Joel 2:28
The Spirit of God will be poured out upon all people, giving them the power to prophesy, speak in new languages, and perform healings.
Chuck Smith emphasizes the profound promise of God to pour out His Spirit upon all flesh, highlighting the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. He contrasts the selective outpouring of the Spirit in the Old Testament with the New Testament promise that all can receive this empowerment, leading to prophesy, strength, and wisdom. Smith illustrates the immediate effects of the Spirit's presence, such as speaking in new languages and the ability to witness and heal. He encourages believers to expect the Spirit's active role in their lives today, resulting in love and power that draws others to Christ.
Text
"THE PROMISE OF THE FATHER"
I. THE PROMISE: "I WILL POUR OUT MY SPIRIT UPON ALL FLESH."
A. To think, the Spirit of God upon a man.
1. I have seen men when spirit of fear.
2. I have seen spirit of happiness.
3. Spirit of sadness and depression.
4. Comprehend what this says the Spirit of God would come
upon mortal man.
B. "All flesh" in Old Testament times on certain selected
individuals.
1. The Spirit of the Lord came upon Saul and he
prophesied.
2. The Spirit of the Lord came upon Samson and he smote
the Philistines.
3. Moses complained the burden too heavy gathered to men.
When Spirit rested upon them they prophesied.
Eldad-Medad. "Would to God that all the Lord's
people..."
4. God who in different times and in various manners spoke
to us by the prophets."
C. The Old Testament effects of the coming upon experience.
1. Prophesy.
2. Strength.
3. Wisdom and understanding.
4. Faith.
5. Knowledge.
6. Interpreting of dreams even strange foreign writing.
I. with Moses can see the fantastic potential of the Spirit of God
resting upon all His people.
A. Acts 1: 4-8; Acts 2: 1-45; 12-21.
B. Acts 2:38 "For this promise is unto you..."
III. THE NEW TESTAMENT EFFECTS OF THE EXPERIENCE.
A. Power "Dunamas" Love, Agape.
1. Immediate result speaking in a new language.
2. Power to witness.
3. Healings.
4. Power to pray.
5. Power to discern.
6. Power to understand Word.
B. The effects of the display of this power.
1. Men drawn and converted to Christ.
Can we expect the Spirit today?
What effects should He have?
POWER LOVE
Sermon Outline
- 'The Promise: ''I Will Pour Out My Spirit Upon All Flesh''' points: - The Spirit of God upon a man - The Spirit of the Lord came upon selected individuals in Old Testament times - 'The effects of the coming upon experience: prophesy, strength, wisdom, faith, knowledge, and interpreting of dreams'
- The New Testament Effects of the Experience points: - Power, Love, and Agape - 'The effects of the display of this power: men drawn and converted to Christ'
Key Quotes
“I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh.” — Chuck Smith
“The Spirit of the Lord came upon Saul and he prophesied.” — Chuck Smith
“POWER LOVE” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- We should expect the Spirit of God to rest upon us today, giving us power and love.
- The effects of the Spirit's power should include men being drawn and converted to Christ.
- We should seek to understand and interpret the Word of God, and to use our gifts and talents to serve others.