Fire Power—Beside Yourself
By: Pastors Rodney & Adonica Howard-BrownePublish date: 03/17/2019
Foundation Scriptures:
For if we are beside ourselves [mad, as some say], it is for God and concerns Him; if we are in our right mind, it is for your benefit, 14 For the love of Christ controls and urges and impels us, because we are of the opinion and conviction that [if] One died for all, then all died; 15 And He died for all, so that all those who live might live no longer to and for themselves, but to and for Him Who died and was raised again for their sake. 2 Corinthians 5:13-15 AMPC
1. Beside Yourself.
a. Paul talked about being beside yourself.
b. To some people, who judge according to appearances, this term has a negative meaning—some might even say we are mad.
c. You can be beside yourself with emotions that have to do with natural, earthly things.
d. You can also be beside yourself when you are mightily moved and touched by the things of the Spirit of God—which is what Paul is talking about here.
e. Some people are offended by any display of emotions, when it comes to holy things, but Paul refers to “holy emotions” being stirred up by the powerful preaching of God’s Word.
f. 1 Corinthians 2:4-5 AMPC — And my language and my message were not set forth in persuasive (enticing and plausible) words of wisdom, but they were in demonstration of the [Holy] Spirit and power [a proof by the Spirit and power of God, operating on me and stirring in the minds of my hearers the most holy emotions and thus persuading them], 5 So that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men (human philosophy), but in the power of God.
g. According to the scripture, it is a positive thing to be “beside yourself.”
h. To be beside yourself with joy; extreme joy.
i. Ecstasy—an overwhelming feeling of great happiness or joyful excitement. Rapture; bliss; elation; euphoria; cloud nine; seventh heaven; joy; jubilation; exaltation; heaven; paradise; delight.
j. Ecstatic—over the moon; on top of the world; blissed out.
2. The World Is Looking to Get Beside Themselves Every Day.
a. TGIF
b. Bars; clubs; pills; drugs; weed; ecstasy (drug).
c. The drug, Ecstasy, takes 30-45 minutes to kick in and lasts 3-6 hours.
d. The side effects are: memory problems, paranoia, difficulty sleeping, teeth grinding, blurred vision, sweating, rapid heartbeat, and death.
e. People do it for the feelings of euphoria.
f. Euphoria—a sense of general well-being and happiness.
g. Increased self-confidence and sociability and feelings of communication being easy or simple.
h. Increased empathy or feelings of closeness with others and oneself.
i. Relaxation and reduced anxiety.
j. Increased emotionality.
k. A sense of inner peace.
l. Altered sense of time.
3. All of This Is a Counterfeit of the Holy Ghost.
a. Acts 2:1-21 KJV
b. Everything you need is in the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.
c. Ephesians 5:18-20 AMPC — And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but ever be filled and stimulated with the [Holy] Spirit. 19 Speak out to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, offering praise with voices [and instruments] and making melody with all your heart to the Lord, 20 At all times and for everything giving thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father.
d. Be ye being filled.
e. To come under the influence and control of the Holy Spirit.
f. To be controlled, stimulated, moved, and mobilized by the Holy Ghost.
4. Not Just for Ministry.
a. This is not just for ministry—it’s for every area of your life.
b. Your home; your marriage; your children; your grandchildren.
c. Your business, your work, and your play.
d. Ministry; government—every area.
5. When Last Were You Beside Yourself?
a. Today—the day of the Holy Ghost.
b. Tonight—I will pray for everyone.
c. Make a decision today.
d. I will receive all that God has for me.