Concluding Thoughts on spirit/Spirit Quest: Luke 11:13
“If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?”” Luke 11:13
I had a college professor years ago at St Cloud State University open a chemistry class with a profound quote. Initially he didn’t say a word, he simply turned on an overhead projector and on the screen were these words:
THE HUMAN MIND ONCE STRETCHED BY A NEW THOUGHT OR IDEA CAN NEVER AGAIN RETURN TO ITS ORIGINAL DIMENSION!
The implications of that quote are both good and bad. It can be bad… because the world can program people through deception. It can be good… because God can renew the mind through biblical truth.
Paul taught this principle in Ephesians 4:23; “… and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind,”. This is the crucial secret principle sandwiched between putting off the “old self” and putting on the “new self.” (See the context of Ephesians 4:17-24) The Freedom Quest workshop was about “putting off the old self. This study starts the journey of “putting on the new self.”
As we conclude this study of spirit/Spirit Guest, it is my sincere prayer that you have been stretched with many new thoughts and idea’s. This has undoubtedly been uncomfortable for some of you… that’s ok… God wants to constantly stretch us with His Word.
So let’s review. What are some of the potentially new biblical thoughts or ideas we covered in this study?
The understanding of the human spirit coming alive at the moment of salvation may have been new to you. (Ephesians 2:1-7) Come alive!
The translation challenge between the “human spirit” and the “Holy Spirit” in many texts may have been new to you. (Galatians 5:16-18) Walk in the spirit/Spirit!
The idea of your renewed human spirit taking away the inner governorship from your flesh and soul may have been new to you. (Ephesians 4:17-24, 2 Corinthians 5:17) Take charge through your spirit!
The whole concept of “Zoe life” versus mere “bios life” may have been new to you. (John 3:1-12, Romans 6:4) Walk in newness of life!
The idea of entering into the full range of our spiritual blessings in the heavenly places in Christ during the present life may have intrigued you. (Ephesians 1:3) Set your mind on things above!
Hopefully, embracing and entering into the three radical prayers Paul prayed for new believers opened your eyes and shattered your box. (Ephesians 1:15-23; Ephesians 3:14-21; Colossians 1:9-12) Embrace your potential!
The full implications of your body being the temple of the Holy Spirit most likely took on deeper meaning. (1 Corinthians 3:16-17; 6:19-20) Keep it clean!
The relationship between the born-again human spirit and the Holy Spirit may have been a radically new concept for you. They should work in perfect synergy. (Romans 8:16) Surrender to the Holy Spirit!
The relationship between our “authority in Christ” and the “power of the Holy Spirit” may have challenged your thinking. (Matthew 28:18 & Acts 1:8) Walk in both!
Hopefully, the discussion of the spiritual Christan and the carnal Christan came into focus for you. (1 Corinthians 2:4-3:3) Become spiritually minded!
The Promise of the Father giving the Holy Spirit may have caused you to question why your church has been silent about this wonderful treasure. (John 14:16-18; Acts 1:4-8) Seek Him!
Your eyes were undoubtedly opened to full range of the many ministries of the Holy. (The section on the ministries of the Holy Spirit) Study it!
Hopefully, the possibility of both grieving and quenching the Holy Spirit as a Christian raddled your cage. (Ephesians 4:30-32; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22) Clean up your act!
Our “Abba Father” relationship with God through the inner Holy Spirit may have been new to you. (Romans 8:15-16; Galatians 4:5-6) Embrace Him!
Hopefully, the session on the many ways the Bible teaches God can speak to people today opened your eyes. (Ephesians 1:17-19) Start listening!
The law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus versus the law of sin and of death may have challenged you with fresh understanding of the potential for healing. (Romans 8:3) Change from a death to life mindset!
The three categories of spiritual gifts and your call to develop your gifts may have caught your attention. (Ephesians 4, Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12-14) Stop limiting the Holy Spirit!
The idea of God still doing miracles today and confirming the gospel with signs and wonders hopefully has shaken your western church bias rooted in the secular philosophy of naturalism. (Hebrews 2:4; Acts 2:43) Expect a God Tsunami!
Seeing the local church functioning as a living and powerful organism under the control and power of the Holy Spirit rather than a dead and static organization may have given you hope! (Ephesians 4:1-16) Contribute toward being healthy church!
These are a few of the more prominent biblical topics we covered in this study. I hope and pray you have been stretched to the point of no return to mundane western Christianity. I pray that new life is being stirred within you. I trust you will never read your Bible through natural and blinded eyes again. Most important, I pray you will seek and welcome a growing relationship with the Holy Spirit in your life. He is the helper Jesus promised.
In this study, I have tried to move you beyond milk to solid food in your walk with God. (Hebrews 5:12-14) I consider these topics as essential stepping stones for any believer seeking to move toward maturity and fruitfulness in their walk with God. (John 15:8)
I encourage you to go back and review each section and look up every Scripture while asking the Holy Spirit to teach you. Please feel free to copy and use any of this material in your personal ministry and teaching.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
“If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?”” Luke 11:13
I had a college professor years ago at St Cloud State University open a chemistry class with a profound quote. Initially he didn’t say a word, he simply turned on an overhead projector and on the screen were these words:
THE HUMAN MIND ONCE STRETCHED BY A NEW THOUGHT OR IDEA CAN NEVER AGAIN RETURN TO ITS ORIGINAL DIMENSION!
The implications of that quote are both good and bad. It can be bad… because the world can program people through deception. It can be good… because God can renew the mind through biblical truth.
Paul taught this principle in Ephesians 4:23; “… and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind,”. This is the crucial secret principle sandwiched between putting off the “old self” and putting on the “new self.” (See the context of Ephesians 4:17-24) The Freedom Quest workshop was about “putting off the old self. This study starts the journey of “putting on the new self.”
As we conclude this study of spirit/Spirit Guest, it is my sincere prayer that you have been stretched with many new thoughts and idea’s. This has undoubtedly been uncomfortable for some of you… that’s ok… God wants to constantly stretch us with His Word.
So let’s review. What are some of the potentially new biblical thoughts or ideas we covered in this study?
The understanding of the human spirit coming alive at the moment of salvation may have been new to you. (Ephesians 2:1-7) Come alive!
The translation challenge between the “human spirit” and the “Holy Spirit” in many texts may have been new to you. (Galatians 5:16-18) Walk in the spirit/Spirit!
The idea of your renewed human spirit taking away the inner governorship from your flesh and soul may have been new to you. (Ephesians 4:17-24, 2 Corinthians 5:17) Take charge through your spirit!
The whole concept of “Zoe life” versus mere “bios life” may have been new to you. (John 3:1-12, Romans 6:4) Walk in newness of life!
The idea of entering into the full range of our spiritual blessings in the heavenly places in Christ during the present life may have intrigued you. (Ephesians 1:3) Set your mind on things above!
Hopefully, embracing and entering into the three radical prayers Paul prayed for new believers opened your eyes and shattered your box. (Ephesians 1:15-23; Ephesians 3:14-21; Colossians 1:9-12) Embrace your potential!
The full implications of your body being the temple of the Holy Spirit most likely took on deeper meaning. (1 Corinthians 3:16-17; 6:19-20) Keep it clean!
The relationship between the born-again human spirit and the Holy Spirit may have been a radically new concept for you. They should work in perfect synergy. (Romans 8:16) Surrender to the Holy Spirit!
The relationship between our “authority in Christ” and the “power of the Holy Spirit” may have challenged your thinking. (Matthew 28:18 & Acts 1:8) Walk in both!
Hopefully, the discussion of the spiritual Christan and the carnal Christan came into focus for you. (1 Corinthians 2:4-3:3) Become spiritually minded!
The Promise of the Father giving the Holy Spirit may have caused you to question why your church has been silent about this wonderful treasure. (John 14:16-18; Acts 1:4-8) Seek Him!
Your eyes were undoubtedly opened to full range of the many ministries of the Holy. (The section on the ministries of the Holy Spirit) Study it!
Hopefully, the possibility of both grieving and quenching the Holy Spirit as a Christian raddled your cage. (Ephesians 4:30-32; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22) Clean up your act!
Our “Abba Father” relationship with God through the inner Holy Spirit may have been new to you. (Romans 8:15-16; Galatians 4:5-6) Embrace Him!
Hopefully, the session on the many ways the Bible teaches God can speak to people today opened your eyes. (Ephesians 1:17-19) Start listening!
The law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus versus the law of sin and of death may have challenged you with fresh understanding of the potential for healing. (Romans 8:3) Change from a death to life mindset!
The three categories of spiritual gifts and your call to develop your gifts may have caught your attention. (Ephesians 4, Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12-14) Stop limiting the Holy Spirit!
The idea of God still doing miracles today and confirming the gospel with signs and wonders hopefully has shaken your western church bias rooted in the secular philosophy of naturalism. (Hebrews 2:4; Acts 2:43) Expect a God Tsunami!
Seeing the local church functioning as a living and powerful organism under the control and power of the Holy Spirit rather than a dead and static organization may have given you hope! (Ephesians 4:1-16) Contribute toward being healthy church!
These are a few of the more prominent biblical topics we covered in this study. I hope and pray you have been stretched to the point of no return to mundane western Christianity. I pray that new life is being stirred within you. I trust you will never read your Bible through natural and blinded eyes again. Most important, I pray you will seek and welcome a growing relationship with the Holy Spirit in your life. He is the helper Jesus promised.
In this study, I have tried to move you beyond milk to solid food in your walk with God. (Hebrews 5:12-14) I consider these topics as essential stepping stones for any believer seeking to move toward maturity and fruitfulness in their walk with God. (John 15:8)
I encourage you to go back and review each section and look up every Scripture while asking the Holy Spirit to teach you. Please feel free to copy and use any of this material in your personal ministry and teaching.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
