(Clip) Being Slain in the Spirit and Uncontrolled Laughter
Zac Poonen warns believers to discern spiritual manifestations carefully, emphasizing that true Holy Spirit experiences align with Jesus' and the apostles' teachings and exhibit self-control.
This sermon emphasizes the importance of discerning the spirits operating in meetings, cautioning against manifestations that lack self-control and aligning believers to test everything against the example set by Jesus and the teachings of the apostles. It highlights the need to be vigilant and not accept supernatural occurrences blindly, urging believers to follow a four-fold test based on the actions and teachings of Jesus and the apostles.
Full Transcript
I've heard of people who say they went to some meeting. There are all types of spirits operating in meetings nowadays. And they say something happened to me.
I couldn't control myself. And I kept on laughing and laughing and laughing. I said, brother, that was definitely a demon.
Because the Holy Spirit would have given you freedom. Galatians 5.23 The fruit of the Spirit is self-control. If you can't control yourself, that is not the Holy Spirit.
If you just lie down there and you can't do anything, that's not the Holy Spirit. There's a lot of that today. People lay hands on somebody and they fall down flat.
Do you know there are many Hindu priests who do that in India? You think it's only these TV evangelists who do it? Come to India and you'll see the Hindu priests doing that. It's a supernatural power. But it's not from God.
Anything that you never see Jesus doing, be careful. To walk as Jesus walked. To serve as Jesus served.
If you never see Jesus doing something, number one. Number two, if you never see Jesus teaching it. Number three, if you never see the apostles doing it.
And if you never see the apostles preaching it. Don't accept it. Whatever it is.
A four-fold test. I have followed this rule for many years. I study the scriptures.
You just have to study the New Testament, that's enough. You just study the New Testament. You see something, somebody says, this is the Holy Spirit.
Did Jesus do it? Did Jesus teach it? No, no. Did the apostles teach it? No. Did the apostles do it? No.
Then it's not Holy Spirit. How is it believers are accepting so many things today, which... None of these four things. We need to be careful.
Sermon Outline
-
I
- Many spirits operate in modern meetings
- Uncontrolled laughter is not from the Holy Spirit
- True Holy Spirit brings self-control
-
II
- Physical manifestations like falling down are not unique to Christianity
- Similar phenomena occur in Hindu rituals
- Supernatural power does not always mean divine origin
-
III
- Four-fold test for spiritual manifestations
- Must be consistent with Jesus' actions and teachings
- Must be consistent with apostles' actions and teachings
-
IV
- Importance of studying the New Testament
- Reject practices not taught or done by Jesus and apostles
- Exercise caution in accepting new spiritual experiences
Key Quotes
“If you can't control yourself, that is not the Holy Spirit.” — Zac Poonen
“Anything that you never see Jesus doing, be careful.” — Zac Poonen
“Did Jesus do it? Did Jesus teach it? No, no. Did the apostles teach it? No. Did the apostles do it? No. Then it's not Holy Spirit.” — Zac Poonen
Application Points
- Evaluate spiritual experiences by comparing them with the teachings and actions of Jesus and the apostles.
- Cultivate self-control as evidence of the Holy Spirit's work in your life.
- Be cautious and discerning about supernatural manifestations that do not align with Scripture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main sign that a spiritual experience is from the Holy Spirit?
The experience should produce self-control, as the fruit of the Spirit includes self-control according to Galatians 5:23.
Why should we be cautious about manifestations like uncontrollable laughter or falling down?
Because such manifestations can be caused by spirits that are not from God and are also seen in non-Christian religious practices.
What is the four-fold test Zac Poonen recommends for spiritual experiences?
Check if Jesus did it, taught it, the apostles did it, and the apostles taught it; if not, it is not from the Holy Spirit.
Should Christians accept all supernatural manifestations in meetings?
No, Christians should only accept those that align with biblical teachings and the example of Jesus and the apostles.
What part of the Bible does Zac Poonen emphasize for studying spiritual matters?
He emphasizes studying the New Testament as sufficient for understanding true spiritual manifestations.