Over the next four weeks, we are embarking on a journey together—a journey into the deeper work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Too often, we settle for knowing about God when He desires that we experience Him.
-The promise of the Holy Spirit was never meant to be a theological concept tucked away in Scripture; it was meant to be a daily reality that empowers, transforms, and commissions believers.

-Throughout this series, we will explore what it means to live under the influence of God's Fresh Oil, Holy Fire, and New Wine, and discover the life-changing power available to every follower of Jesus.

This journey will take us through four important movements of the Spirit-filled life.
-First, we will discover the Fresh Oil of God's anointing—a life continually renewed and empowered by His presence.
-Then we will encounter the Holy Fire that purifies our hearts, ignites our passion, and burns away everything that hinders God's work in us.
-From there, we will step into the New Wine of spiritual overflow, learning how God desires to bring joy, abundance, and fresh purpose into our lives.
-Finally, we will conclude by embracing the resurrection power of the Holy Spirit that sends us into the world with boldness, authority, and a mission greater than ourselves.

Have you ever noticed how we are constantly charging things?
-Every night we plug in our phones.
-When the battery/fuel in our vehicles gets low, we recharge or refuel.
-If your laptop gets to 2%, you stop what you're doing and find an outlet.

Yet somehow we think we can live spiritually depleted and have even become okay with it….
-We try to parent on empty.
-Lead on empty.
-Serve on empty.
-Love on empty.
-Do Marriage on empty.
-Minister on empty.

Then we wonder why we're exhausted, frustrated, and running out of passion.

In Zechariah, God has tasked Zerubbabel with rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem. This is right after the Jews returned from 70 years of exile in Babylon. Upon returning to their homeland, the Jewish refugees initially began building the new temple. However, after facing heavy opposition from Samaritans and Persian locals, they abandoned the project and focused entirely on building their own homes.

Zechariah’s primary mission was to rebuke their complacency and motivate the people to complete the rebuilding of God's house.

Israel had a mountain-sized task in front of them. The temple needed rebuilding.

Everyone was looking for more manpower… More resources… More strategy.

God's answer was different. What did He say???
"Not by might.” (Not human strength.)
"Not by power.” (Not human ability.)
"But by My Spirit.” (Not you…ME!)

God was teaching His people a principle that still applies today:
What God initiates can only be sustained by God's Spirit.

1: The Oil Represents the Presence of the Holy Spirit

Throughout Scripture, oil symbolizes anointing and the presence of God. In simpler terms, oil symbolizes God’s dedication and empowerment for holy work by His Spirit at work with us. It is empowerment with divine authority to accomplish His will on earth as it is in heaven.

Notice, David doesn't say his cup is barely hanging on.

Notice Jesus' order.
He didn't say, “Go change the world, and then I'll empower you.”
He said, “Wait. Receive. Be filled. Then go.”

"How do I know if I'm depending on myself or the Holy Spirit?"

Ask yourself these questions:
1) When was the last time I prayed before making the decision?
2) When was the last time I sought God's direction before creating my own plan?
3) When was the last time I paused long enough to hear His voice?

3: Fresh Oil Produces Overflow Instead of Exhaustion

Notice God doesn't promise replacement strength. He promises renewed strength.

The Holy Spirit doesn't simply help us survive. He refreshes us.

Being busy is not the same thing as being empowered.
Being exhausted is not proof that you're faithful.

Application:
I think it’s safe to say that we all struggle with a feeling of inadequacy… of insufficiency.

That feeling is more common than most people admit. You look at what you have—your resources, your abilities, your time, your influence, your energy—and it feels insufficient for the assignment in front of you.
-The need is bigger than your supply.
-The challenge is greater than your strength.

Grasp this today… God has never required abundance before obedience.

God specializes in multiplying surrendered things.

Closing:

The question isn’t: "Can God use me?” The answer to that is an obvious yes.

-If he can talk through a donkey…. he can use you.
-If he can make the sea stand up and allow Israel to walk on dry ground… he can use you.

THAT SAID… It’s time for a paradigm shift…

The real question is: Will I allow God to fill me before I ask Him to use me?

Fresh oil isn't something we receive once.
-It's something we pursue daily.
-Every day we wake up and say, ”Holy Spirit, fill me again.”
-Not because He left, but because I need fresh strength for today's assignment.