There are 3 forces that constantly wage war against us.

John calls them: the World, the Flesh, and the Devil.

The most destructive is our own flesh.

What does the term “Flesh” mean?

“Flesh” is human intellect, human will, and human emotion, acting independently of God.

The Spirit gives life but the flesh counts for nothing.

True Christian worship is doing what God wants.

Christ broke the power of sin over you.

In Christ you’re not the same person you used to be.

Study is meaningless without a solid foundation.

The entire Bible is a text for the study of the Holy Spirit.

Paul knew he was not walking alone, he was being led, he was being empowered, by the Holy Spirit.

1. He is a Person, Not an It.

2. He is the Holy Spirit.

3. He is Spirit.

4. The Holy Spirit is God’s Agent.

When God wants to act, he acts through the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit empowers.

A series on the Holy Spirit and the Spirit Filled life.

We have been passed from condemnation into acceptance.

- By virtue of the blood of the lamb He passes over our past sins.

- He empowers us to live differently, righteously and holy lives.

He gives you the lamb within to empower you.

It’s impossible to live the Christian life apart from the Holy Spirit.

Heaps of people try to live in their own abilities:

1. On the basis of their mental power.

2. On the basis of their will power.

3. On the basis of their emotions and feelings.

All of those are deficient.

Today lets note these 2 things:

1. Awareness.

That you can’t live the Christian life by doing the best with your flesh.

2. Begin to pray now.

That in these coming weeks God will encounter all of us.

The book of Acts is outlined in one verse: Acts 1:8

This verse has 3 powerful themes:

1. The Transforming Power of the Holy Spirit.

The most profound work of the Holy Spirit is his power to change people’s lives.

2. The Spread of the Gospel.

Evangelism, outreach and missionary activity, is one of the major results of the ministry of the Holy Spirit.

3. You Will be My Witnesses.

Jesus promised the power to empty your life to be used by God for His purposes.

What can we expect to see to experience?

1. Great Blessing is often found on the other side of God Ordered Risk.

God does at times call us to take “ordered” risks for the fulfilment of the Great Commission.

2. Great Blessing is Found in Dependence upon God.

Acts is not a record of human endeavour or business savvy.

It’s not a record of the best-brightest leading a human endeavour.

It is the story of ordinary people, who knew an extraordinary God, and who did extraordinary things, through faith in Him.

3. When God’s Spirit is in Control, things can often Appear Messy.

As we look at the book of Acts we see inconsistencies, failures, power struggles, personality conflicts, insecurities, envies, ethnic pride, divisions and strife.

How can it be that they manifested all of that?

2 things to note:

a. Spirit lead doesn’t mean perfect.

b. God is a God of order, but the introduction of His

order into our old order, blows things apart.