Scripture References: John 16:7; Romans 8:9; Ephesians 5:17-18; Ezekiel 47:1-12; Acts 1:4-8

Intro: Welcome. We're exploring our church's mission: "Beholding Jesus, putting his brilliance on display by living lives obedient to the Word of God, surrendered to the Spirit of God, and devoted to the mission of God..." Today, we focus on that vital middle piece: what it means to be surrendered to the Spirit of God.

Key Points:

1. The Spirit's Essential Role: Jesus emphasized the Holy Spirit's importance, even telling the disciples, "It is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper [Holy Spirit] will not come to you" (John 16:7). The Spirit empowers us for everything else – obedience to the Word and devotion to God's mission are impossible without Him (Acts 1:4-8).
2. Personal Journey: Many, like Pastor Mark shared from his own story, grow up knowing about God but lacking a dynamic relationship with the Holy Spirit, sometimes due to church background. Discovering the biblical reality of the Spirit leads to transformation, though it may involve challenges.
3. Truth #1: Essential, Not Optional: Relationship with the Holy Spirit isn't an extra topping; it's a core ingredient for Christian life. Living yielded to the Spirit is normal, biblical Christianity. If Jesus needed and relied on the Spirit, how much more do we?
4. Truth #2: Intentional, Not Automatic: While the Holy Spirit indwells every believer upon salvation (Rom 8:9), being filled with the Spirit (Eph 5:18) requires ongoing, deliberate choices. We must intentionally cultivate this relationship and yield control daily.
5. Truth #3: Progressive, Not Static: Surrendering to the Spirit is a journey. Ezekiel 47's vision of the river growing deeper illustrates this beautifully. God invites us step by step – ankle-deep, knee-deep, waist-deep – until we're fully carried by His Spirit. The invitation is always to go deeper from where you are.
6. Welcoming the Indwelling Spirit: The Spirit lives in believers automatically, but we must consciously welcome Him into every area ("room") of our lives, surrendering control progressively.

Conclusion: Living surrendered to the Holy Spirit is crucial for embodying Christ and fulfilling His mission. It’s not optional, it requires intentionality, and it’s a progressive journey deeper into His life-giving river. God invites each of us today, wherever we are, to take the next step in welcoming and yielding to His Spirit.

Call to Action:

• Assess your current relationship with the Holy Spirit. Have you intentionally welcomed Him into all areas of your life?
• Take a step deeper today. Consciously welcome and surrender to the Holy Spirit afresh.
• Ask God: "What's the next step You're inviting me into regarding Your Spirit?" (Ankle-deep? Knee-deep? Waist-deep?)
• Commit to intentionally cultivating this relationship daily.

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