Thrust: Spirit-filled Christians should be conscious of the palpable presence of the Holy Spirit so as to pursue it and manifest it in daily living.

Meaning of Presence:

• a) state or fact of existing, occurring, or being present
• b) fact that someone or something is in a place
• c) feeling that someone is still in a place although he’s not there or is dead
• d) a person’s ability to make his character known to others

Meaning of Palpable:

• a) a feeling or atmosphere so intense as to seem almost tangible
• b) capable of being touched or felt, making the unseen real to the feeling
• c) so obvious that it can easily be seen or known

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I. PONDER on the Presence of the Holy Spirit

A. The Presence of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament

And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters (Gen 1:2)

... God formed man [Adam] of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being (nephesh) (Gen 2:7)

The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life (Job 33:4)

When you send Your Spirit, they are created, and You renew the face of the earth (Psa 104:30)

Son of man, can these bones live? (Ezk 37:3a)

O Lord God, You alone know. (Ezk 37:3b)

Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they come to life (Ezk 37:9)

… breath came into them, and they lived, and stood upon their feet, an exceedingly great army. (Ezk 37:10)

Then Samuel took a flask of oil and poured it on Saul’s head. (1 Sam 10:1)

Saul turned into another man. (1 Sam 10:6)

For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He has rejected you as king. (1 Sam 15:23)

… invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you shall do; you shall anoint for Me the one I name to you. (1 Sam 16:3)

Arise, anoint him (David) for this is the one! (1 Sam 16:12)

In the Old Testament, the Spirit's presence was sporadic and not permanent. It was for specific people for special roles and functions.

B. The Presence of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament

I indeed baptize you with water, 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. (Mt 3:11)

For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God; for He gives the Spirit without measure. (Jn 3:34)

I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit. (Jn 1:33)

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. (Jn 14:26)

But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me. (Jn 15:26)

Nevertheless, I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. (Jn 16:7)

And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever — the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. (Jn 14:16-17)

You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvellous light. (1 Pet 2:9)

After Pentecost, His Spirit was poured out on ALL FLESH. All believers are eligible recipients, and the Presence of the Holy Spirit will be constant and consistent.

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II. PURSUE the Presence of the Holy Spirit

A. Purpose to Pursue the Presence of the Holy Spirit

But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. (1 Tim 6:6-7)

B. Determine to Possess the Presence of the Holy Spirit

Christ is either Lord of all or is not Lord at all - James Hudson Taylor

Anyone who loves his father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me; and anyone who does not take his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me. (Mt 10:37-38)

III. PRACTICE the Presence of the Holy Spirit

A. Carry the Presence of the Holy Spirit

If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit (Gal 5:25)

Since this is the kind of life we have chosen, the life of the Spirit, let us make sure that we do not just hold it as an idea in our heads or a sentiment in our hearts, but work out its implications in every detail of our lives. (Gal 5:25, MSG)

B. Manifest the Presence of the Holy Spirit

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Gal 5:22-23)

CONCLUSION

• 1) Know your privilege as NT believers: you have been given the Spirit without measure
• 2) Covet the Presence of the Holy Spirit; fall in love with Him; and have ‘fellowship’ with Him
• 3) Carry the Presence of the Spirit at all times, in all places, under all circumstances