THE INFLUENCER -2
Ephesians chapter 5 begins with a profound exhortation in verse 15, urging individuals to conduct themselves with careful consideration, distinguishing themselves from the foolish by embodying wisdom. The text emphasizes the importance of redeeming the time, as the current era is fraught with challenges and moral decay. It implores believers to avoid foolishness and instead seek to comprehend the divine will of the Lord. Furthermore, it advises against indulgence in excess, particularly in the consumption of wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, it encourages being filled with the Spirit, engaging in uplifting communication through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, and fostering a heart of gratitude towards God the Father in the name of Jesus Christ. The reading concludes with a blessing, affirming the significance of the Scriptures.
The passage highlights the necessity of walking circumspectly, which implies a deliberate and thoughtful approach to one’s actions and decisions. It suggests that one must be acutely aware of the times in which they live and the implications of their choices. The call to be circumspect serves as a reminder that the current age demands a heightened sense of responsibility and discernment. As someone tasked with providing guidance, the speaker emphasizes the urgency of this message, underscoring that these are not times for careless living. Instead, it is essential to navigate life with wisdom and intentionality, recognizing the weight of each step taken in a world that often promotes recklessness.
The manner in which one is expected to live is encapsulated in the exhortation to redeem the time, particularly in recognition of the malevolent nature of the days we inhabit. It is imperative to avoid foolishness and thoughtlessness, as articulated in the Amplified version, which emphasizes the importance of understanding and firmly grasping the will of the Lord. The admonition against vagueness is crucial; many individuals navigate life with a passive mindset, adopting a “what will be, will be” attitude that lacks clarity and purpose. However, as individuals bound by a covenant with Jehovah, it is essential to reject such ambiguity. This covenant is not merely a formality; it is a profound commitment that necessitates a life lived with intention and awareness. Therefore, I cannot afford to lead a life characterized by vagueness or thoughtlessness, as my relationship with God demands a more substantial engagement.
In this context, it is vital to recognize that one can profess belief in Christ and still lead a life devoid of purpose and clarity if they fail to acknowledge the significance of their relationship with God. This month, I wish to introduce the concept of the influencer—an entity whose role is to guide and shape my understanding, ensuring that I do not remain vague or thoughtless. The influence of the Holy Spirit is paramount, as indicated in verse 18, which contrasts the intoxication of wine, associated with debauchery, with the imperative to be filled with the Spirit. This filling is not merely a suggestion but a necessity for living a life that reflects the vitality of my covenant with God, thereby transforming my existence from one of aimlessness to one of purposeful engagement with His will.
There exists a profound stimulation associated with the Holy Spirit, particularly when one observes a bottle, regardless of whether it is green or white.
The critical aspect lies not in the color of the bottle but in the substance contained within it, which is alcohol, the active ingredient that elicits a response. This notion can be paralleled with the divine offerings presented by God, suggesting that every substance humans engage with possesses some active element that activates a reaction upon interaction. It is essential to recognize that to navigate life with purpose and clarity, one must be influenced by the right forces. To embody the principles of the kingdom and to experience the supernatural, one cannot rely solely on natural means. It is imperative to be under the influence of the Holy Spirit, the very presence we are discussing today, as this influence is crucial for a transformative experience.
In the time of Christ, the Holy Spirit would visit, but following His departure, a significant exchange occurred; the Holy Spirit came to assume His role. One of the remarkable benefits of this transition is that the Holy Spirit can be present wherever believers gather, serving as a representative of the Godhead. During His earthly ministry, Jesus was physically confined to specific locations, such as the Sea of Galilee and the River Jordan, which were tangible sites of His ministry. However, He assured His followers that the Holy Spirit would come to dwell within them, continuing the work He began. As articulated by Jesus, the Spirit of truth is not recognized by the world, as it neither sees nor knows Him, but believers are assured of His presence, for He resides within them, guiding and empowering their spiritual journey.
During His time on Earth, Jesus conveyed the profound message that while He was physically present among His followers, a transformative change was imminent. He indicated that after His departure, He would send the Holy Spirit to dwell within them, marking a significant shift from the Old Testament paradigm where God resided in physical structures such as temples and the Ark of the Covenant. In those times, the Ark had to be transported as the people moved, symbolizing God’s presence in a confined space. However, in the New Testament, the divine intention is to establish a more intimate relationship, where God desires to inhabit the hearts of individuals. This raises a critical question for believers: Is my heart receptive to His presence?
The Scriptures emphasize the importance of being filled with the Spirit rather than indulging in distractions such as excessive drinking, as this is essential for nurturing a vibrant relationship with God. Engaging with the Holy Spirit allows believers to live purposefully and avoid a life of aimlessness. The choice lies within each individual to either remain indifferent or to invite God to take control of their lives, a process that begins with the Holy Spirit’s indwelling. In Acts 2, the account of Pentecost illustrates this momentous event, where the disciples, united in purpose, experienced a powerful manifestation of the Holy Spirit. They were filled with the Spirit and began to speak in various languages, drawing the attention of a diverse crowd in Jerusalem, who were astonished to hear their own languages being spoken. This event not only marked the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise but also initiated a new era of divine presence within believers.
The crowd was filled with astonishment and wonder, engaging in conversation among themselves, questioning how it was possible for Galileans to speak in languages that were native to each listener. They expressed their bewilderment, noting the various languages being spoken, and as the discourse continued, they were left in a state of amazement and confusion, pondering the significance of the event. Some in the crowd, however, dismissed the phenomenon as mere drunkenness, suggesting that the speakers were under the influence of new wine, a misinterpretation that reflected a lack of understanding of the extraordinary occurrence that was unfolding before them.
In response to the skepticism, Peter, accompanied by the other eleven apostles, took a stand to address the assembly. He raised his voice to clarify the situation, asserting that the individuals were not intoxicated as some had suggested, especially given the early hour of the day. Instead, he referenced the prophecy of Joel, proclaiming that in the last days, God would pour out His Spirit upon all people, leading to prophetic visions and dreams among the young and old alike. Peter emphasized that this outpouring was a divine act, intended to manifest wonders and signs, urging those present to open themselves to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. He called for a deeper engagement with faith, encouraging individuals to seek a more profound spiritual experience rather than settling for a superficial existence in their Christian walk.
It is essential to recognize the distinction between a superficial acknowledgment of God’s power and a genuine engagement with His influence in our lives.
Many individuals may mentally agree that God possesses immense power, yet they choose to live as if they can navigate life independently of that divine strength. This mindset is regrettable, as it limits the transformative potential that comes from a true relationship with God. He invites us to experience His presence and power, urging us to allow His Spirit to guide and influence us. The biblical account of Pentecost illustrates this vividly, where the Holy Spirit descended like a mighty wind, filling the gathered believers with divine empowerment. The scripture emphasizes that where two or three are gathered in His name, His presence is assuredly among them. Therefore, it is crucial for those who casually attend church to deepen their commitment and regularly partake in the collective anointing that comes from communal worship.
To maintain a consistent connection with God’s presence, one must prioritize their spiritual life and minimize distractions that could lead them away from His influence. Just as substances like alcohol or cocaine have a limited duration of effect, so too can our spiritual fervor diminish if not actively nurtured. The biblical exhortation in Ephesians 5:18 encourages believers to be continually filled with the Spirit, which requires intentionality and regular engagement with the source of that filling. Just as a frequent visitor to a bar becomes known for their preferred drink, so too should believers cultivate a familiarity with the Holy Spirit, ensuring that their lives reflect a continuous reception of His guidance and empowerment. It is imperative to understand that a casual approach to faith will not sustain the depth of experience that God desires for us; rather, a committed and intentional pursuit of His presence is what leads to a truly transformative spiritual life.
It is important to recognize the implications of your absence from this gathering. I trust that you grasp the essence of my message. When you arrive at the bar, you might inquire about the offerings of the day, questioning the identity of the bartender. You may find yourself contemplating the various selections available, seeking clarity on their significance. Similarly, when you attend a worship service, it is crucial to engage fully rather than remain in a state of confusion regarding the proceedings. One should not approach worship as a mere observer, detached from the collective experience of those around you who are actively participating in the exaltation of the divine. It is essential to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of worship, allowing the spirit of the gathering to envelop you, and to respond with a heartfelt “Amen” as a sign of your engagement.
As we enter into worship, we align our hearts with the divine, experiencing a profound elevation in our spiritual state. This act of worship allows us to connect with the Father of all spirits, inviting His presence to fill us anew. In this sacred moment, we submit ourselves before His greatness, acknowledging His power and glory. The scripture reminds us that those who look to Him are illuminated, and their shame is cast away. It is vital to become a “certified drinker,” one who consistently seeks the influence of the Holy Spirit. The gathering of believers creates a unique corporate anointing, enhancing our collective experience of God. Furthermore, the imagery of cloven tongues of fire signifies the anointing that rests upon us, representing the highest expression of divine empowerment. Unlike the experiences of Old Testament prophets, the promise of Jesus assures us that the Spirit will not only come upon us but will also dwell within us, transforming our lives in profound ways.
When John the Baptist performed baptisms for his disciples, he conveyed a significant message about the one who would follow him, referring to Him as the Baptizer in the Holy Spirit and power. This baptism is not merely a superficial experience; rather, it signifies a profound immersion into the divine presence. God desires for us to be completely enveloped by His influence, to be thoroughly saturated in His power and grace. This transformative experience is essential for spiritual growth and connection with the divine. The question remains, are you still engaged with this message today?
In the New Testament, Jesus elaborates on the role of the Holy Spirit, introducing Him through various titles that highlight His significance. In the New King James Version, He refers to the Holy Spirit as the Helper, emphasizing His supportive role in our lives. For instance, in John 14:26, it is stated that the Helper, the Holy Spirit sent by the Father in Jesus’ name, will teach and remind us of all that Jesus has shared. This theme continues throughout the Gospel, with the Holy Spirit consistently identified as the Helper or Comforter, a term derived from the Greek word “parakletos.” This term conveys the idea of a supportive presence, akin to a lawyer who stands by your side in a courtroom, guiding and advising you through every challenge you face.
The essence of truth can sometimes be obscured, particularly when one finds themselves in a state of uncertainty or confusion. In such moments, individuals may rely on the guidance of their legal counsel, who may advise them to assert a particular statement, believing that the lawyer possesses a more profound understanding of the situation. This dynamic mirrors the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives, as it seeks to guide us toward righteousness and positive actions. There are certain thoughts and actions that may never enter our minds unless we are under the influence of the Holy Spirit. It is crucial to recognize that there are dimensions of our existence that remain hidden from us, yet God has meticulously prepared them. When we allow ourselves to be influenced by the Holy Spirit, we begin to receive insights and direction, illuminating the path we should take.
The power of faith declarations often emerges in moments when we are deeply attuned to the Holy Spirit’s influence. For instance, Jesus made a profound statement regarding the state of a deceased individual, asserting that “he is not dead, he is asleep.” This declaration exemplifies the kind of faith that can only arise when one is under the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Similarly, when faced with dire circumstances, such as being told that one can no longer conceive, a person might boldly proclaim their intention to hold their child in their arms. Such declarations are not merely expressions of hope; they are manifestations of faith that can only be articulated through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. It is essential to understand that these profound statements and beliefs are often beyond our natural reasoning and can only be realized when we are receptive to the divine influence in our lives.