Teaching summary
In this sermon, Pastors Leonard and Lori Rola emphasize the importance of seeking truth directly from God's Word rather than relying on the opinions or doctrines of men. They highlight the role of the Holy Spirit as the Divine Influencer, guiding believers into all truth and revealing Christ within them. By beholding Jesus face to face, believers come to understand their true identity in Him, leading to spiritual maturity, transformation, and the manifestation of God's provision, healing, and blessings in their lives.
Bible verses referenced
John 7:37-38: "In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water."
2 Corinthians 5:16: "Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more."
John 15:26: "But when the Comforter comes, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me."
John 16:7: "Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you."
John 16:14-15: "He shall glorify me for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you."
Teaching notes
Table of Contents
- Introduction: Pursuing Truth Over Opinions
- The Role of the Holy Spirit as the Divine Influencer
- Knowing Jesus Beyond the Flesh
- The Living Water: Drinking from Christ
- The Transformation of the Believer
- Maturity Through Revelation
- The Divine Encourager: Walking in Truth
- Conclusion: Embracing the Spirit’s Leading
Introduction: Pursuing Truth Over Opinions
Pastor Lenny begins by sharing how deeply he and Pastor Lori value sharing biblical truth with their listeners. He emphasizes the importance of seeking truth directly from God’s Word rather than forming beliefs based on the doctrines or opinions of men. He references John 8:32, where Jesus states, "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." The pastors encourage listeners not to rely solely on their teachings but to seek personal revelation through the Holy Spirit.
The Role of the Holy Spirit as the Divine Influencer
The Holy Spirit, referred to as the Divine Influencer, is the one who leads believers into all truth. Pastor Lenny emphasizes John 15:26, which says, "But when the Comforter has come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me." The Spirit does not speak of His own authority but testifies of Christ, making Jesus known to believers on a personal level.
Knowing Jesus Beyond the Flesh
Pastor Lenny discusses 2 Corinthians 5:16, which states, "Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more." The apostles knew Jesus in the flesh, but Paul received a deeper revelation of Christ by the Spirit. This spiritual understanding is superior to mere physical knowledge, allowing believers to see Jesus as He truly is.
The Living Water: Drinking from Christ
Referencing John 7:37-38, "If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water," Pastor Lenny explains that drinking from Christ means engaging with Him directly. By standing face to face with Jesus, believers find themselves reflected in Him, leading to deeper revelation and spiritual satisfaction.
The Transformation of the Believer
True transformation occurs when believers recognize their identity in Christ. The Holy Spirit unveils Jesus, and in doing so, reveals who believers truly are in Him. Pastor Lori emphasizes that transformation leads to the manifestation of God’s blessings, provision, and healing in every area of life.
Maturity Through Revelation
Paul’s prayer for believers was that they would receive "the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him" (Ephesians 1:17). Pastor Lori recalls her desire for this revelation and encourages listeners to pursue wisdom by studying the Word and allowing the Holy Spirit to lead them into understanding. This maturity allows believers to walk in the fullness of Christ’s provision.
The Divine Encourager: Walking in Truth
The Holy Spirit, called the Divine Encourager, teaches and reminds believers of all that Jesus has spoken. John 16:7 says, "It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you." Pastor Lenny highlights how the Spirit confirms believers’ identity in Christ, leading them into deeper truth and greater faith.
Conclusion: Embracing the Spirit’s Leading
Pastor Lori closes by reinforcing that believers must learn to trust the Holy Spirit’s guidance. She emphasizes that as believers receive personal revelation, their relationship with the Spirit grows stronger. This Divine Influencer leads them into all truth, maturing them into the full stature of Christ.
The pastors conclude with an encouragement: "We hope this message has blessed you. Continue to seek the truth through the Word and the Holy Spirit, and share this teaching with others so that they, too, may grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."