In what ways can we recognize God's Spirit working through "servants" today? Setting the Scene: Acts 2:18 “Even on My servants, both men and women, I will pour out My Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.” The Promise Still Stands • The word “servants” covers every believer, not a spiritual elite (cf. 1 Corinthians 12:13). • “In those days” extends from Pentecost to the present (Acts 2:38-39). • The Spirit’s outpouring equips ordinary people for extraordinary, Christ-exalting service. Marks of the Spirit’s Presence in Servants Today • Supernatural Enablement – Witnessing boldness: Acts 1:8; 4:31 – Prophetic clarity: speaking Scripture-saturated truth that builds up (1 Corinthians 14:3) – Diverse gifts working in harmony (1 Corinthians 12:4-11) • Christ-Centered Focus – The Spirit “will glorify Me” (John 16:14); servants consistently point to Jesus, not themselves. – Messages and ministries line up with “the testimony of Jesus” (Revelation 19:10). • Observable Fruit of Character – Galatians 5:22-23 lists love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. – “By their fruit you will recognize them” (Matthew 7:16). • Alignment with Scripture – Spirit-led servants cherish and rightly handle God’s Word (2 Timothy 2:15). – The Berean test remains: “examining the Scriptures daily” (Acts 17:11). • Humble, Others-Oriented Service – Spiritual gifts operate “for the common good” (1 Corinthians 12:7). – Servants deploy their gifts as stewards of grace (1 Peter 4:10-11). Practical Ways to Recognize Spirit-Driven Ministry • Listen for gospel clarity—salvation by grace through faith, apart from works (Ephesians 2:8-9). • Watch relationships—unity, forgiveness, mutual submission (Ephesians 4:1-3, 32). • Note perseverance under trial—Spirit-empowered endurance (2 Corinthians 4:7-10). • Look for multiplication—disciples making disciples (2 Timothy 2:2). • Expect answered prayer and transformed lives (James 5:16). Responding to What We See • Celebrate God’s faithful fulfillment of Acts 2:18 in every generation. • Encourage Spirit-filled servants; partner with them (Philippians 1:5). • Seek the same fullness by daily yielding to the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). |
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