THIRST --> TRANSFORMATION -->  RELEVANCE

Recurrent thought

Jesus is on a mission to transform us for relevance. Transformation begins with the filling of the Holy Spirit.  However, only the thirsty are filled.

Isaiah 32:14-15

14 The fortress will be abandoned, the noisy city deserted; citadel and watchtower will become a wasteland forever, the delight of donkeys, a pasture for flocks, 15 till the Spirit is poured on us from on high, and the desert becomes a fertile field, and the fertile field seems like a forest.

Transformation

• In this passage, transformation signifies a radical shift initiated by the Holy Spirit, turning desolation into abundance and barrenness into vitality.
• The "wilderness" symbolizes a state of spiritual dryness or moral decay, while the "fruitful field" and "forest" represent flourishing life and righteousness.
• This underscores the Holy Spirit's power to renew and revitalize both individuals and communities.

Process of Transformation

1. Desolation to Abundance: The wilderness becoming a fruitful field illustrates how the Holy Spirit brings life and productivity to areas once devoid of spiritual vitality. This transformation is not merely external but deeply internal, affecting the heart and soul.
2. Incremental Growth: The progression from a fruitful field to a forest suggests ongoing growth and multiplication. As the Spirit continues to work, what was once modestly productive becomes exceedingly abundant, reflecting the ever-increasing impact of divine influence.

• The Holy Spirit is portrayed as the catalyst for this transformation. Without the Spirit's outpouring, the land remains barren, and the people remain spiritually stagnant.
• This emphasizes the necessity of divine intervention for true and lasting transformation.
• Transformation is what makes you relevant.

What does transformation look like?

We will look at the life of a Spirit empowered young person - David.

1 Samuel 16:13-18; 1 Samuel 17:32-37

From the time David was anointed, a lot of transformation became evident in his life, and so was his relevance.

1. His skills became extraordinary.
   1. He could play the lyre and bring healing. How are you using your skills? Pray that your skills will become extraordinary.
   2. He spoke well. You think you articulate things well? Wait until the Holy Spirit transforms you.
      1. His speech was full of faith – before the soldiers, the king, Goliath.
      2. He exalted the Lord as he confronted Goliath. 1 Samuel 17:45-47
2. He became courageous. He killed lions and bears without any hustles. What are you struggling with?
3. He carried the presence of God to a level where people noticed.
   1. Throughout his reign, Saul acknowledged that the Lord was with David, which made him fear David. 1 Samuel 18:12, 14, 29
   2. Potiphar noticed that the Lord was with Joseph; he quickly handed over his estate to Joseph – relevance.
4. He used every opportunity to be a solution.
   1. He made sure his father’s sheep were secure.
   2. He accepted to go and play a lyre for the king.
   3. He offered to kill Goliath, though not pre-planned. He was ready for service.

Relevance

God wants us to be relevant

Matthew 5:13

13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

• He commanded His disciples to wait for the Holy Spirit. Where do we get the courage to do things without His transformative power? Acts 1:4-5
• It pains Him when we remain irrelevant in this world.
• Jesus was not ready to release irrelevant people into the world. Acts 1: 8

Acts 2:37, 41

• All of a sudden Peter is transformed into a relevant person. He meets the need of 3000 people.

Thirst

John 7:37-39; Psalm 107:9; Luke 11:13

• The disciples were thirsty for the Spirit that is why they waited. They were convinced this is what mattered.
• If you are convinced the Holy Spirit is important for you, you will do whatever you need to do to have Him fill you.
• The Father is ready to give the Holy Spirit to whoever thirsts for Him. 

How to develop thirst for the Holy Spirit

• If you are not thirsty, it shows that there is something that is filling your life.

Empty yourself of the world!!!!!!

Ephesians 5:18

18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, 

• You are responsible for choosing what fills your life at any particular point in your life.  
• You cannot have both the world and the Spirit fill you.
• What is filling your life right now?

Altar Call

1. What is filling your life and taking up space for the Spirit of God? He wants to fill you.
   1. Lord I empty myself of anything taking up space for the Holy Spirit and pray that you fill me.
2. How relevant are you? God wants your life to matter? Be a solution to the dying world.
   1. Lord I pray that my life will touch lives this year; my transformation will bring the transformation of many.