Date: 24 May 2015 – first morning service
Preacher: Pastor Francois van Niekerk
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Theme: Life with the Holy Spirit – knowing, growing, going
Sermon: Work of the Holy Spirit
Text: 2 Corinthians 3:6 (NIV)
‘He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant – not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.’ (Emphasis added)
Introduction
The Holy Spirit is exceptionally good at what He does. As part of the Trinity, He is omnipotent and all-powerful!
This sermon is dedicated to celebrating the nothing-is-too-difficult Holy Spirit. The aim is that your faith and trust in Him will exponentially increase and that you will live in a real relationship with Him on a daily basis.
Let’s take a closer look at the wonderful work of the Holy Spirit in the following ways:
What He does in us.
What He does for us.
What He does through us.
I encourage you to not only take note of what He does, but to also celebrate and embrace it in your heart.
Main points
What He does in us
He brings God’s life into our spirits and causes us to be born again. The Spirit gives life!
He transforms us by working holiness and sanctification in us (2 Corinthians 3:17-18). Part of this deep work results in God’s character being shaped in us. The Holy Spirit helps us find our true identity – we know who we really are in Him. This confirms more and more that we are children of God and take after our Father!
Our first calling as believers is to be conformed to the image of Christ. This awesome task can never be realised through our own efforts, but only as we yield to the mighty work of the Holy Spirit in us. It entails much more than do and don’t. It is about obeying Him and yielding to Him.
2. What He does for us
The Holy Spirit comes to help us and will be with us forever!
‘“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever …”’ (Emphasis added)
John 14:16 (NIV)
This includes the following powerful things:
He guarantees God’s promises – especially the promise of salvation and eternal life (2 Corinthians 1:22). Teach yourself to look to Him as the One who guarantees God’s promises rather than looking at the degree of the difficulties you face.
He guides us and speaks to us of things to come (John 16:13).
He teaches us the truth of God’s Word and reminds us of Jesus’ words. He assures us that God’s Word will keep on speaking to us no matter how many times we read a passage. He further helps us to apply it with great accuracy to everyday situations (John 14:26).
He empowers us by filling us and baptising us with His fire – passion and courage (Acts 1:8).
He brings freedom from all bondage – sin, fear of death and demonic bondage (2 Corinthians 3:17).
He manifests (makes real) the presence of Jesus (John 15:26).
He gives us great gifts (1 Corinthians 12).
3. What He does through us
Ultimately the Holy Spirit is set to do something awesome through us! God has a plan and purpose that He wants to achieve through us:
He manifests the presence and love of Jesus through us.
‘A Christian’s life is a window through which others can see Jesus.’
He shows God’s love, power, wisdom and kindness through us. He also brings conviction of sin, righteousness and judgment, and often uses us in this process (John 16:7-8). We must be careful not to try and take over His work! He brings conviction, it is not our job to try and force people to change.
If we purpose to let the Spirit of God have His way in and through us, we will find that He glorifies Jesus through us (John 16:14). We are not in the spotlight – He puts the spotlight on Jesus through us. What an honour!
Application
Nothing is too difficult for the Holy Spirit. Celebrate His work in you, for you and through you. Welcome Him and connect with Him more than ever so that Jesus may become more and more real to you and through you.
Whatever you do, don’t limit the Holy Spirit. He is God and He will bring all of God’s power, wisdom and love to your life if you welcome and allow Him!
Prayer
Dear Spirit of God, I love having You in my life and welcome You in every part of it. Thank you for the awesome work You do. I celebrate Your endless ability! Amen.
You are encouraged to come to church next Sunday with a real thirst for the Holy Spirit! We will be praying specifically for people who desire to be filled with the Spirit.