Teaching Notes

Teaching, speaking or even singing all requires us to seek God's Spirit so that his power can be evident in what we do. Do you want his power evident in your life?

The Spirit of God

Ezekiel 11:4-6 (The Message)

Oppose them, son of man. Preach against them."
Then the Spirit of God came upon me and told me what to say: "This is what God says: 'That's a fine public speech, Israel, but I know what you are thinking. You've murdered a lot of people in this city. The streets are piled high with corpses.'

Notes: Ezekiel was a prophet that you can find out about in the Old Testament. He was sent by God to tell the people the truth about God. In this scripture it states that the Spirit of God came upon him so that he could speak God's word. He then gives the people the message God has called for him to do.

Question: Why did the prophet need God's Spirit to speak for God?

Answer: If the prophet had only spoken out of his own anger at the situation or his own understanding of the situation, he would have possibly (great possibility) done things wrong. Instead, if you want to ensure that you do the things right and pleasing to God you need to do them his way. Also another great fact is, he would not have had the power of God which is what convicts the hearts of people to change, or repent. Even when people refuse to listen to your words, if God's Spirit has equipped you to give them, his word will be fulfilled. We may not see the results sometimes right away, but the purpose was that the person had the opportunity to hear the truth of God and that was done. This is still true for you and I today. God wants to give us his Spirit so that when we speak for Him, we have his power.

Prayer: Lord just as you gave the prophets of old your Spirit to speak, we thank you for giving your Spirit to all today that would come and seek you as their Lord and Savior. Help me today to walk by your Spirit so that I can be empowered to do your will.