Series: The Holy Spirit – 2018

The Holy Spirit – Part 9

(2 Corinthians 13:14 TLB) May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. May God’s love and the Holy Spirit’s friendship be yours.

(1 Corinthians 12:1 BBE) But about the things of the spirit, my brothers, it is not right for you to be without teaching.

(Ephesians 5:17 AMP) …do not be vague and thoughtless and foolish, but understanding and firmly grasping what the will of the Lord is.

If the Lord through the Apostle Paul is telling us to understand what the will of God is, then it must be possible for us to know the will of God for our lives.

(Colossians 1:9 MSG) Be assured that from the first day we heard of you, we haven’t stopped praying for you, asking God to give you wise minds and spirits attuned to his will, and so acquire a thorough understanding of the ways in which God works.

Let’s establish three things in this:

1. You are a spirit, you have a soul, and you live in a body.
2. God lives in you by the Holy Spirit in your spirit.
3. As a child of God, you have a right to be led by the Spirit of God.

How Does the Holy Spirit Lead Me?

1. God will lead you first and foremost through the inward witness.

(Romans 8:16 NKJV) The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,

2. The second way that He will lead you is through the inward voice or the voice of your recreated human spirit.

Sometimes we call this our conscience.

Your conscience is the voice of your spirit and it is your conscience that will relate to your mind what the Spirit of God is saying to you in your heart.

Let’s look at the working of our conscience.

• The Holy Spirit does not convict us of sin. It is our spirit that convicts us of sin in our lives.

1 John 3:20-21 GNB If our conscience condemns us, we know that God is greater than our conscience and that he knows everything. (21) And so, my dear friends, if our conscience does not condemn us, we have courage in God’s presence.

• The Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin.

(John 16:7-9 NLT) But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send Him to you. (8) And when He comes, He will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment. (9) The world’s sin is that it refuses to believe in Me.

• It is very important that we remain tenderhearted especially in the things of God.

(1 Timothy 4:1-2 NIV) The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.  (2)  Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. (lost all feeling)

Unless you keep a tender conscience, spiritual things will become indistinct to you.

3. The third way that God will lead you is by the voice of the Holy Spirit.

This way is the more authoritative voice of the Holy Spirit versus the still small voice of your spirit. This can almost seem like it is audible but it is not. It is the Holy Spirit in your spirit speaking to you.

Acts 10:19-21 NKJV While Peter thought about the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are seeking you. (20) Arise therefore, go down and go with them, doubting nothing; for I have sent them.” (21) Then Peter went down to the men who had been sent to him from Cornelius, and said, “Yes, I am he whom you seek. For what reason have you come?”

1 Thessalonians 5:21 AMP (21) But test and prove all things [until you can recognize] what is good; [to that] hold fast.

Always remember that the Bible teaches that the Spirit of God and the Word of God agree.

Anytime that the Spirit of God speaks to you, it will always be in line with the Word.

We are not to seek voices. We should not follow voices. WE SHOULD FOLLOW THE WORD OF GOD.

How do I become more sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading?

1. Give the Word of God first place.
2. Meditate in the Word of God. (Joshua 1:8)
3. Practice the Word of God. (James 1:22)
4. Instantly obey your conscience.
5. Spend time praying in other tongues.

 

The Holy Spirit – Part 8

(2 Corinthians 13:14 TLB) May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. May God’s love and the Holy Spirit’s friendship be yours.

(1 Corinthians 12:1 BBE) But about the things of the spirit, my brothers, it is not right for you to be without teaching.

(Ephesians 5:15-17 AMP) Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wise (sensible, intelligent people), (16) Making the very most of the time [buying up each opportunity], because the days are evil. (17) Therefore do not be vague and thoughtless and foolish, but understanding and firmly grasping what the will of the Lord is.

If the Lord through the Apostle Paul is telling us to understand what the will of God is, then it must be possible for us to know the will of God for our lives.

(Colossians 1:9 MSG) Be assured that from the first day we heard of you, we haven’t stopped praying for you, asking God to give you wise minds and spirits attuned to his will, and so acquire a thorough understanding of the ways in which God works.

The will of God for us can be divided into two categories:

1. The general will of God that is made known unto us by His Word.
2. The specific will of God for our individual lives

In the things that God has not given us direction for in His Word, He wants us to be led by His Spirit in our spirits.

Let’s establish three things in this:

1. You are a spirit, you have a soul, and you live in a body.

(1 Thessalonians 5:23 NKJV) (23) Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

• The spirit is made new when you are Born Again.

(2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT) This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

• We must renew our minds or save our souls with the Word of God.

(Romans 12:2 NLT) Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

(James 1:21 NLT) So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls.

• We present our bodies as a living sacrifice.

(Romans 12:1 NLT) And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all He has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice–the kind He will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship Him.

2. God lives in you.

(1 John 4:15 NKJV) Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.

God will guide us, enlighten us, and lead us through our recreated human spirits.

(Proverbs 20:27 NKJV) The spirit of a man is the lamp of the LORD, Searching all the inner depths of his heart.

3. As a child of God, you have a right to be led by the Spirit of God.

(Romans 8:14 NKJV) For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.

How Does the Holy Spirit Lead Me?

✓ God will lead you first and foremost through the inward witness.

(Romans 8:16 NKJV) The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,

(1 John 5:10 NKJV) He who believes in the Son of God has the witness in himself…

His Spirit, God’s Spirit bears witness with our spirits that we are His children.

There is a knowing that is right down on the inside of you.

If He will bear witness in our spirits about being Born Again, the most important decision that we could have possibly made, then surely, He will bear witness about all the decisions in our lives.

Colossians 3:15 AMP And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ’s] one body you were also called [to live]. And be thankful (appreciative), [giving praise to God always].

God will lead you in this way as you pursue a “peaceful knowing” in your spirit.

He will also warn you of impending danger or harm in the same way.

Acts 27:9-11 NKJV Now when much time had been spent, and sailing was now dangerous because the Fast was already over, Paul advised them, (10) saying, “Men, I perceive that this voyage will end with disaster and much loss, not only of the cargo and ship, but also our lives.” (11) Nevertheless the centurion was more persuaded by the helmsman and the owner of the ship than by the things spoken by Paul.

Paul had a knowing that the trip would not go well because the Spirit of God bore witness to that in his spirit.

Isaiah 28:16 NKJV Therefore thus says the Lord GOD: “Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, A tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; Whoever believes will not act hastily.

Psalms 37:7 NIV  Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.

Psalms 37:9 NKJV For evildoers shall be cut off; But those who wait on the LORD, They shall inherit the earth.

Psalms 37:34 NKJV Wait on the LORD, And keep His way, And He shall exalt you to inherit the land; When the wicked are cut off, you shall see it.

Isaiah 40:31 NKJV But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.

The Holy Spirit – Part 7

(1 Corinthians 12:1 BBE) But about the things of the spirit, my brothers, it is not right for you to be without teaching.

The Gifts of the Spirit

(1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NKJV) (4) There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. (5) There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. (6) And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. (7) But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: (8) for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, (9) to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, (10) to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. (11) But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.

• When the Holy Spirit is moving, Jesus will be the only one being lifted up. (John 16:13-14)
• The Word and the Holy Spirit will always agree and never conflict with each other. (1 John 5:7)
• A perfect Holy Spirit desires to move though imperfect people.

The gifts of the Spirit can be categorized:

Three gifts that say something:

• Prophecy
• Divers kinds of tongues
• Interpretation of tongues

Three gifts that reveal something:

• The word of wisdom
• The word of knowledge
• The discerning of spirits

Three gifts that do something:

• The gift of faith
• The working of miracles
• The gifts of healings

The Gifts that Do Something:

1. The Gift of Faith – a supernatural manifestation of the Holy Spirit whereby a believer is empowered with special faith and it is beyond simple saving faith.

1 Corinthians 12:9 AMP To another [wonder-working] faith by the same [Holy] Spirit…

• The gift of faith is given to the believer so that he can receive miracles.

Daniel 6:21-23 NKJV Then Daniel said to the king, “O king, live forever! (22) My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths, so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent before Him; and also, O king, I have done no wrong before you.” (23) Now the king was exceedingly glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no injury whatever was found on him, because he believed in his God.

• When special faith is in operation, the believer will believe God in such a way, that God honors their word as if it is His own and miraculously causes it to come to pass.

Joshua 10:12-14 NKJV Then Joshua spoke to the LORD in the day when the LORD delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel: “Sun, stand still over Gibeon; And Moon, in the Valley of Aijalon.” (13) So the sun stood still, And the moon stopped, Till the people had revenge Upon their enemies. Is this not written in the Book of Jasher? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and did not hasten to go down for about a whole day. (14) And there has been no day like that, before it or after it, that the LORD heeded the voice of a man; for the LORD fought for Israel.

• This special faith cannot be increased by hearing the Word of God like simple saving faith can.
• Smith Wigglesworth said that if you will take a step of ordinary faith, when you come to the end of that faith, very often this supernatural gift of special faith will take over. One reason more folks don’t see the manifestation of special faith operating in their lives is that they don’t first use what faith they already have.

2. The Gift of the Working of Miracles – a supernatural intervention by God in the ordinary course of nature, a temporary suspension of the normal order, operated by the power of the Holy Spirit.

• The gift of faith receives the miracle, where the working of miracles does the miracle.
• The Greek word for “miracles” in 1 Corinthians 12:10 means: acts of powers, explosions of almightiness, staggering wonders or astonishments.

John 2:5-11 NKJV His mother said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.” (6) Now there were set there six waterpots of stone, according to the manner of purification of the Jews, containing twenty or thirty gallons apiece. (7) Jesus said to them, “Fill the waterpots with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. (8) And He said to them, “Draw some out now, and take it to the master of the feast.” And they took it. (9) When the master of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom. (10) And he said to him, “Every man at the beginning sets out the good wine, and when the guests have well drunk, then the inferior. You have kept the good wine until now!” (11) This beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory; and His disciples believed in Him.

• Jesus fed the multitudes twice with not enough food and it was supernaturally multiplied; He walked on water; calmed the sea, etc.

In the New Testament we see more of the Gifts of healing then the working of miracles but there are some situations where it could have been both.

Acts 6:8 NKJV  And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people.

Acts 8:6 NKJV And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.

3. Gifts of healings – supernatural manifestations for the healing of sickness and disease to deliver the sick and destroy the works of the devil in the human body.

The Gifts of Healings have nothing to do with medical science or natural learning.

Acts 19:11-12 NKJV  Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul, (12) so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them.

Acts 28:8 NKJV And it happened that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and dysentery. Paul went in to him and prayed, and he laid his hands on him and healed him.

Jesus operated in the Gifts of Healings and Working of Miracles in His ministry.

Jesus did not perform any miracles or heal anybody as the Son of God. He did it as a man anointed by the Holy Spirit and did none of these things until after He was anointed.

Jesus was just as much the Son of God when He was 25 as He was when the Holy Ghost came upon Him at 30 but He did not heal anyone when He was 25.

John 14:12 NKJV “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.

The Holy Spirit – Part 6

(2 Corinthians 13:14 TLB) May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. May God’s love and the Holy Spirit’s friendship be yours.

(1 Corinthians 12:1 BBE But about the things of the spirit, my brothers, it is not right for you to be without teaching.

The Gifts of the Spirit

(1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NKJV) (4) There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. (5) There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. (6) And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. (7) But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: (8) for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, (9) to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, (10) to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. (11) But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.

• When the Holy Spirit is moving, Jesus will be the only one being lifted up. (John 16:13-14)
• The Word and the Holy Spirit will always agree and never conflict with each other. (1 John 5:7)
• A perfect Holy Spirit desires to move though imperfect people.

The gifts of the Spirit can be categorized:

Three gifts that say something:

• Prophecy
• Divers kinds of tongues
• Interpretation of tongues

Three gifts that reveal something:

• The word of wisdom
• The word of knowledge
• The discerning of spirits

Three gifts that do something:

• The gift of faith
• The working of miracles
• The gifts of healings

The Gifts that Say Something:

1. The Gift of Divers kinds of tongues is a supernatural utterance in an unknown tongue.
2. The Gift of Interpretation of tongues is a supernatural revealing of that which has been said in an unknown tongue.
3. The Gift of Prophecy is a supernatural utterance in a known tongue.

The Gifts that Reveal Something:

1. The Gift of the Word of Knowledge is the supernatural revelation by the Holy Ghost of certain facts in the mind of God.

A word is a fragmentary part of a sentence just as the Word of Knowledge is a fragmentary part of the complete knowledge that God has.

The Word of Knowledge can come through several different means: inward revelation, audible voice, an angel, dreams, tongues and interpretation, etc.

(2 Kings 5:25-26 NKJV) Now he went in and stood before his master. Elisha said to him, “Where did you go, Gehazi?” And he said, “Your servant did not go anywhere.” (26) Then he said to him, “Did not my heart go with you when the man turned back from his chariot to meet you? Is it time to receive money and to receive clothing, olive groves and vineyards, sheep and oxen, male and female servants?

(Acts 9:10-12 NKJV) Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” (11) So the Lord said to him, “Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying. (12) And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight.”

2. The gift of the Word of Wisdom – a supernatural revelation by the Spirit of God concerning the divine purposes and plans in the mind and will of God.

The difference between the Word of Knowledge and the Word of Wisdom is that the word of knowledge is always present tense or concerning something that has happened in the past.

(Genesis 37:6-7 NKJV) So he said to them, “Please hear this dream which I have dreamed: (7) There we were, binding sheaves in the field. Then behold, my sheaf arose and also stood upright; and indeed your sheaves stood all around and bowed down to my sheaf.”

The Holy Spirit will often use the two of them together.

(Acts 9:13-16 NKJV) (13) Then Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. (14) And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.” (15) But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. (16) For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.”

(Acts 11:27-29 NKJV) And in these days prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch. (28) Then one of them, named Agabus, stood up and showed by the Spirit that there was going to be a great famine throughout all the world, which also happened in the days of Claudius Caesar. (29) Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea.

(Acts 27:10-11 NKJV) saying, “Men, I perceive that this voyage will end with disaster and much loss, not only of the cargo and ship, but also our lives.” (11) Nevertheless the centurion was more persuaded by the helmsman and the owner of the ship than by the things spoken by Paul.

3. The Gift of Discerning of spirits is the supernatural insight into the realm of spirits.

Discern: to perceive by seeing or hearing

It is somewhat limited because it is only revelation in regards to the realm of the spirit and not as broad as the word of knowledge or the word of wisdom.

• It is not the gift of discernment or suspicion.
• It is not the gift of discerning the faults of others.
• It is not limited to the discerning of devils.

The gift of discerning of spirits is supernatural insight into the spirit world where there are Divine spirits as well as evil spirits.

(Acts 16:16-18 NKJV) Now it happened, as we went to prayer, that a certain slave girl possessed with a spirit of divination met us, who brought her masters much profit by fortune-telling. (17) This girl followed Paul and us, and cried out, saying, “These men are the servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation.” (18) And this she did for many days. But Paul, greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And he came out that very hour.

Paul probably saw into the spirit realm and saw the spirit behind what this girl was doing because he spoke directly to the spirit.

You don’t necessarily need the discerning of spirits to know when something is out of order. You can know that simply by the inward witness of your spirit.

(Acts 27:23-24 NKJV) For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve, (24) saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you.’

Any time in the scriptures that someone had an angelic visitation and “saw” the angel, this was through the gift of Discerning of Spirits.

Remember, these manifestations are to operate in the life of believers not just preachers and great ministers.

They are, however, as the Holy Spirit wills and not as we will.

(2 Corinthians 13:14 TLB) May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. May God’s love and the Holy Spirit’s friendship be yours.

(1 Corinthians 12:1 BBE But about the things of the spirit, my brothers, it is not right for you to be without teaching.

Introduction to the Gifts of the Spirit

Wise older Pastor said that if you want the gifts of the Spirit in manifestation in your church, you should pray for them but you must teach on them. You should always teach on what you desire to see in your church.

(Matthew 9:35 NKJV) Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.

(1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NKJV) (4) There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. (5) There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. (6) And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. (7) But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: (8) for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, (9) to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, (10) to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. (11) But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.

• When the Holy Spirit is moving, Jesus will be the only one being lifted up.

(John 16:13-14 NKJV) However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. (14) He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you.

• The Word and the Holy Spirit will always agree and never conflict with each other.

(1 John 5:7 NKJV) For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one.

• A perfect Holy Spirit desires to move though imperfect people.

The gifts of the Spirit can be categorized:

• Three gifts that say something:
  • Prophecy
  • Divers kinds of tongues
  • Interpretation of tongues
• Three gifts that reveal something:
  • The word of wisdom
  • The word of knowledge
  • The discerning of spirits
• Three gifts that do something:
  • The gift of faith
  • The working of miracles
  • The gifts of healings

The Gifts that Say Something:

1. The Gift of Divers kinds of tongues is a supernatural utterance in an unknown tongue.

Divers Kinds of Tongues is supernatural utterance by the Holy Spirit in languages never learned by the speaker, nor understood by the speaker, nor necessarily understood by the hearer.

The Gifts of Tongues is the most prominent as it is often the most manifested gift in our services, it is the initial evidence of the baptism of the Holy Ghost, and it is only found in the Church Age.

Speaking in tongues has nothing to do with linguistic ability; it has nothing to do with the mind or intellect of man. It is a vocal miracle of the Holy Spirit.

2. The Gift of Interpretation of tongues is a supernatural revealing of that which has been said in an unknown tongue.

Interpretation of tongues is not a translation of a message in tongues.

The purpose of this gift is simply to render the gift of tongues understandable to the hearers so the whole church congregation as well as the one who gave the utterance in an unknown tongue, may know what has been said and be edified.

(1 Corinthians 14:13 NKJV) (13) Therefore let him who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret.

There is Interpretation of tongues in your private prayer times and interpretation of tongues in a corporate setting. In your private time, there could be revelation or insight that comes or it could, you could see something, or a thought rise up out of your spirit.

3. The Gift of Prophecy is a supernatural utterance in a known tongue.

(1 Corinthians 14:3 NKJV) (3) But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men.

In the simple gift of prophecy there is no revelation, only edification, exhortation and comfort.

The gift of prophecy is greatest of the utterance gifts because it takes the other two, divers kinds of tongues and interpretation of tongues to equal this one gift.

(1 Corinthians 14:1 NKJV) (1) Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.

(1 Corinthians 14:39 NKJV) (39) Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues.

• God desires for all present in the church to be blessed by this gift.
• With this gift there is a forthtelling but not a foretelling.
• The gift of prophecy goes beyond speaking by our own reasoning processes and intellect.
• It may be involved in preaching as some preaching may be an inspired utterance.
• It may be involved in witnessing or sharing because one may be inspired to share something with someone else. For instance, one may be led to share a scripture or encouraging word with someone. That can be the Gift of Prophecy in operation.
• Simple gift of prophecy in private prayer along with the word of wisdom is available to every believer.

Psalms, hymns and spiritual songs are a form of prophecy as they are an inspired utterance given to us by the Spirit.

(Ephesians 5:18-19 NIV) Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, (19) speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord,

(2 Corinthians 13:14 TLB) May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. May God’s love and the Holy Spirit’s friendship be yours.

(1 Corinthians 12:1 BBE But about the things of the spirit, my brothers, it is not right for you to be without teaching.

How to Receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit

(Acts 1:8 NKJV) But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

(Acts 2:1-4 NKJV) When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. (2) And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. (3) Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. (4) And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

We want to talk about how to receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in other tongues. This will also help us as believers to learn how to effectively minister the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.

1. This ministry of the Holy Spirit is a separate experience after being Born Again.

(Acts 8:5-8 NKJV) Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them. (6) And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. (7) For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed; and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed. (8) And there was great joy in that city.

(Acts 8:14-17 NKJV) Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, (15) who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. (16) For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. (17) Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

2. God has already given the Holy Spirit and we simply receive God’s free gift.

(Acts 8:17 NLT) Then Peter and John laid their hands upon these believers, and they received the Holy Spirit.

3. The only requirement to being able to receive this experience is to be Born Again.

(Acts 2:37-38 NKJV) Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (38) Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

We believe that people that are saved can go to heaven. If they are good enough to go to heaven, then they are good enough to have a little bit of heaven in them here on the earth.

Baby Christians, carnal Christians, and all Christians can and should be filled with the Holy Spirit. They can receive power that will help them. (Acts 1:8)

4. You do not need to fear receiving anything other than the Holy Spirit.

(Luke 11:11-13 NKJV) If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? (12) Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? (13) If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”

Notice Jesus’ reference to the serpent and scorpion. Remember He had just said in Luke 10:19 that we have authority over serpents and scorpions. When you ask to receive the Holy Spirit that is exactly what you will get – the Holy Spirit.

5. When you receive, you yield to the Holy Spirit and you do the speaking.

(Acts 2:4 NKJV) And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

(Acts 10:44-46 NKJV) (44) While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. (46) For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God…

(Acts 19:6 NKJV) And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.

(1 Corinthians 14:18 NKJV) (18) I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all;

6. When you pray and receive the Holy Spirit, open your mouth and be ready to use your mouth and vocal chords.

• The Holy Spirit will give you the utterance but you must yield and give voice to that utterance. Anytime you ever speak with other tongues, it will definitely be you doing the talking.
• He does not take over you or force you to speak.
• The Holy Ghost does not speak in tongues – YOU DO!
• Speaking in tongues is entirely you and it is entirely the Holy Spirit.

Try not to speak in your natural language but give voice and speak out whatever utterance is given by the Holy Spirit no matter what it may sound like to you.

Speak the utterance that you hear by faith and the more that you speak it forth, the more fluent it will become.

(John 7:37-39 NKJV) On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. (38) He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” (39) But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.

7. Tongues is the initial evidence that you have been filled with the Holy Spirit and that evidence is mostly for you.

(2 Corinthians 13:14 TLB) May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. May God’s love and the Holy Spirit’s friendship be yours.

(1 Corinthians 12:1 BBE But about the things of the spirit, my brothers, it is not right for you to be without teaching.

Benefits of Praying In Other Tongues (Last Week)

• Tongues is primarily for a believer’s own personal, spiritual edification.
• God has given us a divine means by which we can speak directly to Him supernaturally.
• Praying in other tongues is praying in line with God’s perfect will.

More Benefits of Praying In Tongues

• Speaking in tongues helps us to stay aware of the Holy Spirit’s presence.

(John 14:16-17 NKJV) And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever– (17) the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.

Amplified – He will be with you constantly and soon will be in you.

When we are more aware of His presence, we are less likely to lose our temper, or say or do other things in the flesh.

• Praying in tongues will stimulate your faith.

Stimulate – encourage development and increase activity

(Jude 1:20 NKJV) But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit,

Faith does not come by praying in the Spirit; it comes by hearing the Word.

How does it stimulate our faith? The very act of praying in other tongues requires faith.

Some of us (who love God and believe His Word) are having problems receiving answers to prayer simply because we are not activating our faith on a consistent basis.

Just as physical exercise causes us to feel better and become more alert physically, this spiritual exercise does the same thing for us.

Testimonies of people receiving physical healing as they were baptized in the Holy Spirit and began to pray in other tongues.

• Praying in tongues gives spiritual refreshing.

(Isaiah 28:11-12 NKJV) For with stammering lips and another tongue He will speak to this people, (12) To whom He said, “This is the rest with which You may cause the weary to rest,” And, “This is the refreshing…”

There is a rest that is available to us through praying in the Spirit. As we know, sometimes rest is what we need to get well of what is ailing or troubling us.

• Praying in tongues will help you get your tongue under control.

(James 3:6-8 NKJV)  And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell.  [7]  For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind.  [8]  But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.

James did not say that the tongue could not be tamed or brought under control. James said that no man can tame the tongue.

Some have trouble controlling the parts of our flesh that get us in trouble sexually, but actually God is more concerned about you taming the tongue because it can cause more damage. If you can control the tongue, you are able to get the other parts under control.

(James 3:2 NKJV) For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body.

• Praying in tongues will aid you in worshipping God.

(1 Corinthians 14:15-17 CEV)  Then what should I do? There are times when I should pray with my spirit, and times when I should pray with my mind. Sometimes I should sing with my spirit, and at other times I should sing with my mind.  [16]  Suppose some strangers are in your worship service, when you are praising God with your spirit. If they don’t understand you, how will they know to say, “Amen”?  [17]  You may be worshiping God in a wonderful way, but no one else will be helped.

We need to develop a vocabulary of worship from the Word of God in our known tongue.

Worshipping in Spirit is a powerful thing that God gives us because sometimes you run out of what to say in your known language.

This will cause us to become intimately aware of the presence of God on an ongoing basis.

• Praying in tongues is a means of magnifying God.

(Acts 10:45-46 NKJV) And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. (46) For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Then Peter answered,

The Greek word for “magnify” means to make great or enlarge.

By praying in the Spirit, we make God bigger in our thinking.

(God does not get bigger but He becomes bigger to us.)

(2 Corinthians 13:14 TLB) May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. May God’s love and the Holy Spirit’s friendship be yours.

(1 Corinthians 12:1 NKJV) (1) Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant:

The word “gifts” was added by the translators. This verse actually says,

(1 Corinthians 12:1 BBE) But about the things of the spirit, my brothers, it is not right for you to be without teaching.

The Spirit Within and the Spirit Upon

Jesus told us there are two distinct works of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer. One is in the New Birth where He works in us, and the other is in the Baptism of the Holy Spirit when the Spirit comes upon us.

(John 4:13-14 KJV) Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: (14) But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

(John 7:37-39 NKJV) On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. (38) He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” (39) But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.

Notice Jesus likened the work of the Holy Spirit to water in a well (New Birth) and water flowing like a river (the baptism of the Holy Spirit).

• The water in the well is for the believer’s benefit.
• The river flowing out of us is for the benefit of others.

The Baptism of the Holy Spirit is an additional dimension of the work that He does in us. But, it is the same Holy Spirit that came in us when we got Born Again.

The initial evidence of receiving the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, is speaking in other tongues.

(Acts 2:1-4 NKJV) When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. (2) And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. (3) Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. (4) And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

(Acts 10:44-46 NKJV) While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. (45) And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. (46) For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Then Peter answered,

(Acts 19:6 NKJV) And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.

Benefits of Praying In Other Tongues

• Tongues is primarily for a believer’s own personal, spiritual edification.

1 Corinthians 14:4 NKJV (4) He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.

Jude 1:20 NKJV But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit,

You can’t edify people unless you have first been edified.

• God has given us a divine means by which we can speak directly to Him supernaturally.

1 Corinthians 14:2 AMP For one who speaks in an [unknown] tongue speaks not to men but to God, for no one understands or catches his meaning, because in the [Holy] Spirit he utters secret truths and hidden things [not obvious to the understanding].

• Praying in other tongues is praying in line with God’s perfect will.

(Romans 8:26-27 NKJV) Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. (27) Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

Underline or circle “helpeth”, “infirmities”, “ought”, “intercession”.

Helpeth – sunantilambano – three separate words

Sun – partnership and cooperation, this verse is not what the Holy Ghost does for us, but does in conjunction and partnership with us, side by side with us

2 Cor. 6:1 co-laborers together with God.

Anti – against, not just positionally against, but a person filled with rage.

Lambanomai – to take something to yourself, forcibly seize something

Romans 8:26 is about spiritual weaknesses not physical diseases.

Your infirmities (weaknesses) do not eliminate you from His help, they qualify you for His help.

What – (ti) – the very little thing. It underscores that we don’t even know how to necessarily pray for the small things not to mention the larger issues in life. We are so limited in our view but He can see it ALL.

Ought (dei)– as the new situation requires and dictates, as the new problem demands.

Intercession – (huperentugchano) – this is the only time that this word is used in the entire New Testament.

This word paints the picture of someone who has come upon someone who has fallen into some kind of quandary.

It would be as if someone has fallen into a deep cavern and is stuck. There is someone who immediately swings into action to rescue and deliver the one who is in trouble. It conveys the idea of a full scale rescue operation.

When we do not know how we should pray for that situation, the Holy Spirit swings into a full-scale rescue operation. But in order to do this, He falls into that place with you. Now you are no longer facing that situation alone, for the Holy Spirit has stepped into your dilemma and is initiating a rescue plan to get you out of that mess!

The Holy Spirit feels everything that you feel. He understands the complete inadequacy you are experiencing. He willingly joins you in your circumstances sharing your emotions and frustrations. Then He begins to put a supernatural plan of rescue into operation to get you out of that problem.

• Your weaknesses do not disqualify you from His help, they qualify you for His help.

(2 Corinthians 13:14 TLB) May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. May God’s love and the Holy Spirit’s friendship be yours.

Having close relationships with other people is only part of God’s plan for our lives. He desires to be our most intimate friend.

Who is the Holy Spirit?

(Genesis 1:2 NKJV) The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.

Ruwach – a wind, breath, a blast of breath.

(John 6:63 NIV) The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you–they are full of the Spirit and life.

Pneuma – a current of air, blast of breath, a strong breeze.

• The Holy Spirit is a person.

He is not an “it”.

(John 14:16-17 NKJV) And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever– (17) the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.

• The Third Person in the Trinity.

(Matthew 28:19 NKJV) Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

(Matthew 3:16-17 NKJV) When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. (17) And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

• The Holy Spirit is the perfect gentleman.

The Holy Spirit will not force Himself upon anyone. He must be received. He will never override anyone’s will or power of choice.

(Luke 11:11-13 NKJV) If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? (12) Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? (13) If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”

The Holy Spirit Within Us

1. The Holy Spirit causes us to be Born Again.

(John 3:3-6 NKJV) Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (4) Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” (5) Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. (6) That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

2. The Holy Spirit enables us to have God’s help.

(John 14:16 NKJV) And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—

Helper (Greek: parakletos) – one called alongside to help and offer aid.

(John 14:16 AMP) And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby), that He may remain with you forever–

3. The Holy Spirit enables us to develop Christ-like character.

(2 Corinthians 3:17-18 NLT) (17) For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. (18) So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord–who is the Spirit–makes us more and more like Him as we are changed into His glorious image.

(Galatians 5:22-23 NLT) But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, (23) gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!

4. The Holy Spirit wants to be our guide.

(Romans 8:14 NIV) For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.

5. The Holy Spirit wants to teach us.

(John 14:26 NKJV) But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.

(John 16:13 NKJV) However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.

The Holy Spirit Upon Us

1. The Holy Spirit equips us with His power.

(Acts 1:8 AMP) But you shall receive power (ability, efficiency, and might) when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem and all Judea and Samaria and to the ends (the very bounds) of the earth.

2. The Holy Spirit wants to manifest Himself through us.

(1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NKJV) (4) There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. (5) There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. (6) And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. (7) But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: (8) for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, (9) to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, (10) to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. (11) But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.