How to Have Influence
What is Influence – Week 3
INFLUENCE
WE ARE MULTIPLIERS
“So don’t hide your light! Let it shine brightly before others, so that the commendable things you do will shine as light upon them, and then they will give their praise to your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 TPT
LOVE
“If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal “1 Corinthians 13:1 NLT
THE CHARACTER OF POSITIVE INFLUENCE
How not to be a negative influence
How not to be negatively influenced
How to Become a Person of Influence
All we need is interaction to have influence
If our lives in any way connect with other people we have influence
“Then Joshua son of Nun secretly sent two spies from Shittim.
“Go, look over the land,” he said, “especially Jericho.” So they went and entered the house of a prostitute named Rahab and stayed there. The king of Jericho was told, “Look, some of the Israelites have come here tonight to spy out the land.” So the king of Jericho sent this message to Rahab: “Bring out the men who came to you and entered your house, because they have come to spy out the whole land.” But the woman had taken the two men and hidden them…Before the spies lay down for the night, she went up on the roof and said to them, “I know that the Lord has given you this land and that a great fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who live in this country are melting in fear because of you. We have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites east of the Jordan, whom you completely destroyed. When we heard of it, our hearts melted in fear and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below. “Now then, please swear to me by the Lord that you will show kindness to my family, because I have shown kindness to you. Give me a sure sign that you will spare the lives of my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all who belong to them—and that you will save us from death.” “Our lives for your lives!” the men assured her…So she sent them away, and they departed. Then the two men started back…and came to Joshua son of Nun and told him everything that had happened to them. They said to Joshua, “The Lord has surely given the whole land into our hands; all the people are melting in fear because of us.””
Joshua 2:1-24 NIV
God will use anyone who is willing
Leadership depends less on titles than it does influence
“…for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:10 NLT
1. A Person of Influence has integrity with people
2. A Person of Influence Nurtures People and Relationships
Nurturing
The heart of the nurturing process is having genuine concern for others
When a person feels encouraged, they can face the impossible and overcome adversity
“Oxygen to the soul” - George M. Adams
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Ephesians 4:29 NIV
for most people, it’s not what they are that holds them back. It’s what they think they’re not.
1. Believe in people
2. Be present and help People
3. A Person of Influence Has Faith in People
Most people don’t have faith in themselves
Difficulties seldom defeat people; lack of faith in themselves usually does
Most people don’t have someone who has faith in them
Emphasize people’s strengths
Be in the Trenches with Others
“Pray in the spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayer and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the lord’s people” Ephesians 6:18 NIV
4. A Person of Influence Listens to People
“No Man would listen to you talk if he didn’t know it was his turn next.” - Edgar Watson Howe
My leadership became more effective the less I talked and the more I listened
“A fool is in love with his own opinion, but wisdom means being teachable” Proverbs 12:15 TPT
1. Listening Shows Respect
“Listening, not imitation, may be the sincerest form of flattery.” - Dr. Joyce Brothers
When we don’t pay attention to what others have to say, we send a message to them that we don’t value them
“the first duty of love is to listen”
Be impressed and interested, not impressive and interesting
2. Listening Builds relationships
“everyone needs someone who he feels really listens to him.” - C. Neil Strait
Our connection with God is a relationship not a one-way request line
Look at the person speaking!
Don’t interrupt
Focus on understanding
Determine the need in the moment
Check your emotions
Suspend your judgment
Always make listening a priority
5. A Person of Influence Seeks to Understand People
“The biggest mistake you can make in trying to talk convincingly is to put your highest priority on expressing your ideas and feelings. What most people really want is to be listened to, respected, and understood. The moment people see that they are being understood, they become more motivated to understand your point of view.” - David Burns
As believers we don’t justify sin
“Half of the controversies and conflicts that arise among people are caused not by differences of opinion or an inability to agree, but by their lack of understanding for one another.”
Everybody needs somebody
Everybody needs Grace
INFLUENCE
“In the same way, let your light shine before others…” Matthew 5:16 NIV
Influence: the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something…
“…so that the commendable things you do will shine as light upon them, and then they will give their
praise to your Father in Heaven.” Matthew 5:16 TPT
You have influence
“If your life in any way connects with other people, you are an influencer.” – John Maxwell
On average, most people will influence around 10,000 others in an average lifetime
Your influence matters
What type of power are you giving your influence?
Positive and Negative
Positive Influence: the impact of a person, group or situation that motivates, encourages, or inspires others to make positive changes or decisions in their lives. It can lead to the growth, development and the well-being of individuals and communities
Negative Influence: the impact of a person, group or situation that encourages or leads others to make harmful or undesirable decisions or actions in their lives. It can result in harm, discouragement, and/or deterioration of individuals and communities
Love
“If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal “1 Corinthians 13:1 NLT
“Love is patient and kind, Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NLT
An Influencer is patient and kind
An Influencer is not jealous, boastful, proud, or rude
An Influencer does not demand their own way
An Influencer is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged
An Influencer does not rejoice about injustice
An Influencer rejoices whenever the truth wins out
An Influencer never gives up and never loses faith
An Influencer is always hopeful
An Influencer endures through every circumstance
The Character of a Positive Influencer
“Now, the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “did God really say, ‘you must not eat from any tree in the garden?’” The woman said to the serpent, “we may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, but God did say, ‘you must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it or you will die.”
“You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the women. For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it…” Genesis 3:1-6 NLT
HOW TO NOT BE A NEGATIVE INFLUENCE
1. Remind Ourselves of Who We Are
“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10 NLT
Who You Are Determines What You Do
2. Speak Positively About People and Circumstances
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Ephesians 4:29 NIV
“With our tongues we bless God our Father; with the same tongues we curse the very men and women he made in his image. Curses and blessings out of the same mouth! My Friends, this cant go on. A spring doesn’t gush fresh water one day and brackish the next, does it? Apple trees don’t bear strawberries, do they? Raspberry bushes don’t bear apples, do they? Youre not going to dip into a polluted mud hole and get a cup of clear, cool water, are you? James 3:10-12 MSG
3. Have integrity with People
Commit Yourself to honesty, reliability, and confidentiality
Exemplify Humility
“Your boast becomes a prophecy of a future failure. The higher you lift up yourself in pride, the harder you’ll fall in disgrace.” Proverbs 16:18 TPT
Major in the Minor things
4. Keep the main thing the main thing
“Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations” Matthew 28:19 NLT
HOW TO NOT BE NEGATIVELY INFLUENCED BY OTHERS
1. Inspect Your Environments
Is this helping or hurting me walk in my God given calling?
There are environments that we can put ourselves into that are not conducive to the growth that God desires us to have in our lives
“Become wise by walking with the wise; hang out with fools and watch your life fall to pieces.” Proverbs 13:20 MSG
“….Bad Company corrupts good character” 1 Corinthians 15:33 NIV
2. Make a Plan to Change and Change
“your life does not get better by chance, it gets better by change.” – Jim Rohn
3. Make the change despite criticism
“There is only one way to avoid criticism: do nothing, say nothing, and be nothing.” – Aristotle
“I will forgive their wrongdoing, and I will never again remember their sins” Hebrews 8:12 CSB
So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” John 13:34-35 NLT
“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. Matthew 5:14-16 NLT
If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal 1 Corinthians 13:1 NLT
“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. Matthew 5:14-16 NLT
We are multipliers!
We are a Great Commission Church which means we are multipliers.
Individually, we are all responsible to disciple those younger in their faith and invite those far from Jesus into a life-giving community.
Corporately, we are called to plant churches, pastor cities, and father and mother leaders to multiply the Kingdom impact.
We are multipliers!
God’s purpose in all this was to use the church to display his wisdom in its rich variety to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. Ephesians 3:10 NLT
When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” “Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.” Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being. Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.” Matthew 16:13-19 NLT
1. A PERSON OF POSITIVE INFLUENCE BREAKS THE DISEASE OF ME.
This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15:12-13 NLT
But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:43-45 NLT
2. A PERSON OF POSITIVE INFLUENCE WILL STOP AT NOTHING TO SEE THEIR LOVED ONES HEALED
Soon the house where he was staying was so packed with visitors that there was no more room, even outside the door. While he was preaching God’s word to them, four men arrived carrying a paralyzed man on a mat. They couldn’t bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, so they dug a hole through the roof above his head. Then they lowered the man on his mat, right down in front of Jesus. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “My child, your sins are forgiven.” Mark 2:2-5 NLT
“Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone.” James 4:4 NLT
“Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered — how fleeting my life is. Psalms 39:4 NLT
(God) who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. 1 Timothy 2:4 NLT
Then Jesus said, “What is the Kingdom of God like? How can I illustrate it? It is like a tiny mustard seed that a man planted in a garden; it grows and becomes a tree, and the birds make nests in its branches.” He also asked, “What else is the Kingdom of God like? It is like the yeast a woman used in making bread. Even though she put only a little yeast in three measures of flour, it permeated every part of the dough.”Luke 13:18-21 NLT
We are multipliers!
We are a Great Commission Church which means we are multipliers.
We are multipliers!
The apostles said to the Lord, “Show us how to increase our faith.” The Lord answered, “If you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘May you be uprooted and be planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you! Luke 17:5-6 NLT
“Consistency compounds. What you do each day matters, and will build over time.” John Maxwell
PRAYER IS A CONVERSATION THAT LEADS TO AN ENCOUNTER WITH GOD
Whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image. 2 Corinthians 3:16-18 NLT
1. Our prayers must be upward
As he entered a village there, ten men with leprosy stood at a distance, crying out, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” He looked at them and said, “Go show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed of their leprosy. One of them, when he saw that he was healed, came back to Jesus, shouting, “Praise God!” He fell to the ground at Jesus’ feet, thanking him for what he had done. This man was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, “Didn’t I heal ten men? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” And Jesus said to the man, “Stand up and go. Your faith has healed you. ” Luke 17:12-19 NLT
WHEN WE WALK AROUND ENTITLED, DISMISSIVE, OR OBLIVIOUS TO ALL THAT WE HAVE WE ROB OURSELVES OF THE BLESSING OF CONTENTMENT AND OPEN OUR HEARTS TO RESENTMENT
Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn’t worship him as God or even give him thanks. Romans 1:21 NLT
2. Our prayers must be inward
Then Jesus told this story to some who had great confidence in their own righteousness and scorned everyone else: “Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not like other people—cheaters, sinners, adulterers. I’m certainly not like that tax collector! I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.’ “But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’ I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Luke 18:9-14 NLT
OUR PRAYERS MUST REVEAL THE FREENESS OF FORGIVENESS AND ITS ASTOUNDING COST.
God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. Ephesians 2:8-9 NLT
Against you, and you alone, have I sinned; I have done what is evil in your sight. Psalms 51:4 NLT
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. Psalms 139:23-24 NLT
3. Our prayers must be outward
WHEN GOD BLESSES US, OUR DESIRE SHOULD BE TO SHARE THAT BLESSING
When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name. “Zacchaeus!” he said. “Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today.” Zacchaeus quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy. But the people were displeased. “He has gone to be the guest of a notorious sinner,” they grumbled. Meanwhile, Zacchaeus stood before the Lord and said, “I will give half my wealth to the poor, Lord, and if I have cheated people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much!” Luke 19:5-8 NLT
THERE IS A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PRAYING FOR SOMETHING AND PRAYING THROUGH SOMETHING
Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14
Prayer is a conversation that leads to an encounter with God.
“How sweet your words taste to me; they are sweeter than honey.” Psalms 119:103 NLT
But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do. James 1:6-8 NLT
I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:16-19 NLT
Paul has 3 desires for them...
1. That Christ would dwell in their hearts through faith
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1 NLT
2. That they would be established in the love of Christ.
There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15:13 NLT
But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. Romans 5:8 NLT
3. That they would be filled with all the fullness of God.
The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. John 10:10 NLT
…to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ… Ephesians 3:18 NLT
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. Ephesians 1:18-19 NLT
may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ. Ephesians 3:18 NLT
“Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow.” Isaiah 1:18 NLT
He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. Psalms 103:12 NLT
You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. Psalms 139:13-16 NLT
I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me. John 10:28 NLT
Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form. Philippians 2:7 NLT
My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” Matthew 26:38-39 NLT
“He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” 1 Peter 2:24 NLT
Jesus cried out in a loud voice,...“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Matthew 27:46 NLT
Father, I want these whom you have given me to be with me where I am. Then they can see all the glory you gave me because you loved me even before the world began! John 17:24 NLT
'It is the same way with the resurrection of the dead. Our earthly bodies are planted in the ground when we die, but they will be raised to live forever. Our bodies are buried in brokenness, but they will be raised in glory. They are buried in weakness, but they will be raised in strength. They are buried as natural human bodies, but they will be raised as spiritual bodies. For just as there are natural bodies, there are also spiritual bodies. 1 Corinthians 15:42-44 NLT
At times I might shut up the heavens so that no rain falls, or command grasshoppers to devour your crops, or send plagues among you. Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. 2 Chronicles 7:13-14 NLT
1. Prayer is done out of love, not an obligation.
Loving success and relationships more than God hardens our hearts and impairs our sense of purpose on earth, ironically making us less effective in fulfilling our dreams.
True health is spiritual, not physical!
And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul? Matthew 16:26 NLT
2. Prayer is to know God better
And this is the way to have eternal life—to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth. John 17:3 NLT
This is what the Lord says: “Don’t let the wise boast in their wisdom, or the powerful boast in their power, or the rich boast in their riches. But those who wish to boast should boast in this alone: that they truly know me and understand that I am the Lord who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth, and that I delight in these things. I, the Lord , have spoken! Jeremiah 9:23-24 NLT
“What makes life worthwhile is having a big enough objective, something which catches our imagination and lays hold of our allegiance; and this the Christian has in a way that no other person has. For what higher, more exalted, and more compelling goal can there be than to know God?” -J.I. Packer
Be still, and know that I am God! Psalms 46:10 NLT
I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. Ephesians 3:16-18
Without a powerful sense of God’s presence, good circumstances can lead to overconfidence and bad circumstances can lead to despair.
3. Prayer brings out the real you
Deserts are hard places in which to live, physically or spiritually.
Deserts are dry.
But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.” “Please, sir,” the woman said, “give me this water! Then I’ll never be thirsty again, and I won’t have to come here to get water.” John 4:14-15 NLT
Deserts teach us about dependence.
Give us today our daily bread. Matthew 6:11 NIV
Deserts provide a place to think, plan, and prepare.
To know God is a matter of personal involvement- mind, will, and emotions.
Mind- Reading, Hearing, Listening, and Receiving God’s Word.
Will- We are people of discipline and self-control, not slothfulness and instability.
Emotions- We lead our feelings they do not lead us.
"Feelings are important in many areas but completely unreliable in matters of faith" Eugene Peterson
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Philippians 4:6 NLT
Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7 NLT
“It has often been said that prayer is the greatest force in the universe. This is no exaggeration. It will bear constant repetition. In this atomic age when forces are being released that stagger the thought and Imagination of man, it is well to remember that prayer transcends all other forces.” F. J. Huegel
“Sinned as we have as a nation, yet to our sin we have added pride in our sinning. The world has lost the power to blush over its vice; the Church has lost her power to weep over it.” -Leonard Ravenhill
I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your old men will dream dreams, and your young men will see visions. In those days I will pour out my Spirit even on servants—men and women alike. And I will cause wonders in the heavens and on the earth… Joel 2:28-30 NLT
That is why the Lord says, “Turn to me now, while there is time. Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Don’t tear your clothing in your grief, but tear your hearts instead.” Return to the Lord your God, for he is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He is eager to relent and not punish. Joel 2:12-13 NLT
Blow the ram’s horn in Jerusalem! Announce a time of fasting; call the people together for a solemn meeting. Gather all the people— the elders, the children, and even the babies. Call the bridegroom from his quarters and the bride from her private room. Let the priests, who minister in the Lord’s presence, stand and weep between the entry room to the Temple and the altar. Joel 2:15-17 NLT
“This is what the lord says to Zerubbabel: It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit, says the lord of Heaven’s Armies. Nothing, not even a mighty mountain, will stand in Zerubbabel’s way” Zechariah 4:6 NLT
Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NLT
PRAYER MUST BE A COMPASS THAT GUIDES US NOT A FLARE GUN TO RESCUE US.
At times I might shut up the heavens so that no rain falls, or command grasshoppers to devour your crops, or send plagues among you. Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. 2 Chronicles 7:13-14 NLT
Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. John 15:4 NLT
AN AUTHENTIC CHRISTIAN LIFE IS WHERE THOSE SPIRITUAL MOMENTS ARE NOT SPURTS IN OUR LIFE, BUT DAY-TO-DAY EXPERIENCES.
Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5 NLT
LIFESTYLE OF PRAYER
But when Daniel learned that the law had been signed, he went home and knelt down as usual in his upstairs room, with its windows open toward Jerusalem. He prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God. Daniel 6:10 NLT
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH GOD AND KEEP IT!
2. THE PLACE OF PRAYER
Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray. Mark 1:35 NLT
3. THE PLAN OF PRAYER
Once Jesus was in a certain place praying. As he finished, one of his disciples came to him and said, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” Jesus said, “This is how you should pray: Luke 11:1-2 NLT
4. THE PERSONS OF PRAYER
YOUR VIEW OF GOD DETERMINES YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM.
The amazing grace of the Master, Jesus Christ, the extravagant love of God, the intimate friendship of the Holy Spirit, be with all of you. 2 Corinthians 13:14 MSG
So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. Hebrews 4:14-16 NLT
“My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 NLT
THE EXTRAVAGANT LOVE OF THE FATHER
For this reason I kneel before the Father. Ephesians 3:14 NLT
The lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever. He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. The lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. Psalms 103:8-13 NLT
And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever--the Spirit of truth. John 14:16-17 NLT
Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me. Psalms 103:1-2 NLT
He forgives all my sins… Psalms 103:3 NLT
and heals all my diseases… Psalms 103:3 NLT
He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies… Psalms 103:4 NLT
He fills my life with good things… Psalms 103:5 NLT
My youth is renewed like the eagle’s! Psalms 103:5 NLT
God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through? Listen, I received a command to bless; God has blessed, and I cannot reverse it! Numbers 23:19-20 NLT
1. HEALING IS A PART OF GOD’S COVENANT
The Lord replied, “Listen, I am making a covenant with you in the presence of all your people. I will perform miracles that have never been performed anywhere in all the earth or in any nation. And all the people around you will see the power of the Lord—the awesome power I will display for you. Exodus 34:10 NLT
If you think I’ve come to set aside the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets, you’re mistaken. I have come to fulfill and bring to perfection all that has been written. Indeed, I assure you, as long as heaven and earth endure, not even the smallest detail of the Law will be done away with until its purpose is complete. Matthew 5:17-18 NLT
But now Jesus the Messiah has accepted a priestly ministry which far surpasses theirs, since he is the catalyst of a better covenant which contains far more wonderful promises. Hebrews 8:6 TPT
2. HEALING IS A PART OF JESUS’ SACRIFICE
Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows (Or Yet it was our sicknesses he carried; it was our diseases) that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for his own sins! But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. Isaiah 53:4-5 NLT
3. HEALING IS A PART OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD
Heal the sick, and tell them, ‘The Kingdom of God is near you now.’ Luke 10:9 NLT
You won’t be able to say, ‘Here it is!’ or ‘It’s over there!’ For the Kingdom of God is already among you.” Luke 17:21 NLT
Go and announce to them that the Kingdom of Heaven is near. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received! Matthew 10:7-8 NLT
Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20 NLT
Just then, a man saw that it was Jesus, so he pushed through the crowd and threw himself down at his feet. His name was Jairus, a Jewish official who was in charge of the synagogue. He pleaded with Jesus, saying over and over, “Please come with me! My little daughter is at the point of death, and she’s only twelve years old! Come and lay your hands on her and heal her and she will live!” Immediately Jesus went with him, and the huge crowd followed, pressing in on him from all sides. Mark 5:22-24 NLT
And before he had finished speaking, people arrived from Jairus’ house and pushed through the crowd to give Jairus the news: “There’s no need to trouble the master any longer—your daughter has died.” But Jesus refused to listen to what they were told and said to the Jewish official, “Don’t yield to fear. All you need to do is to keep on believing.”; When they arrived at the home of the synagogue ruler, they encountered a noisy uproar among the people, for they were all weeping and wailing. Upon entering the home, Jesus said to them, “Why all this grief and weeping? Don’t you know the girl is not dead but merely asleep?” Then everyone began to ridicule and make fun of him. But he threw them all outside. Then he took the child’s father and mother and his three disciples and went into the room where the girl was lying. He tenderly clasped the child’s hand in his and said to her in Aramaic, “Talitha koum,” which means, “Little girl, wake up from the sleep of death.” Instantly the twelve-year-old girl sat up, stood to her feet, and started walking around the room! Mark 5:35-36;38-42 NLT
THREE POWERFUL TRUTHS WE MUST UNDERSTAND
1. JESUS WANTS TO BE IN THE ROOM WITH US
2. YOU HAVE TO PUSH OUT THE NEGATIVITY THAT IS TRYING TO TAKE JESUS’ PLACE
3. YOU NEED THOSE AROUND YOU TO BE IN UNITY WITH YOU
So let each individual first evaluate his own attitude and only then eat the bread and drink the cup. For continually eating and drinking with a wrong spirit will bring judgment upon yourself by not recognizing the body. This insensitivity is why many of you are weak, chronically ill, and some even dying. 1 Corinthians 11:28-30 NLT
4. FAITH IS ALWAYS ACTIVATED BY ACTION
'While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul traveled through the interior regions until he reached Ephesus, on the coast, where he found several believers. “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” he asked them. “No,” they replied, “we haven’t even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” “Then what baptism did you experience?” he asked. And they replied, “The baptism of John.” Paul said, “John’s baptism called for repentance from sin. Acts 19:1-4 NLT
But John himself told the people to believe in the one who would come later, meaning Jesus.” As soon as they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then when Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in other tongues and prophesied. Acts 19:4-6 NLT
Philip, for example, went to the city of Samaria and told the people there about the Messiah. But now the people believed Philip’s message of Good News concerning the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ. As a result, many men and women were baptized. When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that the people of Samaria had accepted God’s message, they sent Peter and John there. As soon as they arrived, they prayed for these new believers to receive the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them, for they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then Peter and John laid their hands upon these believers, and they received the Holy Spirit. Acts 8:5,12,14-17 NLT
That Sunday evening the disciples were meeting behind locked doors because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders. Suddenly, Jesus was standing there among them! “Peace be with you,” he said. As he spoke, he showed them the wounds in his hands and his side. They were filled with joy when they saw the Lord! Again he said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.” Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. John 20:19-22 NLT
And just as they were telling about it, Jesus himself was suddenly standing there among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. “And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.” Luke 24:36,49 NLT
During the forty days after he suffered and died, he appeared to the apostles from time to time, and he proved to them in many ways that he was actually alive. And he talked to them about the Kingdom of God. Once when he was eating with them, he commanded them, “Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before. John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 1:3-5 NLT
This promise is to you, to your children, and to those far away —all who have been called by the Lord our God.” Acts 2:39 NLT
'When I first came to you, dear brothers and sisters, I didn’t use lofty words and impressive wisdom to tell you God’s secret plan. For I decided that while I was with you I would forget everything except Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified. I came to you in weakness—timid and trembling. And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit. I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God. Yet when I am among mature believers, I do speak with words of wisdom, but not the kind of wisdom that belongs to this world or to the rulers of this world, who are soon forgotten. No, the wisdom we speak of is the mystery of God —his plan that was previously hidden, even though he made it for our ultimate glory before the world began. But the rulers of this world have not understood it; if they had, they would not have crucified our glorious Lord. That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:1-9 NLT
But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets. No one can know a person’s thoughts except that person’s own spirit, and no one can know God’s thoughts except God’s own Spirit. And we have received God’s Spirit (not the world’s spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us. When we tell you these things, we do not use words that come from human wisdom. Instead, we speak words given to us by the Spirit, using the Spirit’s words to explain spiritual truths. But people who aren’t spiritual can’t receive these truths from God’s Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and they can’t understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means. Those who are spiritual can evaluate all things, but they themselves cannot be evaluated by others. For, “Who can know the Lord ’s thoughts? Who knows enough to teach him?” But we understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:10-16 NLT
1. Can you be baptized without speaking in tongues?
2. Can every believer speak in tongues.
3. How do you receive it?
Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, ________ Ephesians 3:30 ESV
Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us. Ephesians 3:30 ESV
“Don’t be afraid!” David said. “I intend to show kindness to you because of my promise to your father, Jonathan. I will give you all the property that once belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will eat here with me at the king’s table!”2 Samuel 9:7 NLT
Mephibosheth bowed respectfully and exclaimed, “Who is your servant, that you should show such kindness to a dead dog like me?” 2 Samuel 9:8 NLT
But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live.
For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.
So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering. Romans 8:13-17 NLT
Once when he was eating with them, he commanded them, “Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before. John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 1:4-5 NLT
The gift of choice is God’s greatest gift to us because this separates Christianity from being a religion to a relationship.
So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.” Luke 11:13 NLT
You will not fully understand God's goodness and live a dynamic life here on earth without a relationship with Holy Spirit.
“If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you. John 14:15-17 NLT
But one who prophesies strengthens others, encourages them, and comforts them. 1 Corinthians 14:3 NLT
And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment. The world’s sin is that it refuses to believe in me. Righteousness is available because I go to the Father, and you will see me no more. John 16:8-10 NLT
When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. John 16:13 NLT
If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. James 1:5 NLT
Yet you do not have because you do not ask. James 4:2 NKJV
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. 2 Corinthians 13:14 NLT
And God confirmed the message by giving signs and wonders and various miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit whenever he chose. Hebrews 2:4 NLT
For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true. Ephesians 5:9 NLT
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one Another." John 13:34-35 NIV
No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us. 1 John 4:12 NLT
That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard,
and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.”
But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets. No one can know a person’s thoughts except that person’s own spirit, and no one can know God’s thoughts except God’s own Spirit. And we have received God’s Spirit (not the world’s spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us. 1 Corinthians 2:9-12 NLT
And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. Romans 8:26 NLT
I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 NLT
For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image. 2 Corinthians 3:17-18 NLT
Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise is to you, to your children, and to those far away—all who have been called by the Lord our God.” Acts 2:38-39 NLT
Who Is the Holy Spirit?
What is This Person Like?
The Day of Pentecost
Gifts of the Holy Spirit
“Now, dear brothers and sisters, regarding your question about the special abilities the Spirit gives us. I don’t want you to misunderstand this.” 1 Corinthians 12:1
You must have a personal relationship with the Holy Spirit to impact the world in the way that you were created to
“Once when he was eating with them, he commanded them, “do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before. John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 1:4-5
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere – in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the Earth.” Acts 1:8
“Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being.” Philippians 2:6-7 NLT
“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.” John 14:12 NLT
And watch how He follows that statement up:
“But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you.” John 16:7
What are the Gifts of the Holy Spirit?
“There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us. A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.” 1 Corinthians 12:4-7
No spiritual gift is greater or more necessary than the other.
The Holy Spirit gives us these gifts to help others
“To one person the Spirit gives the ability to give wise advice; to another the same Spirit gives a message of special knowledge. The same Spirit gives great faith to another, and to someone else the one Spirit gives the gift of healing. He gives one person the power to perform miracles, and another the ability to prophesy. He gives someone else the ability to discern whether a message is from the Spirit of God or from another spirit. Still another person is given the ability to speak in unknown languages, while another is given the ability to interpret what is being said. It is the one and only Spirit who distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have.” 1 Corinthians 12:8-11 NLT
EVERY gift is available to us when we cultivate a true relationship with the Holy Spirit.
“Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.” 1 Corinthians 14:26
“Let all things be done for edification.” 1 Corinthians 14:26
When we place ourselves where people are present the Holy Spirit has the opportunity to move.
Word of Knowledge
The Holy Spirit, to see people healed, will reveal things to us that can draw out the pain in others.
Discerning of Spirits
“For we are not fighting against flesh and blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12
Word of Wisdom
Prophecy: A message of encouragement from God, delivered through a human vessel, to another person or persons
“But the one who prophesies strengthens others, encourages them, and comforts them.” 1 Corinthians 14:3
“Let your love be your highest goal! But you should also desire the special abilities the Spirit gives – especially the ability to prophesy.” 1 Corinthians 14:1
“A person who speaks in tongues is strengthened personally, but one who speaks a word of prophecy strengthens the entire church” 1 Corinthians 14:4
Love is the central focus of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. God loves His children and desperately wants to communicate His love to them
Faith
The Gift of Special Faith
“but Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed steadily into heaven and saw the glory of God, and he saw Jesus standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand. And he told them, “Look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand!” Then they put their hands over their ears and began shouting. They rushed at him and dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. His accusers took off their coats and laid them at the feet of a young man named Saul. As they stoned him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” He fell to his knees shouting, “Lord, don’t charge them with this sin!” and with that, he died.” Acts 7:55-59
Healing
Miracles
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8
We serve a never changing God
Expectation is the breeding ground of miracles
Who Is the Holy Spirit?
What is This Person Like?
The Day of Pentecost
Pentecost
Pentecostal
Pentecost
How many of us are glad that we invited Jesus into our lives, but afraid of a relationship with the Holy Spirit?
2 Types of Definitions for Pentecostal: Cultural & Biblical
The Holy Spirit is not limited to a group, a denomination, or associated with a form of legalism
Biblical Definition of Pentecostal: Someone who understands and appreciates the fulfillment of the Jewish Feast of Pentecost
A true relationship with the Holy Spirit isn’t weird; it’s necessary
“and I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper (comforter, advocate, intercessor, counselor, strengthener, standby) to be with you forever – the Spirit of Truth…” John 14:16-17 AMP
A life without the Holy Spirit leaves so many benefits & blessings left on the table
The Day of Pentecost
“When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” Acts 2:1-4 NKJV
When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
A Specific Time, a Location, and an Attitude
The Time: Day of Pentecost
The Location: The Upper Room in Jerusalem
The Attitude: They were in Unity of heart and mind
The Feast of Passover
The Feast of the Tabernacles
The Feast of Pentecost
50
And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language. Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, “Look, are not all these who speak Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born?—we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.” So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “Whatever could this mean?” Others mocking said, “They are full of new wine.” Acts 2:5-8; 12-13
“…speaking in our tongues the wonderful works of God.”
“So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family. Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself. We are carefully joined together in him, becoming a holy temple for the Lord. Through him you Gentiles are also being made part of this dwelling where God lives by his Spirit.” Ephesians 2:19-22
The Holy Spirit empowers us to live in a way that is consistent with our righteous position through Jesus
And the Holy Spirit also testifies that this is so. For he says,
“This is the new covenant I will make
with my people on that day, says the lord:
I will put my laws in their hearts,
and I will write them on their minds.” Hebrews 10:15-16
The law represents death the Holy Spirit brings about a new life
“So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1
And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Romans 7:18-19;24
“So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.” Romans 8:1-2
Sin keeps us from walking in righteousness, but the Holy Spirit gives us the power to conquer the sin that tries to kill us
For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering. Romans 8:13-17
How Can We Enter into a Relationship With The Holy Spirit?
Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise is to you, to your children, and to those far away—all who have been called by the Lord our God.” Acts 2:38-39
What Is This Person Like?
If you don’t see the Holy Spirit as a person, you’ll never develop a personal relationship with Him.
“God, the Father”
“God, the Son”
“God, the Holy Spirit”
HOW DO YOU DEFINE A PERSON
A person is a being with a soul
“Behold! My Servant whom I have chosen, My Beloved in whom My soul is well pleased! Matthew 12:18 NKJV
He told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” Matthew 26:38 NLT
Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him.” Hebrews 10:38 NKJV
A person’s soul is made up of three components: mind, will, and emotions.
1. The Mind of the Holy Spirit
“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9 NLT
When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. John 16:13 NLT
“the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything” John 14:26 NLT
Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. Romans 8:27 NKJV
2. The Will of the Holy Spirit
Now when they had gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia. Acts 16:6
Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”Matthew 28:18-20 NLT
And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering. Romans 8:17 NLT
We come to know the general will of God by His Word, while we come to know the specific will of God by His Voice.
When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. John16:13 NLT
No, what you see was predicted long ago by the prophet Joel:
‘In the last days,’ God says, ‘I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. Acts 2:16-17 NLT
3. The Holy Spirit’s Emotions
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Galatians 5:22-23 NLT
And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. Ephesians 4:30 NLT
Grief is deep sadness you feel at the loss of intimacy with someone.
So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil. If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:25-32 NLT
Sin does not grieve the Holy Spirit because He is a killjoy and doesn't want you to have fun. Sin grieves the Holy Spirit because it hurts people and He loves people.
Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity.” Acts 8:22-23 NKJV
INVITE THE HOLY SPIRIT TO SHOW YOU
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. Psalms 139:23-24 NLT
INVITE THE HOLY SPIRIT TO CHANGE YOU
Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. Psalms 51:10 NLT
INVITE THE HOLY SPIRIT TO FILL YOU
Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 5:18 NLT
Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 NLT
“[W]e are not filled with an influence; we are not filled with a sensation; we are not filled with a set of ideas and truth; we are not filled with a blessing, but we are filled with a Person … and its very essence is the indwelling life of Christ Himself”― A.W. Tozer
But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.) And Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God. The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you. Romans 8:9-11 NLT
Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NLT
But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you. John 16:7 NLT
Sadly most Christians acknowledge that The Holy Spirit is there, but they do not allow Him to have a functional impact in their lives.
Who is this person The Holy Spirit?
1. The Holy Spirit is our Helper
And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. John 14:16-17 NLT
When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. He will bring me glory by telling you whatever he receives from me. All that belongs to the Father is mine; this is why I said, ‘The Spirit will tell you whatever he receives from me.’ John 16:13-15 NLT
How does the Holy Spirit help us?
He is our Advocate
“But I will send you the Advocate—the Spirit of truth. He will come to you from the Father and will testify all about me. John 15:26 NLT
But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous. 1 John 2:1 NLT
He speaks to us
There is so much more I want to tell you, but you can’t bear it now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. He will bring me glory by telling you whatever he receives from me. John 16:12-14 NLT
And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment. John 16:8 NLT
He convicts us
He shows righteousness
2. The Holy Spirit is a Friend
You can truly determine whether someone is a true friend by what they are adding to your life.
What values does the Holy Spirit add to our lives?
“When we are at our wits’ end for an answer, then the Holy Spirit can give us an answer. But how can He give us an answer when we are still well-supplied with all sorts of answers of our own? -Karl Barth
Power
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere. Acts 1:8 NLT
Love
And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. Romans 5:5 NLT
The Holy Spirit...seemed to go through me, body and soul. I could feel the impression, like a wave of electricity, going through and through me. Indeed it seemed to come in waves and waves of liquid love for I could not express it in any other way. -Charles Finney
No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us. 1 John 4:12 NLT
Fruit
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!... Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Galatians 5:22-23;25 NLT
Gifts
It is the one and only Spirit who distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have. 1 Corinthians 12:11 NLT
Two obstacles that hinder our relationship with the Holy Spirit
1. Comfort
2. Volume
TO GOD LITTLE THINGS ARE BIG THINGS
Do not despise these small beginnings, for the lord rejoices to see the work begin Zechariah 4:10
“If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities. Luke 16:10
I look up to the mountains—does my help come from there? My help comes from the lord, who made heaven and earth! Psalms 121:1-2 NLT
This understanding of eyes fixed on God creates something inside of us that we cannot sit still… We cannot settle for surviving and just getting by, but we must move forward…
WE MUST HAVE A PASSION FOR GROWTH, A FERVOR FOR PURPOSE, A RESOLVE TO ADVANCE, AND FAITH THAT GOD IS STILL IN THE MIRACLE BUSINESS!
1. YOU MUST START DREAMING
2. YOU MUST START DESIRING
3. YOU MUST START BEING AUDACIOUS
4. YOU MUST BEGIN
“I had deep within me the inability to do nothing. I knew I may die, but I also knew I would not die with a bullet in my back” Joshua Chamberlain
WHEN WE REALIZE AN INDECISION IS A DECISION WE WILL REALIZE AN INACTION IS AN ACTION.
Then I heard the Lord asking, “Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?” I said, “Here I am. Send me.” Isaiah 6:8 NLT
GOD WILL TEST THE RESIDENCE OF OUR FAITH.
You have tested us, O God; you have purified us like silver. Psalms 66:10 NLT
Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. James 1:2-4 NLT
5. YOU MUST START EXPECTING
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1 NIV
WHAT DO THE TESTS OF GOD DO?
By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had embraced the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, even though God had said to him, “It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.” Abraham reasoned that God could even raise the dead, and so in a manner of speaking he did receive Isaac back from death. Hebrews 11:17-19 NIV
And Abraham picked up the knife to kill his son as a sacrifice. At that moment the angel of the lord called to him from heaven, “Abraham! Abraham!” “Yes,” Abraham replied. “Here I am!” “Don’t lay a hand on the boy!” the angel said. “Do not hurt him in any way, for now I know that you truly fear God. You have not withheld from me even your son, your only son.” Then Abraham looked up and saw a ram caught by its horns in a thicket. So he took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering in place of his son. Abraham named the place Yahweh-Yireh (which means “the lord will provide”). Genesis 22:10-14 NLT
IT IS ONE THING TO KNOW GOD IS YOUR PROVIDER IT IS ANOTHER THING TO EXPERIENCE THAT GOD IS YOUR PROVIDER.
So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. Romans 8:15-16 NLT
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. Acts 1:8 NLT
“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it! John 14:12-14 NLT
DO WE LOVE THE DREAM GOD GAVE US MORE THAN THE GOD WHO GAVE US THE DREAM?
Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever. Psalms 73:25-26 NLT
“Hope is the great power that can move you to success. Why? Because when a man expects to win, he does not hold anything back, but gives his project all that he's got. Most people fail not because they lack ability, intelligence, or opportunity, but they fail because they don't give it all they've got.” Dr. Norman Vincent Peale
Don’t you remember that our ancestor Abraham was shown to be right with God by his actions when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see, his faith and his actions worked together. His actions made his faith complete. And so it happened just as the Scriptures say: “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.” He was even called the friend of God. James 2:21-23 NLT
The people crossed the Jordan on the tenth day of the first month. Then they camped at Gilgal, just east of Jericho. It was there at Gilgal that Joshua piled up the twelve stones taken from the Jordan River. Then Joshua said to the Israelites, “In the future your children will ask, ‘What do these stones mean?’ Then you can tell them, ‘This is where the Israelites crossed the Jordan on dry ground.’ For the Lord your God dried up the river right before your eyes, and he kept it dry until you were all across, just as he did at the Red Sea when he dried it up until we had all crossed over. He did this so all the nations of the earth might know that the Lord ’s hand is powerful, and so you might fear the Lord your God forever.”Joshua 4:19-24 NLT
THE TRUTH IS THAT SUCCESS, IF NOT REFLECTED UPON PROPERLY, CAN BECOME YOUR GREATEST ENEMY TOWARDS PROGRESSION.
“There came a time in my life when I honestly prayed: “God, I want your power!” Time wore on and the power did not come. One day the burden was more than I could bear. “God, why haven't you answered that prayer?” God seemed to Whisper back his simple reply. “With plans no bigger than yours, you don't need my power.” - Carl Bates
Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20 NLT
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. Ephesians 1:18-21 NIV
Jesus told them. “I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.” Matthew 17:20 NLT
1. YOU MUST START DREAMING
2. YOU MUST START DESIRING
3. YOU MUST START BEING AUDACIOUS
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1 NIV
faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. James 2:17 NIV
FAITH WITHOUT A WORLDLY RISK IS A CONTRADICTION.
1. WHAT DOES GOD THINK?
2. WHAT DO YOU, IN YOUR OWN HEART THINK?
3. WHAT DO YOUR WISE FRIENDS THINK?
4. WHAT DOES YOUR COMMUNITY THINK?
For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. I Corinthians 4:15 NKJV
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts of the Apostles 1:8 NLT
PLOW
PRAY
LISTEN
OBEY
WOW
For, behold, I am for you, and I will turn to you [in favor], and you shall be cultivated and sown. Ezekiel 36:9 AMP
“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. John 14:12 NLT
But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you. John 16:7 NLT
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8 NLT
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Galatians 5:22-23 NLT
“Great damage is done if we ask a boy to become a king too soon, as is the case when a father abandons his family, walking out the door with the parting words, ‘You’re the man of the house now.’ A cruel thing to do, and an even more cruel thing to say, for the boy has not yet become a man, not yet learned the lessons of boyhood and then young manhood. He has not yet been a warrior, nor a lover, and he is in no way ready to become a king.” John Eldredge
“And now I entrust you to God and the message of his grace that is able to build you up and give you an inheritance with all those he has set apart for himself. “I have never coveted anyone’s silver or gold or fine clothes. You know that these hands of mine have worked to supply my own needs and even the needs of those who were with me. And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” Acts 20:32-35 NLT
“Look, I am sending you the prophet Elijah before the great and dreadful day of the Lord arrives. His preaching will turn the hearts of fathers to their children, and the hearts of children to their fathers. Malachi 4:5
1. WHAT IS THE SPIRIT OF ELIJAH?
“What are you doing here, Elijah?” He replied again, “I have zealously served the Lord God Almighty. But the people of Israel have broken their covenant with you, torn down your altars, and killed every one of your prophets. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me, too.” Then the Lord told him, “Go back the same way you came, and travel to the wilderness of Damascus. When you arrive there, anoint Hazael to be king of Aram. Then anoint Jehu grandson of Nimshi to be king of Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from the town of Abel-meholah to replace you as my prophet. 1 Kings 19:13-16 NLT
When they came to the other side, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me what I can do for you before I am taken away.” And Elisha replied, “Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit and become your successor.” “You have asked a difficult thing,” Elijah replied. “If you see me when I am taken from you, then you will get your request. But if not, then you won’t.” 2 Kings 2:9-10 NLT
As they were walking along and talking, suddenly a chariot of fire appeared, drawn by horses of fire. It drove between the two men, separating them, and Elijah was carried by a whirlwind into heaven. Elisha saw it and cried out, “My father! My father! I see the chariots and charioteers of Israel!” And as they disappeared from sight, Elisha tore his clothes in distress. Elisha picked up Elijah’s cloak, which had fallen when he was taken up. Then Elisha returned to the bank of the Jordan River. He struck the water with Elijah’s cloak and cried out, “Where is the Lord , the God of Elijah?” Then the river divided, and Elisha went across. When the group of prophets from Jericho saw from a distance what happened, they exclaimed, “Elijah’s spirit rests upon Elisha!” And they went to meet him and bowed to the ground before him. 2 Kings 2:11-15 NLT
2. THE SAD REALITY IS MANY WANT ELIJAH’S ANOINTING JUST NOT HIS RESPONSIBILITY.
When Elisha was in his last illness, King Jehoash of Israel visited him and wept over him. “My father! My father! I see the chariots and charioteers of Israel!” he cried. 2 Kings 13:14
Then Elisha died and was buried. 2 Kings 13:20
Groups of Moabite raiders used to invade the land each spring. Once when some Israelites were burying a man, they spied a band of these raiders. So they hastily threw the corpse into the tomb of Elisha and fled. But as soon as the body touched Elisha’s bones, the dead man revived and jumped to his feet! 2 Kings 13:20-21
3. WILL WE BE INHERITANCE HOARDERS OR BESTOWERS?
The Lord took hold of me, and I was carried away by the Spirit of the Lord to a valley filled with bones. He led me all around among the bones that covered the valley floor. They were scattered everywhere across the ground and were completely dried out. Then he asked me, “Son of man, can these bones become living people again?” “O Sovereign Lord ,” I replied, “you alone know the answer to that.” Then he said to me, “Speak a prophetic message to these bones and say, ‘Dry bones, listen to the word of the Lord ! This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Look! I am going to put breath into you and make you live again! I will put flesh and muscles on you and cover you with skin. I will put breath into you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the Lord .’” So I spoke this message, just as he told me. Suddenly as I spoke, there was a rattling noise all across the valley. The bones of each body came together and attached themselves as complete skeletons. Then as I watched, muscles and flesh formed over the bones. Then skin formed to cover their bodies, but they still had no breath in them. Then he said to me, “Speak a prophetic message to the winds, son of man. Speak a prophetic message and say, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Come, O breath, from the four winds! Breathe into these dead bodies so they may live again.’” So I spoke the message as he commanded me, and breath came into their bodies. They all came to life and stood up on their feet—a great army. Ezekiel 37:1-10 NLT
WHEN WE CRITICIZE, INSULT, DEMEAN, AND CONDEMN PEOPLE IT IS ROOTED IN OUR OWN INSECURITIES.
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:23 NLT
“When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, ‘At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger! I will go home to my father and say, “Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired servant.”’ Luke 15:17-19 NLT
ACTIONS REVEAL OUR BELIEFS 100% OF THE TIME
WE CAN NOT LIVE BEYOND THE IDENTITY WE HAVE EMBRACED
1. WE MUST IDENTIFY AND REMOVE THE NEGATIVE
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. Hebrews 12:1 NLT
So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming. You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. Colossians 3:5-9 NLT
2. WE MUST FOCUS ON OUR TRUE IDENTITY
We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Hebrews 12:2 NLT
Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. Colossians 3:10,12-14 NLT
“So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. ’ “But his father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast, for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.’ So the party began. Luke 15:20-24 NLT
“We are all under the same mental calamity; we have all forgotten our names. We have all forgotten what we really are.” G.K. Chesterton
Everything is wearisome beyond description. No matter how much we see, we are never satisfied. No matter how much we hear, we are not content. History merely repeats itself. It has all been done before. Nothing under the sun is truly new. Ecclesiastes 1:8-9 NLT
For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to
die. A time to plant and a time to harvest. A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to build up. A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance. A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones. A time to embrace and a time to turn away. A time to search and a time to quit searching. A time to keep and a time to throw away. A time to tear and a time to mend. A time to be quiet and a time to speak. A time to love and a time to hate. A time for war and a time for peace. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 NLT
What do people really get for all their hard work? I have seen the burden God has placed on us all. Ecclesiastes 3:9-10 NLT
4 TRUTHS WE MUST GRASP
1. GOD’S PLAN IS WISE
Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart… Ecclesiastes 3:11 NLT
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28 NLT
2. GOD’S PLAN IS ALSO MYSTERIOUS
…but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end. Ecclesiastes 3:11 NLT
Why then does my suffering continue? Why is my wound so incurable? Your help seems as uncertain as a seasonal brook, like a spring that has gone dry. Jeremiah 15:18 NLT
3. WE MUST ENJOY OUR PRESENT LIFE EVEN WHEN WE DON’T HAVE ALL THE ANSWERS.
So I concluded there is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can. And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God. Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 NLT
4. REST IN GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY
And I know that whatever God does is final. Nothing can be added to it or taken from it. God’s purpose is that people should fear him. Ecclesiastes 3:14 NLT
When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened 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. Luke 3:21-22 NIV
“We were built to count, as water is made to run downhill. We are placed in a specific context to count in ways no one else does. That is our identity.” Dallas Willard
You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! Psalms 139:15-17 NLT
FOR EVERY OUTCOME YOU DESIRE, THERE MUST BE AN INPUT DISCIPLINE FOR IT TO BECOME A REALITY.
Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. James 2:17-18 NIV
OUTWARD DISCIPLINES
“When we live outside of healthy community, we not only lose others. We lose ourselves...Who we understand ourselves to be is dramatically affected for better or worse by those we hold closest to us. We only truly come to know ourselves in the context of others. The more isolated and disconnected we are, the more shattered and distorted our self-identity. We are not healthy when we are alone. We find ourselves as we connect to others.” Erwin McManus
Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.” Genesis 2:18 NLT
Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. Romans 12:4-5 NLT
…For he holds the whole body together with its joints and ligaments, and it grows as God nourishes it. Colossians 2:19 NLT
1. AUTHENTICITY
But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. Romans 5:8 NLT
You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. This is my command: Love each other. John 15:16-17 NLT
QUIT DISQUALIFYING YOURSELF BECAUSE YOU COMPARE YOUR WEAKNESSES TO OTHERS STRENGTHS
A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary. And the parts we regard as less honorable are those we clothe with the greatest care. So we carefully protect those parts that should not be seen, while the more honorable parts do not require this special care. So God has put the body together such that extra honor and care are given to those parts that have less dignity. This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other. If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad. 1 Corinthians 12:7;22-26 NLT
YOU MUST DISCOVER WHO YOU ARE BEFORE YOU CAN EVER DISCOVER WHAT YOU ARE CREATED TO DO.
Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us. Romans 12:3 NLT
2. SUBMISSION
Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. James 1:19
HURT PEOPLE HURT PEOPLE.
THE SOLUTION ALWAYS BEGINS WITH UNDERSTANDING
'For I wrote to you with many tears out of an extremely troubled and anguished heart — not to cause you pain, but that you should know the abundant love I have for you. ' 2 Corinthians 2:4 CSB
Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important. Galatians 6:1-3 NLT
3. SERVICE
After washing their feet, he put on his robe again and sat down and asked, “Do you understand what I was doing? You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that’s what I am. And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example to follow...Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them.' John 13:12-17 NLT
WHAT WE DO IN OUR PRIVATE TIMES IMPACTS HOW WE WILL BE IN OUR PUBLIC TIMES
Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love. 1 John 4:7-8 NLT
God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. 1 John 4:9-10 NLT
Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us. 1 John 4:11-12 NLT
My child, listen to what I say, and treasure my commands. Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures. Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God. Proverbs 2:1-5 NLT
Godly Wisdom
You Are What You Eat
“Tell me what you eat, and I will tell you what you are…” – Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin
“Show me your friends and I’ll show you your future”
“You are the average of the 10 people you spend the most time with”
“Become wise by walking with the wise; hang out with fools and watch your life fall to pieces.” Proverbs 13:20 MSG
“Well, I am the good influence in our friend group!”
“…Bad company corrupts good character” 1 Corinthians 15:33 NIV
If you stay in an unhealthy relationship long enough it will eventually change you
Inspect
Is walking in my God given calling worth a temporary discomfort?
Is passive comfort worth giving up your God given calling?
Can you share your heart with them?
Can you communicate your joys with them?
Can you communicate your sorrows with them?
Can you share frustrations with them?
Can you share victories with them?
Can you share prayer requests with them?
Do they pray with you or for you?
Do they lift you up or tear you down?
Do they encourage you?
Do they add value to you?
Do they care about your spouse/family?
Healthy Boundaries
Determine who you are giving permission to have an influence in your life
“Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety” Proverbs 11:14 NKJV
“…Bad company corrupts good character” 1 Corinthians 15:33 NIV
“As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.” Proverbs 27:17
“Friends can destroy one another, but a loving friend can stick closer than family” Proverbs 18:24 GW
TAKE HOME:
Is this helping or hurting me walk in my God given calling?
“Your life does not get better by chance, it gets better by change” – Jim Rohn
God gave me conviction
“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth.” John 14:16-17 NLT
LifeGroups
"There is only one way to avoid criticism: do nothing, say nothing, and be nothing." – Aristotle
“I will forgive their wrongdoing, and I will never again remember their sins” Hebrews 8:12 CSB
My child, listen to what I say, and treasure my commands. Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures. Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God. Proverbs 2:1-5 NLT
ANYTHING OR ANYONE DIFFERENT CAN BE DIFFICULT
Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. 2 Timothy 2:23-24 NLT
D. I. R. T.
DON’T IGNORE RELATIONAL TENSION
GUARD RAILS OF COMMUNICATION
1. REMAIN CALM AND GENTLE
A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare. Proverbs 15:1 NLT
People with understanding control their anger; a hot temper shows great foolishness. Proverbs 14:29 NLT
Fools vent their anger, but the wise quietly hold it back. Proverbs 29:11 NLT
Control your temper, for anger labels you a fool. Ecclesiastes 7:9 NLT
Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city. Proverbs 16:32 NLT
2. COMMUNICATE THE INFORMATION TRUTHFULLY AND ACCURATELY
The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing, but the mouth of a fool belches out foolishness. Proverbs 15:2 NLT
The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in those who tell the truth. Proverbs 12:22 NLT
Then keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies! Psalms 34:13 NLT
Truthful words stand the test of time, but lies are soon exposed. Proverbs 12:19 NLT
Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. Colossians 3:9 NLT
Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. Ephesians 4:15,25 NLT
3. REMEMBER GOD IS THE ULTIMATE JUDGE
The Lord is watching everywhere, keeping his eye on both the evil and the good. Proverbs 15:3 NLT
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Romans 12:18 NIV
SOMEONE ELSE’S SIN IS NEVER A JUSTIFICATION FOR YOU TO SIN.
Who are you to condemn someone else’s servants? Their own master will judge whether they stand or fall. And with the Lord’s help, they will stand and receive his approval. So why do you condemn another believer? Why do you look down on another believer? Remember, we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. Yes, each of us will give a personal account to God. So let’s stop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall. So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up. Romans 14:4,10,12-13,19 NLT
4. ATTACK THE PROBLEM NOT THE PERSON
The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit. Proverbs 15:4 NIV
BLAMING PREVENTS PROGRESS
But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. Don’t lie to each other… Colossians 3:8-9 NLT
5. STAY TEACHABLE
Only a fool despises a parent’s discipline; whoever learns from correction is wise. Proverbs 15:5 NLT
To learn, you must love discipline; it is stupid to hate correction. Proverbs 12:1 NLT
DON’T TRADE AWAY YOUR INTEGRITY FOR JUSTIFICATION
“And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own? Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye. Matthew 7:3;5 NLT
S.T.A.T.E YOUR FEELINGS
1. Share your facts (without interpretation)
2. Tell your story (explain your conclusions)
3. Ask questions instead of starting with accusations
4. Talk tentatively (remember you are sharing perspective)
5. Encourage testing (invite opposing views)
FOCUS ON RESTORATION NOT PERFECTION
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Matthew 5:9 NIV
IT IS ALWAYS MORE REWARDING TO RESOLVE THE CONFLICT THAN TO DISSOLVE THE RELATIONSHIP.
My child, listen to what I say, and treasure my commands. Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures. Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God. Proverbs 2:1-5 NLT
PEOPLE INTERPRET WHAT YOU SAY NOT WHAT YOU INTENDED TO SAY.
1. THE WISE UNDERSTAND THAT OUR WORDS PRODUCE EITHER LIFE OR DEATH
Blessings crown the head of the righteous, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked. Proverbs 10:6 NIV
The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences. Proverbs 18:21 NLT
In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself. James 3:5-6 NLT
Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water? James 3:9-11 NLT
If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don’t cover up the truth with boasting and lying. For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.
But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness. James 3:13-18 NLT
Blessings crown the head of the righteous, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked. Proverbs 10:6 NIV
2. THE WISE LISTEN MORE THAN THEY SPEAK
Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back of one who has no sense. The wise store up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool invites ruin. Proverbs 10:13-14 NIV
You know the biggest lie that people believe about wise smart people is that they know everything and they have to tell everybody they know everything. So we think the wisest people in the world or those that talk the most it's actually the opposite. if you read the gospels I want you to understand something about Jesus he asked 10 times more questions that he gave answers. Which means he was in a constant state of listening to whoever he was having a conversation with and then asking questions based on their responses to get them to a place a true understanding. The greatest skill you can have as a leader, a disciple maker, a spouse, a parent, and a friend is the ability to listen.
WHAT MAKES A GREAT LISTENER?
ATTITUDE
ACTIONS
ESSENTIALS FOR EXCELLENT LISTENING
“Seek first to understand, then to be understood” -Stephen Covey
3. THE WISE DON’T DIE ON EVERY HILL
Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues. Proverbs 10:19 NIV
Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble. Proverbs 21:23 NLT
4. THE WISE ADD VALUE WITH THEIR WORDS
The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of sense. Proverbs 10:21 NIV
Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. Proverbs 16:24 NIV
The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts. Proverbs 18:8 NIV
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. James 3:17-18 NLT
Now you may think you're the farthest thing from that right now well here's the beautiful thing about Jesus we've all fallen short of his glorious standard and we are all sinners in desperate need of his forgiveness in the Bible says when he washes us clean the old has gone in the newest here and we have the beautiful opportunity to change directions and move off of that Spectrum of curses and negativity in move towards the spectrum of life and blessings.
ALTAR
1. WHAT DO WE WANT?
2. WHY DO WE WANT IT?
3. HOW BADLY DO WE WANT IT?
For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you. Proverbs 2:10-11 NIV
Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her; those who hold her fast will be blessed. Proverbs 3:13-18 NIV
I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me. With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and prosperity. My fruit is better than fine gold; what I yield surpasses choice silver. I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice, bestowing a rich inheritance on those who love me and making their treasuries full. Proverbs 8:17-21 NIV
WHAT SEPARATES THE WISE FROM THE UNWISE?
1. THE WISE BELIEVE GOD’S WORDS ARE 100% TRUE
My son, if you accept my words… Proverbs 2:1 NIV
TO GROW YOU HAVE TO FULLY TRUST
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock. Isaiah 26:3-4 NLT
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
IN OUR PATIENCE WE RECEIVE GOD'S INSTRUCTION FOR GROWTH
All who wait patiently for him are happy; your Teacher will not hide any longer. Your eyes will see your Teacher, and whenever you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear this command behind you: “This is the way. Walk in it.” Isaiah 30:18;20-21 CSB
Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar. Proverbs 30:5-6 NIV
2. THE WISE REFLECT ON THE PROMISES OF GOD
…store up my commands within you Proverbs 2:1 NIV
My son, keep my words and store up my commands within you. Keep my commands and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye. Bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart. Proverbs 7:1-3 NIV
Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. Psalms 119:105 NLT
THE CENTER FOR BIBLE ENGAGEMENT SURVEYED MORE THAN 400,000 PEOPLE AROUND THE WORLD.
SOMEONE WHO ENGAGES THE BIBLE 4 OR MORE TIMES A WEEK IS:
30% LESS LIKELY TO STRUGGLE WITH LONELINESS
32% LESS LIKELY TO HAVE ANGER ISSUES
42% LESS LIKELY TO HAVE BITTERNESS IN YOUR RELATIONSHIPS
57% LESS LIKELY TO STRUGGLE WITH ALCOHOLISM
59% LESS LIKELY TO VIEW PORNOGRAPHY
60% LESS LIKELY TO FEEL SPRIRITUALLY STAGNANT
228% INCREASE IN SHARING YOUR FAITH WITH OTHERS
230% INCREASE IN A DESIRE TO DISCIPLE OTHERS
407% MORE LIKELY TO MEMORIZE SCRIPTURE
3. THE WISE LET WISDOM SPEAK LOUDER THAN THEIR EMOTIONS
turning your ear to wisdom…Proverbs 2:2 NIV
Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Proverbs 4:25-26 NIV
THE WORD OF GOD IS A GUIDE, A GUARD, AND A GAUGE.
4. THE WISE UNDERSTAND APPLICATION IS WHAT LEADS TO WISDOM
…applying your heart to understanding— Proverbs 2:2 NIV
Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth. He who gathers crops in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son. Proverbs 10:4-5 NIV
Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. Proverbs 6:6-8 NIV
A - ATTITUDE OF INITIATIVE
N - NATURE OF INTEGRITY
T - THIRST FOR INDUSTRY
S - SOURCE OF INSIGHT
5. THE WISE SEEK WISE COUNSEL
indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding… Proverbs 2:3 NIV
Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. Proverbs 15:22 NIV
Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm. Proverbs 13:20 NIV
THE NUMBER ONE REASON PEOPLE DO NOT SEEK WISE COUNSEL IS BECAUSE THEY LACK HUMILITY.
HUMILITY IS SIMPLY AWARENESS
What's it like being on the other side of me?
Who am I refusing to listen to?
What person or situation do I refuse to see another perspective on?
What am I missing?
and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. Proverbs 2:4-5 NIV