The Enduring

The Enduring

This Bible teaching from Founded in Truth Fellowship explores the concept of a deeper, more intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit, moving beyond a basic understanding of Christian faith. The speaker, Matthew Vander Els, suggests that many believers may have a limited view of the Holy Spirit's role and the potential for a personal connection with Him. The message emphasizes that while foundational knowledge of God and His Word is crucial, it is the wisdom to apply this knowledge, often guided by the Holy Spirit, that leads to true spiritual growth and effectiveness.

The teaching begins by addressing a common perception of God, contrasting an Old Testament image of a strict and harsh deity with the New Testament revelation of a God full of grace and mercy, exemplified by the sending of His son, Yeshua. It highlights that even the Torah is rooted in God's grace. The speaker uses the analogy of a mechanic with numerous tools (representing knowledge) who lacks the skill (wisdom) to fix a car, illustrating that knowledge alone is insufficient without the ability to apply it. This lack of wisdom can manifest in interpersonal interactions, such as on social media, where criticism without love can be damaging.

The importance of a teacher to impart wisdom and application of knowledge is emphasized, drawing a parallel to students needing a teacher to understand and apply the information in their textbooks. In the context of faith, this teacher is presented as the Holy Spirit. The speaker reflects on the event at Mount Sinai in Exodus 20, where the Israelites, overwhelmed by the divine manifestation, asked Moses to be an intermediary between them and God. This decision, according to the teaching, created a degree of separation and hindered a direct, intimate relationship with the Father. The question is posed whether, if the Israelites had not asked for an intermediary, they might have received the Spirit to guide them in understanding and applying the Torah.

The teaching then shifts to the idea of an intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit, similar to having a spouse who is also your best friend. While the Spirit of God is present with believers, the speaker questions whether they actively seek His guidance, encouragement, and answers to their questions. He shares personal anecdotes and the experiences of his father to illustrate how one can learn to hear from the Holy Spirit by simply asking questions and being open to receiving answers, sometimes even through signs or confirmations, particularly for those who are new to this experience. However, it is noted that seeking signs should eventually lead to a place of recognizing God's voice without constant external validation.

The Old Testament is presented as being "supersaturated" with the Holy Spirit, providing numerous examples of individuals empowered by the Spirit for specific purposes. Joseph's ability to interpret Pharaoh's dream, Bezazel's wisdom and skill in craftsmanship for the sanctuary, and the seventy elders sharing Moses' spirit to bear the burden of the people are cited as examples of the Spirit of God coming "upon" individuals to equip them for tasks. The instances of Eldad and Medad prophesying in the camp, Joshua being filled with the spirit of wisdom through the laying on of hands, Othniel becoming a judge, Samson receiving strength, and Saul being changed and unified by the Spirit further illustrate the diverse ways the Holy Spirit operated in the Old Testament. David's courage and victory over lions and bears before being anointed king are also attributed to the Spirit of Yahweh coming powerfully upon him.

Transitioning to the New Testament, the teaching examines the Holy Spirit coming "upon" Mary, resulting in the birth of Jesus. It is suggested that Jesus was likely born with the Holy Spirit but did not begin His miraculous ministry until the Spirit descended and settled upon Him at His baptism at the age of 30. The speaker discusses when believers receive the Holy Spirit, referencing Ephesians, which states that believers are sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise after hearing and believing the gospel of their salvation. This sealing is likened to an engagement ring, a promise until the day of redemption. The event in John 20 where Jesus breathes on His disciples and says, "Receive the Holy Spirit," is also noted.

Despite seemingly receiving the Holy Spirit and experiencing miracles, the disciples returned to their old occupation of fishing after Jesus' ascension, indicating a potential lack or a need for something more. This leads to the account in Acts where Jesus commands them to wait in Jerusalem until they are "baptized with the Holy Spirit" and receive "power" to be His witnesses. This "enduing with power from on high" is described as being "clothed" with the Holy Spirit, enabling them to do the work of God. The analogy of the movie Avatar and an exoskeleton is used to illustrate how the Holy Spirit can empower believers.

The Day of Pentecost in Acts 2 is presented as the fulfillment of this promise, where the Holy Spirit came upon the believers with a sound like a violent rushing wind and tongues of fire, filling them and enabling them to speak in other tongues. This event is linked to the anniversary of Israel receiving the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai, suggesting a continuation of God's work, now through the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit. Peter's sermon and the subsequent baptism of about three thousand souls demonstrate the power unleashed by the Holy Spirit.

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Application for Everyday Life

• Cultivate a personal relationship with the Holy Spirit by asking questions and seeking His guidance in daily decisions.
• Be open to hearing from the Holy Spirit, recognizing that He can communicate in various ways, including through intuitive thoughts and even confirmations.
• Seek wisdom to apply the knowledge you have gained from the Bible and other sources in practical ways, especially in interactions with others.
• Recognize that the Holy Spirit empowers believers for various tasks and ministries; be open to the gifts of the Spirit for serving others.
• Don't be afraid to ask for reassurance or confirmation, especially when you are new to hearing from the Spirit, but aim to grow in recognizing His voice.
• Understand that receiving the Holy Spirit upon believing is a seal of salvation, but there is also a potential for a deeper level of intimacy and empowerment.
• Actively seek to be "endued with power from on high" by remaining in fellowship and creating an atmosphere conducive to the Holy Spirit's presence.
• Use the gifts of the Spirit, if you have them, to help and encourage others in the body of Christ.
• Be mindful of the power of the Holy Spirit to bring change in your life and to equip you for what God has called you to do.
• Share your faith with others, empowered by the Holy Spirit, being a witness to the Lord Jesus Christ.

References Bible Verses

• Exodus 20
• Deuteronomy 5
• Genesis 41
• Acts 2:38
• 1 Corinthians 12:7

Books and Resources

• The Bible by Various Authors

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