The Power and Purpose of the Holy Spirit | Francis Chan

Sermon Summary

Main Message

This message is about the power and purpose of the Holy Spirit, emphasizing that He desires to do a greater work in our lives than what Moses experienced. The Bible promises that the ministry of the Spirit must far exceed the glory of Moses. We are encouraged to believe this promise and pray for unity among believers, just as Jesus prayed for His disciples.

Key Scripture References

• Exodus 33:7-11 - In this passage, we see Moses's tent of meetings, where he would meet with God and the cloud of God's glory would come in. This represents a deep connection between God and His people.
• 2 Corinthians 3:7-8 - The ministry of death (the law) was glorious, but the ministry of the Spirit is even more glorious. This promise should encourage us to believe that we can experience a deeper level of glory in our lives through the Holy Spirit.
• Matthew 12:25 - Jesus teaches that a kingdom divided against itself will not stand. This emphasizes the importance of unity among believers, as Jesus prayed for His disciples and later prayed for all believers to be one.
• John 17:20-23 - In this passage, Jesus prays for His disciples and later for all believers to be one, just as He and the Father are one. This is the only way we will convince the world of God's love.
• Ephesians 4:1-3 - We are encouraged to strive side by side together for the faith of the gospel, not being frightened in anything by our opponents. This promise from God says that if we do this, it will change the world.

Key Takeaways

• The Holy Spirit desires to do a greater work in our lives than what Moses experienced. We should believe this promise and pray for unity among believers.
• Jesus prayed for His disciples and later for all believers to be one, just as He and the Father are one. This is the only way we will convince the world of God's love.
• We must strive side by side together for the faith of the gospel, not being frightened in anything by our opponents. This promise from God says that if we do this, it will change the world.
• God desires to impart His heart for unity to us, and only a miracle from Heaven can accomplish this.

This Week's Challenge

This week, take time to pray with others for unity among believers. Ask God to give you His heart for unity and to repair all the divisions in the church. Strive side by side together for the faith of the gospel, not being frightened in anything by your opponents.

Reflection Questions

• What is one area where you feel divided from other believers? How can you take steps this week to work towards unity?
• Have you ever experienced a moment of deep connection with God, similar to what Moses experienced in Exodus 33:7-11? What did that experience look like for you?
• How can you apply the promise from Ephesians 4:1-3 to your life this week? Strive side by side together for the faith of the gospel, not being frightened in anything by your opponents.