Value #4 - The leading and empowering of the Holy Spirit.
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth." (Acts 1:8)
In some conservative Christian circles, there is paranoia about talking too much about the Holy Spirit. The reaction is the same with the third Person of the Trinity as with any other element of abuse. When we see mistreatment of the Doctrine of the Parakletos (Gk), we tend to throw the Spirit out with the bath water. This is not only wrong but very dangerous (Mk 3.29).
First, every converted disciple of Jesus has the indwelling Holy Spirit and should feel compelled to be filled with Him on a continuous basis (Rom 8.9, Acts 13.52, Eph 5.18). We are commanded to be filled and led by this same Spirit (Rom 8.4,14, Eph 5.18, Gal 5.16,18). It is not a luxury or a second blessing. The Holy Spirit is essential to our success in following Jesus (Lk 11.13, Jn 14.26, 15.26). He is the one who was promised and leads us through life.
The Holy Spirit is the one who takes the ordinary efforts of man and turns them into the extraordinary accomplishments of God. He does this by imbuing us with His divine power (Acts 1.8, Rom 15.13, Eph 3.16). The Dunamis (Gk: Power -where we get our word dynamite) of the Holy Spirit is the difference between the fleshly mundane and a work of God.
I’ve personally experienced the leading and the power of the Holy Spirit. Generally, we make the mistake associating these events with some heavy duty emotions. And, although emotion can be part of the experience, it is not necessary. In fact, I think we would short circuit under the type of emotionalism that is usually associated with the Spirit if we indeed were continuously filled with the Holy Spirit. Emotional highs are not the objective. Being powerfully led by Him is the objective.
Actually, Deb and I are experiencing this right now. It seems as though the Holy Spirit is giving monumental direction and working powerfully in prayer, time in the Word, and circumstances. And although our emotions vary, His work and presence is unmistakable. Even when we aren’t on a spiritual high, be sure that the Holy Spirit is powerfully leading us and other obedient saints moment by moment.
Put your favorite verses in the comments below.
© 2008, 2009 Following Jesus by Chuck Wood All Rights Reserved
The Training of the Twelve by A.B. Bruce
One of the most celebrated books on Jesus’ disciplemaking methods. Make no mistake, this classic is not for the faint of heart. Written in 1897 by a revered theologian it is a “full on” brain buster. Having read most of the books on discipleship, I knew I couldn’t leave the planet without reading this one. But I have to be honest; I only finished it by the sweat of my brow. Lots of diggin’ for those golden nuggets, but they’re in there. I recommend it to those who are serious readers and have already read Master Plan of Evangelism, by Robert Coleman, Personal Disciplemaking by Christopher Adsit, and Lost Art of Disciple Making by LeRoy Eims.
Value #3 - The transforming power of the Gospel.
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. (2 Corinthians 5:17)
On December 23rd, 1979 my life was forever changed when I embraced the Gospel of Jesus Christ and His Kingdom. These changes were radical but somewhat transparent to the eyes of men. It was more than the external life-style changes that took place as I repented of my ways (although this is important). It was much more. I was transformed in three very distinct ways: My relational position with God, my daily practices, and my ultimate destiny of being in the presence of God. The gospel is the beginning and the end of a transformed life. It really is “good news.”
The Gospel powerfully transforms a person’s standing or position with God. The truth that all men are spiritually dead in sin may not be recognized by the natural man but it is true nonetheless (Rom 3.23, 6.23). When a person places trust in the Good News of God’s plan of reconciliation through His Son, Jesus Christ, they shed spiritual deadness and enter into eternal life. (Jn 3.16, 5.24, 2 Tim 1.10, Rom 1.16)
The Gospel powerfully transforms a person’s daily practices in God. Understanding God’s love for us and our new found security in Jesus compels us to live life differently. But transformation is a result of much more than earthly efforts; it is the work of God (Phil 2.12-13). We start a sanctification process from the moment we embrace the Gospel (Rom 16.25, 1 Cor 15.1-4, 2 Cor 9.13, Phil 1.5-6, Col 1.5-6).
The Gospel powerfully transforms our ultimate destiny with God. One day, as a result of receiving Jesus Christ, we will be glorified. It is our eternal end state. It is a state of perpetual blessing in the presence of Jesus Himself. Our relationship with God will be completely reconciled in position, practice, and presence (2 Thes 1.8-10, Rom 8.17, 30, Phil 1.23, Col 3.1-4).
The Gospel (Good News): Man can be given right relationship with God in His Kingdom through person and work of Jesus Christ.
What are your favorite verses of Scripture on the Transforming Power of the Gospel? Feel free to post them below.
(Gal 2.20)
(Mark 10:29)
(Rom 12.2)
(2 Corinthians 4:3-7)
(Ephesians 1:13-14)
© 2008, 2009 Following Jesus by Chuck Wood All Rights Reserved
Chapter 20
A Summary of Living and Discipling Among the Lost
Living and Discipling Among the Lost – A Word to Spiritual Leaders
Chapter 19
Living and Discipling Among the Lost – What are they hungry for?
Living and Discipling among the Lost
Chapter 18
Living and Discipling among the Lost – A word on technique
Is the axe to boast itself over the one who chops with it? Is the saw to exalt itself over the one who wields it? That would be like a club wielding those who lift it, Or like a rod lifting him who is not wood. (Isaiah 10:15)
One of my fears in writing about the way we evangelize the lost is that the technique will be emphasized over the sovereignty of God. This is a great danger. Certainly, we must acknowledge that no one experiences true conversion unless the Holy Triune God has made it possible. The Father draws men and women to the Son (Jn 6.44). The Son reveals the Heavenly Father to those He determines (Mt 11.27). And the Holy Spirit convicts men of their sins (Jn 16.8) and regenerates them into newness of life (Titus 3.5).
We are merely tools in the evangelistic work. We can’t take any credit for the ultimate outcome of a person’s soul. Their spiritual transformation rests squarely in the hands of the Sovereign Lord. But unlike a dumb tool, we have a choice. We can choose to be useful or not. We can determine to be wielded in the hands of the Master or resolve to stay on the shelf. And, to some degree, I also think we can determine the effect of our usefulness by having a zeal to be used, accurately handling the Word of God, and displaying integrity in living out the message we proclaim. An ax is much more useful when it is sharp.
I remember the first man I introduced to Christ. I was actually talking to another man while he was eavesdropping. My presentation of the Gospel was so inadequate and in my own thinking it was unintelligible. The next morning, the unintended listener came to me and said he gave his life to Christ. I use this story to underscore the power of God. But we also need to follow the Scripture’s admonition to be trained and improve our abilities in communicated the Good News of Jesus Christ (Mt 4.19, 1 Pet 3.15, 2 Tim 2.15 2 Tim 3.16-17). Is it free will or sovereignty? Yes.