Supernatural – Part 4 – Holy Spirit

Adapted from Supernatural, Part 2, Holy Spirit by Craig Groeschel^[1]

          This morning, we are continuing the series, “Supernatural.” In it, we are considering the existence of the supernatural realm and what that means for us. (Much of this message is adapted from messages on the subject by Pastor Craig Groeschel of Life Church and Doug Clay, General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God.)

          So far in the series, we have laid the groundwork for the existence of the supernatural and considered the facts that we have a supernatural enemy and that we’re at war. Last week, Pastor Kristin spoke to you about choosing your weapon for the war.

          Each week, we’ve reminded you that without the supernatural, Christianity doesn’t exist.

• Without the supernatural, there is no virgin birth.
• Without the supernatural, there are no miracles.
• Without the supernatural, Jesus’ death didn’t pay the price for sin.
• Without the supernatural, there is no resurrection.

Without the supernatural, Christianity doesn’t exist. But it does exist…and so does the supernatural.

          This morning, we will turn our attention to the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Let’s begin by looking to Scripture.

 John 14:16-17 (NIV) —¹⁶ And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another counselor to help you and be with you forever—¹⁷ 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 16:7 (NIV) – But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.

          God exists as a trinity – 3 in 1. (That’s what the 3AG means in our logo and website address – trinity.) It can be difficult for us to wrap our minds around the idea of the Holy Spirit.

• We understand the idea of father. We all have a father. It doesn’t matter if he’s a good father or a terrible father, we understand the concept.
• We understand the idea of son. Many of us here today are sons and some of us have sons so we understand the idea.
• The idea of the Holy Spirit is different altogether. We have no true frame of reference.
  • This is especially true for those of us who grew up in church in eras when the title was not Holy Spirit, but Holy Ghost.
  • Sure, there was “Casper, the friendly ghost” but beyond that many of the images and ideas of ghost were not friendly. They were often frightening.

Let’s see how we can better understand him.

 The Holy Spirit Gives the Power (ability may be better than power)

Of salvation.

Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. John 3:5-6

 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Romans 8:16

 To walk in God’s will.

But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. John 14:26

 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. John 16:13

 To share Christ boldly.

My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power. 1 Corinthians 2:4-5

 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. Acts 4:31

 To live a holy life.

Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. If your sinful nature controls your mind, there is death. But if the Holy Spirit controls your mind, there is life and peace. Romans 8:5-6 NLT

 So I advise you to live according to your new life in the Holy Spirit. Then you won't be doing what your sinful nature craves. The old sinful nature loves to do evil, which is just opposite from what the Holy Spirit wants…These two forces are constantly fighting each other, and your choices are never free from this conflict. Galatians 5:16-17 NLT

 To make a difference with spiritual gifts.

God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will. Hebrews 2:4

 A spiritual gift is given to each of us as a means of helping the entire church. 1 Corinthians 12:7 NLT

SPIRIT-FILLED ADVICE

 Don’t resist the Spirit.

"You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers: You always resist the Holy Spirit!" Acts 7:51

 Be filled with the Holy Spirit.

 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Ephesians 4:30

 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Ephesians 5:18

           We cannot fight this battle alone. The good news is that we aren’t alone God has given us the Holy Spirit as our constant companion. He gives us the power (1) to come to faith in Christ, (2) to walk in God’s will, (3) to share Christ boldly, (4) to live a holy life, and (5) to make a difference with spiritual gifts.

          We should not grieve him, but rather should be filled with the Spirit.

We will talk more about the ministry of the Holy Spirit next week.

          So, what do we need to do with this information? Let me ask some questions.

1. Do you know Christ as your savior?
2. Are you walking in God’s will?
3. Are you sharing Christ?
4. Are you living a holy life?
5. Are you serving God with the gifts He has given you?
6. Are you resisting the Holy Spirit?

[1] https://open.life.church/resources/1300-supernatural?search_id=11338900; https://youtu.be/b94ySIzL_FM