Ignorant of the Power of God's Spirit
David Wilkerson's sermon highlights the often-overlooked power of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers and the importance of truly knowing Him.
David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of recognizing and appreciating the power of the Holy Spirit within us, likening it to a farmer who unknowingly worked a land rich with gold. Many Christians live unaware of the true significance of the Holy Spirit, often seeking His help only in times of trouble rather than understanding His constant presence and power. Wilkerson challenges believers to reflect on their relationship with the Holy Spirit, urging them to acknowledge the treasure they possess and to allow Him to work fully in their lives. He highlights that true knowledge of the Spirit leads to a life of joyful endurance and a powerful testimony to the world. The sermon calls for a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Holy Spirit's role in our lives.
Text
We can often possess something valuable without fully appreciating its worth or significance. The story is told of a farmer who worked his small farm his entire life, tilling the rocky soil year after year. At his death, the farm was passed down to his son who continued plowing the ground -- but the son found a gold-streaked nugget in the soil. The land was full of gold and he instantly became a wealthy man. Yet that wealth was lost on his father, even though it was on the land his whole life.
So it is with the Holy Spirit. Many of us live in ignorance of what we have, of the power that resides in us. Some Christians live their entire lives thinking they have the Holy Spirit, yet they have not truly received him in fullness and power. He is not accomplishing in them the eternal work he was sent to do.
Some believers seek the Holy Spirit only when they are in trouble and want him to manifest his power. They hope he will come down and sweep away their problems. But Peter says that is not the truth about the Spirit. According to him, we have the treasure within us: "His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness" (2 Peter 1:3).
At the Jordan River, John the Baptist told the Pharisees, "I baptize with water, but there stands One among you whom you do not know" (John 1:26). Those religious leaders saw Jesus in the flesh, and they heard him speak, but they had no understanding of who he was. They did not know about his power and glory. Likewise, Jesus asked his own disciple, Philip, "Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip?" (John 14:9).
How long have you testified that you have been filled with the Holy Spirit? Has he been with you many years and yet you really don't know him? He is the One who brings us through hard times with a testimony of joyful endurance. Our greatest witness to the world is being a Christian who has cast his every burden on the Holy Spirit.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Understanding the value of the Holy Spirit
- The story of the farmer and the hidden treasure
- Recognizing what we possess in the Spirit
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II
- Common misconceptions about the Holy Spirit
- Seeking the Spirit only in times of trouble
- The true purpose of the Holy Spirit in our lives
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III
- Scriptural references to the power of the Spirit
- The example of John the Baptist and the Pharisees
- Jesus' question to Philip about knowing Him
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IV
- The importance of truly knowing the Holy Spirit
- Living with the Spirit's power daily
- Our witness to the world through the Spirit
Key Quotes
“His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness.” — David Wilkerson
“I baptize with water, but there stands One among you whom you do not know.” — David Wilkerson
“Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip?” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- Seek a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit to fully experience His power.
- Recognize the treasure within you and allow the Holy Spirit to guide your life.
- Testify to the world through your endurance and reliance on the Holy Spirit during difficult times.