These words written by A.W. Tozer are more relevant now than when he first spoke them many years ago. Everywhere I look I see churches and pastors relying more upon the methodology of man than the unction of the Holy Spirit to move the Kingdom forward. It is not that I believe most ministers and congregations are insincere, far from it, but we have lost touch with what God has ordained as the way He will grow His Church. In our microwave mentality we expect everything yesterday and have little patience for God's timing.
How we need to hear again Jesus' words to the disciples just prior to His ascension: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." (Acts 1:4,5)
Waiting is hard, but crucial. Waiting is important, but we are not to be idle. We must prepare ourselves to receive the power of the Spirit when He comes. Paul makes this clear in Ephesians 5:18 when he commands us; "Be filled with the Holy Spirit." In the Greek this is a present imperative, we must be continually be seeking to be filled; but it is also in the passive voice meaning we cannot fill ourselves. We can only position ourselves to be ready when the Spirit moves. Then and only then are ministers and churches able to gather and grow God's people for His glory. With that in mind, let me share five ways we can position ourselves for the P.O.W.E.R. of the Holy Spirit to fill us.
Prayer and Praise -
Ephesians 5:19-20 tells us: "Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Obedience -
"For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord." (Eph. 5:8-10)
Word of God -
Ephesians 5:17: "Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is." Also in Colossians 3:16 we read: "Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom..."
Exercise of Spiritual Gifts -
"We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully." (Romans 12:6-8)
Relationships with other Spirit-Filled Believers -
"Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." (Ephesians 4:25-32)
If we spend our "waiting" time involved in these activities we will find that at just the right moment , God will pour out His Spirit upon us and in His strength we will do His will. Acts 2:42b should be the norm and not the exception.
"And the Lord added to their number daily
those who were being saved."
those who were being saved."
No comments:
Post a Comment