The Empowering Presence Pt. 2 • Discipleship Class

1. Experiencing The Holy Spirit Involves Not Being Ignorant (1 Cor 12:1-3)

1.1 We Are Not To Be Ignorant Concerning The Spiritual Vs. 1

Ignorant: agno-eo, 22,   agnostic…    not to know…   not to understand…

Look at 1 Cor.2:12-15. because we need the Work Holy Spirit to enable us to understand to know… Read.  

1 Corinthians 2:12–15 NKJV

12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. 13 These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one.

John 14:26 the Holy Spirit will teach you all things & bring to your remembrance…

John 14:26 NKJV

26 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.

Back to 1 Cor.12: And notice what Paul does not want us to be ignorant about,  vs.1a.

Spiritual: pneumatikos, 26, from pneuma: wind, breath, Spirit…  

so pneumatikos is one who is filled with the Spirit or controlled by the Spirit we might say…    as it pertains to Spiritual things…

Notice the word gifts is in italics which means it’s not in the original text… Turn to…

1 Corinthians 14:1 NKJV

1 Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.

1 Corinthians 14:12 NKJV

12 Even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel.

Now there are to 2 major views regarding this:

Some scholars say that chps.12, 13 & 14 deal with only the Operations of the gifts… or the Manifestations of the gifts… and so these are not the actual gifts themselves… 

We do have the gifts here & in addition we also have the manifestations of the gifts…  I understand both views… 

1.2 We Are Not To Be Ignorant Concerning the Evil in the Spiritual Vs. 2 

Before the Work of the Holy Spirit they were simply Gentiles: ethnos, heathens, nations, pagans… being directed…  or carried away or led by dumb or silent idols…   

The Corinthians were idolaters and unknowingly they were enslaved by evil spirits & were led by these demonic influences.

And because of that they witnessed supernatural manifestations of the spirit world and they heard demonic utterances. 

At times, they sometimes would surrender their control to the influence of these evil spirits, and they would say and do things beyond their own conscious self. 

And because of all these weird religious practices in Corinth the Christians became Confused between the Work of the Holy Spirit…      &    the Work of dumb idols…

Problem: They couldn’t tell a Counterfeit…    from   the Real Thing…

APPLICATION: Guys! We need to be Directed or Led by the Holy Spirit in this same area…

Look, 2 Cor.11:13-15. Because not all signs, wonders & prosperity come from the Lord…

2 Corinthians 11:13–15 NKJV

13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.

Look, 2 Thes.2:9-10 There are many cults, that are prospering & performing signs…

2 Thessalonians 2:9–10 NKJV

9 The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, 10 and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

Rom.8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.

Gal.5:18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 

1.3 We Are Not To Be Ignorant Concerning the Testing of the Spiritual Vs. 3

Now that they are saved, the believers must know how to judge all spirit-manifestations, that is, how to discern between the voice of evil spirits and the authentic voice of the Holy Spirit. 

The test is the testimony that is given concerning the Lord Jesus. If a man says, “Jesus is accursed,” you can be sure that he is demon-inspired, because evil spirits characteristically blaspheme and curse the name of Jesus. 

The Spirit of God would never lead anyone to speak of the Savior in this way; 

His ministry is to exalt the Lord Jesus. He leads people to say that Jesus is Lord, not just with their lips, but with the warm, full confession of their hearts and lives.

Notice that the three Persons of the Trinity are mentioned in verse 3 and also in verses 4–6.

Vs. 4 - The Gift Words: There are 4 gifts mentioned in the Bible:  

Dorea: gift of the Holy Spirit Himself

Doma: office or person

Merismos: gifts to confirm the Word

Charisma: from charis, grace, free gift....

2. Experiencing The Holy Spirit Involves Question Regarding Spiritual Gifts

2.1 What are Spiritual Gifts?

Charisma speaks of the abilities given by the Holy Spirit for the work of the ministry… 

They are not natural, but Supernatural… even non-believers are gifted, but that’s natural.

2.2 Why do we Need the Gifts?

To edify the body of Christ…

1 Corinthians 12:7 NKJV

7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all:

To Glorify God…

1 Peter 4:10–11 NKJV

10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

2.3 Does everyone have a Gift?

1 Peter 4:10 NKJV

10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

All believers have at least one gift.

Ephesians 1:3 - blessed with every Spiritual blessing…

2.4 Are the Gifts still for Today?

The answer is absolutely yes…

1 Corinthians 14:5 NKJV

5 I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification.

1 Corinthians 14:39–40 NKJV

39 Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues. 40 Let all things be done decently and in order.

Acts 2:38-39 (dorea – gift of the Spirit)

Acts 2:38–39 NKJV

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. 39 For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.”

Some say no - I Corinthians 13:9-10. They say that which is “perfect” is the Word, thus no more gifts… but if you read on, vs.11-12… that which is “perfect” is Jesus!

1 Corinthians 13:9–10 NKJV

9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.

1 Corinthians 13:11–12 NKJV

11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.

2.5 How do I know What Gifts I have?

It’s not by taking a test…

Your gift will become evident as you as it naturally flows from you…

Others will recognize that gift.

If you think you’re a leader, turn around and see if anyone is following… 

If a teacher start teaching, see if anyone comes to listens… 

2.6 What Are The Gifts?

1. Romans 12:4-8 - 7 total

1. Prophesy 2. Ministry 3. Teaching 4. Exhortation 5. Giving 6. Leading 7. Mercy

Romans 12:4–8 NKJV

4 For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

2. I Corinthians 12:8-10 - 9 total (1 is repeated)

8. Wisdom 9. Knowledge 10. Faith 11. Healing 12.Miracles (Prophecy already listed) 13. Discerning of Spirits 14. Tongues 15. Interpretation of Tongues

1 Corinthians 12:8–10 NKJV

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.

3. I Corinthians 12:28 - 8 total (5 are repeated)

16. Apostles (Prophets, Teachers, Miracles, Healings) 17. Helps 18. Administrations (Tongues).

1 Corinthians 12:28 NKJV

28 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.

4. I Corinthians 7:7 - 2 total

19. Celibacy 20. Marriage

1 Corinthians 7:7 NKJV

7 For I wish that all men were even as I myself. But each one has his own gift from God, one in this manner and another in that.

5. Ephesians 4:11 - 5 total (3 are repeated)

Ephesians 4:11 NKJV

11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers,

(Apostles, Prophets) 21. Evangelist 22. Pastors (Teachers)

Some say Pastor / Teacher is one gift

6. I Peter 4:9-10 - 1 total

1 Peter 4:9–10 NKJV

9 Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. 10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

23. Hospitality.

23 Gifts Total,  some say more others say less…

3. Experiencing The Holy Spirit Involves Faith Acts 16:6-15

3.1 Experiencing The Holy Spirit Involves Faith Because of God’s Timing Vs. 6

COMMENTARY: Phyrgia is in the western region of Galatia or Asia Minor, we know it as Modern day Turkey. And as they had gone through these regions the Holy Spirit forbade them to preach the Word of God.

COMMENTARY: And this is interesting to me because Paul would eventually preach God’s Word in these regions during his 3rd missionary journey. And this shows me a couple of things: 

God’s Timing - How many of you guys know that God is always on Time? The Problem is that we always want things to happen in our time.

Ecclesiastes 3:1= The problem is that we don’t want to wait for that time, we want winter during summer, and summer during winter. 

APPLICATION: We have to understand that God’s timing is the best timing. 

Ecclesiastes 3:11= He has made everything beautiful in its time...

APPLICATION: You know sometimes we will find ourselves in situations that Seems right but the timing is wrong. 

APPLICATION: So you may be getting a closed door and “NO” for an answer but in reality the answer is, “Not Right Now”. 

God’s Preparation - Although Paul would eventually make it there for his 3rd missionary journey, God would first send a man called Apollos there to prepare the people for Paul. 

COMMENTARY: This is why Paul would later go on to right in....

1 Corinthians 3:6= One planted & one watered.

3.2 Experiencing The Holy Spirit Involves Faith Because of God’s Rejection Vs. 7

COMMENTARY: Mysia & Bythynia are in the north, on the Black Sea, a beautiful forested area. And we see this time that they actually tried to go to this region. 

COMMENTARY: You know by now Paul is getting antsy, if you don’t know Paul, he will take every opportunity to Preach God’s Word. And I say this because...

Tried Greek= The word for “tried” in the Greek is obviously a verb and this verb tried is in the imperfect tense. Which means that it is an action that was repeated, continually in the past. 

COMMENTARY: So Paul continually was trying to go north to Bithynia and it took him a while to realize it was not the right way, so the Holy Spirit did not permit them. 

COMMENTARY: So what we see here is that Paul didn’t try just once, he tried to go to Asia, but HS said not now, but during this time Paul thinks its a no. Then he tried Bithynia and the Holy Spirit said no, a lot of times! 

APPLICATION: But you know, Paul did not give up, he just kept on trying other doors. 

ILLUSTRATION: About my testimony on how I got put on staff and became a Pastor…

3.3 Experiencing The Holy Spirit Involves Faith Because of God’s Open Door Vs. 8-10

APPLICATION: And here is the point: When the HS closes a door, He typically opens another. 

APPLICATION: The question is are we Listening to the Spirit? Are we open & flexible to the Leading of the Spirit? 

APPLICATION: So often we make our plans and then ask the Lord to bless it, rather then waiting on the HS to speak to our hearts to tell us what to do and what not to do. 

APPLICATION: Often when we look to the Lord for answers we want something big, we want a booming voice of God. But typically when God speaks to His people He uses a still small voice. In...

1 Kings 19:11-12= After Jezebel had threatened to Kill Elijah

APPLICATION: We have to learn to sit, wait & listen, or we will miss the direction of the Lord. 

COMMENTARY: And notice Paul did not just accept that the vision was from God, he verified it by talking to other Godly men who were there with him. 

APPLICATION: If we believe that God is calling us to do something in particular, talk it over with other Godly men and women so you can be sure! 

Proverbs 15:22 NKJV

22 Without counsel, plans go awry, But in the multitude of counselors they are established.

COMMENTARY: The ultimate authority on whether we are being led by the Spirit is the Word! 

Proverbs 3:5-6= It is by trusting in the Lord, not us, that we know what we are called to do...

Proverbs 16:9= And this does not mean we turn our brains off, God gave us a brain so He wants us to use it. 

Proverbs 3:5–6 NKJV

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.

Proverbs 16:9 NKJV

9 A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.

COMMENTARY: We should be planning our steps, but always remember the Lord directs… We do not just sit around and wait for a voice from heaven to direct us. No, we are to walk by faith!

2 Corinthians 5:7= This is the Christian walk, not the Christians sit. We are called to step in faith, to find out what we are called to do. 

3.4 Experiencing The Holy Spirit Involves Faith Because of Personal Expectations Vs. 11-15

Talk about being flexible on what we think the Holy Spirit showed us…

4. Experiencing The Holy Spirit Involves Nurturing (2 Timothy 1:6-7)

He reminds Timothy that he is steadfast...

Stir Up Greek (ANAZOPYREO)= Ana- It’s a preposition, in the midst, between. Zōon- A living being. Pur- Fire.

Present Active Infinitive= Present Tense and Active Voice.

Matthew 3:11 NKJV

11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

COMMENTARY: So God is the one that sparks this fire.

COMMENTARY: What happens if you don’t kindle a Fire?

COMMENTARY: It is our responsibility to feed that Fire! God is a consuming fire, it should consume our whole life.

Hebrews 12:29= God is a consuming fire…

COMMENTARY: The Lord’s fire will either consume us from the inside out or condemn us from the outside in.

Illustration Fire= Centralia PA 153 acres, In 1962 - 59 years ago. and Burning Mountain. It’ll burn for about 250 years.

Leonard Ravenhill- "You never have to advertise a fire. Everyone comes running when there's a fire. Likewise, if your church is on fire, you will not have to advertise it. The community will already know it."