Hands-free narration of this study — good for the car.
Synopsis
Daniells links righteousness by faith to the promised outpouring of the Spirit. The latter rain is not an arbitrary event but the natural sequel to a people who have received Christ as their righteousness; the Spirit is given to glorify Christ, and a church that has not exalted Christ has no message for the Spirit to empower. He calls for confession, unity, and earnest seeking, noting that the early rain must be received before the latter.
Key points
- The Spirit's office is to glorify Christ, not to authenticate a movement.
- The latter rain ripens what the early rain has planted; it does not replace it.
- Confession and putting away of sin precede outpouring.
- Power is for witness, not for display or self-vindication.
Key passages
- Joel 2:23-29
- John 16:13-14
- Acts 1:8
- Zechariah 10:1
Study questions10 total
- 1.Comprehension
How does Daniells connect the reception of righteousness by faith with the outpouring of the Spirit?
- 2.Scripture
Read John 16:13-14. What is the Spirit's stated work, and how does that test any claimed revival?
- 3.Doctrinal Clarity
Explain the relationship between the early and latter rain in Daniells' argument.
- 4.Contrast
Contrast seeking the Spirit for power with seeking Christ for righteousness. Which comes first, and why?
- 5.Scripture
Read Zechariah 10:1. What does 'ask ye of the Lord rain' imply about the church's responsibility?
- 6.Doctrinal Clarity
Why can a doctrinally correct church still be powerless?
- 7.Comprehension
What preparation does Daniells say is necessary before the latter rain?
- 8.Scripture
Read Acts 1:8. What is the declared purpose of the promised power?
- 9.Application
What in your own life would need to be confessed and surrendered before you could ask honestly for this power?
- 10.Application
How can a small group pray for the Spirit without drifting into fanaticism?