Restoration and the Holy Spirit

Restoration in every dimension of human experience is at the heart of the gospel. It is woven through both OT and NT Scriptures and should be kept at the forefront of the things we communicate. The restoration we have been examining recently is the return of the church (the Bride of Christ), to the majesty and glory God intended for her. But remember, when something is restored according to Scripture, it is always increased, multiplied or improved so that its latter state is significantly better that its original state.

Restoration is already taking place, and God’s Spirit is being poured out on all flesh. However, restoration is a process. Through a series of very distinct and diverse operations of the Holy Spirit, God is systematically renewing different aspects of His beloved church. But there cannot be true restoration, renewal or revival without the Holy Spirit. He is the Person through whom every move of God is instigated and then implemented.

To fully understand restoration we must become totally familiar with the various workings (operations) of the Holy Spirit. We must also comprehend exactly how He has chosen to manifest Himself 'in' and 'through' us. Note, God's will for you is to be constantly filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:17,18). The manifestation of the Holy Spirit’s “work” in the church (and through God’s people), has to do with being filled. I have found six workings or operations of the Holy Spirit, and each one increases during Restoration and Revival:

[1] BOLDNESS. This can be found in Acts 4:31, and is closely related to the outpouring of “power from on high” (Acts 1:8), but it is expressly ‘the subsequent manifestation of boldness to speak God’s word’ - with signs and wonders following. This ‘working’ / ‘operation’ of the Holy Spirit refers to a clear presentation of the gospel without being ambiguous or unintelligible. Yet it also denotes a divine enablement that comes to ordinary people exhibiting spiritual power and authority. Note this inspired speech has nothing to do with human qualities or talents, as it is a direct result of being filled with the Holy Spirit!

[2] EQUIPPING FOR SERVICE. The next working or operation identified appears is in Luke 4:1, Acts 6:3, 7:55 and 11:21, and it has to do with 'equipping for ministry' - this is the special anointing that comes with your calling. When Jesus stepped into His calling (ministry) in Luke 4:1, it says… “being filled with the Holy Spirit …he was led into the wilderness.” It was the start of our Lord's ministry here on earth and His Father was equipping Him for His divine mission. What’s more, it never left Him.

[3] GOD-GIVEN ABILITIES. In Acts 6:3 when the disciples chose seven deacons they sought “men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom” Church growth demands organisation and delegation. Therefore, the Holy Spirit will appoint and then equip believers with God-given abilities to perform specific task in the church. What are your God-given abilities? Notice, they will operate best in a church environment.

[4] GIFTS OF POWER. The next working / operation of the Holy Spirit we can find demonstrated in Acts 13:9 and 4:8, and this relates directly to the operation of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. The Greek word used hear and translated “filled” implies “to be filled beyond”, which I believe is “beyond our own natural abilities” – thus stepping into the supernatural. As the church is restored this gift shall be evidenced more and more.

[5] FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT. The fifth working of the Holy Spirit we find in Ephesians 5:18, 19… “And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation, but be filled with the Holy Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.” Here, the Greek word translated “filled” literally means “to fill to the full”, and implies “always having a perfect measure of something.” It is also used when referring to the 'joy' and 'peace' (Romans 15:13). It is a perfect measure because it is a fruit of the Holy Spirit! Can you see something? When you have the “fruits of the Holy Spirit” flowing in your life – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control – you are then fully equipped to “speak to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in our hearts to the Lord.”

[6] LIVING WATER. Finally, the sixth working or operation of the Holy Spirit is the most profound, and it can be found in John 7:28… “Out of his innermost being will flow rivers of living water - continuously.” This is the unlimited, eternal flow of life from heaven. According to Revelation 22:1 this pure living water is the fountain of life that flows from the throne of God. What's more, its rivers contain God's pleasures and wonderful delights (Psalm 36). Notice something else - this is the only 'flow' that we are told will flow 'from' us - the rest have flowed 'to' us and 'in' us.

Isn’t it amazing? We have continuous living water flowing from the throne of God into our spirit. This water contains divine life and it flows as a stream containing God's pleasures and His divine delights. Also, it is the fountain that pours out His great love. Therefore, whoever comes into contact with us, and whoever is spiritually thirsty, may drink and be satisfied. Isn't this exactly what Jesus said to the Samaritan woman in John 4:10? ....”If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, 'Give me a drink', you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.” And remember, these “rivers of living waters” should never be restrained. The Greek word translated “flow” implies a “continuous flow” - like a fast running stream.

* There are two workings that are concerned primarily with 'authority' – the various manifestation of power from on high, Gifts of the Spirit.
* There are two which deal with the 'equipping of the Saints' – equipping for ministry and equipping for duties or service in the church.

There are two that deal with the 'outpouring' that comes straight from the throne of God (and it contains ‘His life and His nature’). This is meant to flow directly into other people’s lives.

Chris Demetriou, 06/07/2008