Good morning. I want to start by praising God for this wonderful worship service and the opportunity to speak from His word. I also want to thank Pastor Manoj, Pastor Sam Peter, and all of you for being here.
I've been thinking about what to share with you today, and my prayer has been to deliver a message that is not just a fanciful speech, but one that helps you discover the truth in God's word and strengthens you in your walk with the Lord. The message I have for you is titled "Christian Life is Life in the Spirit".
We're going to examine this statement by reading two verses. The first is from Acts chapter 2, verses 38 and 39. This is part of the very first sermon in the Christian church. When the people heard the message, they were "pierced to the heart" and asked what they should do. Peter told them to repent, be baptized, and they would receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, as the promise is for them and their children. The second verse is from Romans chapter 8, verse 2, which says, "for the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death".
When we talk about the essential nature of the Christian life, we are talking about life in the spirit. In his farewell discourse in John chapters 14, 15, 16, and 17, Jesus speaks about the Holy Spirit five times, which indicates its importance. He says he will not leave us as orphans but will ask the Father to send "another helper," the Spirit of Truth, who will be with us forever. The Holy Spirit will teach us all things, remind us of what Jesus said, and testify about Him. He will also convict the world concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment. The Spirit of Truth will guide us into all truth and disclose what is to come. Jesus also said that He and the Father would come and make their dwelling with anyone who loves Him and keeps His word. The triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—will dwell in our hearts through the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit experience is not just about speaking in tongues or communication with God. It is a distinct, recognizable, and life-changing experience. If you are dissatisfied with your Christian life, the only way to mend it is to pray for the Holy Spirit. It's the engine of your Christian life, giving you the power to live victoriously instead of trying to push it forward on your own. The law could not achieve what the Spirit of Life will achieve in your life. The Spirit of Life will replace your failures with successful Christian living because of one factor, the Holy Spirit.
Romans chapter 8 highlights several things the Holy Spirit does in a Christian's life.
He sets you free from the law of sin and death. This is what we read in verse 2 of Romans 8. The Holy Spirit delivers you from the vicious cycle of sin and death. By the Spirit, we can put to death the deeds of the body and live. A Christian is defined as someone who is led by the Spirit of God. Nothing is impossible with God; through the Spirit, the impossible obstacles in your life can be shattered. The Apostle Paul, who did not rely on his own impressive personality or eloquence, depended entirely on the Holy Spirit's power that worked mightily in him.
He gives you a spirit of adoption. In Romans 8:15, the Holy Spirit is described as the spirit of adoption. We were once abandoned and cast out, but God adopted us into His family by giving us the "spirit of sonship". Because of the spirit of adoption, we can cry out "Abba, Father" , which is a word that opens the door to God's powerful throne.
He helps in our weakness and intercedes for us. We often don't know what to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us "with groanings too deep for words". The Spirit is always praying in you, even when you are busy or sleeping. The Spirit also testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, giving us assurance when we question our faith.
He gives life to our mortal bodies. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead dwells in us and will also give life to our mortal bodies. He will one day raise you up on the last day.
The Holy Spirit experience is not just about emotional feelings, powerful speaking, or spiritual gifts. It is a life-changing experience that makes you a Christian.
Who receives the Holy Spirit? You don't have to be perfect. The Holy Spirit is for those who ask and those who thirst. Jesus said if we, as humans, know how to give good gifts to our children, how much more will the Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him. As Peter said, this gift is available to you, your children, and everyone God calls.
You don't need to be powerless or in despair. You can live a victorious life through the power of the Holy Spirit. It is not by your might or power, but by His Spirit. May God bless you and help you trust in the Holy Spirit and His mighty power. Thank you.