Build on the Power of God
Building Blocks For God’s People – Part 2
Unleashing the Game-Changer: Building on God’s Power Through the Holy Spirit
Have you ever felt powerless in the face of life’s challenges? Do you sometimes wonder if there’s a way to tap into a source of strength beyond your own abilities? As believers in Christ, we have access to the ultimate game-changer: the indwelling Holy Spirit. Let’s explore how building on God’s power through the Holy Spirit can transform our lives and our church.
The Game-Changer Within
In John 14:16-17, Jesus promised His disciples, “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another helper to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth… You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.” This promise wasn’t just for the early disciples – it’s for every believer today. The indwelling Holy Spirit is the game-changer that sets us apart from the world.
As C.H. Spurgeon wisely said, “If we do not have the spirit of God, it were better to shut the churches, to nail up the doors, to put a black cross on them and say, ‘God have mercy on us!'” Without the Holy Spirit, our efforts are in vain. But with Him, we have access to divine power that can shake the world.
Let’s look at four crucial truths about how the Holy Spirit works in our lives:
1. The Holy Spirit Will Empower You
Throughout the book of Acts, we see examples of believers being filled with the Holy Spirit. In Acts 1:8, Jesus promised, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
This power isn’t just for a select few – it’s available to all believers who surrender to God’s control. Imagine what our church could be like if all its members were filled with the Holy Spirit! As Zechariah 4:6 reminds us, it’s “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.”
2. The Holy Spirit Will Speak to You
God desires to communicate with us, and the Holy Spirit is His primary means of doing so today. Throughout Acts, we see the Spirit speaking to believers, guiding their actions and decisions (Acts 8:29, 10:19, 11:12, 13:2).
While God may not speak through burning bushes or dreams today, He primarily speaks through His Word. As we read the Bible, the Holy Spirit illuminates its truths and applies them to our lives. Are we listening? Or are we like the man who kept asking his wife what’s for dinner, only to realize she had already answered him three times?
3. The Holy Spirit Will Lead You
The early church relied on the Holy Spirit’s guidance for leadership decisions, doctrinal matters, and ministry direction. In Acts 13:2, we see the Spirit directing the church to send out missionaries. In Acts 15:28, the church leaders recognized the Spirit’s guidance in resolving doctrinal disputes.
Sometimes, the Spirit’s guidance may involve closed doors, as Paul experienced in Acts 16:6-7. But when God closes one door, He opens another. Are we sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading in our lives and our church?
4. The Holy Spirit Will Comfort You
In times of persecution and uncertainty, the early church found comfort in the Holy Spirit. Acts 9:31 tells us, “So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied.”
Whatever challenges we face – whether it’s global conflicts, personal loss, or anxiety about the future – the Holy Spirit offers us comfort and peace that surpasses understanding.
Putting It Into Practice
As we consider these truths, how can we build on God’s power through the Holy Spirit in our daily lives and as a church?
- Surrender control: Pray for the Holy Spirit to fill you, acknowledging your dependence on God’s power rather than your own.
- Listen attentively: Spend time in God’s Word, allowing the Holy Spirit to speak to you through Scripture.
- Follow His lead: Be open to the Spirit’s guidance in your decisions, even when it doesn’t align with your plans.
- Seek His comfort: In times of trouble, turn to the Holy Spirit for peace and strength.
- Resist and be sincere: Don’t resist the Spirit’s prompting or lie to Him (Acts 5:3-4). Be transparent and sincere in your walk with God.
As A.J. Gordon said, “I gave myself over to the Holy Ghost, and then I gave my church over to Him.” Let’s do the same, surrendering ourselves and our church to the Holy Spirit’s control. When we build on God’s power, we’ll see Him work in ways that leave us and others in awe of His glory.
Remember, the indwelling Holy Spirit is the ultimate game-changer. Let’s tap into His power and watch as He transforms our lives, our church, and our community for His glory.
Build by Serving Others
Praise in Spite of Pain
Build on Prayer Acts
The Power of Giving
With Glad and Generous Hearts
Build on the Promises of God
We hope you enjoyed the sermon and would love to see you in person. Plan your visit to Community Baptist Church in Spring Hill, Tennessee today!