Point of Grace – 6.2.24 Sermon Notes – “Summer Soul Care”

What is the Holy Spirit up to this summer?

John 16:8 And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment.

John 3:3-5 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”4 “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!” Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.

Romans 8:14-17 14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship.

The Spirit makes us sons and daughters of God - The highest privilege!

And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.

The Spirit makes us sons and daughters of God - The highest privilege! - The closet intimacy and deepest experience!

17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

The Spirit makes us sons and daughters of God - The highest privilege! - The deepest intimacy and experience! - The brightest future!

Romans 8:26-28 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

(Adapted from a prayer first penned by Richard Foster in his book “Prayer, Finding a Hearts True Home”)

In the strong name of Jesus Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit I stand against the world, my sinful nature and the devil. As a redeemed child of my Abba Father … I resist every force that seeks to distract me from my center in Christ. I reject the distorted concepts and ideas that make sin plausible and desirable. I oppose every attempt to keep me from knowing full fellowship with you, Jesus today. I surrender my mind, thinking and decisions for you, Holy Spirit to lead and govern. By the power of the Holy Spirit at work in me, I speak directly to the thoughts, emotions and desires of my heart and command you to find your satisfaction in the infinite variety of God’s love rather than the bland diet of sin. I call upon the good, true and beautiful to rise up within me and the evil to subside. I ask for an increase of your fruit, Holy Spirit, love, joy and peace, patience kindness and goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control ……… pouring out of my life. By the authority of Almighty God, my Abba Father, I tear down Satan’s strongholds in my life…. I take into myself the weapons of Truth, righteousness, peace, salvation, faith, the word of God and prayer. I command every evil influence to leave; you have no right here, I allow no entry point.

I ask for an increase of faith, hope and love so that by the Holy Spirit’s power, I can be light set on a hill drawing all who see toward Jesus.

Amen