Brief Summary
This sermon focuses on the importance of understanding and cultivating a relationship with the Holy Spirit, alongside recognising the grace of Jesus Christ and the love of God. It highlights that while many Christians focus on God the Father and Jesus, the Holy Spirit is the active force on Earth today, guiding believers and revealing God's will. The key takeaways include:
- Understanding the distinct roles of the Trinity: Grace of Jesus, Love of God, and Communion of the Holy Spirit.
- Recognising the Holy Spirit as the active CEO in your life, guiding you to what is freely given.
- Cultivating a personal relationship (communion) with the Holy Spirit through consciousness, communication, and obedience.
Introduction: The Importance of Final Words
The speaker opens by emphasising the significance of final words, drawing examples from various cultural references to illustrate their importance. He then directs the audience to 2 Corinthians 13, focusing on Paul's closing remarks to the Corinthian church. Paul's final words encapsulate essential elements: farewell, completeness, comfort, unity, and peace. These words serve as a summary of the core message Paul wanted to leave with the Corinthians.
The Grace of Jesus Christ: Our Qualification
The speaker explains that the grace of Jesus Christ is what qualifies believers and changes their position. This grace is a result of Jesus taking our place, and understanding this should prevent Christians from holding others ransom for their faults. The speaker stresses that no one qualifies for what they have without grace, and appreciating mercy requires giving mercy. Understanding this grace changes one's position, allowing them to walk with God.
The Love of God: The Prominent Attribute
The speaker shifts focus to the love of God, asserting that it is more prominent than His power. While many are obsessed with God's power, the Bible identifies God as love. Love is more important because someone can be powerful without caring, but someone who loves will use their power for you. Shifting consciousness to God's love provides access to His power, changing prayer from negotiation to alignment with God's will. The speaker shares personal experiences to illustrate trusting in God's love and plan.
The Communion of the Holy Spirit: The Active Force
The speaker identifies the Holy Spirit as the active member of the Trinity on Earth, contrasting this with God the Father and Jesus, who are seated. He emphasises that many Christians neglect their relationship with the Holy Spirit, who is the "CEO" or "chief operating officer" in charge of revealing what God has prepared for believers. The Holy Spirit reveals the deep things of God, acting as a protocol officer guiding believers to their inheritance.
The Holy Spirit and Inspired Scripture
The speaker addresses the concept of old versus new testaments, stating that all scripture is inspired by God. The Holy Spirit removes the veil from scripture, making it personally relevant (rhema) rather than just general knowledge (logos). He shares a story about his wife receiving personal guidance from scripture, highlighting the importance of individual communion with the Holy Spirit.
The Sensitivity and Importance of the Holy Spirit
The speaker stresses the Holy Spirit's sensitivity, warning against grieving or quenching the Spirit. Unlike God and Jesus, the Holy Spirit does not tolerate nonsense and can be easily offended. He shares examples from the Bible, such as Ananias and Sapphira, to illustrate the consequences of lying to the Holy Spirit. The speaker reiterates that communion with the Holy Spirit is essential and cannot be faked.
Cultivating Communion with the Holy Spirit
The speaker provides seven practical ways to cultivate a relationship with the Holy Spirit:
- Develop the consciousness of the Holy Spirit: Recognise His presence.
- Talk to Him: Communicate regularly.
- Listen to Him: Be quiet and attentive to His instructions.
- Yield to the Spirit: Obey His promptings.
- Don't Grieve the Holy Spirit: Avoid disobedience and negative attitudes.
- Create the Atmosphere: Engage in worship and fasting.
- Pray in the Spirit: Use tongues to sharpen your spiritual awareness.
Personal Testimonies and the Holy Spirit's Guidance
The speaker shares personal stories to illustrate the Holy Spirit's guidance in various areas of life, including marriage, business, and ministry. He recounts instances where the Holy Spirit provided specific instructions, such as advising him on what to say to his wife or guiding him to start a television ministry. These stories emphasise the practical benefits of cultivating a relationship with the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit and Personal Destiny
The speaker encourages listeners to seek the Holy Spirit's guidance in discovering their personal destiny. He shares how the Holy Spirit revealed scripture to him, leading him to television ministry. He also shares a story about connecting with someone who was already successful in that area, and how that helped him. He also shares a story about his wife's health issues and how the Holy Spirit reminded him of God's unchanging nature, reinforcing his faith.
Final Encouragement and Prayer
The speaker concludes by encouraging the audience to rise to their feet and spend a minute talking to the Holy Spirit. He urges them to acknowledge the Holy Spirit's presence and guidance in their lives, and to pray in the Holy Ghost.
