Encountering the Spirit

Encountering the Holy Spirit passage text: Luke.24:49; Acts 1:4-5, 14-22

INTRODUCTION – Encountering the Holy Spirit Cost

What is your pursuit of the Holy Spirit costing you? Please, remember, that all service to God or encounters with His Spirit will involve a sacrifice. It was unknown in the Old Testament to approach God without some sacrifice.

There was always expense involved in entering into His presence. In fact, it is one thing to say that you are hungry for His presence and to be asking for it and another thing entirely to be willing to sacrifice for it. What are you will to put on the table to encounter the Holy Spirit?

See passages:

(I) Math.13:44-46 “44 The kingdom of heaven is like something precious buried in a field, which a man found and hid again; then in his joy, he goes and sells all he has and buys that field.

45 Again the kingdom of heaven is like a man who is a dealer in search of fine and precious pearls, 46 Who, on finding a single pearl of great price, went and sold all he had and bought it”.

Summary (I): An Encounter with the Holy Spirit will cost you ALL you have. i.e

God can ask or demand for all your harvest or your best.

Good examples are:

– Abraham – Isaac – Gen.22:1-2

– The boy with 5 loaves and 2 fishes –John 6:9-11

– The rich young ruler – Mk.10: 18-22

– The Disciples – Mk.10:28

– The Apostle Paul – Phil.3:7-8

(II) Lu.12:50 “I have a baptism with which to be baptized, and how greatly and sorely I am urged on (impelled, constrained) until it is accomplished!”

Summary (II): An Encounter with the Holy Spirit will stretch and compel or put a demand on you.

Using our text- Luke.24:49 and Acts 1:4-5, 14-22 as a backdrop, I will discuss this cost under three (3) headings:

1) The Spiritual Cost

The first thing required of them was to “Tarry”. This involves the discipline of applying one’s self to waiting i.e. time. It was not a passive wait, but an active one in which they were to be engaged in some things while waiting.

Acts 1:14 told us the time was employed: i.e in

Prayers and Fasting (Matth.9:15, Mk.2:20)

Study of the word.

Prayer and Fasting

· Kept or maintained their fellowship with the master – John 5:17,19 and Heb.5:7

· Was a source of strength and boldness for them Acts 4:31

· Opened their spirits and minds for the revelation of the truth from the word because:

– It is the knowledge of the truth that connects us to our inheritance -2Pet.1:3-4

– Facilitate the release and demonstration of the power of God through us. – Dan.11:32

– Produces effectual Faith in us- 2Pet.1:5,8

– Creates boldness in our hearts as a result of our knowing our rights in Him. – ICor.2:12-13

When you spend time in prayers and fasting before the Lord to have an encounter with the spirit of God:

(1) Like Job – You create a future for yourself – Read the Entire –Job.29

(2) Like King Uzziah – You receive the required divine direction to achieve the desired victory in life – IIChro.26:1-15; Prov.14:12

2) The Intellectual Cost: – Isa.5:13; Psm.45:3-5

– Peter spent time in the Word to gather knowledge as a result – He knew

What to do before the Spirit will descend – V14-22

– Knowledge is power – e.g Samuel in ISam.3:1-11

– Information gives timely expression to every pursuit – Isa.33:6

– Adequate information ensures success – Isa.30:20-21, 2Sam.5:17-25

3) The Physical Cost

Peter obeyed by tarrying, he led the 120 into:

– Separation unto God. Acts 1:14-26

· Jacob in Gen 32

· Jesus Christ Lu.4:1-14

· Paul, 3yrs in the Arabian Desert –Gal.1:11-18

· While in separation, you will learn amongst others to cultivate the other 4 ‘s’ of power i.e

Stillness – Psm.46:10

Refusal to be disturbed or distracted

Solitude – Lu.3:2 ability to stay the course while building stamina and self-confidence.

Silence – Isa.30:15, John 8:4-8 no noise, distraction e.t.c makes for thinking and meditation.

Skill from insight and imparts the ability to do something well e.g

David – Psm.78:70-72

Peter- Matth.17:25-27

Labour and work

Energy is required to fulfill destiny- and the Spirit of might –Isa.11:2

Things answer to workers

Jesus – John 9:4

Paul – ICor.15:9-10

You will be required to be diligent in many areas to facilitate the encounter – Prov.13:23; 20:4; 27:

Interpreting Spiritual Encounters Through Biblical Symbols

Spiritual encounters with the Holy Spirit are often deeply personal and transformative, yet they can be difficult to interpret without a biblical lens. God frequently communicates spiritual truths through visual representations in Scripture i.e via symbols that serve as divine teaching tools.

Understanding these symbols can help us make sense of our own experiences and, thereby, recognize the Spirit’s activity in our lives.

“The language of the Spirit is often symbolic, not because God is vague, but because symbols speak to both human heart and mind.”

For example, here are some important biblical symbols of the Holy Spirit that can help you discern and interpret your encounters with Him:

1. Fire – Purifying and Empowering

2. Wind – Invisible but Powerful

3. Dove – Peaceful and Holy

4. Water – Life-Giving and Cleansing

Why These Symbols Matter in Your Spiritual Journey

Understanding these images is not just for theological study – they provide a good framework of mindset for interpreting how God might be moving in your life. For instance:

A season of renewal might be best understood through the symbol of water.
A calling or consecration might align with the symbol of oil.
A moment of deep conviction and empowerment may be tied to the symbol of fire.

By familiarizing yourself with theses symbols, you become better equipped to interpret your spiritual journey, recognize God’s move, and respond with clarity and confidence.