Encounter! Receive Christ’s Freedom SESSION 8 LIVING IN VICTORY

THE FILLLING OF THE SPIRIT

Who is Holy Spirit? He’s the third person of the trinity The Holy Spirit has all the attributes of a person (1 Corinthians 2:11 (knowledge); 1 Corinthians 12:11 (will); Romans 8:27 (mind); Romans 15:30 (love); Nehemiah 9:20 (instruction) and Ephesians 4:30 (grief). Like a person, the Holy Spirit helps, searches and guides.

Who is the promise of the Spirit for? The promise (the gift of the Spirit) is for you and your children and for all who are far off— for all whom the Lord our God will call (Acts 2:39). The Spirit was promised to all those who believe in Jesus (John 7:37-39) Every Christian is born of the Spirit (John 3:3) and has the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9).

Who is the promise of the Spirit for? Not every Christian is filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). The example of a Pilot Light.

Who is the promise of the Spirit for? In the last days, God says, “I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy” (Acts 2:17-18).

Don’t get caught up in terminology (e.g., Baptism or Filling) All Christians can come together under the banner of eagerly desiring the Spirit’s fullness, even though not all believers label that experience in the same way.

Don’t get caught up in terminology (e.g., Baptism or Filling) Points in common: –All Christians have the Spirit by virtue of being born again. –All Christians should regularly experience a Spirit-filled life, walk in the Spirit, depend on the Spirit’s power in our behavior and witness, and be open to experiences from God’s Spirit subsequent to conversion.

The Spirit empowers us to serve The Spirit is given to regenerate us and make us new creatures (1 Corinthians 12:13; Ephesians 1:13-14) The manifestation of the Spirit is given so that we might have power to testify about Christ and perform signs and wonders that support His Word (Acts 2:4-11, 31; 5: )

The Spirit empowers us to serve Jesus said, “...As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." And with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit” (John 20:21-22).

No need to doubt God’s promise No need to Doubt. –He will give the Spirit to those who ask No need to fear –He desires the best for you. Even if you feel inadequate, you must remember that the promise of the Spirit is a gift.

How do we receive the Holy Spirit? Thirst (John 7:37, Rev. 22:17). If you are not thirsty, you can ask for a thirst. Come! Jesus said, “On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him" (John 7:37-39)

How do we receive the Holy Spirit? Ask. Jesus said, “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you…. Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” (Luke 11:11-13).

The Spirit manifests Himself in different ways Some have an overwhelming sense of God’s love (Romans 5:5; Eph. 3:14-20)Some have an overwhelming sense of God’s love (Romans 5:5; Eph. 3:14-20) Some speak in tongues (Acts 8:16-18; “For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God”(Acts 10:46).Some speak in tongues (Acts 8:16-18; “For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God”(Acts 10:46). All should be empowered to serve (Acts 6:3-5,10).All should be empowered to serve (Acts 6:3-5,10).

Ministry time (alone and as a group) Take some time alone, asking God to fill you with His SpiritTake some time alone, asking God to fill you with His Spirit The pastor (s)/key leader (s) asks everyone to repeat a prayer out loud to be filled with the Holy SpiritThe pastor (s)/key leader (s) asks everyone to repeat a prayer out loud to be filled with the Holy Spirit Encounter leader (s) go around and lays hands on each person, asking the Holy Spirit to fill each person (another option is to ask everyone to come forward).Encounter leader (s) go around and lays hands on each person, asking the Holy Spirit to fill each person (another option is to ask everyone to come forward).

LIVING IN THE SPIRIT

Being filled with the Spirit is an ongoing experience Keep being Filled (Continuous Tense, Ephesians 5:18)Keep being Filled (Continuous Tense, Ephesians 5:18) Peter was Filled Repeatedly with the Spirit (Acts 2:4; 4:8; 4:31)Peter was Filled Repeatedly with the Spirit (Acts 2:4; 4:8; 4:31) –Maybe he leaked!

No turning back Getting set free is easy.Getting set free is easy. Staying set free is harder!Staying set free is harder! To a healed paralytic, Jesus said: “See, you are well again. Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you.” (John 5:14)To a healed paralytic, Jesus said: “See, you are well again. Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you.” (John 5:14) To the woman caught in adultery: “Then neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin.” (John 8:11)To the woman caught in adultery: “Then neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin.” (John 8:11)

Realize that you have an enemy who hates you “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10) “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10) Satan wants to steal your joy and ruin your life. You must stay close to Jesus.Satan wants to steal your joy and ruin your life. You must stay close to Jesus.

Hate sin To fear the LORD is to hate evil. (Proverbs 8:13)To fear the LORD is to hate evil. (Proverbs 8:13) Hate evil, love good. (Amos 5:15)Hate evil, love good. (Amos 5:15) Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. (Romans 12:9)Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. (Romans 12:9) Develop a hatred toward evil (e.g., greed, lust, resentment, etc.) because Satan uses these things to destroy you and the ones you love.Develop a hatred toward evil (e.g., greed, lust, resentment, etc.) because Satan uses these things to destroy you and the ones you love. “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord”(Joshua 24:15). “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord”(Joshua 24:15).

Submit to God Have you determined that you want Christ to rule every area of your life (finances, family, career, thoughts & actions)? If not, do that today!Have you determined that you want Christ to rule every area of your life (finances, family, career, thoughts & actions)? If not, do that today!

Devote yourselves to prayer “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should” (Colossians 4:2-4) “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should” (Colossians 4:2-4) Make sure you have a daily quiet time where you read the Bible, pray, and listen to God.Make sure you have a daily quiet time where you read the Bible, pray, and listen to God. Quiet time versus praying without ceasingQuiet time versus praying without ceasing

Devote yourselves to prayer Quiet TimePray without Ceasing  Receive God’s fullness  Study God’s Word  Wait on God  Pray about particular matters  Maintain God’s fullness  Remember God’s Word  Walk with God  Pray moment by moment

Ministry time (reflection and groups of two) Where are you most easily tempted or sidetracked?Where are you most easily tempted or sidetracked? What do you need to hate to avoid the trap of these temptations?What do you need to hate to avoid the trap of these temptations? Pray: Lord, I choose obedience to you in every area and every decision in my life.Pray: Lord, I choose obedience to you in every area and every decision in my life. Pray for your ministry partner to remain victorious after this retreat and to remain faithful to God in daily prayer and devotionsPray for your ministry partner to remain victorious after this retreat and to remain faithful to God in daily prayer and devotions