourself. And no more than two or three speakers at a meeting, with the rest of you listening and taking it to heart. Take your turn, no one person taking over. Then each speaker gets a chance to say something special from God, and you all learn from each other. If you choose to speak, you’re also responsible for how and when you speak. When we worship the right way, God doesn’t stir us up into confusion; he brings us into harmony. This goes for all the churches—no exceptions. 1 Cor 14:26-33 Message

Spirit – Filled Members All these [gifts, achievements, abilities] are inspired and brought to pass by one and the same [Holy] Spirit, Who apportions to each person individually [exactly] as He chooses 1 Cor 12:11

Spirit – Filled Members God’s various gifts are handed out everywhere; but they all originate in God’s Spirit. God’s various ministries are carried out everywhere; but they all originate in God’s Spirit. God’s various expressions of power are in action everywhere; but God himself is behind it all. Each person is given something to do that shows who God is: Everyone gets in on it, everyone benefits. All kinds of things are handed out by the Spirit, and to all kinds of people! The variety is wonderful: 1Cor 12:4-11 Message

Spirit – Filled Members As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. 1 Pet 4:10-11

Spirit – Filled Members As each of you has received a gift (a particular spiritual talent, a gracious divine endowment), employ it for one another as [befits] good trustees of God’s many-sided grace [faithful stewards of the [a] extremely diverse powers and gifts granted to Christians by unmerited favor]. a 1 Pet 4:10 Amp

Spirit – Filled Members For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: Rom 12:4-6

Spirit – Filled Members Yes YOU can... But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: 1 Cor 12:7 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills. 1 1 Cor 12:11 For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged. 1 Cor14:31