Seeing our Need to be Filled with the Spirit - Zac Poonen - September 4, 2015
http://rlcfchurch.org/seeing-our-need-to-be-filled-with-the-spirit RLCF Family Conference 2015 - Session #1 River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker emphasizes the desperate need to be filled with the Holy Spirit, moving beyond small expectations to ask for God's full power. He draws a parallel between conquering visible sins (giants) and achieving a 'land of rest' in one's life, urging listeners to conquer known sins like getting offended by submitting to Christ's humility. True faith involves a complete dependence on God, recognizing that apart from Him, nothing amounts to nothing.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
What is the primary purpose of being filled with the Holy Spirit?The Holy Spirit is given primarily to provide the power needed to overcome lusts and progressive areas of sin inherited from Adam.
How do we deal with sin in our lives?God does not expect us to be free from unconscious sin immediately, but He expects us to deal with the known giants and sins we can see in our lives.
What does entering the land of Canaan represent?Canaan represents a land of rest where, through progressive sanctification and dealing with each area of sin like getting offended, we come to a place of victory.
Are you willing to pay the price?Many people want the power of the Spirit without paying the high price of giving up things like the love of money and secret sins.
What is the second purpose of the Holy Spirit?Beyond the fruit of the Spirit for personal holiness, the Holy Spirit gives gifts like prophecy—defined as encouraging, challenging, and building others up.
What were the last words of Jesus before ascending?Jesus told His disciples it was not for them to know times and seasons, but that they would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them to be His witnesses.Acts 1:7–8
The contrast between the tree of knowledge and the tree of lifeMany Christians treat the Bible like the tree of knowledge of Good and Evil, accumulating correct doctrines while remaining dead, rather than seeking the life-giving power of the Spirit.
What does it mean to be a witness?Being a witness is a matter of life—manifesting the character of Christ—rather than just bearing witness with our lips.
As the Father sent Jesus, so send I youJesus commissioned His disciples to represent Him in the world just as He represented the Father, so that people seeing them would catch a glimpse of what Jesus is like.John 20:19
How did Jesus impart the Spirit for this mission?After giving this commission, Jesus breathed on them and told them to receive the Holy Spirit so they could fulfill this high calling.
Are you sick and tired of being defeated?Many Christians live like the Book of Judges—an up-and-down experience—because they are not truly sick and tired of their defeated lives and compromises.
The invitation to come up higherThe Lord invites believers to leave earthly perspectives behind and view everything from a heavenly standpoint.Revelation 4:1
Genesis 1 as a picture of spiritual creationJust as the earth was formless, empty, and dark until the Spirit brooded and God's word brought light, the Holy Spirit and the word of God remake us into the image of Christ.
Guarding against seeking honor for ministryBelievers must never use the spiritual power or gifts God gives them to seek their own honor, money, or a following, resisting the first temptation.
Preparing our hearts to receive the SpiritThe speaker encourages listeners to reflect on these truths before sleeping, coming with open hearts to pay the price and be filled for God's glory.
