In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to overlook the subtle ways the Holy Spirit equips us. Whether it’s a word of wisdom during a conversation with a friend, an act of kindness to a stranger, or a moment of patience in a stressful situation, these are all manifestations of the Spirit’s work within us. We need to remember If you want to operate in the gifts, become aware of Him. Learn this and more in Partnering with Holy Spirit: As you go – Using the Gifts in Daily Life
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Notes from Partnering with Holy Spirit: As you go – Using the Gifts in Daily Life
I want to start with a story today that many of you witnessed yourself. I’ll share the story a little differently, because Paul did the same when he didn’t want to boast.
Now I’m not boasting with this story, but I don’t know who’s listening to this now or later and I don’t want to not honour someone I should be honouring.
But it’s a good story.
So I’ll tell it like Paul did…in the second person.
There was a man who was in a church that had experts come in to tell the church how to do church better. By better, it was to do things the way the “experts” thought they should be done. Specifically it was so that evangelism would be done following the experts program.
By the way, this man had been heard saying. “An expert is a former drip under pressure.”
The man had, in the past, bought and read every book he could with the word “Evangelism” in the title, such as:
- Prayer Evangelism,
- Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God,
- Evangelism by Fire,
- Power Evangelism,
- Honest Evangelism,
- Servant Evangelism,
- God-Centred Evangelism,
- New and Ancient Evangelism,
- The Lazy Way of Evangelism,
- Conversational Evangelism,
- Worship Evangelism,
- Evangelism Made Easy,
- Evangelism Explosion,
- Biblical Evangelism,
- Mere Evangelism,
- The Celtic Way of Evangelism,
- Effective Intercultural Evangelism,
- Questioning Evangelism,
- Recapturing Evangelism,
- Evangelism: A Way of Life,
- Evangelism for the Faint Hearted,
- Evangelism in the Early Church,
- Evangelism: Learning from the Past
- Evangelism: For the Care of Souls
- Evangelism: Doing Justice and Preaching Grace,
- Evangelism through the local church,
- The Master’s Way of Evangelism.
You get the idea.
It was a running gag.
Friends would call the man if they found a book with evangelism in the title and if he didn’t have it, they’d often buy it for him.
The man realized almost every book on evangelism—with a few notable exceptions—talked away, ignored or ridiculed the supernatural in the day-to-day-of-everyday. And he realized that Jesus taught his disciples to move in the supernatural so any method that ignored or ridiculed doing that was not something worth the time to listen to. All it could do would be to guilt people into doing evangelism and motivating with guilt never did anybody any good.
And the man had practical experience in bringing Jesus wherever he went. In coffee shops when he’d meet with people, he had prophetic words that often had people in tears or laughing in tears because they knew God saw them. As the man walked down the street, God would point people out to him and the man—with permission—prayed and commanded healing and some of them were healed and all the people he prayed for knew God really loved them. On occasion in lines at stores the man would start up conversation with someone around him, and he’d give a word of knowledge and the one who he was talking to knew God knew them.
All those things came together…
1. thinking an expert was former drip under pressure, and
2. having the experts teach on a topic he knew a lot of different approaches and programs on, and
3. actively practicing how he knew Jesus taught his disciples to show the kingdom before you proclaim the kingdom, and
3. having the expert push an approach that put all the pressure on the person to feel guilty and ignore the supernatural, and…
…it led to a bit of sarcasm.
The man was listening to message that he first heard and taught 20 years before. He knew the punchline. He could tell that—while the first time he heard it, and every time he personally used it, it was used to edify others—this expert was going to use make his listeners feel guilty.
Remember – motivating by guilt never did anybody any good.
So when the man heard the set up “What’s the one thing you’re not able to do to serve God in heaven?” The man decided to answer: “Heal the sick? Cleanse the lepers? Cast out demons? Raise the dead? Sounds like how Jesus expects us to do evangelism.”
The expert didn’t appreciate the input.
It didn’t fit his program.
But you see, when Jesus sent his disciples out to the towns of Judah, he told them… In the day-to-day of your everyday. …heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons, raise the dead and proclaim the Kingdom of God is near.
Why can you declare the kingdom of God is near?
Because as you go, you heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons, raise the dead.
You show the kingdom, so you can declare the kingdom is near.
That’s what evangelistic training gets wrong 99% of the time—it’s about the program, not the Kingdom.
In case if you’re wondering I’m not going to have the word “Evangelism” in my book about evangelism. I’m pretty sure my book and course on Evangelism will be called Live Light:Shine Bright…you’ve heard most of those messages.
The man had found that if he could get people excited about Jesus, they couldn’t stop talking about Jesus. If he could get people into God’s presence, they’d take His presence with them. If he taught them about compassion; they’d move in compassion. If he could show them what wisdom was; they chose to walk in wisdom. Motivating by guilt never did anybody any good.
What the man didn’t have time to say, is what I’m going to give you today as we look at Partnering with Holy Spirit: As you go – Using the Gifts in Daily Life
Can I pray?
Jesus told his disciples when he sent them out to the towns of Judah, As you go…heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons, raise the dead proclaim the Kingdom of God is at hand (Matthew 10:8).
The gifts of the Holy Spirit are for the day-to-day of everyday.
Yes, the gifts of Holy Spirit are given for the common good of the gathered church. We talk about practicing them in the gathered church. They should be operating whenever we gather. They are for the edification, exhortation and comfort of each other (1 Corinthians 14:3).
How many know, it’s wonderful when we don’t leave the gathered church the same way we came?
That’s often because of the work of Holy Spirit through willing participants.
The gifts of Holy Spirit are for US when we’re together.
- Because we know we’re to test everything and hold to the good (1 Thessalonians 5:21), together is a good place to practice and grow in the gifts.
- Because everything is for the edification, exhortation and comfort of others (1 Corinthians 14:3), together is a great way to bless each other with the gifts.
- Because often times we become more aware of His presence together, it’s easier to operate in the gifts because His presence facilitates the gifts
The gifts of Holy Spirit are for US when we’re together. But… I have 3 buts…
- You’ve got to be ready to give a reason for the hope that you have. (1 Peter 3:15-16) People will see your hope, when you more and more naturally operate in the gifts.
- Jesus taught “ As you go…heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons, raise the dead proclaim the Kingdom of God is at hand (Matthew 10:8)…AND He told his disciples to teach others everything He taught them. (Mathew 28:19) Which includes, as you go – show God’s Kingdom, proclaim His Kingdom.
- And His presence is always with you. (Matthew 28:20) Remember… If you want to operate in the gifts, become aware of Him. Worship makes to more aware of His presence.
Problem
Life happens. We got things to do and places to be. We get notifications and emails and texts and video calls ad nauseam. Who’s got time to add more things to an already busy scheduled?
And people are messy. It’s not a predicable environment like we have most times we’re together.
And in the busy-ness of the day-to-day of our everyday – our problems seem bigger than our God.
He is always with us, but are we with Him?
Does this really matter?
“Not that my voice needs to be heard, but it’s that my God needs to be seen.”
Janine
This happens when people see something in you that can’t be explained away by your personality or temperament or the way your family raised you.
- What about a word of knowledge that shows the person you’re talking to God knows and loves them?
- What if they knew they could come to you for wisdom?
- What about a prophetic word that speaks life and hope to their situation?
- What if they see faith arise in you see you change before their eyes?
- What about an instant healing when doctors say it will take time or there is no hope?
- What if they saw undeniable miracles in their situation?
- What if you would discern spirits and a new reality became open to them?
These gifts are for us as believers. They are for unbelievers so that they can proclaim, “God is really among you!”
We live in a world that doesn’t have time for pretty programs, but they are desperate for real love. Paul makes it clear, the most excellent way to use these gifts is with love.
You may be the only Jesus someone sees today. Wouldn’t you like to show them a glimpse of his love for them?
Often God grabbed my attention when I was out for coffee with someone and all the hairs on my arms and neck would stand up. I’d check to see if a door was open or if I was sitting under an air conditioner, and if not I’d assume God had something great to give. I’d ask God what He loved about them and wait for the opportunity to share it. It was always a God-encounter moment.
After a while, I learned I could look for what God loved about people and share it with them and the profundity would be there just as if I sensed his presence and responded. I asked God why I didn’t get the tingling feeling too much and I felt him respond that He trusted me to do it .
Imagine
Imagine keeping in step with Holy Spirit and feeling the presence of God in the day-to-day of your everyday. Remember what it feels like to feel his presence so close that whether you turn to the right or to the left you’ll know what way you need to go.
You’ve been in that place. You’ve known His presence.
What if you could more and more feel His presence in the day-to-day-of your everyday?
You can. Jesus has a solution. It’s to ABIDE in Christ.
Read John 15:1-17 NKJV “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you. You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. These things I command you, that you love one another.
ABIDE in Christ Tool
A – Always Stay Connected
B – Bear Fruit
I – Integrate With His Love
D – Decide to Obey His Leading
E – Enjoy Loving Each Other
Let’s unpack this…
A – Always Stay Connected
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)
V. 7 – my words abide in you
The Bible encourages believers to stay connected with God through prayer (Philippians 4:6-7), reading the Scriptures (2 Timothy 3:16-17), worship (John 4:23-24), fellowship with other believers (Hebrews 10:24-25), and by living a life that aligns with God’s teachings and commandments (James 1:22).
Gratitude opens the gates of worship (Psalm 100:4). Worship leads to a greater awareness of his Presence. (Psalm 22:3) His Presence facilitates His gifts. (2 Kings 3:15).
Did you know that? Elisha called for a harpist so he could prophecy.
The presence of God sets us apart from all the people of the earth (Exodus 33:16). His presence provides counsel and guidance (Psalm 16:8) and brings comfort and protection (Psalm 23:4). Times of refreshing come from the presence of God (Acts 3:19) In His presence is fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11). Where two are gathered Christ there (Matthew 18:20). His presence changes everything. If you want to operate in the gifts, become aware of Him.
Gratitude opens the gates of worship (Psalm 100:4). Worship leads to a greater awareness of his Presence. (Psalm 22:3) His Presence facilitates His gifts. (2 Kings 3:15).
Tip: If you’re feeling disconnected, repent and return to the things you did at first with thanksgiving
Am I staying connected?
B – Bear Fruit
“This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” (John 15:8)
The growth of fruit is more God working in you and Holy Spirit finishing the good work He’s started in you, than it is about you having a checklist or gauging if you have 12% more patience than you had last year.
When you are part of him, and his word is part of you, you can’t help but become more and more and more like him. Holy Spirit grow the love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness and self control in you. This draws people to you and allows you to use the gifts Holy Spirit has given you to your level of faith, and personality you have. Most people who are terrified at talking to strangers, are really good friends to a small number of people.
If they can see the fruit in you, they’ll be open to gifts through you.
Let your light shine before people so that they’ll see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16).
Tip: Don’t ignore OR downplay the fruit in your life – grow it to show it, but don’t point it out.
What would others say is the fruit I’m growing?
I – Integrate With His Love
“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.” (John 15:9)
How do you remain in His love? Perfect love comes from God and is shared through you to others. Everything we do needs to be done in love (1 Corinthians 16:14). Paul prayed “may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. (Ephesians 3: 18-19).
Do you remain in His love? You are loved. Live loved. Be led by your compassion.
Compassion is something you can tune into or tune off.
Tip..Jesus was moved by compassion…be led by your compassion. Don’t turn off your compassion.
Do I do everything in love?
D – Decide to Obey His Leading
“If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.” (John 15:10)
If we could get this, the world would be changed. If we believed that we live by the spirit, so we should keep in the spirit, our lives would be fun. The problem is most times most of us have seen someone say, “The Holy Spirit told me to do something”, that something never looked like wisdom.
Remember, James 3:17 But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favouritism and is always sincere.
That is wisdom and that is how Jesus will lead you.
Tip: Remember to obey His leading is to be led by wisdom.
In my heart, have I set apart Christ as Lord?
E – Enjoy Loving Each Other
I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. (John 15:11-13)
If you want to stay connected to God, you need to stay connected with his people. I’m not suggesting you need to be best friends with everyone, I am agreeing with the proverb that says “Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.” Proverbs 13:20. There is so much blessing that God has for us as we gather and walk with each other. We miss out when we live like “it’s Jesus and me”.
Tip: If you love the bridegroom you need to learn to love the bride. Learn to love each other.
Am I using my gifts in the church?
ABIDE
Presence of God + Fruit of Holy Spirit + Being led by compassion and wisdom + Walking with others = “these sign will follow those who believe”
The supernatural becomes natural as you ABIDE in Christ.
If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. John 15:7
The supernatural becomes natural as you ABIDE in Christ.
When you ABIDE in Christ As you go… in the day-to-day of everyday… heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons and raised the dead. Show the Kingdom, proclaim the Kingdom.
Become aware of his presence, follow his compassion, are led by wisdom use the gifts and others exclaim “God is really among you.” You don’t have to point it out. You do have in your hearts, set apart Christ as Lord and always be ready to give a reason for the hope that you have, but do this with gentleness and respect.
Can you do this?
The same power that raised Christ Jesus from the dead is alive in you. He empowers you to accomplish every good work prompted by faith. It’s not you, it’s Christ in you, you ABIDE in Christ with Holy Spirit’s help.
A – Always Stay Connected (15:5)
B – Bear Fruit (15:8)
I – Integrate With His Love (15:9)
D – Decide to Obey His Leading (15:10)
E – Enjoy Loving Each Other (15:11-13)
Challenge
Will you ABIDE in Christ?
His presence is always with you. Will you be with Him?
As you go, will you show God’s Kingdom then proclaim His Kingdom?
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