timid. They have to deliberate and resolve many times over before they can
outpouring of the Holy Spirit as well, this would enable them to share their inner holiness with others. We know many people who are rich inwardly, but they are unable to supply to others what is within them. Men may admire them and respect them, but they cannot receive help from them because the latter lack the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Let us therefore consider what practical profits can result from the Spirit's outpouring.
1. Grants the power to communicate. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit gives you the power to communicate, that is to say, to channel forth what is in you to others. People who have learned much before God and yet lack the power to share with others are enabled to distribute the riches inside themselves once they do receive the outpouring of the Spirit. Yet those who only have the indwelling Holy Spirit can be likened to a power house whose impact upon its surroundings is minimal: there may be much light in the power house; nevertheless, the entire city lies in darkness. In order to channel light to the city there must be power lines to connect the power house with the city. If, of course, there is nothing in the power house, the connection of power lines is absolutely useless. But even if there is something in the power house, it is still useless without the power lines. In this illustration, of course, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit can be likened to the power lines. Is it not absurd that many Christians have numerous power lines and yet they use candle lights in the night because they have nothing in them? They may think of communicating something to others, but they have nothing inside them to communicate. They are useless. Consequently, we need to be filled both within and without. By knowing the victorious life we have something inside, and by seeking the outpouring of the Holy Spirit we have the power to give of that inward life.
2. Instills courage. Some people have riches within, but they are very timid. They have to deliberate and resolve many times over before they can give testimonies. Others may have really believed in the Lord Jesus, yet they are afraid to distribute gospel tracts. For those who have not yet received the outpouring of the Holy Spirit or who are afraid of such an experience, may I challenge you by asking if you are as bold as those brethren who have had the outpouring of the Holy Spirit? You may have something inside you, but you are timid. Others may not have your riches, yet they are not afraid—a trait of boldness which you do not have. I do not encourage those who are already into the outpouring of the Holy Spirit to go on a rampage; nevertheless, I do exhort those who for the first time have this experience to proceed immediately to bear witness to it because they who were formerly timid have now been given