Divine Spiritual Experiences - Genesis 18:1–14; Luke 2:25–39; Acts 9:1–6

 

Sermon . Divine Spiritual Experiences

Scripture References: Genesis 18:1–14; Luke 2:25–39; Acts 9:1–6

Blessing: O beloved seekers of divine, May the experiences revealed through today’s Word become deeply imprinted in your inner being! Amen.

True spiritual experience is not based merely on imagination or emotion, but must be known through Christ Jesus, in the same way we come to know Him—by faith and encounter. This is the first and most important kind of experience: one that is Christ-centered and personally transformative.

1. The Experience of Joy

There is a joy that comes from worldly things—like clothing, possessions, education, status, health, or relationships. These are all different kinds of joy. There is also an imaginary joy, a feeling many people have. But to live in this world and yet possess a joy that the world cannot give—this is the joy that comes from the Lord Jesus Christ. This joy does not depend on a combination of worldly and spiritual sources. True joy exists only when Jesus is present in your life.

2. The Experience of Knowledge

This refers to a state where one feels they fully understand things—what is good, what is evil, the nature of the world, heaven, hell, Satan, salvation, angels, the Bible, sciences, past, present, and future events. Someone in such a state might say, “I understand everything.” This clarity is not arrogant—it is the result of divine illumination. Just as a lamp reveals all things hidden in the dark—where objects are, their nature and condition—so also, Christ’s presence within us illuminates our inner world. Because Jesus is with us, the mind is filled with light and clarity.

3. Personal Experience: That means enduring hardships with joy—insults, trials, unanswered prayers. When we face sun, rain, failure, famine, illness, demonic visions, and such in our lifetime, we should not count or be discouraged by them  Song: O Lord Jehovah, our Father! Help us to not focus on these many troubles.

4. Positional Experience: Wherever we are, we must consider ourselves as being with God, and God as being with us. Whether we are in mud, in water, in sand, in the fiery furnace of Nebuchadnezzar, on the Sea of Galilee, in a storm, or in a pit like Sundar Singh’s song, it will be as though we are in God's arms. This is a very great experience. Even if we are in a land of sorrow and disaster, in the air, or in a state of unconsciousness—we must always remember: "I am with my Father."

5. Unifying Experience: Even when alone, I am not truly alone. I will think, “The Father is with me.” Whenever I do anything, I do not think I am doing it alone. I consider that “the Father and I are working together.” In times of suffering, I do not think that I am suffering alone. I understand that the Father is also participating and is carrying the burden with me.

6. Abundant Experience: Even when I have nothing, I can rejoice like Paul, saying “I have everything.” I rejoice in knowing that everything the Father gives is mine. Let us remember the words the Father spoke to the elder son: “All that I have is yours.” As David sang in Psalm 23, “The Lord is my Shepherd,” so let us also sing.

7. Paternal Experience: When we possess the six experiences mentioned above, the Father greatly delights in us. He sees that “My children are enjoying a joy that the world cannot offer; they are wise, walking triumphantly over hardships; they have made Me their dwelling place; they are united in Me; they rejoice, saying all things are theirs.” Let us declare with joy: “Everything is ours, isn't it? All that Jesus has is ours, isn't it?” – Abundantly so!

O Heavenly Father! May all these levels of experience be present in our daily lives! Amen.

—A sermon delivered by Devadasu Ayyagaru in Rajahmundry in the year 1947.