Complete Sermon Notes
Is The Holy Spirit “Upon” You?
THE QUESTION: Is there fire in your life – godly passion & zeal – not just for His Word, but for others. Are rivers of living water flowing out of you – are you spiritually alive?
Were the Samaritans Believers? ACTS 8:14 Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God [40 miles], they sent Peter and John to them, 15 who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. 16 For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
Who is the Holy Spirit – God’s nature, character, goodness, & love flow out of us.
Galatians 5:22-23 says, “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”
SO…WERE THE SAMARITANS BELIEVERS? If so, why did they receive the Holy Spirit later?
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Matthew Henry – “converts” ; John MacArthur – “transitionary period”
SUPPORTING CONVERSION: Vs.6 they gave heed; Vs.8 there was joy; Vs.16 baptized.
No Set Pattern – this is why some discount the Book of Acts in regard to doctrine.
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AND IT’S USUALLY THOSE GROUPS AFRAID OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
BREAK IT DOWN:
VS. 14 Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God
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Dechomai [deck-o-my] – to receive in a welcoming (receptive) way.
VS. 15 who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit.
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Lambano – to take with the hand in order to use it.
Receiving the Spirit is “experiential”
“The ones mentioned are speaking in tongues, prophesying, freely praising the great things of God, boldness and power in witness, and obedience to God” (John Piper).
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IDLEMAN PARAPHRASE: Something was clearly lacking.
1] They were either challenged about their walk, or ignorant to the things of God.
Here is how it normally plays out: I’m open, but VERY CAUTIOUS. I like the idea, but I have NO INTENTION OF FULLY SURRENDERING. It makes sense, but I’m NOT sure it’s for me.
CF – ACTS 19 NKJV And it happened, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus. And finding some disciples 2 he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” So they said to him, “We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.” 3 And he said to them, “Into what then were you baptized?” So they said, “Into John’s baptism.”
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I spoke at a Bible study 15 years ago – a pastor’s son said the same thing.
ONE TRANSLATION: “Did you take God into your mind only, or did you also embrace him with your heart? Did he get inside you?”
What Happened? They were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus AND the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.
2] Or God waited until the leaders were there to validate the Gospel [laying on of hands].
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God was not just for the Jews, but the Samaritans – and the Gentiles.
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KEY: Is The Holy Spirit “Upon” You?
HERE IS WHAT WE DO KNOW: THE MORE YOU SEEK THE MORE YOU FIND / THE MORE YOU DIE TO SELF THE MORE CHRIST WILL BE ALIVE IN YOU / THE EMPTIER YOU ARE THE MORE FILLED YOU WILL BE.
3 Reasons why He may not be UPON you…
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I didn’t know that there is more. This person says, “I want this!”
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You think you don’t need more of God – This person says, “I’m good.”
You can know the Bible – but lack POWER. Know the Scriptures – but be unloving & arrogant.
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You don’t want more of God – This person says, “I don’t want this!” – Carnal.
R.A. Torrey said, “The gratification of the flesh and the fullness of the Spirit do not go hand in hand.”
YOUNG: To follow him you must unfollow others.
MIDDLE AGE: You may be wasting life on vain pursuits.
OLDER: Set in our ways – concrete is great for holding a wall in place, but it’s terrible…
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Carnal thinking [issues of the heart]: Jealousy – The Green Eyed Monster
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Envy is the result of lack. Jealousy is the result of loss (usually over someone).
SIDENOTE: God was jealous because He lost His people to a false God.
18 And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, 19 saying, “Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”
20 But Peter said to him, “Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money! 21 You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God. 22 Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. 23 For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity.”
GREED – Judas, to Ananiah & Sapariah, to Simeon – PROHIBITS the fullness.
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“You have no part in the Spirit’s power” – ulterior motives.
If I had the Holy Spirit’s power: I would impress people – I would finally be spiritual.
24 Then Simon answered and said, “Pray to the Lord for me, that none of the things which you have spoken may come upon me.”
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Confess and Pray – this is very hard for prideful people: “For I see that you are poisoned __________ and bound ____________.”
It’s not manly to worship – I’m calm, cool, and collect.
BUT A LITTLE BABY WHEN YOU DON’T GET YOUR WAY
It’s not manly to read the Bible – I know everything.
NO, YOU’RE PROUD, ARROGANT, UNTEACHABLE, AND EAGER TO DISPUTE
It’s not manly to read books –
BUT YOU LOVE ESPN AND S.I. – you’re dead to the things of God.
It’s not manly to pray – I’m too busy.
NO, YOU’RE SPIRITUAL DEAD!
