A teaching by Evangelist Stuart Gramenz
WALKING IN THE POWER AND FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT
REMOVING FEARS
INTRODUCTION
This course has been compiled to help Christians to release the potential power of
the Holy Spirit. Dealing with the gifts of the Spirit and the fruits of the Spirit, it
provides the foundation for believers to lead a Spirit led lifestyle.
“If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” Gal 5:25
“Since this is the kind of life we have chosen, the life of the Spirit, let us make sure
that we do not hold it as an idea in our heads, or sentiment in our hearts, but work out its implications in every detail of our lives.” Gal 5:25 MSG
REMOVING BLOCKAGES
He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of
living water." But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; John 7:38-39
This Scripture indicates that every believer should have the power and gifts of the
Spirit spontaneously flowing out from them.
If cluttered up with leaves, a gutter on the roof of a house will not allow the water
to flow. Many believers have “leaves” of fears and unbelief that will not allow the
rivers of living water to flow through them.
The course is not only aimed at knowledge of fruit, gifts and power of the Spirit but
to act as a spiritual sweeper in removing the fears that limit so many.
Basically each equipping time is divided into two sections.
1. Teaching presentations (each approx. 35 minutes)
2. Practical Activation workshops.
When discussing this particular subject there can be a tendency to glorify the Holy
Spirit above Jesus, but we must remember what He said of the Spirit.
“He will glorify Me, for He will take what is mine and declare it to you.”
John 16:1:4.
THE BLOCKAGE OF FEAR
There is a great need to release the potential power of all Christians to enable us, like Paul, to say;
“And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human
wisdom but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not
stand in the wisdom of men but in the power of God..” 1 Cor. 2:4-5
Just prior to that stirring statement Paul said in verse 3
“I was with you in weakness in fear and much trembling.”
Although shaking with fear, he was able to overcome it and saw God’s power released through him.
Today, many Christians are held back from moving in the power of the Spirit through fear.
PAUL’S “PRESCRIPTION”
How did Paul overcome his fear? We are given insight in his letter to Timothy who is suffering from a similar problem. Paul passes on his wisdom and his spiritual prescription.
“Therefore I remind you to stir up the Gift of God which is in you through the laying on of hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power of love and a sound mind.” 2 Tim. 1: 6,7
• Timothy is not operating in his God given gift.
• Paul is rebuking him for it.
• He gives the reason for the failure – fear.
• He also gives the solution a ‘spiritual recipe’ to remove that fear.
• The solution – ingredients of POWER – LOVE – SOUND MIND.
• Paul “reminds” him. As Paul’s disciple, Timothy would have had teaching on the importance of love, power, and a sound mind, but he needed to recall and meditate on each of them.
• Each word would have reminded him of the specific truths, filled him
with faith, and seen him advance in God’s power once again.
We will remind you of each of the 3 parts of the spiritual prescription and trust that fear will be removed and a new faith to minister in the Spirit will result.
POWER
For many there is what we call a limited power expectancy. As long as we are
born again, water baptized and filled with the Holy Spirit, many feel they have
arrived.
Born again = Being created a new spiritual baby.
Water Baptised & filled with Holy Spirit = Kindergarten.
These are not an end in themselves, they are the initial preparation needed to
get you into Grade 1 in God’s spiritual school.
In this school of the Spirit you learn step by step how to release all your
potential power until you reach a university level of ministry. What is the
university level?
“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will
do also, and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.”
John 14:12
In many cases we have a church tradition which tells us we must wait for some
time before gifts of the Spirit can be released through us.
However the disciples of John the Baptist were able to prophesy immediately
they were filled with the power of the Spirit.
“And when Paul laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they
spoke with tongues and prophesied.” Acts 19:6
SPIRITUAL TERMINOLOGY
There are also some words used which can imply to believers that only
‘special’ people can operate in any great power.
Some words such as ‘anointing’ are not clearly understood.
Many know that the pastor or other leaders are ‘anointed’ but when it comes to
them they are not sure.
There is a sense in many Christians that, “One day when I am mature enough
perhaps God will anoint me.”
The word ‘anointing’ is used in the Old Testament referring to perfumed
anointing oil.
“And you shall make from these a holy anointing oil, an ointment compounded
according to the art of the perfumer. It shall be a holy anointing oil.”
Ex. 30:25
It was used to anoint or empower priests and kings.
“And you shall anoint Aaron and his sons, and sanctify them, that they may
minister to Me as priests.” Ex. 30:30
“Then Zadok the priest took a horn of oil from the tabernacle and anointed
Solomon. And they blew the horn, and all the people said, “Long live King
Solomon.” 1 Kings 1:39
What actually happened when they were anointed?
Let’s look at the example of the prophet Samuel anointing David to be king
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“Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his
brothers and the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward.”
1 Sam. 16:13
What happened? The Holy Spirit came upon him, giving him the power needed to
take on the role as king.
The oil was an outward sign of that spiritual empowerment. In simple terms
anointing means – POWER TO DO THE JOB.
OUR ANOINTING:
All Spirit filled believers are anointed today.
But you have an anointing from the Holy One. 1 John 2:20
This means when you received the power of the Holy Spirit, you were given –
POWER TO DO THE JOB.
What is our job?
And have made us kings and priests to our God and we shall reign on the earth.
Rev. 5:10
This ministry for every believer of being both a priest and a king is reconfirmed
by Peter.
But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood… 1 Peter 2:9
Notice what it says, not just priests but royal or kingly priests.
YOUR MINISTRY
What is your job description as a priest and king?
Priest
The original ministry of a priest was given to Aaron.
“And you shall anoint Aaron and his sons and sanctify them that they may
minister to Me as priests” Ex. 30:30
Therefore we can see we are to minister to God but how do we do this?
We are told to, “offer up spiritual sacrifices” 1 Peter 2:5
What are these spiritual sacrifices?
Let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God … But do not forget to do
good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.”
Heb. 13: 15-16
Therefore we are to continually to offer up praises to God and bless others.
In other words, love God and love your neighbor as yourself.
There has been much teaching and emphasis on the priestly ministry of the
church. However in many cases the kingly anointing has not been in evidence.
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King
The original kingly ministry was given to Saul. Saul did not operate in it
according to God’s perfect will but the empowerment was pure.
“You shall anoint him commander over my people, that he may save my
people from the hands of the Philistines for I have looked upon my people
because their cry has come to me. 1 Sam. 9:16
The original job description of the king was to release people and keep them
free from bondage of their enemy.
Priest & King
Both ministries were exhibited by our role model King Jesus.
How God anointed Jesus Christ of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with
power who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed of the
devil for God was with Him. Acts 10:38
Jesus commands us to be priests and kings as well.
“..He who believes in me the works that I do will he do also and greater works
than these will he do…” John 14:12
The Need
Today the majority of people are in bondage to the enemy, Satan.
• They are in the bondage of sin
• They are in captivity in their minds with emotional hurts.
• They are restricted because of sickness in their bodies.
• They are living in poverty or financial stress.
Their response “If there is a God up there … Help us!”
Their cry has been heard by God.
What is His response? He has anointed – (power to do the job), His kings and
priests, to release people and keep them free.
A SPECIAL CHOSEN PERSON
But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a special
people. 1 Peter 2:9
Many Christians forget or don’t understand what God has anointed them for
and regard themselves as “ordinary Christians”.
This is a contradiction in terms. How can you be a Christian and ordinary.
You will be ordinary if you don’t use what you have.
We need to understand what God has done. You are now empowered as a priest
and king.
You have the potential to be extra-ordinary.
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How Special?
“Assuredly I say to you among these born of women, there has not risen one
greater than John the Baptist, but he who is least in the Kingdom of Heaven is
greater than he.” Matt. 11:11
John was regarded by Jesus as being greater than Moses, Abraham, Joshua,
David or any other Old Testament saint.
The least in the kingdom, Jesus said, are greater than John. That means if there
were one billion believers and you rated yourself as the least or last, you still
have an incredible opportunity.
From now, till you go to be with the Lord you have a potential to have a
greater ministry than John the Baptist who was the greatest of the great .
That’s very special.
WHY DID GOD CHOOSE YOU?
You are a chosen generation. God chose you for this role.
How did God choose King David? When Samuel was to anoint a new King he
went to David’s house. Usually the oldest son (Eliab) received the highest
blessing, however this did not happen.
When they arrived, Samuel took one look at Eliab and thought, "Surely this is
the Lord’s anointed!"
But the Lord said to Samuel, "Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I
have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People
judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."
1 Sam 16:6-7 NLT
Eliab looked the part and he appeared to be “King” material. After all he was
the oldest son and had a strong commanding presence. Nevertheless, he was
discarded.
On the other hand, what was it that God saw in David?
We are told that David had a heart after God. This means David had a heart that
chased after God. We find this out later in David’s life. Within him, despite all
the sin and failure, was a heart that said, “I know I fail, I know I let you down,
but Lord you and I both know, that deep down I want to do your will.”
God does not choose the best looking or those born into a position of wealth or
power but those who want to do his will … despite their failings.
Even though you may have been weak, and let Him down, you know deep
within you there is a cry to do the Lord’s will. Like David, you have a heart after
God.
You’re Special
Have you ever thought of the care taken, when God chose his priests and kings in
the Old Testament. He chose men that he knew once empowered by Him could
achieve His purposes.
God looked across the earth and He chose you to be both His priest and king.
But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a special
people. 1 Peter 2:9
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YOUR NEW ROLE AND JOB DESCRIPTION
When the kingly anointing came upon Saul, the Bible tells us,
At that time the Spirit of the Lord will come powerfully upon you, and you will
prophesy with them. You will be changed into a different person. After these
signs take place, do what must be done, for God is with you. 1 Sam 10:6-7 NLT
The Spirit of the Lord changed and enabled Saul to be a different person with
supernatural empowerment.
The priestly and kingly anointing transforms you into another person – a new
creature with incredible potential.
"Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will
do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.
John 14:12
Let’s put our spiritual eyes on and see what has happened to us, as most of us
missed out on the reality of what happened in the spiritual realm at our ordination
and coronation.
Wordly Example
To help enable us to grasp the enormity and importance of what was done, let’s
look at the natural situation.
You may also be aware of all the pomp and ceremony that goes on when a king
or queen is crowned at their coronation.
You may be aware of a similar situation when a pope or archbishop is ordained
in the church.
Imagine if one person was given the double honor of both king and spiritual
head over a nation of people. What attention and publicity it would bring.
Imagine now the change in that person’s life as they took on the responsibility
for that dual role.
Godly Example
Just imagine how this is a picture of what happens in the spiritual realm.
You’ve been chosen and called to enter God’s throne room. However, you stand
outside in trepidation looking in at all the purity, holiness and absolute beauty of
what is inside.
You want to go in but you dare not enter. When you look at yourself, you see
filth, and that you are not worthy to put a foot in the door.
Jesus walks to the door and gives you a gift of priestly garments. It’s a garment
of salvation. He tells you that now, like the high priest, you can enter boldly into
His Father’s very presence in the Holy of Holies, anytime, for a talk with Him.
You are humbled by this gift He has offered but you gratefully and thankfully
accept it and stand before Him.
Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, He now places a crown on
your head, a mantle over your shoulders and a sceptre in your hand. He tells you
now that you have a kingly authority, the power to overcome all the works of the
enemy.
Whether you realized it or not you were given this double anointing;
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• The gift to be able to walk into His very presence and receive
instructions and encouragement from Him.
• The power of the Holy Spirit to set others free
Down to Earth
An archbishop or king does not walk around in their ordination or coronation
robes or wear their crowns all the time. They are mere symbols of the authority
and power they wield. In everyday life they are more down to earth.
When you emerge from your throne room experience, you are dressed in your
everyday clothes. However the difference is not external, it’s internal. There is a
renewal of your mind, because you now realize the enormous privilege, honor
and empowerment to given to you.
You are a new person with a new job description.
No wonder Peter said,
But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a
holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the
goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.
1 Peter 2:9 NLT
Knowing all the potential power that was available to all believers it is
understandable why Paul said to Timothy, “Stir up, the gift of God which is in
you,” and why the Lord is now saying the same to you.
‘Thanks’ … But No Thanks
Can you imagine a newly appointed archbishop or crowned king going back to
their former way of living?
As God’s specially chosen priests and kings, we cannot turn our backs on the
greatest calling the Lord can offer anyone on the earth.
We have some believers who do turn their backs on this ministry because they
feel unworthy of such honor and consider themselves humble servants.
Have you considered how Jesus feels when He sees this?
God’s plan was to restore you so that you could walk into His presence without
shame or guilt and give you the power to help others. This involved Jesus’ total
humiliation, an horrific death and to top it off He received the punishment due to
us.
Can you imagine saving up, sacrificing and spending your last cent on a
present for someone? You excitedly hand them the gift, but they push it back in
your face and say they aren’t good enough to receive it. How would you feel?
That’s how Jesus feels when we reject His gifts.
It’s not humility …its false humility. True humility would exhibit itself by
humbly accepting His free gifts … even though we don’t deserve it.
Many Christians through either fear or ignorance believe they are not
empowered. If you are not taking up your calling then you are rejecting gifts that
Jesus died on a cross to gain for you. If this has been your case, ask the Lord’s
forgiveness and let the truth of what and who you are settle in your heart.
Get a spiritual picture of yourself as a priest and king in training, going through
a Spiritual school to enable you to reach your full potential.
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YOUR POTENTIAL KINGLY POWER.
To help you release those in captivity the Lord has given two levels of anointing
power.
First of all we have the “Every Believer” anointing. Mark 16: 15-18
• Preach the Gospel
• Cast out demons
• Lay hands on the sick.
Secondly we have the gifts of the Spirit which He distributes to each one of us as
He wills.
… for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the
word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit,
to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of
miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another
different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one
and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually
as He wills. 1 Cor 12:8-11
In our teaching on “How to Heal the Sick” we taught on preaching the gospel,
casting out demons and laying hands on the sick.
In these sessions we are to mainly concentrate on the gifts of the Spirit.
RECHARGING OUR BAT TERY
Imagine a domestic torch with rechargeable batteries. The torch has a job to do,
but is totally reliant on the batteries and their power to be able to achieve this.
Your body is like a torch casing, the Holy Spirit is your battery, a permanent gift
from God to enable you to perform your power ministry.
Unlike Saul in the Old Testament, “But the Spirit of the Lord departed from
Saul”1 Sam 16:14 , you have the Holy Spirit permanently.
“But the Holy Spirit which you have received abides in you”. 1John 2:27
However, as the torch does its job, the batteries release their power and need
recharging. As we release His power, through preaching, healing, casting out
Spirits and releasing the gifts of the Spirit, we need recharging as well.
Jesus’ disciples were initially “charged” with His power on the day of Pentecost.
“And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit”. Acts 2:4
However they were filled again, “recharged” after preaching and healing.
“And they were filled with the Holy Spirit”. Acts 4:31
Why did they need refilling or recharging? Every time we preach or minister we
release power.
Their spiritual batteries were run down after preaching and seeing 3000 come to
the Lord and raising a cripple. Acts 2:41 – 3:8
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HOW DO WE “RECHARGE”
First of all we can pray in the Spirit.
He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, 1 Cor 14:4
Edifies means to “build up” or “ recharge”.
But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in
the Holy Spirit… Jude 20
Secondly we can recharge as we minister in praise and thanks giving to the Lord.
… but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns
and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord,
giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord
Jesus Christ. Eph 5:18-20
HOMEWORK
1. If it requires the Holy Spirit’s power to see great things happen in your life then
we need to ensure we are constantly filled. Make a promise to yourself now and
make time each day to build yourselves up by spending time in charging up your
spiritual batteries.
2. Learn 2 Tim 1: 7.
“For God has not given us a Spirit of fear, but of power of love and a sound
mind.”
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ACTIVATION EXERCISE FOR LESSON 1
FILLED WITH THE POWER OF THE SPIRIT (10mins)
We should expect that everyone who attends the Seminar is already filled with the
Spirit and speaking in tongues. This is not always the case. There are usually three
categories.
• Never prayed for.
• Prayed for but, “Nothing happened!”
• Started speaking in tongues but thought it was, “Just me making it up.”
•
Relate your experiences of how you were filled, and how praying in the Spirit has
helped you. Give testimonies of how the gifts of the Spirit have blessed others either
through you or other Christians. Ask others in the seminar who may have had Gifts
flow through them to give testimonies as well
There may be some of you here who sense that lack of power and desire to be filled
with the Holy Spirit or are not too sure if you are filled. Please come out the front and
we will pray for you.
The rest of you please watch what we are doing as this is a lesson for you.
As part of your ministry, you will be expected to release others’
Depending on how many need prayer, have others assist you, two with each person.
Imagine an empty glass and we fill it to overflowing. That’s what happens when we
pray for the infilling of the Holy Spirit. You will be filled with God’s power but there
will be an overflow. A supernatural gift of a strange language will flow out from you.
We call it a heavenly language. It’s what the Bible refers to as tongues.
I want to give you an en example of this.
Pray just loud enough for them to hear. Don’t frighten them with a loud outburst.
What you say will not necessarily sound like me. God will give you your own special
language.
The Bible says “…when you pray believe that you receive and you shall have…”.
After you pray I am going to lay my hands on you. At that point, just like the water
being poured into the cup, I want you to believe tat you receive an overflow and begin
to speak in your new heavenly language.
Have them say a prayer something like this…
“Heavenly Father, I realize I need your power to help me and enable me to bless
others. I now ask You Jesus to fill me with the power of the Holy Spirit. As hands are
laid upon me, I will believe I’ve received begin to speak in tongues by faith.”
Lay hands on each one as you say; “Be filled with the Holy Spirit.”
Then say;
“You now have the power to speak in tongues. As I pray for in tongues, I want you
to pray in tongues with me.”
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Begin to pray in tongues in a normal tone. Speaking too loudly can distract them.
However, speaking too softly may make them feel that they are being put ‘on the spot’.
Most people will come through, however, there are some who may need further
encouragement.
Extra Tips:
Realize sometimes people can feel under pressure or nervous. Be patient … allow
a couple of minutes for them to start.
If they say a couple of words or even one word encourage them by saying “That’s
it…you’re getting it… keep going.”
Sometimes they start very softly… after a while encourage them to speak louder.
After they are speaking fluently realize a further encouragement is needed. The
enemy will be, or is about to, flood their minds with these thoughts…
“You’re making this up.”
“It’s only you.”
Assure them that you heard what they were saying and you know it was from God.
Encourage them to continue in the car, shower, bed etc. knowing that it is building
them up. (1Cor. 14:4)
FAILURE TO SPEAK IN TONGUES
Idealistically everyone should speak in tongues.
Realistically this does not always happen.
By far the majority of those you pray for will be successful. However, because of
fear, misunderstanding or past activities, some maybe initially hindered from speaking
in tongues. Depending on the seminar circumstances, you can either organize to take
these ones aside and go through the following possibilities or do it at some other time.
This is best done one on one.
To avoid having them go through the disappointment and frustration, we have
listed seven possible problems and their solutions:
1. Inability to speak in Faith.
2. Speaking in tongues is not for everyone.
3. They were filled with the Holy Spirit when they received Jesus.
4. Fear of receiving false tongues.
5. Lack of Self Worth.
6. Satanic Links.
7. Nervousness.
To save time it’s easiest to simply to ask the person which (if any) of these seven
could be a deterrent.
Have you any fears or concerns about speaking in tongues in any of these areas?
1. Inability to Speak in Faith
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A very common hindrance to speaking in tongues is a misunderstanding of
speaking in faith.
After prayer, some will stand silently waiting for the Holy Spirit to somehow take
them over and do it all for them.
Question: “Are you waiting for God to do something?”
Answer: “You have asked to be filled, you have received that empowerment and
the ability to speak is there. However, you are partners with God in releasing this
power.
The Holy Spirit’s part is to give you the words, your part is to supply the voice.
As you make a sound from your vocal chords in faith, the Holy Spirit will do his
part and form the words.”
Prayer…
“Heavenly Father, as a partner in Your power I will by faith make a sound and I
am trusting that You will form the words.”
You pray in tongues with them as before.
Extra Tip
If the person still has difficulty, demonstrate to them by making a sound slowly
and allowing the Holy Spirit to form words in your mouth.
Pray together again, repeating it over and over until they get the idea and are
confident enough to take a step of faith.
Ensure they don’t simply imitate what you are saying
2. Not For Everyone
First of all there are some who have been taught that the power of the Spirit was
only for the early church.
“Repent and be baptized… And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The
promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, for all whom the
Lord God will call.” Acts 2:38-39 NIV
Bring their attention to the last section, “… for all whom the Lord God will call ”.
Ask them if they are part of the “all”.
Ask them what the Scripture means to them.
Secondly, some have been taught that not everyone speaks in tongues.
The apostle Paul is quoted; Do all speak with tongues? 1 Cor 12:30
We need to understand that there are “ varieties of tongues .”1 Cor 12:28-29
First of all we have a gift of tongues for the purpose of God speaking to us.
This needs to be interpreted and not everyone operates in this gift.
Secondly we have a personal tongue which is communication from us to God.
This doesn’t need to be interpreted and is for every believer;
A person who speaks in tongues is strengthened personally…1 Cor 14:4 NLT
That’s why Paul said to those who weren’t released;
I wish you could all speak in tongues, 1 Cor 14:5
Ask the person if they want to be personally strengthened.
More teaching on this is available in later lessons.
3. Already Filled with the Spirit?
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Refer them to the Scriptures below which clearly show there are two distinct
experiences of the Holy Spirit. The first is to be “born of the Spirit” i.e. for God’s
Spirit to come and dwell within you, in order to be saved. The second is to be
“baptized with the Holy Spirit” i.e. for God’s Spirit to come upon you in order for you
to be empowered for ministry.
The following provides a summary of the Scriptural passages that show this
distinction between being born of the Spirit and being filled with the Spirit.
The Samaritans
“ But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of
God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptised (in water).. .” Acts 8:12 NIV
Then the apostles heard about the conversions and went to Samaria.
When they arrived, they prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit,
because the Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them; they had simply been
baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. Then Peter and John placed their hands
on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. Acts 8:15-17 NIV
The Ephesians
Paul asked a group of men at Ephesus who had been followers of John the Baptist,
“Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” Acts 19:2NIV
These men replied they had not had this experience – because they had repented
under John the Baptist’s ministry. They listened to Paul as He explained what Jesus
had done and they willingly became Christians and were baptized (in water) into
Christ. Then after water baptism;
When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when
Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with
tongues and prophesied. Acts 19:5-6
The Disciples
After Jesus had risen from the dead, He appeared to the disciples;
“ And with that He breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit”.
John 20:22 NIV
At this moment the disciples were born again. Later, just before Jesus ascended He
instructed them to wait to receive power.
“Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of
Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high." Luke 24:49
And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from
Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, "which," He said, "you have
heard from Me; for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with
the Holy Spirit not many days from now." Acts 1:4-6
These born again believers waited and then received.
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When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one
place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind,
and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. And they were all filled with
the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them
utterance. Acts 2:1,2,4
We can surely see that even though we received the Holy Spirit when we were born
again, receiving the power of the Spirit (the baptism of the Spirit) is a secondary or
subsequent experience.
4. False Tongues?
To overcome the fear of receiving false tongues we are told.
“Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead?
Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion?…how much more will your
Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those that ask Him!”. Luke 11:11-13 NIV
The devil is a counterfeiter and he attempts to imitate the things of God. However,
we are asking God for the original and we can trust Him to give us that.
Prayer…
“Heavenly Father, I trust You to give me Your good and perfect gift, I receive
the Holy Spirit and the ability to speak in tongues right now.”
5. Lack of Self Worth
Some may feel unworthy to receive anything from the Lord because of areas of sin
in their lives.
Question: “Do you feel worthy to receive this gift?”
Answer: “Firstly, it is a free gift that is given because of what Jesus did, not
because of what we have done. We don’t earn it, we just receive it.
Secondly, God wants to give us this power to help us overcome sin and imitate Jesus.
“He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself…” 1Cor. 14:4
Just as a battery is charged to do its work, so you need to be charged to do God’s
work.
Thirdly, God wants to use you to pray for other Christians:
“…the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will.” Rom. 8:27
Next, God wants to use you as a spiritual postman, delivering his gifts, healing
prophecy etc. to other people.
By not accepting this empowerment we can be denying others His blessing and
denying His perfect will for us.
Finally, imagine if you bought someone a birthday gift and they refused it. How
would you feel?
God is extending this gift to you, to bless you and to enable you to be a blessing to
others.
Prayer… “Lord, I realize that You wish to empower me for my benefit and the benefit
of others. I realize I cannot earn this gift and I don’t want to disappoint You by
refusing your gift. So I accept Your empowerment right now.”
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6. Satanic Links
Some are hindered because they haven’t renounced their links with past occult
practice.
Question: “Have you been involved with the occult in the past eg. Witchcraft, ouija
boards etc.?” If so, “Have you renounced them?”
Prayer:
“Heavenly Father, You are my Lord and Friend and I renounce my past practice
of ………………….. and any forms of occult empowerment. I only want Your best
for me and I receive the power of the Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ my Savior.
7. Nervousness
If you’ve gone through all the preceding possibilities and the person is still not
released, it could be simply nervousness. Some people freeze up when they feel
they’re put on the spot.
Question: “I sense you’re feeling a little bit under pressure at the moment. Would
that be right?”
Answer: Tell them to go home, realizing that they have the ability to speak in
tongues. When they’re in a place where they can relax, in bed, having a shower, etc.
get their minds on Jesus again and, in faith, begin to praise Him. They are to simply
believe that, as they relax, their praise will flow into tongues. Some may feel more
comfortable singing praises first and then in tongues.
Assure them that you will be praying for them and then call them in a few days to
check their progress.
WHAT IF?
If they’re still having difficulty after this teaching, pray with them at your next
meeting together and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the problem area.
For others it may simply take them a while for them to come to grips with this truth
and overcome fears. Do we ban them from the seminar until they get there?
We spoke earlier of the idealistic and the realistic.
We simply take them on to the next activation …prophecy.
It is best, but not essential to speak in tongues before they can prophecy.
Our experience is that after moving in other gifts they can successfully come back to
tongues at a later time.
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