Believing But Not Filled

Once a month I write a sermon inspired devotional for my church and I often share its non-abbreviated version with the rest of my blog readers who are not a part of my local church family. I pray that your heart is both challenged and encouraged.

My pastor, Shawn Franco shared this Sunday from Acts 8 about Simon the sorcerer who came to believe in Jesus but then grappled with his own relationship with the Holy Spirit. He even tried to buy the ability to endow believers with the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Admittedly it was an outrageous request and it makes Simon an easy target that we are quick to criticize…but just perhaps there’s a little bit of Simon in all of us.

The Scriptures tell us that Simon believed in Jesus and was baptized…it does not qualify his conversion so we cannot automatically dismiss it. Although he was apparently a believer he struggled with embracing some kingdom conflicts or tensions that would have been ushered in if he were to allow the Holy Spirit full access to his life. These kingdom conflicts held the power to change his life in four critical ways:

Position Simon held a prominent position that commanded fearful respect that he was reluctant to lose.

Power He wielded significant power and all who were need of an authority greater than themselves were relegated to his “jurisdiction.”

Profit He routinely used his position and power to financially profit himself.

Pain He was filled with bitter pain that colored and drove everything he did.

It seems clear that he was interested in the Spirit’s filling, but he resisted the change that the Spirit’s overflow would bring. At first glance this may seem odd, but sometimes people choose to stay in painful, broken places because the fear of the unknown is greater than their pain and brokenness. Fear of the unfamiliar looms heavy in the hearts of many today…but all of our days that are yet unveiled, lie safe in the hands of our heavenly Father and giving up the veto power over our lives should not bring fear or trepidation, because as the apostle Paul stated II Timothy 1:12; “I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him...” In other words, we can be at peace because the heart of our Father can be entirely trusted with every place this life’s journey will take us!

Let’s compare a few of the changes that an overflowing of the Spirit can bring to our lives:

Position Although Simon’s position demonstrated his individual persona; the Spirit calls those who want a kingdom position to become the servants of all. It should come as no surprise that God’s Spirit would bid us to follow Christ’s example of servitude.

Power Simon’s power distinguished his community standing and while the Spirit most certainly brings a power beyond our capability-it is to be used to empower the defenseless in our world and not to enhance our personal standing. Simon used his power to enhance his own life, but God’s Spirit empowers us to better the lives of those around us.

Profit Although Simon’s profit determined his lifestyle; God’s Spirit enriches us today so that we can bless the poor and vulnerable among us. We are blessed to be a blessing!

Pain  Although Simon’s pain defined his every action; The Spirit does not come and take away all of our pain, instead He redeems it so that those very places where brokenness once reigned supreme; God’s hope and life can usher in hope and healing for those in our sphere of influence.

But Simon’s is a sad story. He was too invested in his former life to give up control. We shake our heads in disbelief but these very kingdom conflicts lie at our doorstep as well. We too, must choose where we will “draw the line” at the Spirit’s access to our lives. Simon was all for Jesus when it benefited him-but when sacrifices loomed, he balked. What about us? Do we relegate the Spirit to certain areas of our life, giving Him free access here and there, but then hang up “Keep Out” signs in those places where we prefer to keep some ruling rights?  I mean Jesus is welcome when we’re at church or when we need a “favor” but when He starts pointing out sacrifices that will be needed to fully walk His narrow path, often we cry foul.

Let’s be honest, we want to be filled with the Spirit but still maintain some semblance of control, because giving anyone else unhindered access and unbridled control can be scary. Now the Spirit won’t push His way in, but He’s not looking for partial access either. So today Simon’s choice is ours as well. But what will actually happen if we relinquish our position, power, profit and pain to the Spirit’s regulation?

That will look different for each individual’s life, but some common areas will be a redefining of our position with Him at the helm, a restructuring of where to exercise our God given power, a redistributing of where we invest our life’s profits and a redeeming of how we not only perceive our pain but transforming into a powerful place of life, hope and even beauty in the lives of others.

 And here are three more areas that can be transformed if we choose to open the floodgates of our lives to the Spirit’s control:

Perceptions In the Spirit’s overflowing our perceptions get altered and we start to see the world through God’s eyes. We will begin to perceive people, places and situations through His lens of love and compassion.

Passions When our perceptions are altered it will enact changes to our life’s passions. We will exchange our “me-mentality” that continually seeks its own betterment for a heart that actively, passionately loves the world, by giving our energies, time and talents to showcasing our Lord through loving those that He is passionate about!

Purpose Radically changed perceptions and passions will surely transform the foundational purposes for which we live out our days. And if we as God’s children will see our own foundational purposes transformed then we can’t help but bring fundamental changes to our culture and world!

Today, may we grant the Spirit unimpeded entry to every facet of our lives, holding nothing back for “safe-keeping” thereby exchanging our “self-regarding” lifestyle for one that’s patterned after our Father’s sacrificially loving heart. Come, Holy Spirit Come-We welcome You in this place!

Note: A sermon by my pastor; Shawn Franco of Cornerstone Assembly of God was the original cause and inspiration of this devotional. I encourage you to listen to his message at http://www.cornerstone.ag/ 
You will see the Media link near the top right of the site, click there, then on Listen To Sermons, then select the November 10 sermon.