The Spirit flow as “rivers of living waters” occurs in the realm of the gift of faith. There are no magical equations for the operation of gift of faith. The calling to minister in the gift of faith is initiated by God, and must be pressed in and broken into through worship, and by a leadership that has no other agenda but to allow the Holy Spirit to have His uncontested way. The breakthrough many times is gradual, and occurs over a number of meetings. The goal of spiritual breakthrough must occur to the point that nothing is seen as impossible within our hearts. If there is an absence of expectation by believers, the slightest bit of fleshly control by leadership, or a preference of religious programs over the wishes of the Spirit, this realm will not be attained.
John 4:14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
· Greek paraphrase: A spring fed well continually leaping, gushing, and bubbling up, of its own action.
· Jesus is a well within us. He is the well of God’s Spirit, because the Spirit has been given to Him in a boundless, limitless way, in His totality, and not by means of portions. We can only fully tap into this well through the operation of the gift of faith and the dunamis power found in the gospel.
Roman 1:16 ¶ For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
· For it is the power of God: This is incorrect: It should be, “it is A power of God.” In other words, the gospel is one kind of manifestation of the dunamis power of God. The dunamis power of the gospel of God is not based solely upon the logos word, but upon the logos and the rhema word.
What makes the gospel be a manifestation of the dunamis power of God is found in the next verse.
17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from (OUT of FAITH) faith to ( AND INTO) faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
· Greek paraphrase: For in it is uncovered a righteousness of God which originates from faith and produces (more) faith.
· Let us imagine a pitcher labeled “faith” from the which God’s righteousness, or manifested deeds and works are poured out, to then be poured into another pitcher labeled “faith”; to then be poured out, to then be poured into, and so forth.
· Herein is a manifestation of the operation of dunamis power. The faith of the logos and the rhema word release the deeds and works of God, which always originate in faith and are uncovered by it. The supernatural deeds of God now manifested in the world by the gospel, awe and inspire many producing more faith.
1 Cor 12:9 To another (the gift) faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing(the charismatic gifts of instantaneous cures) by the same Spirit;
· The ability to see an instantaneous physical healing will only originate through a specific rhema word, which is the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17) that destroys the specific condition creating the malady. This must be coupled with our ‘child like” faith in the scriptural claims of Jesus’ victories over the devil and disease, faith in His blood, faith in His Name, as all of these together are energized by the gift of faith that destroys all limitations imposed by nature and circumstances.
Colossians 2:12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. (Corpse)
· We must place our faith in the operation or in the ability that God had when He effectively and fully raised Christ from the state of a corpse.
· When we are ministering we must have an abiding faith in that God has perfect ability to raise anything from a state of deadness, weakness, and disease, in accordance to what He is commanding us to do. This is what it means to have “faith in.” Our faith is centered on the operation of God to raise anything out of the state of a corpse. This is the “faith of location,” or dwelling in one aspect of God’s truth.
· At the same time we must also have the “faith of”. Here, our faith lies in the fact, that this very same faith, which we placed IN the operation of God, will now work back through us the actual raising up of the “corpse like condition.” This is instrumental faith, or our faith in “the operation of God to raise”, brings this operation to life within us, so that it now works back through us to cause the actual raising up.
Romans 11:36 For of him (Originating from Jesus “Faith of Location”);, and through him(Jesus Himself performs the work back through us “Instrumental Faith”), and to him (Into Jesus, giving Him back the glory and obedience, so that He may lead us into the next dimension of our “faith in Him”, which activates His works in us and causes Him to work back through us by the “faith of Him.” In order to perform His word) are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.
Romans 3:25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
· Our innate faith IN what the blood of Christ has accomplished causes the faith OF the blood of Jesus to work through us.
· Acts 3:16 And his name through faith in his name(Faith of location) hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him(Instrumental faith) hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all
· Our faith located in the Name of Jesus allows for the very same Name of Jesus to instrumentally work back through us. In this case the Name of Jesus gives perfect wholeness to the man.
· The totality of the very faith of Jesus which dwells within Him, is found also dwelling in and working through His Name, so that His Name which represents Him, accomplishes all that pertains to God when used in our execution of “Spirit led” works.
John 4:14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
· Greek paraphrase: A spring fed well continually leaping, gushing, and bubbling up, of its own action.
· Jesus, therefore, is the uncovered well within us, which continually without end, leaps, gushes and bubbles up in our spirits, by means OF Christ’s faith (not ours), in response to our faith IN Christ.
· We must understand the process is continual. Please look with me at John 5:20
John 5:20 For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel.
Greek: For the Father is fond of the Son and shows Him all things that He does in a way that can be proven and for proof, and greater than these works will he show you with the goal in His mind that you may wonder.
· Ministers of God must know that continually, at all moments, the Father is exhibiting within them all that He does in way that the minister can understand and prove the work of God, and then manifest it as proof into the world. The well is always uncovered, and always gushing and bubbling in us. The rhema word is continually at operation within every believer at all times, and in all places. If we cannot hear the rhema word, we must find out why.
Mat 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
· By every rhema word that proceeds from moment to moment out of God’s mouth.
John 7:38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
Greek: He that believeth INTO ME.
· · Oil poured into a motor engine produces in part for the normal operation of the engine. The more that every action in our lives is focused INTO Jesus, the more that that the “portion- less” and “ without measure” bounty of the Spirit dwelling in Jesus will gush out from us.
· · I will never forget the look of the great golfer, Jack Nicklaus (The Golden Bear) when he was ready to put. His concentration was so intense, that there was no doubt that Jack had totally blocked out the world, the gallery, and TV cameras. This is what it means to be INTO JESUS.
John 6:29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him(INTO HIM) whom he hath sent.
· In John 6:29 we find that our success in working the works of God is dependent on how and how much the very actions of our lives are INTO JESUS.
John 5:16 And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day
John 5:17 ¶ But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.
· Worketh is defined in exactly the same way that a company strives to be successful in producing the services for which it is in business for.
· Hitherto: Until now. My Father has been continually at work, producing the services that pertain to the business of the kingdom of God in an unbroken flow, right through all of your Sabbaths; and even now as we speak, He works.
· And I work: I, in like manner.
· This is a tremendously important point of instruction for ministers who desire to work in the Spirit.
· Jesus tells us that we are to work out into the world, what the Father works into us with exactly the same intentions, intensity, and procedures used by the Father. Our ministry must be a carbon copy of the Father’s ministry in us. Remember that every work of the Father is translated into a rhema word that we can understand.
John 14:10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the rhema words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.
· The greater our understanding of the intentions, intensity, and procedures used by the Father, the greater will be the manifestation of the flow of the well.
· Likewise the operation of the gift of faith gives clarity to the rhema word
Galatians 5:6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.
- Greek paraphrase: The only thing, which has strength and ability to prevail and make an eternal impact, is faith; but that faith is only energized, as the works pertaining to it are performed in the spirit of love.
John 9:4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work
· I must: “ It is the necessity in every opportunity that I have”…. to produce the very best I can of the services that pertain to God’s kingdom business.
John 2:1 ¶ And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there:
2 And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage.
3 And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine.
· A state of lack or deficiency. The greatest miracles of Jesus are done at times, and in places within our lives where we lack, or are deficient in, causing us to lag behind. Beware of the prosperity message that quenches the miracles of Jesus
4 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.
· Greek: Woman, there is nothing in common between you and me.
· This is the same mode of expression used by demons in dealing with Jesus, when they confessed to His divinity and authority. Obviously there is no comparison between the godly Mary and the demonic.
Matthew 8:29 And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?
Mark 1:24 Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God.
Luke 4:34 Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art; the Holy One of God.
Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.
· In this case Mary requests Jesus to produce a miracle for the people at the feast. Jesus gentle rebuke is meant to instruct her that there cannot at any time be a connection between her earthly wishes and the will of the Father for His divine mission, as well as the timing of God for the public commencement of Jesus “miracle ministry.”
5 His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.
· It seems that Mary understands the point and gives her request with reverence and humility.
John 2:9 When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom,
10 And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now.
11 This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.
· Miracles: It should be “signs”.
· a sign is the miracle from the viewpoint that authenticates the minister as being sent and at work for God, since God approves of him or her by manifesting His power through them.
· A wonder is the same miracle but from the viewpoint of the one who receives the miracle. The purpose of God in producing miracles is to cause its recipient to wonder in amazement that will lead to a subsequent salvation.
Acts 2:19 And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:
20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come:
· SIGNS- Bloodshed, war, and catastrophe.
· WONDERS- The effects of these SIGNS clouding the sun and the moon.
John 6:26 Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles,(SIGNS) but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.
· The intention of Jesus rebuke was that the focus of the people was not on the sign given by God (in the feeding of thousands with the barley loaves and fish), which authenticated Him as the “sent one of God.” Instead the people focused on the wonder
of their being fed by such a paltry amount. Many had missed out on what the Father had desired to happen. Such is today.
· The Energy of Jesus Power.
· Energeia is the energy produced by the power of God. It is like the electrical energy put out by a generator.
· Since “energy” today sounds like a New Age terminology, I tend to shy away from this terminology, though it is most accurate. Let us study the process of God’s power.
Eph 1:19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward (INTO) who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,
Greek: according to the energy put forth by the exerted dominion which God has to subjugate all that is not of Him; this dominion being the result of the strength and ability which dwells within Him.
· God’s inner strength is demonstrated by an outward exhibition of dominion to subjugate and conquer all that is not of Him. The process of domination puts forth energy. This energy is dunamis power, which is funneled into the believer who continually believes and obeys.
I Cor 15:24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.
25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.
· A good portion of the Lord’s kingdom works is to dominate and subjugate, so that His kingdom may be displayed. If a king is to rule effectively over His kingdom, he must do so unhindered and unrestrained. Thus the Lord Jesus is always subduing what is not of Him, so that He can reign unhindered.
· As we learned before, the manifested energy put forth as God subdues the evil around Him is dunamis power. The dunamis power of God brings forth the works of the kingdom of God, which consist in subduing the evil, and then restoring, reconciling or harmonizing back into God’s order.
· Today, the believer is the piece of land through which God exercises the works of the kingdom. The more that the believer manifests the dunamis power of God, the more is the energy of the subduing power of the Lord Jesus available through the believer to see diseases, demons and acts of nature be dominated and then reconciled.
Eph 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
· Jesus performs above and beyond the mode of superabundance in proportion to the dunamis power energized within the believer.
· Because the believer is the piece of land through which God executes the works of the kingdom, God’s ability to perform to “His fullest” (which always exceeds superabundance; this is God’s normal mode of working) is limited to the quantity and quality of dunamis power flowing through the believer.
· This dunamis power is God’s energy to dominate and to subjugate all that is not of Him, thus bringing forth His kingdom unhindered; but the manifestation of the kingdom is limited by the dunamis power flowing through the minister which subdues all evils so that the kingdom may be manifested in the first place.
1 Cor 12:6 And there are diversities of operations,but it is the same God which worketh (energizes) all in all. (every aspect of every believer’s life)
· Secondly, the energy put forth by God’s dunamis power is limited to how much God can fill every aspect of the believer’s life with this dunamis power.
· This requires that the believer yield every aspect of his or her life to the Lord. The more that the believer yields to the cross, the more that the Lord is allowed to energize the believer with this dunamis power, as it fills every part of the believer’s life.
· Dunamis power, the product of the dominion of God’s strength, is manifested as the diversities of operations.
· Diversities of operations are the variety of works of the kingdom now energized by dunamis power in order to make them fully operational and fully displayed in the world. They are exhibited in a diversity of ways through the different circumstances and personalities of the believers displaying them.
7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal
· The manifestation of the Spirit is the the visible outcome of the diversities of operations, Let us summarize below:
· The residing inner strength or ability of God is always manifested outwardly by His subjugating or subduing dominion to put down all which is not of Him
· The purpose of subduing all evil is for God to bring forth His kingdom unhindered and unchallenged in the land owned by His kingdom; the believer.
· The energy put forth by the process of dominating and putting down is called dunamis power.
· Dunamis power is what is funneled into the believer not only to bring forth the works of the kingdom by subduing and then restoring.
Eph3:16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
· By the Spirit to have the dominating ability produced by the funneling of dunamis power into our inner man.
17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
· So that Christ may dwell in your hearts.(through this dominating ability)
· Dunamis power is also what reveals Jesus in the believer as this same power subdues all that is not of God within the believer. Jesus comes to a place where He can dwell or reside in control and peace within the believer, because there is no evil to challenge or hinder Him anymore.
· The greater the dunamis power within the believer, the greater will be the subduing of evil. The greater the subduing of evil results in the greater ability that Jesus has to dwell because His revelation within the believer is now greater.
· · The energy put out by the dunamis power is called the diversity of operations resulting in the manifestation of the Spirit to profit all.
· As I always teach, the supreme function of any local assembly is to reveal the Person of Christ in its midst by His glory.
· The glory of God is the invisible God made visible.
· The revealed Christ, in His glory, through the instrumentality of the operation of all of the ministries within a local assembly, is lifted up and draws all men unto Himself. This is called a revival of religion.
· Revival is not a onetime “revival meeting.” A revival of religion is the ongoing and continuing process of the revelation of the Person of Christ through each local assembly. None is exempt! The continuing manifestation of the glory of Christ by a local assembly of believers, allows Christ to draw more and more of the surrounding community unto Himself, permanently changing the community itself. This is revival!
· For this to happen it takes EVERY MEMBER of the local assembly to be effectively reveal the Christ through his or her ministry. There are no exceptions!
Eph 4:15 but speaking truth in love, we may grow up in all things into him, who is the head, even Christ;
· Greek: But (every member of a local assembly) speaking (teaching, prophecy, ministry) the reality of the Word of God, as a confession of what is really in within their lives because they are living out the gospel with accurateness, grows up INTO CHRIST in all aspects of their lives.
16 from whom all the body fitly framed and knit together through that which every joint supplieth, according to the working in due measure of each several part, maketh the increase of the body unto the building up of itself in love.
· From the Christ who is being revealed in proportion to how an assembly grows into Him, the assembly originates all of their ministries, which are rooted in His revelation, as Christ’s directs and call people into ministry from His revealed presence or glory.
· To “fitly frame” is the effective operations of all ministries by all members within a local assembly. This causes the full revelation of the Person of Christ, as His revelation is ‘fitted properly together” by the ministries of all the parishioners. When I talk about ministries, I am usually speaking of those which makes use of the charismatic gifts that were spoken about above, so that the Spirit who always bears witness of Christ may be manifested, revealing Him.
· To “knit together” is the product of the revelation of Christ by the “fitly framing” of ministries, which have properly fitted His revelation. The awe of His revelation unites the congregation in love, knitting their hearts together. True unity in the body of Christ is only found in the unity of His revelation. The knitting together of all hearts brings a deeper revelation of not only Christ, but of the Godhead, allowing the local assembly to come to the revelation of the height, and breadth, of the love of Christ, until everyone is fully filled with Christ.
· Every joint supplieth This is incorrect. “Every joint of supply” “To supply” originates from the root of a Greek word which is defined as furnishing a chorus liberally with all that it needs. Every joint of supply is each and every member of a local body as he or she effectively supplies the revelation of the Son of God through their ministries in order to manifest the Spirit.
- According to the working in due measure of each several part
- Greek paraphrase: The revelation of Christ is limited to the energy (that will make His revelation fully operational) put forth by the quantity and quality of the “measure of supply” through each of the parishioners’ charismatic ministries.
