Forgotten God

1. The Holy Spirit is often forgotten but essential for Christian life

If it's true that the Spirit of God dwells in us and that our bodies are the Holy Spirit's temple, then shouldn't there be a huge difference between the person who has the Spirit of God living inside of him or her and the person who does not?

The forgotten God. Many Christians acknowledge the Holy Spirit's existence but rarely experience His presence or action in their lives. This neglect has led to a church culture focused more on entertainment and self-centered consumerism than on the transformative power of the Spirit.

Importance of the Spirit. The Holy Spirit is crucial for:

• Guiding believers in their daily lives
• Empowering them to live differently from the world
• Providing supernatural abilities to serve the church
• Bringing conviction of sin and assurance of salvation

Call to action. Christians are encouraged to actively seek the Holy Spirit's presence and power, moving beyond mere intellectual knowledge to a life-changing relationship with Him.

2. Overcoming fears and misconceptions about the Holy Spirit

Do you thrive on controlling the big and small in your life? Does the thought of letting go and listening to the Spirit's guidance scare you and only make you cling tighter to what you think you have?

Common fears. Many believers hesitate to fully embrace the Holy Spirit due to:

• Fear of the unknown or supernatural
• Concern about losing control of their lives
• Worry about being labeled as extreme or weird
• Anxiety about potential life changes

Addressing misconceptions. The author challenges readers to:

• Examine their preconceived notions about the Spirit
• Let go of the need for complete understanding and control
• Trust in God's goodness and willingness to guide them

Embracing the Spirit. Overcoming these fears can lead to a more fulfilling and powerful Christian life, characterized by intimacy with God and supernatural experiences.

3. Understanding the theology and attributes of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is not a commodity to be bought or traded according to our individual wants, whims, or even our felt needs.

Essential attributes. The Holy Spirit is:

• A Person, not an impersonal force
• God, equal with the Father and Son
• Eternal and holy
• Possessing His own mind, emotions, and will

The Spirit's role. Key functions of the Holy Spirit include:

• Indwelling believers
• Interceding for Christians in prayer
• Guiding and empowering believers
• Convicting of sin and assuring of salvation
• Producing spiritual fruit in believers' lives

Practical implications. Understanding the Holy Spirit's nature and role should lead to a greater dependence on Him and a desire to live in alignment with His will.

4. Seeking the Holy Spirit for the right reasons

If we never pray audacious, courageous prayers, how can He answer them? If we never follow Him to positions where we need Him, how can He show up and make His presence known?

Examining motives. Many seek the Holy Spirit for:

• Personal benefit or gain
• Miraculous experiences
• Power or influence

Right reasons. The author emphasizes seeking the Spirit for:

• Glorifying God
• Edifying the church
• Becoming more like Christ
• Experiencing true intimacy with God

Living dependently. Christians are encouraged to:

• Pray bold prayers that require God's intervention
• Step out in faith, relying on the Spirit's power
• Seek to live in ways that can only be explained by God's presence

5. Developing a real relationship with the Holy Spirit

But despite our inability to change ourselves in this way, to simply become more peaceful or joyful, we expend a great deal of effort trying. We focus on what God wants us to do and forget the kind of people He wants us to be.

Intimacy with God. The Holy Spirit enables believers to:

• Experience God's love and acceptance
• Enjoy security as God's children
• Have peace that surpasses understanding

Practical steps. To deepen this relationship:

• Spend intentional, uninterrupted time with God
• Listen for the Spirit's voice in prayer and Scripture
• Respond obediently to the Spirit's promptings

Transformative power. As believers cultivate this relationship, they experience:

• Freedom from guilt and insecurity
• Supernatural peace and joy
• Ability to love others sacrificially

6. Focusing on the Spirit's guidance rather than long-term plans

I think a lot of us need to forget about God's will for my life. God cares more about our response to His Spirit's leading today, in this moment, than about what we intend to do next year.

Shift in perspective. Instead of seeking a detailed life plan, believers should:

• Focus on daily obedience to the Spirit's leading
• Trust God's moment-by-moment guidance
• Be willing to take risks and make sacrifices

Benefits of this approach:

• Greater flexibility to follow God's will
• Increased dependence on the Spirit
• More opportunities for God to work supernaturally

Practical application. This may involve:

• Making decisions based on the Spirit's prompting, even when they seem unconventional
• Being open to sudden changes in direction
• Prioritizing obedience to God over personal comfort or security

7. Creating a supernatural church empowered by the Holy Spirit

When we exhibit the peace that surpasses the world's understanding, that's when the world notices. That's when people say, "Your Lord—He is God!"

Characteristics of a Spirit-filled church:

• Supernatural love and unity among members
• Radical generosity and sacrifice
• Boldness in sharing the gospel
• Miraculous healings and transformations

Contrasting with human efforts. The author warns against:

• Relying solely on talent and strategy to grow churches
• Prioritizing attendance numbers over spiritual transformation
• Quenching the Spirit's work through fear or control

Call to action. Christians are encouraged to:

• Pray fervently for the Spirit's power in their churches
• Be open to the Spirit's supernatural workings
• Live in ways that can only be explained by God's presence

Last updated: November 26, 2024