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Reading Of The Scriptures On The Holy Spirit:
John 1:33 And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.
There is a value of learning about the Spirit because of His prominence in several areas of the Bible.
He is mentioned in the Old Testaments 88 times. 23 books in the O.T. refer to the Holy Spirit although the actual expression is only used 3 times i.e.
Psalms 51:11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Isaiah 63:10 But they rebelled, and vexed his Holy Spirit: therefore he was turned to be their enemy, and he fought against them.
Isaiah 63:11 Then he remembered the days of old, Moses, and his people, saying, Where is he that brought them up out of the sea with the shepherd of his flock? Where is he that put his Holy Spirit within him?
Other expressions referring to the Spirit are used (e.g., "the Spirit of God") – Genesis 1:2
He is mentioned in the new testaments 264 times. There are 60 or more references in the gospels, Acts has 57 references (which is why some call it "The Acts Of The Holy Spirit"), and the Epistles refer to the Holy Spirit 132 times. Only 3 Epistles make no mention of the Spirit (Philemon, 2 John and 3 John).
It is important to understand as much of the Bible as humanly possible especially a prominent figure such as the Holy Spirit! Imagine someone saying they understood the story of the Bible, but did not know much about Abraham!
2. The prominence of the Holy Spirit in the Life of Christ: His involvement in the birth of Jesus:
Jesus was conceived of the Holy Spirit in the womb of Mary - Matthew 1:20; Luke 1:30-35, Various individuals were filled with the Spirit to make pronouncements about His birth such as Elizabeth, mother of John the Baptist - Luke 1:41-42 and Zacharias, father of John the Baptist - Luke 1:67-79, and Simeon, who saw the infant Jesus when presented in the Temple - Luke 2:25-35
The Holy Spirit was present at the Baptism by John:Descended in bodily form like a dove - Luke 3:21-22 and even "alighting upon Him" - Matthew 3:16
- Luke 4:14-15. He applied Isaiah's prophecy to Himself, which said, "The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me." - Luke 4:16-21 and on one occasion it is said that Jesus "rejoiced in the Spirit" - Luke 10:21. Jesus to cast out demons by the power of the Holy Spirit - Matthew 12:28
3.The Prominence of the Holy Spirit in “The Christian’s Life"
Some think He is an impersonal force expressive of God's power and others think He is really Jesus in another form. Many people misunderstand: The baptism of the Holy Spirit, the gift of the Holy Spirit, the spiritual gifts of the Holy Spirit, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Many attribute "impressions or "intuitive feelings" to being "led by the Spirit" showing Ignorance of how the Holy Spirit leads us by attributing to the "Holy Spirit" what is really the "human spirit".
Conclusion: It should be self-evident that as our understanding of the Holy Spirit increases so will our appreciation for Him. However as important as understanding the Holy Spirit might be it is not essential to have a comprehensive knowledge of the Spirit to become a child of God anymore than understanding the birth process when we were physically born. What is essential is that we respond to the terms of pardon revealed by the Holy Spirit in the gospel of Christ - cf. Act 2:36-38
Prayer
Lord please look after my brethrens and bless them with the ability to bring in the lost lambs. Too often we spend all our time speaking to those that have already been saved when we should be witnessing for the Lord in the salvaging of lost souls. Give them strength, guidance, and true words for the work that they have chosen to follow. I ask this in the name of Jesus, the Messiah, Your only begotten son.
The Personality Of The Holy Spirit
4. The prominence of the Holy Spirit regarding “Truth and Error”I will start with the following statement: "There is no subject more important in religion than that of the Holy Spirit. Unless Christians properly understand this, then a great portion of the Holy Bible, and especially the New Testament, must remain unintelligible. However, despite the Holy Spirit’s importance to understanding the Scriptures, there remain so much confusion and superstition in the minds of many people.
It is my intention to present my understanding of what the Bible teaches about the subject and a good starting place is to consider who or what the Holy Spirit is:
1. Is the Holy Spirit a person, one that possesses "personality"?
2. Or is the Holy Spirit simply an "influence", or "impersonal force" that emanates from God?
a. Members of the Watchtower Society (who call themselves "Jehovah's Witnesses"), would have us believe such is the case
b. E.g., "As for the 'Holy Spirit', the so-called 'third person of the trinity', we have already seen that it is, not a person, but God's active force." - The Truth That Leads To Eternal Life
1. A "personal" being, possessing every trait of what we call "personality"
Our Bible shows, "The Holy Spirit Prays for us, He intercedes for us,He crys for us,He grives for us therefore how can just a breath do these thing and not have a personility"?
2. The Holy Spirit is Not some "impersonal force" that emanates from God as some have taught.
3) Acts 13:1-4, Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cypr
The Holy Spirit Teaches: Jesus own words
1) John 14:26, But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost (not Jesus), whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
2) John 14:16-17, And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
Please note that Jesus consistently refers to the Holy Spirit as “He” or “Him”, not “it” implying a personal being, not an impersonal force.
The Holy Spirit Bears Witness:
1) John 15:26-27,
2) Just as the apostles (who were "personal beings") would bear witness, so also the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit Guides, Hears, Speaks, Tells:
1) John 16:12-13,
2) Notice again that Jesus consistently refers to the Holy Spirit as "He"
The Holy Spirit Forbids:
1) Acts 16:6-7,
2) This He did by "forbidding" them, and "not permitting" them, despite their initial efforts
The Holy Spirit Intercedes:
1) Romans 8:26, Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
2) Romans 8:34, Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
All of those works of the Holy Spirit manifest personality. But there is more.
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2. The Holy Spirit Possesses Personal Characteristics
a. HE Has a Mind: 1) Romans 8:27, And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. 2) This suggests thinking on His own
b. HE Has Knowledge: 1) 1 Corinthians 2:11, For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? Even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. 2) Just as the "spirit of man" (a personal being) knows certain things
c. HE Possesses Affection: 1) Paul speaks of "the love of the Spirit" - Romans 15:30, Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me; 2) When have you known of an "impersonal force" that could love?
d. HE Has a Will: 1) 1 Corinthians 2:11, For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? Even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. 2) It was the Holy Spirit who decided what person received which gift These are all characteristics of a being possessing intelligence and personality. 3. The Holy Spirit Suffers Personal Slights and Injuries 1) Ephesians 4:30, And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. 2) He can be made sorrowful through our willful neglect
b. HE Can Be Blasphemed: 1) That is, to be spoken evil of 2) As in attributing His deeds to the works of Satan, the "unforgivable sin" - Matthew 12:31-32, Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.
c. HE Can Be Insulted: 1) One who has "trampled the Son of God underfoot" has also "insulted the Spirit of grace" - Hebrews 10:29, Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? 2) This is done by sinning "willfully" - Hebrews 10:26, For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
d. HE Can Be Lied To: 1) As Ananias and his wife Sapphira were guilty of doing 2) Acts 5:3, But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?
e. HE Can Be Resisted: 1) As Stephen charged the Jewish leaders of doing - Acts 7:51, Ye stiff necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. 2) This they did by resisting the message and persecuting the messengers who were inspired by the Holy Spirit - cf. Acts 7:52-53, Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which showed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers: Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it.
Conclusion
1. A mere principle or influence cannot sustain these slights, only a personal being; so it is clear: a. The Bible presents the Holy Spirit as a personal being b. We should regard the Holy Spirit as a "He", not an "it"!
2. But is this personal being also a supreme being? a. Angels are personal beings, but not supreme beings b. What does the Bible say about the Holy Spirit?
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PART 3, OF THE HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD, Entitled "The Deity Of The Holy Spirit"
As this sermon brought out the facts that the Holy Spirit is a personal being, and not some impersonal force or power and that His works, His characteristics, and His slights and injuries, which He can suffer, manifest His personality.
This sermon will continue to build on those facts with evidence of the Holy Spirit's deity and the Biblical teaching that there is only one God. Let's begin by noting the evidence that:
I. THE HOLY SPIRIT IS A DIVINE BEING:
A. His "ATTRIBUTES" reveal His divine nature,
1. He is "omniscient" (knows all things) - 1 Corinthians 2:10-11, But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man, which is in him? Even so, the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
2. He is "omnipresent" (everywhere) - Psalms 139:7-10, Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.
3. He is called the "eternal" Spirit - Hebrews 9:14, How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
B. His "WORKS" reveal His divine nature,
1. He was involved in the "creation" of the world - Genesis 1:2, And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. In addition, Job 33:4, The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life.
2.
3. He was involved in the "redemption" of man - Hebrews 9:14, How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
4. He is involved in the "regeneration" of man - John 3:5, Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. In addition, Titus 3:4-6, But after that the kindness and love of God our Savior toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior;
All this information supports the thought of the Holy Spirit as deity. In fact, Peter spoke of the Holy Spirit and God interchangeably in Acts 5:3-4, But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? While it remained, was it not thine own? And after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? Why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? Thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. Acts 5:9, Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out.
This makes sense only if the Holy Spirit is indeed God! But if the Holy Spirit is a personal, divine being:
· Does that mean the Bible teaches a polytheistic concept of God?
· Are there three Gods, or only one God?
· What relationship does the Holy Spirit maintain with the Father and with Jesus Christ?
Some questions more than others have challenged the minds of men throughout the ages. I do not pretend that I will set the issue at rest in one simple sermon but I will offer some thoughts on the subject.
II. FOUR DIFFERENT CONCEPTS OF GOD
A. Tritheism:
1. This view holds that there are three gods
2. That is, that the "Father" is a god, the "Son" (Jesus) is a god, and the "Holy Spirit" is a god - three separate and distinct gods
3. This is truly polytheism (a belief in more than one god)
4. Mormons hold to a slight variation of this view, in that they do not limit it to just three gods, but believe there many more gods
B. Arianism:
1. Named after Arius, who lived in Alexandria in the fourth century A.D. and taught this view
2. According to Arius:
a. God the Father existed from eternity
b. Jesus (God the Son) was created in time by the Father
c. The Holy Spirit is a creation of the Son (therefore, a creature of a creature)
3. Members of The Watchtower Society (who call themselves "Jehovah's Witnesses") hold similar views, believing that:
a. Jesus is a created being
b. The Holy Spirit is just an impersonal force sent by God to accomplish His purpose
C. Sabellianism:
1. Named after Sabellius, who lived in the third century A.D.
2. This view holds that God is one person:
a. Who has manifested Himself in three different ways or three different modes
b. Not simultaneously, but successively; for example:
1) At one moment God presents Himself as Creator (or Father)
2) At another moment, as Redeemer (or Son)
3) Then again, as Revealer (or Holy Spirit)
3. This view is held by many modern theologians, and by those who emphasize baptism in the name of Jesus "only".
D. Trinitarianism:
1. This is the doctrine of the trinity
a. The word trinity comes from the Latin "trinitas"
b. From another Latin word, trinus, which means "threefold"
c. Meaning a triad, or "group of three", suggesting both unity and diversity
2. This view holds that God is one God:
a. But that the one God exists eternally in three persons (Father, Son, Holy Spirit)
b. That in this one God there is both unity and diversity:
1) The unity consists, not in the unity of purpose only, but in one common nature, in the sameness of "Godhood"
2) The diversity is seen in that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are distinguishable
3. The doctrine of the trinity can be stated in three propositions
a. First, God is one God
b. Second, the Son is fully God and is distinct from God the Father and God the Spirit
1) There is nothing in concept of God (deity), no quality, no attribute, which the Son does not possess
2) Yet He is not the same person as the Father or the Spirit
c. Third, the Spirit is fully God, is distinct from the Father and the Son, and is personal
1) The Spirit is not a created being or energy from God, but is deity
2) He is different in His "person" and "mission" from the Father and the Son
d. This is the view held by most Catholics and Protestants today
So just, which of these four views is correct? Is the Holy Spirit:
· A god (Tritheism)?
· A creature or force emanating from God (Arianism)?
· God in just another form, but not in any way distinct from the Father or Son (Sabellianism)?
· God, but a distinct personality from the Father and Son who together make up the One True God (Trinitarianism)?
Not Tritheism for that is polytheistic, and the Bible teaches Deuteronomy 6:4 "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one!" So let's consider, then:
III. WHAT THE BIBLE REVEALS ABOUT GOD
A. The Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit are distinguishable:
1. All were present, but in different forms, at Jesus' baptism - Matthew 3:16-17, And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
2. In His teaching about the Holy Spirit, Jesus clearly makes a distinction:
a. "I (Jesus) will pray the Father, and He shall give you another (note: another, not the same) Comforter (Holy Spirit), that He may abide with you forever." - John 14:16, And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever;
b. "But the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My (Jesus') name..." - John 14:26, But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
c. "But when the Comforter (Holy Spirit) is come, whom I (Jesus) shall send unto you from the Father..." - John 15:26, But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:
3. A distinction is made in the command to baptize people in the name "of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost" - Matthew 28:19, Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
4. Paul makes a distinction in his benediction in 2nd Corinthians 13:14, The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.
a. "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ..."
b. "...and the love of God..."
c. "...and the communion of the Holy Spirit..."
5. John refers to "both the Father and the Son" - 2 John 9, Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.
a. Note the use of the word "both", which implies two
b. How can you have "both" if they are exactly one and the same thing?
This evidence rules out "Sabellianism" or the "oneness" doctrine.
B. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit Each Possess Deity:
1. The Father is clearly God (deity) - 1 Corinthians 1:3, Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
2. The Son is also God (deity):
a. John 1:1-3, In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.,
b. John 1:14, And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.,
c. Matthew 1:21-23, And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
d. Romans 9:5, Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen.,
e. Philippians 2:5-6, Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:,
f. Colossians 2:9, For in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.,
g. 1 Timothy 6:14-16, That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: Which in his times he shall show, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honor and power everlasting. Amen.,
h. In addition, Hebrews 1:8-12, But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever: a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of thy kingdom. Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore, God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail.
3. The Holy Spirit also possesses deity (as noted earlier): This evidence makes "Arianism" untenable (or the view propagated by The Watchtower Society, i.e., "JWs")
C. The Trinitarian view is supported throughout the Holy Bible:
1. Suggested by a Hebrew name for God (Elohim) used throughout the Old Testament - Genesis 1:1, In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
a. The word "elohim" is plural in form, not singular
b. The plurality of "personality" in one God is implied in the plural pronouns "us" and "our" in Genesis 1:26, And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
2. Even the covenant name of God (YHWH, Jehovah or Yahweh), is used at times to show a plurality of "personalities" in the one God
a. Bear in mind that this name can only be applied to the one true God - Isaiah 42:8, I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images. Isaiah 45:5, I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me:
b. Yet notice that this name is used in prophecy to refer to Jesus - Isaiah 40:3, The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Matthew 3:1-3, In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
c. In at least two passages, when YHWH speaks, He says YHWH sent him!
1) Notice carefully, Isaiah 48:12-16, Hearken unto me, O Jacob and Israel, my called; I am he; I am the first, I also am the last. Mine hand also hath laid the foundation of the earth, and my right hand hath spanned the heavens: when I call unto them, they stand up together. All ye, assemble yourselves, and hear; which among them hath declared these things? The LORD hath loved him: he will do his pleasure on Babylon, and his arm shall be on the Chaldeans. I, even I, have spoken; yea, I have called him: I have brought him, and he shall make his way prosperous. Come ye near unto me, hear ye this; I have not spoken in secret from the beginning; from the time that it was, there am I: and now the Lord GOD, and his Spirit, hath sent me. and Zechariah 2:8-9, For thus saith the LORD of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye. For, behold, I will shake mine hand upon them, and they shall be a spoil to their servants: and ye shall know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me.
2) This indicates a plurality of personalities (i.e., Father, Son, and Holy Spirit)!
3. The only way I know to be true to all of the Biblical evidence for the nature of God is to draw the conclusion suggested by the words in Deuteronomy 6:4, Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:
a. There is one God - "The LORD (YHWH, or Jehovah)..."
b. But within this "Godhead" are three distinct personalities - "...our God (Elohim, suggesting plurality of some sort)"
c. These three distinct personalities are one in substance, essence, purpose - "the LORD (YHWH) is one (in the sense of being united)"
d. Yes, "Jehovah, our Elohim, is united Jehovah"!
Summary:
Admittedly, trying to comprehend the nature of God is difficult: It is like trying to comprehend the infinite reaches of the universe .With our finite minds, both are impossible
For those who accept the Bible as inspired of God, we must Let the Bible reveal the nature of God
1) Accept what it reveals by faith
2) Even when we cannot comprehend it , Avoid developing a concept of God (and the Holy Spirit):
1) Through humanistic and rationalistic thinking
2) Twisting the Scriptures to fit such concepts
I understand the Bible to reveal the Holy Spirit as...A distinct personality, possessing all the attributes of deity Yet one in essence, substance, and purpose with the Father and the Son
1) A member of what is called the "Godhead"; truly a "mind-boggling" concept!
There is something else that should boggle our minds as well: the love God has for sinners! - Romans 5:6-11, For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.
THE HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD, Entitled "The Work Of The Holy Spirit"
During this sermon I have covered what the Holy Bible reveals about the nature of the Holy Spirit:
a. The Holy Spirit is a personal being
b. The Holy Spirit is a divine being (i.e., He is the third Person in the Godhead)
I would now like to continue by reviewing the work of the Holy Spirit
· As manifested throughout the history of mankind
· As demonstrated throughout the revelation of God's redemption of man so that we might increase our appreciation for the Holy Spirit
1. THE SPIRIT'S WORK IN CREATION
A. INVOLVED IN THE CREATION OF THE UNIVERSE...
1) God used the Spirit in the creation of the world - Genesis 1:2, And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the
face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. Psalms 104:30, Thou sendest forth thy spirit, they are
created: and thou renewest the face of the earth.
2) God used the Spirit in the creation of the heavens - Job 26:13,
By his spirit he hath garnished the heavens; his hand hath formed the crooked serpent. Psalms 33:6, By the word of the LORD were the
heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.
Clearly in conjunction with the work of the Son – John 1:1-3, In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was
God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
Colossians 1:16, For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they
be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
B. INVOLVED IN THE CREATION OF MAN
1) In the creation of the first man - Genesis 1:26-27, And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have
dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping
thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created
he them.
2) In the creation of every man (as in the case of Elihu) – Job 33:4, The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty
hath given me life.
From the very beginning, the Spirit was at work. His work continued, especially as God began to slowly reveal His plan of redemption for mankind.
2. THE SPIRIT'S WORK IN REVELATION
A. IN OLD TESTAMENT TIMES...
1) The prophets of old spoke as they were moved by the Spirit - 2 Peter 1:20-21, Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the Scripture
is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were
moved by the Holy Ghost.; 2 Samuel 23:2, The Spirit of the LORD spoke by me, and his word was in my tongue.
2) The Spirit was in them, testifying of things to come - 1 Peter 1:10-11, Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched
diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which
was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.; Isaiah 53:4-6, Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
B. IN THE NEW TESTAMENT TIMES...
1) The Spirit was to guide the apostles into all the truth – John 16:12-13, I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear
them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come. John 14:26, But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
2) This the Spirit did - 1 Corinthians 2:10-13, But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? Even so the things
of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God; that we
might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth,
but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.; 1 Timothy 4:1-3, Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that
in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in
hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.
Thus the Spirit's role in the redemption of man included His work of revealing the will of God. In conjunction with the Spirit's work of
revelation, we also read of...
3. THE SPIRIT'S WORK IN CONFIRMATION
A. CONFIRMING JESUS AS THE CHRIST...
1) Jesus was attested by God through the miracles He performed - Acts 2:22, Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a
man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:
2) The Spirit worked with Christ to confirm His work - Acts 10:38, How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.; Matthew 12:28, But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.; Luke 4:18-21, The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. And he began to say unto them, This day is this Scripture fulfilled in your ears.
B. CONFIRMING THE APOSTLES OF CHRIST...
1) Confirming their message, through gifts given by the Spirit - Hebrews 2:3-4, How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?
2) As they traveled about proclaiming the gospel of God - e.g., Romans 15:19, Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the
Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.
As the Word of God was being revealed and confirmed, it was the Spirit of God at work! But as the Word was being preached, the Spirit was also at work on those who listened with good and honest hearts.
4. THE SPIRIT'S WORK IN REGENERATION
A. AS THE WORD WAS PREACHED...
1) The Spirit was doing His work of convicting the world - John 16:8, And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
2) For example, consider the events on the day of Pentecost
a) The Spirit gave the apostles utterance - Acts 2:4, And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other
tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
b) Peter preached Christ to them - Acts 2:22-24, Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you
by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: Whom God hath raised up,
having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it. Acts 2:36, Therefore let all the house of
Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
c) People in the audience were convicted of their sins – Acts 2:37, Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
d) They were encouraged to repent and be baptized - Acts 2:38-39, Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you
in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and
to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
e) Those willing to do so, did so gladly - Acts 2:40-41, And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves
from this untoward generation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.; Thus the Spirit convicts the world through His revealed and confirmed Word whenever it is preached; those with good and honest hearts will bear the proper fruit - Luke
8:15, But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.
B. AS THE WORD WAS OBEYED...
1) Those who obeyed the Spirit's Word were baptized - Acts 2: 38-41, Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you
in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and
to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this ntoward generation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same
day there were added unto them about three thousand souls
2) In their baptism, they experienced a washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit' - Titus 3:5-7, Not by works of
righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.; 1 Corinthians 6:11, And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of
our God.; Thus they were being born again (regenerated) not of water only, but of water and the Spirit - John 3:5, Jesus answered,
Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
This work of regeneration by the Spirit in response to the preaching of the Word does not end the work of the Spirit in the life of the
Christian. For we also read in the Bible of
5. THE SPIRIT'S WORK IN SANCTIFICATION
A. IN OUR INITIAL SANCTIFICATION...
1) Sanctification involves the idea of being "set apart", "consecrated"
2) Sanctification began in conjunction with our washing and justification - 1 Corinthians 6:11, And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
3) This washing, sanctification, and justification occurred "by the Spirit of our God"; In obedience to the Word of God, we are "sanctified" by the Spirit - 2 Thessalonians 2:13, But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:
B. IN OUR ONGOING SANCTIFICATION
1) Sanctification is an ongoing work - Hebrews 2:11, For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, Hebrews 10:14, For by one offering he hath perfected forever them that are sanctified.
a) Not in the sense of needing redemption - Hebrews 10:10, By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of
Jesus Christ once for all.
b) But in the sense of living holy lives - 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4, For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honor; 1 Thessalonians 5:23, And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly;
and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
2) The Spirit plays an important role in living holy livesa) God strengthens us by His Spirit in our inner man - Ephesians 3:16, That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; Ephesians 3:20, Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
b) It is with aid of the Spirit that we put to death the deeds of the body - Romans 8:11-13, But if the Spirit of him that raised up
Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that
dwelleth in you. Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye
shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. Colossians 3:5-9, Mortify therefore your
members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is
idolatry: For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.
Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;
Thus the need to "walk in the Spirit" and be "led by the Spirit" - Galatians 5:16-18, This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
6. CONCLUSION
During this brief sermon we have seen the work of the Holy Spirit in regards to; Creation, Revelation, Confirmation, Regeneration, and
Sanctification.
Sadly, many people resist the work of the Spirit in their lives.
This occurs whenever one refuses to obey the Word of God revealed and confirmed by the Spirit - Acts 7:51-53, Ye stiffnecked and
uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. Which of the prophets have not your
fathers persecuted? And they have slain them which showed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers
and murderers: Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it.
How much better to obey the truth, and be born again by the Spirit working through that "incorruptible seed", the Word of God! - 1
Peter 1:22-23, Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see
that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of
God, which liveth and abideth forever.
This is public domain and anyone may use it but as given freely also give freely,share with the world so all may come to the glory of God Amen,and Amen
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Discussion: Reading of the Scriptures on the Holy Spirit |
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