The Moving of the Holy Spirit

Scripture Reference

John 3:3-8; Acts 2:1-4; Genesis 1:1-2; Romans 8:2,10-11; 2 Corinthians 3:6; Galatians 6:8 (KJV)

Introduction

The sermon “The Moving of the Holy Spirit” by Dr. Dean Miller Sr. centers on a clear, urgent biblical truth: the Holy Spirit is the source of spiritual life, transformation, and power. From Genesis to Acts and through the epistles, Scripture reveals the Spirit’s work—bringing birth, producing fruit, guiding God’s people, and being present where God moves. This message is aimed at ordinary church members, especially young adults, to help you recognize whether the Spirit is active in your life, to encourage spiritual growth, and to call those without Christ to receive the new birth that brings eternal life.

Quote from Preacher

And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the water.

Outline

The Necessity of the New Birth
1. Scriptural Declaration
  
  John 3:3 records Jesus’ declaration: “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” The new birth is not optional for salvation; it is the one and only way into God’s family. Dr. Miller draws out how Nicodemus was religious but lacked the Spirit—religion without regeneration still leaves a person lost.
2. Born of Water and Spirit
  
  Jesus explains (John 3:5) that one must be born of water and of the Spirit. The “water” connects to the Word (Ephesians 5:26 speaks of the washing by the Word) and the picture of birth itself; the “Spirit” is the supernatural agent who gives spiritual life. Both word and Spirit are involved in repentance, faith, and the work of conversion.
The Holy Spirit Identified as Wind, Fire, and Life
1. Wind: Invisible Yet Evident
  
  John 3:8 likens the Spirit to the wind: you hear its sound and see its effects, but you do not see the wind itself. The believer may not “see” the Holy Spirit as a visible force, but the Spirit’s presence is demonstrated by changed life, renewed desires, and holy living.
2. Fire: Purifying Presence
  
  Acts 2:1-4 describes cloven tongues like fire at Pentecost—fire symbolizes purification, zeal, and the empowering presence of God to witness and serve. The Spirit ignites holy passion and boldness to proclaim Christ.
3. Spirit of Life
  
  Romans 8:2 and 11 present the Spirit as the “Spirit of life” who quickens mortal bodies. The Holy Spirit gives spiritual vitality—desire for God’s Word, prayer, hatred for known sin, and assurance of salvation. Where He dwells, life is present and eternal hope is secure.
The Holy Spirit’s Mission: To Give Life and Produce Christlikeness
1. New Nature, New Goals
  
  Genesis 1:2 is used as a picture: the earth “without form and void” represents lives that are empty, aimless, and dark apart from God. The Spirit moves to bring form, purpose, and fullness. He gives a reason to live—worship, service, and godly relationships.
2. Fruit and Conduct
  
  Galatians 5 (referenced) teaches the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance. Those indwelt by the Spirit will increasingly reflect Christ’s character. Galatians 6:8 contrasts sowing to the flesh with sowing to the Spirit—one brings corruption; the other brings everlasting life.
3. Power for Ministry
  
  2 Corinthians 3:6 declares ministers of the new covenant are ministers of the Spirit. The Spirit enables faithful proclamation, empowers service, and equips the church for witness and growth. The Spirit’s mission includes creating witnesses who preach and live the Word.
Heart Application: How to Know the Spirit Is Working
1. Evidence of Change
  
  You will observe renewed desires: a hunger for Scripture, delight in prayer, love for fellow believers, and a growing hate for former sinful patterns. Dr. Miller emphasizes that the wind’s results are the test—if the Spirit is present, there will be visible fruit.
2. Assurance of Salvation
  
  Romans 8 teaches that if Christ’s Spirit dwells in you, you belong to Christ. Assurance comes from the inward witness of changed life and the outward evidence of fruit, not merely from attendance or religious activity.
3. Warning Against Empty Religion
  
  Religious activity without regeneration is common; many attend church yet remain unsaved. True Christianity is a living relationship with Christ by the Spirit. Dr. Miller warns plainly: profession alone is not salvation.
Practical Encouragements and Examples
1. Personal Testimony as Proof
  
  Dr. Miller shared his conversion (October 5, 1965) and how the Spirit radically changed a life of wickedness into one of service, family worship, and ministry fruit. Testimonies remind us the Spirit still saves and transforms today.
2. Family and Local Church Fruit
  
  The preacher points to God’s blessing on family and churches as evidence that the Spirit works through faithful parents and pastors to produce spiritual offspring and thriving congregations.
3. Call to Active Service
  
  The Spirit does not produce passive Christians. He produces teachers, singers, preachers, workers—people who serve. If you are indwelt, get involved. The Spirit will use you for kingdom purposes.

Summary

The Holy Spirit is central to God’s plan: He is the agent of new birth, described in Scripture as wind, fire, and the Spirit of life. Without the Spirit, a person cannot see or enter the kingdom of God. Where the Spirit dwells, there is transformation—new desires, new goals, and the fruit of holiness. Dr. Dean Miller Sr. reminds us that the Spirit’s presence is not merely theological vocabulary; it is practical, demonstrable change in our daily lives and ministries. The moving of the Holy Spirit is both our conversion experience and our daily supply of power to live for Christ.

Quote to Ponder

You don’t see the Spirit that comes into you, but you need to see the results.

Application for the Week

Make this week a practical pursuit of the Spirit’s work. Below are concrete steps to help you test, encourage, and cooperate with the Holy Spirit in your life.

Examine Your Heart

Quietly and honestly compare your life to the fruit listed in Galatians 5. Do you see growth in love, joy, peace, and self-control? If not, pray and ask God to reveal unbelief or unconfessed sin. If you are uncertain of salvation, read John 3 and pray, asking Christ to give you the new birth.
Confess and Repent

If the Spirit convicts you of sin this week, confess it immediately (1 John 1:9). Repentance is a heartfelt turning from sin to Christ; it opens the way for fresh movement of the Spirit.
Begin a Daily “Wind Check”—Scripture and Prayer

Set aside 15–30 minutes each morning: read a passage (start with John, Romans 8, or Galatians 5), pray, and ask the Spirit to quicken your heart. Keep a short journal of any convictions, encouragements, or changed desires you notice.
Seek the Spirit’s Power for Witness

Ask the Holy Spirit to give you one bold, loving opportunity this week to share Christ or to invite someone to church. Trust Him to supply words and courage; He empowers the timid for witness.
Serve in an Area of Need

Step into a place of service—Sunday school teaching, music, visitation, or facility help. Serving activates spiritual gifts and provides a context where the Spirit molds character and multiplies ministry fruit.
Talk About It

Share your spiritual observations with a trusted mature believer or small group. Ask them to pray with you for ongoing work of the Spirit. Accountability helps cultivate growth and spiritual sensitivity.
Memorize and Meditate

Memorize John 3:3 and Romans 8:11 this week. Meditate on them daily so the truths of new birth and the Spirit’s quickening power take root in your thinking and behavior.

May the Lord move in your life this week. If you are unsure of your standing before God, come to someone you trust and ask them to show you the way of salvation from Scripture and lead you in prayer. The Holy Spirit gives life—receive that life by faith in Christ.