Words of Encouragement -- Ajay Chakravarthy & Chetan Chadalavada -- May 16, 2021
http://rlcf.church/words-of-encouragement River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker argues that true fullness of the Holy Spirit is not evidenced by external miracles or gifts, but by an internal life characterized by obedience and dependence on God. He uses Jesus' life—who was fully spirit-filled yet lived an ordinary life—as the primary example. Ultimately, the evidence of a spirit-filled person is a deep longing to know and abide with the Lord, recognizing that one cannot do anything on their own.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
What does a person fully filled with the Holy Spirit look like?While people often look for external signs like miracles or preaching as evidence of the Holy Spirit, looking at Jesus reveals a different picture.
Jesus in His youthJesus was born of the Holy Spirit and full of Him at every age, yet He spent His early years simply obeying His parents, going to school, and working quietly in a carpenter shop without performing miracles.
Barnabas as an example of a man full of the Holy SpiritBarnabas went to encourage believers to remain true to the Lord because he was a good man full of the Holy Spirit and faith.
Recognizing our complete helplessnessA truly spirit-filled person recognizes that they can do nothing of themselves, depending entirely on the Father and abiding in Christ to bear fruit.John 5:19John 15:5
The Holy Spirit points us to our bridegroomJust as Eliezer sought a bride for Abraham's son and Rebecca agreed to go, the Holy Spirit awakens in us a longing to know and follow our bridegroom, Jesus.Genesis 24:58
Solomon asks for an understanding heartRecognizing his unworthiness and helplessness as a little child, Solomon asked God in a dream for discernment and an understanding heart to judge God's people.
David's singular desire to dwell in God's presenceDavid's primary request from the Lord was simply to dwell in His house all the days of his life and to behold His beauty.Psalm 27:4
Solomon the wisest king versus David a man after God's own heartWhile Solomon was the wisest of kings, David had a simple, pure devotion to the Lord; when David sinned, he immediately repented and humbled himself before God.
Ministry as a byproduct of devotionTrue ministry flows out of love for the Lord, and just as Stephen was chosen while full of the Spirit to simply serve tables, God's priority is a pure heart and devotion above personal honor.
