MINISTERING IN THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.

"Not by power, nor by might, but by My Spirit says the Lord".

1. What are we trying to do ?

We are aiming to help people come to the position where they are actively and consciously living in the good of all that God offers to Christian believers.

This means that they are:-

Born again.

Understanding their new relationship with God through Christ Jesus.

Actively accepting and seeking a deeper experience of God's power in their own lives.

Able to respond to God in worship and obedience.

Free of the effects of past hurts.

Released from any form of bondage.

Free from any demonic influence.

Free from gripping fears.

Emotionally whole.

Able to accept themselves as being what God has made them to be.

Released from an over-dependance on others.

 

2. WHO ARE WE TRYING TO MINISTER TO ?

Basically anyone who has a felt need and who wants to be brought into the fullness that is the right of a child of God. In particular we are talking about people who recognise that they HAVE a problem and who are open to God for Him to deal with the root causes in His special way that is relevant to them as an individual.

We are not trying to minister to problem people. Problem people have no desire to be freed from background situations that have made them to be as they are. VERY FEW people are in this category.

 

 

3. Spiritual gifts

"Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another discerning between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and He gives them to each one just as He determines." I Corinthians 12 vv 7 - 11.

Ministering in the power of the Holy Spirit involves using the gifts that are given by the Holy Spirit as they are required.

a) The MESSAGE OF WISDOM.

A knowing of the right thing to do or say that has its' origins in the heart of God. It is much more than sanctified common sense or professional skill in that it is God-given for the specific circumstances that you have been placed in.

DEFINITION.

A Message of Wisdom is an utterance inspired by God and spoken by an individual. It reveals a part of the total wisdom of God. It is "seeing" what God sees in a situation and "saying" it. It is applying God's wisdom to a specific situation.

ILLUSTRATIONS.

i) Old Testament: Solomon --- I Kings 3 v 16 - 28.

THE PROBLEM:

There were two mothers and two children. One child died of suffocation, both mothers claimed the remaining child as their own.

THE "MESSAGE" OF WISDOM:

"Bring me a sword, divide the child in two and give half to one and half to the other."

THE RESULT:

The real mother was willing to give up her child to save its life and was given back her child.

OBSERVATION:

"---- they perceived that the wisdom of God was in him to render justice".

ii) New Testament: Jesus --- Matthew 22 v 15 - 22

THE PROBLEM:

"Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?"

THE MESSAGE OF WISDOM:

"Show me .... Whose likeness ....Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's and to God the things that are God's"

THE RESULT:

They marvelled.

ARENA OF USE: expect a message of wisdom......

i) In any situation that requires problem solving.

ii) In counselling.

HOW DOES THE MESSAGE COME ? You will see in a revelatory way what is being said or done from God's perspective. This may be in the form of a mind's eye picture or a prompting of words.

b) THE MESSAGE OF KNOWLEDGE.

A knowing of the circumstances behind a problem or situation that is revealed to you by the Holy Spirit. It is not intelligent guess-work but a knowledge of root causes and hidden facts.

DEFINITION. A Message of Knowledge is an utterance inspired by God and spoken by an individual. It is an insight into the things that God knows. It shares the truth of facts that the Holy Spirit wishes to declare concerning a specific occasion with a practical application of an outpouring of God's love. " It is a particular word given in a particular instance and is 'mine' only in the act and moment of uttering it." (Dunn, Jesus and the Spirit, p.221)

ILLUSTRATIONS. A. To reveal sin. i) Nathan to David 2 Samuel 12 v 1 - 7.

ii) Elisha to Gehazi 2 Kings 5 v 20 - 27 iii) Jesus to woman at well John 4 v 7 - 25 iv) Peter to Ananias Acts 5 v 1 - 6 B. To help find something. i) Samuel to Saul I Samuel 9 v 15 - 20.

ii) Samuel to Saul I Samuel 10 v 22 C. To warn and provide safety. Elisha and the King of Israel 2 Kings 6 v 8 - 23. D. To reveal thoughts. Jesus and the scribes Matthew 9 v 1 - 7 E. To provide healing. i) Jesus and the paralytic Matthew 9 v 1 - 7 ii) Jesus to Roman official John 5 v 1 - 9

iii) Jesus and sick man John 5 v 1 - 9

ARENA: expect a message of knowledge i) In public and private settings. ii) In situations where God's insight is needed: a. To reveal sin. b. To help find something. c. To warn. d. To reveal thoughts. e. To provide healing. f. To provide important information.

HOW DOES THE MESSAGE OF KNOWLEDGE COME ? a. Pictures. b. Inner knowing. c. A picture of a written word. d. Pain in the body.

 

 

 

 

c) FAITH.

The ability to act upon what God has been revealing in a given situation with the certain knowledge that He is going to work/act in the ways that you are going to state.

DEFINITION. Faith is the mysterious surge of confidence which sometimes arises within a person faced with a specific situation or need. It gives that person a transrational certainty and assurance that God is about to act through a word or action. (Dunn, Jesus and the Spirit. p. 211) It is both the irresistible knowledge of God's intervention at a certain point and the authority to effect this intervention through the power of the Holy Spirit. (Gross, Charisma, p.70)

EXAMPLES. a. Matthew 17 v 20; 20 v 21. b. I Corinthians 13 v 2

d) GIFTS OF HEALINGS.

The ministry of Jesus being operated through you in various types of healing. It should be noted that the scripture speaks of "works" with the emphasis on a multiplicity of ways by which healing can (and will) come about. Refers to physical, spiritual and emotional healing.

DEFINITION. The Gifts of Healings is the actual event of healing itself which a sick person receives. As there are many kinds of illness, so there are many different healing gifts. It is that event or progression of events which a person receives in the emotional, spiritual or physical areas of life.

USE OF WORD. Paul uses the Greek word iaomai which is used elsewhere to mean to heal or cure in both a physical and a spiritual sense. It is used in Mattew 13 v 15, Hebrews 12 v 13 et al to mean a restoration from a state of sin and condemnation.

e) MIRACULOUS POWERS.

The use of heavenly powers that result in miracles being performed. The sphere of influence will include healings but is not restricted to them.

f) DISCERNING BETWEEN SPIRITS.

Where miracles and the supernatural are being observed what is the source ? We must not forget that where there is the genuine the counterfeit will also be demonstrated. Demons are well able to bring about supernatural healings etc and we need to have the ability to discern who has been at work. DO NOT ASSUME THAT WHERE MIRACLES AND APPARENTLY GOOD THINGS HAVE HAPPENED THAT GOD MUST HAVE DONE IT.

g) PROPHECY.

This has been dealt with in it's own right as a major topic. A prophetic word may come within a counselling situation as a word of instruction, command, enlightenment or encouragement to the individual.

h) TONGUES AND INTERPRETATION.

When you do not know how to pray about a situation and where many of the required facts remain hidden what better way is there to pray ? Interpretation is not required where the prayer is a private thing between you and God.

 

4. WHAT IS INVOLVED ?

We are seeking to come to a situation where

God has revealed all of the relevant facts that need to be known regarding the person that we are seeking to help.

God has brought the individual to the position where they are able to be released from issues from the past that have held them in any form of bondage.

There has been a casting out/releasing from any form of demonic presence or activity.

There has been healing of the individual in those areas that the Holy Spirit has shown to be necessary.

The individual has come to a position of understanding their true position in Christ and have some measure of determination to live in the good of it.

5. WHAT DO WE NEED TO DO ?

Aim to work as part of a team with a minimum of two present.

If you suspect that there has been any occult involvement or demonic bondage/hold seek to involve at least one male who is experienced in this area.

Hear what the individual has to say. MANY DO NOT LISTEN TO WHAT IS BEING SAID HAVING MADE UP THEIR OWN MINDS FIRST !

Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal what the real situation is and what answers He wants to bring. Remember that there is nothing about us that is hidden from God so He must have a knowledge of the exact situation.

Listen to what God is saying to you regarding the situation. You need to know the real facts and not just those that you have been told. They could be a smoke-screen or a red-herring. Is the Spirit prompting you to ask any specific questions at this time ?

Ask the individual what God is saying to them ---- do not think that they are going to be by-passed in what God is revealing. Ask questions to clarify or confirm what you think they have been saying.

Aim to be certain that you know what God is revealing. There is no point in praying for healing if the root cause is unrepentant bitterness.

Ask the Holy Spirit to give you the wisdom to discern the true facts and to give you any knowledge regarding the person and their circumstances/background that is necessary.

Ask the Holy Spirit to come and minister to the person. We want Him to do His work in this individual in order that they might become a whole person.

Do not appear shocked at any information that you hear or speak in a condemning way regarding the person or their past. You are a sinner saved by grace and in the sight of God your past is no different --- a sobering thought !

Seek to speak God's word into the situation. Do not be afraid to quote from scripture if the Spirit prompts you to do so, but also expect God to speak a relevant word through you.

Speak out in faith God's words of release. This may mean speaking to demons and other associated unclean forces.

Check with your companion that you are both in agreement with what you think that the Holy Spirit is saying to/through you.

Ask the individual what is happening to them. What do they feel ? Is God saying anything ? What is He showing to them ?

Speak God's words of comfort and encouragement but do not speak out of sheer sentimentality.

6. MANIFESTATIONS OF THE SPIRIT.

Body signs.

"Slain in the Spirit"

Trembling and movement.

7. MANIFESTATIONS OF THE DEMONIC.

Facial expressions (especially distortions).

Vocal expressions (particularly distortion of speech).

Temporary regression to childhood.

Other physical manifestations.

Odours and smells.

 

 

8. DEALING WITH THE DEMONIC.

Read the gospel narratives to see how Jesus went about it.

Only minister in this way to people who are willing to receive this ministry and be certain that it is God's timing.

Remember what happens when a spirit is cast out without the person also being filled with the Holy Spirit.

Speak to demonic forces but do not engage in conversation with them.

Command any unclean spirit to reveal who he is in order that you might address it by name. Normally his name will give a very good clue as to what power he has and in what areas he operates.

Order the unclean spirit in the Name of Jesus to leave the individual because God has said that it must go. (Question:- Where do you tell it to go to ?)

Most unclean spirits are cowardly and timid and will leave without any bother.

If the spirit is loath to leave do not bargain or enter into any conversation but persist.

There MAY be violent physical manifestations.

Make certain that when you feel that the person has been set free that you ask them what has happened and that you do pray for them to be filled with the Holy Spirit.

Always try to work in pairs in this sort of ministry.

Often you can silently command the spirit to leave the individual and stop oppressing them without the individual being aware of what is happening. This "technique" may be necessary with people with emotional hurts/problems.

This is an area of ministry where you MUST be certain that you have "clean hands and clean hearts".

 

RECOMMENDED READING.

POWER EVANGELISM J.WIMBER HODDER AND STOUGHTON.

POWER HEALING J.WIMBER HODDER AND STOUGHTON

WHEN THE SPIRIT COMES WITH POWER J. WHITE HODDER AND STOUGHTON

COME HOLY SPIRIT D. PYTCHES HODDER AND STOUGHTON

COUNSELLING AND THE HOLY SPIRIT P.LEDGER MARSHALL PICKERING

AUTHORITY TO HEAL K.BLUE MONARCH PUBLICATIONS

HOW TO HAVE A HEALING MINISTRY C. WAGNER MONARCH PUBLICATIONS

HEALING F. McNUTT AVE MARIA PRESS

A HEALING FELLOWSHIP M. PYTCHES HODDER AND STOUGHTON

SIGNS OF THE SPIRIT H. SNYDER ACADEMIC BOOKS

REVIVAL B. EDWARDS EVANGELICAL PRESS

BLESSINGS OR CURSE D. PRINCE WORD BOOKS