February 10th, 2025
by Pastor Luke
by Pastor Luke
The Power of the Holy Spirit: From Within to Overflow
Have you ever felt a spiritual thirst that seems unquenchable? A longing for something more in your faith journey? The truth is, as believers, we are called to experience a dynamic, powerful relationship with the Holy Spirit that goes beyond mere intellectual understanding.
The concept of the Holy Spirit's presence in our lives can be understood through three distinct phases, beautifully illustrated by three Greek prepositions: para (with), en (in), and epi (upon).
Para: The Holy Spirit With Us
Even before we come to faith, the Holy Spirit is at work in our lives. He is with us, convicting us of sin, drawing us towards God, and revealing the truth of Jesus Christ. This phase demonstrates God's love for all people, even those who don't yet know Him. It's a comforting thought that the Holy Spirit is actively working in the lives of our unbelieving friends and family members, wooing them towards faith.
En: The Holy Spirit In Us
At the moment of conversion, when we put our faith in Jesus Christ, something miraculous happens. The Holy Spirit comes to dwell within us. This indwelling presence is what enables us to say, "Jesus is Lord," and to understand spiritual truths. It's the seal of our salvation and the source of our new life in Christ.
However, many Christians stop here. They're content with having the Holy Spirit in them, but they put a lid on their spiritual experience. They may think, "I'm saved, I'm going to heaven, what more do I need?" But God has so much more for us!
Epi: The Holy Spirit Upon Us
The third phase is where the real adventure begins. God desires for the Holy Spirit to not just be with us or in us, but to overflow from us. This is the power for effective witness and ministry that Jesus promised in Acts 1:8: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
This overflow of the Spirit is what we see throughout the book of Acts. It's not about seeking a second, dramatic spiritual experience, but about removing the lid from our lives and allowing the Holy Spirit to flow through us in power.
Imagine a glass of water. The Holy Spirit with us is like water next to the glass. The Holy Spirit in us is like water filling the glass. But the Holy Spirit upon us is like water overflowing, spilling out to impact the world around us.
So how do we experience this overflow? It starts with recognizing our need and asking in faith. Jesus said in Matthew 7:11, "If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!" When was the last time you asked God for an unusual measure of His Spirit to flow through you?
The Power and the Purity
As we seek this overflow of the Spirit, we must remember that God's power always comes hand in hand with His holiness. The story in Acts 19 of the seven sons of Sceva serves as a stark warning. These men tried to use the name of Jesus and Paul to cast out demons, but they had no real relationship with God. The result was disastrous – the evil spirit overpowered them, leaving them naked and wounded.
This incident reminds us that we can't borrow someone else's spiritual authority or try to use God's power for our own gain. True spiritual power comes from a genuine relationship with God, rooted in His Word and guided by His Spirit.
The aftermath of this event in Ephesus was powerful. People were filled with the fear of the Lord, and many who had been dabbling in occult practices brought their magic books and burned them publicly. It was a massive spiritual housecleaning, demonstrating that when God's power is truly at work, it leads to repentance and holiness.
A Call to Spiritual Purity
This brings us to an important question: Are there areas in our lives where we're seeking insight or power from sources other than God? In our modern context, this could be anything from horoscopes to self-help philosophies that contradict biblical truth. As believers, we're called to a singular faith, relying solely on God's Word and His Spirit for guidance and power.
It's time for a spiritual housecleaning in our own lives. What "magic books" do we need to burn? What practices or beliefs are holding us back from fully experiencing the overflow of God's Spirit?
The Thirsty Church
Jesus said, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, 'Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.'" (John 7:37-38) This is the picture of a Spirit-filled life – not just containing the Spirit, but overflowing with His presence and power.
Imagine what could happen if we, as the Church, truly thirsted for this overflow of the Spirit. If we removed the lids from our lives and allowed God's power to flow through us unhindered. We would see lives transformed, communities impacted, and the name of Jesus exalted.
The invitation is clear: Don't settle for less than God's best. Don't be content with just having the Holy Spirit with you or even in you. Seek the overflow. Ask the Father for a greater measure of His Spirit. Open your life to His power and His purity.
As we do this, we can trust that God will respond to our faith. He will fill us to overflowing, and through us, rivers of living water will flow to a thirsty world. This is the adventure of faith that God is calling us to. Are you ready to take the lid off and let the Spirit overflow?
stay salty. be bright.
Pastor Luke
The concept of the Holy Spirit's presence in our lives can be understood through three distinct phases, beautifully illustrated by three Greek prepositions: para (with), en (in), and epi (upon).
Para: The Holy Spirit With Us
Even before we come to faith, the Holy Spirit is at work in our lives. He is with us, convicting us of sin, drawing us towards God, and revealing the truth of Jesus Christ. This phase demonstrates God's love for all people, even those who don't yet know Him. It's a comforting thought that the Holy Spirit is actively working in the lives of our unbelieving friends and family members, wooing them towards faith.
En: The Holy Spirit In Us
At the moment of conversion, when we put our faith in Jesus Christ, something miraculous happens. The Holy Spirit comes to dwell within us. This indwelling presence is what enables us to say, "Jesus is Lord," and to understand spiritual truths. It's the seal of our salvation and the source of our new life in Christ.
However, many Christians stop here. They're content with having the Holy Spirit in them, but they put a lid on their spiritual experience. They may think, "I'm saved, I'm going to heaven, what more do I need?" But God has so much more for us!
Epi: The Holy Spirit Upon Us
The third phase is where the real adventure begins. God desires for the Holy Spirit to not just be with us or in us, but to overflow from us. This is the power for effective witness and ministry that Jesus promised in Acts 1:8: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
This overflow of the Spirit is what we see throughout the book of Acts. It's not about seeking a second, dramatic spiritual experience, but about removing the lid from our lives and allowing the Holy Spirit to flow through us in power.
Imagine a glass of water. The Holy Spirit with us is like water next to the glass. The Holy Spirit in us is like water filling the glass. But the Holy Spirit upon us is like water overflowing, spilling out to impact the world around us.
So how do we experience this overflow? It starts with recognizing our need and asking in faith. Jesus said in Matthew 7:11, "If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!" When was the last time you asked God for an unusual measure of His Spirit to flow through you?
The Power and the Purity
As we seek this overflow of the Spirit, we must remember that God's power always comes hand in hand with His holiness. The story in Acts 19 of the seven sons of Sceva serves as a stark warning. These men tried to use the name of Jesus and Paul to cast out demons, but they had no real relationship with God. The result was disastrous – the evil spirit overpowered them, leaving them naked and wounded.
This incident reminds us that we can't borrow someone else's spiritual authority or try to use God's power for our own gain. True spiritual power comes from a genuine relationship with God, rooted in His Word and guided by His Spirit.
The aftermath of this event in Ephesus was powerful. People were filled with the fear of the Lord, and many who had been dabbling in occult practices brought their magic books and burned them publicly. It was a massive spiritual housecleaning, demonstrating that when God's power is truly at work, it leads to repentance and holiness.
A Call to Spiritual Purity
This brings us to an important question: Are there areas in our lives where we're seeking insight or power from sources other than God? In our modern context, this could be anything from horoscopes to self-help philosophies that contradict biblical truth. As believers, we're called to a singular faith, relying solely on God's Word and His Spirit for guidance and power.
It's time for a spiritual housecleaning in our own lives. What "magic books" do we need to burn? What practices or beliefs are holding us back from fully experiencing the overflow of God's Spirit?
The Thirsty Church
Jesus said, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, 'Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.'" (John 7:37-38) This is the picture of a Spirit-filled life – not just containing the Spirit, but overflowing with His presence and power.
Imagine what could happen if we, as the Church, truly thirsted for this overflow of the Spirit. If we removed the lids from our lives and allowed God's power to flow through us unhindered. We would see lives transformed, communities impacted, and the name of Jesus exalted.
The invitation is clear: Don't settle for less than God's best. Don't be content with just having the Holy Spirit with you or even in you. Seek the overflow. Ask the Father for a greater measure of His Spirit. Open your life to His power and His purity.
As we do this, we can trust that God will respond to our faith. He will fill us to overflowing, and through us, rivers of living water will flow to a thirsty world. This is the adventure of faith that God is calling us to. Are you ready to take the lid off and let the Spirit overflow?
stay salty. be bright.
Pastor Luke
2 Comments
Wonderful message, thank you for the outline so I can reference back. So glad we were there yesterday.
Yes, amen!