In the sermon titled "The Afterglow: Yielding to the Holy Spirit," Pastor Allen Victor of Calvary Chapel West Jacksonville explored the importance of yielding to the Holy Spirit. The message underscored the necessity of being led by the Spirit in our daily lives and emphasized the spiritual growth and blessings that come from such submission.

Pastor Victor began by defining what it means to yield, contrasting it with resisting. He explained that yielding involves giving way under pressure and relinquishing control, as opposed to stubbornly resisting. The act of yielding produces positive results in our spiritual journey. Through vivid illustrations, he made these concepts relatable: yielding to traffic and the dangers of resisting a rip current served as metaphors for our relationship with the Holy Spirit. He cited Acts 7:51 to highlight the peril of resisting the Spirit: "[You] stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers [did,] so [do] you."

Pastor Victor then delved into what true yielding looks like in a believer's life. It means not rushing ahead of God's plan, not neglecting His guidance, and not falling behind in our spiritual walk. Instead, it calls for staying in step with the Spirit, as emphasized in Galatians 5:25: "If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit."

The sermon also explored the myriad benefits of yielding to the Holy Spirit. It leads to spiritual growth and maturity, as illustrated in John 15:1-2: "I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit." Additionally, yielding brings prosperity and success in both physical and spiritual realms, as seen in Psalms 1:1-3: "Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law, he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper."

Practical examples of yielding were provided, such as responding to the gentle promptings of the Holy Spirit rather than waiting for forceful manipulation. Pastor Victor recounted how Philip was led by the Spirit to meet the Ethiopian eunuch, a powerful testament to the effectiveness of yielding. Other examples included being sensitive to the Spirit's promptings in everyday activities like talking, going places, praying, and sharing faith.

However, the sermon also warned about the things that hinder yielding to the Holy Spirit. Neglecting prayer, ignoring Scripture, disregarding worship and fellowship, lack of obedience, unrepentant sin, and harboring unforgiveness were highlighted as significant barriers. Pastor Victor stressed the need for believers to cultivate spiritual disciplines and to approach God with humility, reliance on His strength, and a heart full of love and compassion.

In the concluding sections, Pastor Victor provided practical advice on yielding in various areas of life through prayer. Whether it is decision-making, moral living, relationships, serving in ministry, witnessing, or immediate prayer, each aspect of life should be surrendered to the Holy Spirit's guidance. He encouraged the congregation to seek sensitivity to the Spirit, pray for obedience, and be open to the Spirit's promptings in all situations.

At Calvary Chapel West Jacksonville, Pastor Allen Victor and the church community are committed to helping believers experience the fullness of life that comes from yielding to the Holy Spirit.

#HolySpirit #YieldingToGod #SpiritualGrowth #Obedience #CalvaryChapelWestJacksonville #PastorAllenVictor