Sermon Title: Release – He Is the Spirit of Life

Main Text: John 20:21-22 (NKJV)

“So Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.’ And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’”

Sermon Outline

I. Context: The Sending and the Breathing

• Jesus appears to the disciples post-resurrection and speaks peace.

• As the Father sent Him, He now sends us.

• Key moment: Jesus breathes on them—parallel to Genesis 2:7, where God breathed life into Adam.

• This breath is Ruach – the impartation of spiritual life, marking the beginning of the indwelling work of the Holy Spirit.

II. Understanding the Person Before the Power

• The church often pursues power over the person of the Holy Spirit.

• Indwelling work brings life, character, and identity.

• Power without the person = dysfunction (gifts without fruit).

III. The Overall Story: Creation → Fall → Restoration

1. Genesis 1:26-28 – Man created with identity (image) and purpose (dominion).

2. Genesis 2:17 – Sin introduces the power of death.

3. Romans 5:12-14 – Sin opens the door to death’s dominion.

4. Jesus as the Second Adam:

• 1 Corinthians 15:45 – First Adam = living soul, Last Adam = quickening spirit.

• Jesus breathes new life into disciples—restoring what was lost.

IV. The Role of the Holy Spirit

• The Spirit is the continuation of Christ’s presence.

• Jesus had to go so the Holy Spirit could come (John 7:37-39).

• The Spirit indwells and empowers believers to:

• Reflect Christ

• Walk in righteousness

• Fulfill their kingdom assignment

V. The Baptism of the Holy Spirit

• Acts 10:38 – Jesus was anointed with the Holy Spirit and power.

• Baptism isn’t just for tongues or signs—it’s for function and assignment.

• Matthew 3:13-17 – Jesus’ baptism by John was necessary to “fulfill all righteousness” and model the pattern for us.

VI. Identity and Assignment

• “Christ” means “Anointed One” – we are Christians = anointed ones.

• The anointing isn’t for status, but for function (Acts 10:38).

• Every believer is empowered to:

• Destroy works of the devil (1 John 3:8)

• Heal the oppressed

• Release others into new life

VII. Living Water Flows Out

• John 7:37-39 – Those who believe become sources of living water.

• Not just for us—but to refresh, heal, and restore others.

• The woman at the well becomes a witness because of her encounter with Jesus.

VIII. You Were Written into the Story

• Ephesians 2:10 – You are God’s workmanship, created for good works.

• Acts doesn’t end in chapter 28—you are Acts 29.

• Your life is a living epistle (2 Cor. 3:2-3).

Call to Action

1. Return – Come back to the truth of your identity and purpose in Christ.

2. Restore – Allow the Holy Spirit to renew your heart, mind, and walk.

3. Release – Yield to the Spirit, be filled, and walk out your assignment in power and love.