(Clip) Ministry Without Being Filled with the Holy Spirit
Zac Poonen emphasizes that effective ministry requires being filled and anointed with the Holy Spirit, not just biblical knowledge or good intentions.
This sermon emphasizes the crucial need for Christians to be anointed with the Holy Spirit before going out into ministry, using Jesus as the perfect example. It highlights how even Jesus, though perfect and knowledgeable in the Scriptures, prayed for the Holy Spirit's anointing before beginning His ministry, showcasing the importance of supernatural empowerment for God's work.
Full Transcript
Went out into the ministry till he was anointed with the Holy Spirit? And how many Christians there are who think that, yeah, I can go out to serve God without being anointed with the Holy Spirit? Really? Jesus, the Son of God, who lived a perfect life for 30 years, who studied the scriptures so well that he knew it at the age of 12. Some people think, if I know the Bible, I can preach. Jesus knew it at 12.
Why didn't he preach for the next 18 years? One reason he was not anointed with the Holy Spirit, and we read, I don't know whether you read this, it says in Luke and chapter 3 about Jesus' baptism. Luke chapter 3, verse 21. When all the people were baptized, Jesus also was baptized, and while he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit came upon him.
Did the Holy Spirit come upon Jesus without his praying? No. Even Jesus had to pray to be anointed with the Holy Spirit. So when he was baptized, you know what he was praying? Most people when they get baptized want to make sure the water doesn't go into my nose.
That's good. But Jesus was more interested in me, anointed with the Holy Spirit, when he came out of the water. And he was praying when he went into the waters, Father, this is the beginning of my ministry, anoint me with the Holy Spirit, please.
Somebody could say, Lord Jesus, you lived such a perfect life. You know the Bible so well. You can preach anywhere.
Yeah, that knowledge is not enough. I have knowledge even to confound the great scholars and priests here, but that's not what I want. I want the supernatural anointing of the Holy Spirit, which will take my words and accomplish God's purposes.
He prayed, and as soon as he came out, the Holy Spirit descended on him. What was Jesus praying for? I know, because Jesus' prayers were always answered immediately, and the Holy Spirit came upon him. I know what he was praying for.
He was praying that the Holy Spirit come upon him.
Sermon Outline
-
I
- Many Christians attempt ministry without Holy Spirit anointing
- Jesus had perfect knowledge but did not preach until anointed
- Biblical knowledge alone is insufficient for ministry
-
II
- Jesus’ baptism as the moment of Holy Spirit anointing
- Jesus prayed earnestly for the Holy Spirit’s coming
- The importance of prayer in receiving the Holy Spirit
-
III
- The Holy Spirit empowers and accomplishes God’s purposes
- Supernatural anointing is essential for effective ministry
- Ministry without the Spirit’s power is ineffective
Key Quotes
“Jesus knew it at 12. Why didn't he preach for the next 18 years? One reason he was not anointed with the Holy Spirit.” — Zac Poonen
“Jesus was more interested in me, anointed with the Holy Spirit, when he came out of the water.” — Zac Poonen
“I want the supernatural anointing of the Holy Spirit, which will take my words and accomplish God's purposes.” — Zac Poonen
Application Points
- Seek the anointing of the Holy Spirit through earnest prayer before engaging in ministry.
- Recognize that knowledge of the Bible alone is insufficient without the Spirit’s empowerment.
- Depend on the Holy Spirit to accomplish God’s purposes rather than relying on personal ability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone serve God effectively without the Holy Spirit?
No, Zac Poonen teaches that ministry without being anointed by the Holy Spirit lacks the power to accomplish God's purposes.
Did Jesus preach before being anointed with the Holy Spirit?
No, Jesus did not begin His public ministry until after He was baptized and anointed with the Holy Spirit.
Is biblical knowledge enough for ministry?
No, while biblical knowledge is important, it is not sufficient without the supernatural anointing of the Holy Spirit.
How did Jesus receive the Holy Spirit?
Jesus prayed earnestly at His baptism, and the Holy Spirit descended upon Him as a sign of anointing.
Why is prayer important in receiving the Holy Spirit?
Prayer is essential because it expresses dependence on God and invites the Holy Spirit’s empowering presence.