Sermon Notes

Uncharted
Week 3
Uncharted: Making Room for the Holy Spirit | Living a Spirit-Led Life

Key Text: Romans 8:14 — “Those who are led by the Spirit of God are the sons of God.”
Supporting Texts: 2 Kings 4:1–7; 2 Kings 4:8–17

• A Spirit-led life is an adventure into the uncharted — but it requires room. God’s provision (the “oil”) does not run out; we stop making room for it.

Romans 8:14

• Being “led by the Spirit” defines our identity as God’s children.
• Leadership by the Spirit requires responsiveness and space for His direction.

Two Stories of Room (2 Kings 4)
Widow and the Oil (2 Kings 4:1–7)

• Problem: Debts, impending loss.
• Miracle: Oil multiplies as jars are made available.
• Insight: The oil continued to flow as long as there was room. When there was no more room, the supply stopped.
• Principle: God’s provision meets needs in tangible ways — the Spirit’s work touches real, material needs.

Shunammite Woman and the Room (2 Kings 4:8–17)

• The woman sees Elisha’s anointing and intentionally invests time, money, and space to host him.
• She “made a room” for the prophet — literally creating space for the Spirit’s presence.
• Outcome: The room became the setting for future provision and miracle (a blessing she could not have asked or imagined).
• Principle: Intentional investment—honor, time, resources—creates a place for God to act.

Theology of the Oil

• Biblical symbolism: oil = provision, empowerment, healing, presence of the Holy Spirit.
• The Spirit does not force entry; He fills what we make available.
• The anointing translates into real-world transformation, not spiritual escapism.

How We Make Room for the Spirit (Practical Steps)
1. Knowledge of Scripture

• Scripture enlarges our capacity to receive: truth expands our vision and expectation.
• Regular Bible engagement awakens sensitivity to the Spirit’s voice.

2. Time with the Lord

• Consistent prayer, waiting in His presence, “upper room” moments.
• Waiting isn’t earning; it’s stretching and creating internal space.
• Practical: schedule regular times of quiet prayer, extend worship, cultivate stillness.

3. Obedience to the Spirit’s Prompting

• Respond when He says “do this now” — small or large acts of obedience.
• Examples of obedience: speaking a prophetic word, laying hands for healing, starting a ministry, financial giving, moving, vocational changes.
• Testimony illustration (Roscoe Service): obedience + time brought fruit.
• Note: Obedience often requires cost (time, money, reputation) but opens space for greater work.

The Cost and the Reward

• Some won’t invest time or resources; the Spirit’s work is hindered, not because God is out of provision, but because we withhold room.
• What good is the oil if we hold it in jars and never let it transform the earth? The anointing should result in tangible change.

Practical Applications for the Congregation (Concrete Next Steps)

• Identify one spiritual “jar” you will empty this week (time, money, a schedule slot) and dedicate it to the Spirit.
• Choose one act of obedience this month (a difficult conversation, a step of generosity, using a spiritual gift).
• Commit to one regular, weekly “upper room” time—30–60 minutes of uninterrupted prayer/worship/Bible.

Altar Call / Closing Commitment

• Two simple responses:

1. “I will make room for you, Holy Spirit.” (Commit to a specific action now.)
2. Salvation — receive Jesus as Lord if you haven’t; the Spirit leads those who are His.

Closing Prayer

• Ask God to enlarge your heart, create spiritual space, increase hunger for Scripture and presence, and give courage to obey.