GREATER THINGS Living
READ THE TEXT: John 14:12-26
OPENING STATEMENTS
- This portion of Scripture is interpreted in so many ways depending on a person’s bias and religious affliction.
- I think Jesus was inspiring his men to think bigger about God’s call on their lives. I think he wanted to create a sense of expectations in their lives as they went about His business.
40 signs and wonders are recorded in the book of Acts (39 too place in the streets).
- Many signs and wonders were performed through the Apostles. (Acts 2:43)
- Peter and John heal a lame man at the Temple gate (Acts 3:1-10).
- People brought the sick and lame into the streets so the Apostles shadows might overshadow them and heal them and many were. (Acts 5:12-16).
- Peter and John impart the Spirit in Samaria (Acts 8:14-17).
- Peter heals a paralyzed man (Acts 9:33-34).
- Peter raises Tabitha (Dorcas) from the dead (Acts 9:36-41).
- Paul blinds the sorcerer (Acts 13:6-11).
- Paul heals a man crippled from birth (Acts 14:8-10).
- Paul casts a demon out of a slave girl (Acts 16:16-18).
- In Ephesus Paul gives out handkerchiefs/aprons which heal diseases and cast out spirits (Acts 19:11-12).
- Paul raises a young man from the dead in Troas (Acts 20:7-12).
- Paul heals a man with fever and dysentery (Acts 28:8).
- General Healings on Malta: Paul heals many on the island (Acts 28:9).
TAKEWAYS WITH PRACTICAL APPLICATION FOR US
1. IS ESSENTIAL FOR GREATER THINGS LIVING.
It’s not about our ability to do great things for God that matters as much as to believe God desires to do great things through us and act upon it!
- Faith is trusting God to do what he promises to do in and through our lives. And, without faith we must not expect anything to happen through us in regard to redemptive purposes
- Faith please God. Heb.11:6
- Faith in Christ rather than some generic god.
2. IS ESSENTIAL TO GREATER THINGS LIVING:
“Whatever you ask in my name I will do it.”
“It’s our intimacy with God that determines the impact of our lives.” Charles Stanley
“Expect great things from God; Attempt great things for God,”
William Carey, the “father of modern missions” 1792
- Praying in the name of Jesus: This means expressing our desire to do what Jesus would want done for the glory of God.
- Praying in Jesus name means praying in accordance with Gods will as we understand it (1 John 5:14).
- Praying in Jesus names means we pray with right motives. (James 4:2-3)
Rhetorical question: What would your life look like if you dared trust God to the extent to attempt greater things for the sake of the gospel?
- People would be positively influenced toward God.
- You would discover your spiritual strengths.
- Your faith would grow.
- You would not have wasted your opportunities for God’s redemptive purposes.
3. THE IS ESSENTIAL TO GREATER THINGS LIVING.
“If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever- the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be IN YOU. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. John 14:15-18
- Jesus, our ultimate example of greater things living did so because he was full of Holy Spirit throughout his life. At Jesus baptism just prior to His mission the Holy Spirit flies into the scene! Why? Because Jesus had emptied himself of his divine prerogative (the word became flesh) to exercise his deity. Phil 2:5-8
- Jesus prayed often and this was key to his spiritual power. The Holy Spirit fills those who posture themselves for his presence.
- Jesus made it clear that the Holy Spirit would be key to living a greater things life. He will be with you and in you!
You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you and you will be my witnesses. Acts 1:8
- The Holy Spirit was the wind in the sails of the saints.
- The Holy Spirit was the power behind the preaching. 1Cor 2:1-2
- The Holy Spirit produced the sweet fruit of the Spirit in their lives. Gal 5.
- The Holy Spirit filled and refilled the church as they worship, prayed and lived grateful lives. Eph 5
CLOSING CONSIDERATION: The Apostle Peter was clear on the first day of the church age. God desires to pour out His Spirit on all flesh- our sons and daughters, our senior citizens, and the working class not just the religious class. Acts 2
‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions,
your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.’ Acts 2:17-18