A Study of The Holy Spirit (4)Jim Davis
There is not a lot of difference among believers about how to live the Christian life, but there is widespread difference among believers about how a person becomes a Christian. The discussion rages and the major question is "Where does one begin a walk with God, does it begin at this point or at another point?" We must understand that how we begin our walk with God is all-important.
There has never been a spiritual birth without the presence of the Holy Spirit. Jesus told Nicodemus:
Paul teaches that the Spirit is present in our conversion.
John 3:3, 5-8
"I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." . . . Jesus answered, 'I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born again.' . . . The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit."( NIV)
2 Thessalonians 2:13
But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. (NIV)
Titus 3:4-7
But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. (NIV)
From these scriptures there is no doubt that the Holy Spirit plays a part in our spiritual birth. But the question that rages is "Does it begin with God or does it begin with me?"It is important to keep in mind that Jesus said that the Spirit is like the wind, " . . . you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going." (John 3:8) I may not understand the forces of nature but I can see the result in the latest tornadoes in Oklahoma. So it is with the Holy Spirit; I can tell where the Spirit has been by the results of his presence.
Spirit's Confirmation of the Apostles Message
On Pentecost I see the results of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit's initial coming on the disciples on Pentecost was involuntary. It was something over which they had no control.
Acts 2:2-6
Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking in his own language. (NIV)
The Holy Spirit's work on Pentecost was to convince the hearers that God was with those who were speaking. The hears proclaimed " -- we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!" (Acts 2:11 NIV)There was an occasion where the Holy Spirit came upon Cornelius and his household that had not yet baptized.
Acts 10:44-48
While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Then Peter said, "Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have." So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days. (NIV)
The Holy Spirit coming upon the Gentiles was God's proof to Peter that God was with Cornelius and his household. Peter understood that the Holy Spirit's presence was a sign from God.
Acts 11:15-18
"As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came on them as he had come on us at the beginning. Then I remembered what the Lord had said: 'John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.' So if God gave them the same gift as he gave us, who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could oppose God?" When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, "So then, God has granted even the Gentiles repentance unto life." (NIV)
On Pentecost I also see the promise of the gift of the Holy Spirit. The gift of the Holy Spirit was promised to those told to repent and be baptized. The gift of the Holy Spirit was conditioned upon a voluntary response from those who believed Peter's message. Whereas in the beginning of the chapter the coming of the Holy Spirit was involuntary.
Acts 2:37-39
When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off-- for all whom the Lord our God will call." (NIV)
In Acts 2 the Holy Spirit came to confirm that the men speaking the gospel for the first time had God's approval. The Holy Spirit confirmed the guidance they were receiving from God. Yet, the people on Pentecost were obedient to the message proclaimed by the disciples. They were not empowered as the apostles were. They were not overwhelmed by the Spirit.When the Holy Spirit came upon Cornelius' household he was not exempt from baptism. The Holy Spirit's presence was only a sign of God's approval but the Spirit's presence in no way exempted Cornelius' household from obeying the words Peter spoke. It was absolutely essential that Cornelius' household receive the gospel as preached by Peter. The presence of the Holy Spirit did not confirm that they had been saved, but only confirmed they were candidates for salvation. They had the choice to accept or reject the message; obedience was a totally voluntary response.
The Spirit's agent in saving the lost was the Word of God spoken by men. We get a glimpse of how the Spirit directs Philip to preach to the eunuch. There is not anything in the passage that says that the eunuch was aware of the Holy Spirit giving Philip specific directions to find him.
Acts 8:26-39
Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, "Go south to the road-- the desert road-- that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza." So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship, and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the book of Isaiah the prophet. The Spirit told Philip, "Go to that chariot and stay near it." Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. "Do you understand what you are reading?" Philip asked. "How can I," he said, "unless someone explains it to me?" So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. The eunuch was reading this passage of Scripture: "He was led like a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb before the shearer is silent, so he did not open his mouth. In his humiliation he was deprived of justice. Who can speak of his descendants? For his life was taken from the earth." The eunuch asked Philip, "Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?" Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, "Look, here is water. Why shouldn't I be baptized?" And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing. (NIV)
Initially the Spirit directs Philip to go to the chariot. Yet, Philip preaches Jesus from the Old Testament that the eunuch is reading. After being taught, the eunuch asks, "Here is water what hinders me to be baptized . . . " he makes a voluntary response through a desire to obey what Philip has preached from Scripture.Holy Spirit Gives Life through the Word of God
The Spirit gives life through the Word of God. In all the instances above we see the disciples and those seeking God following the directions of the Holy Spirit. Each person is begotten through the gospel preached on each occasion.
James 1:18, 21The Word of God is Living and Active
He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created . . . Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. (NIV)1 Corinthians 4:15
For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. (KJV)1 Thessalonians 1:4-6
For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. (NIV)John 6:63
The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life. (NIV)I would like for you to recall how we discussed in the first lesson that the Holy Spirit is the life giving force in creation. It is He that made it possible for the seed of a fruit to reproduce life. It is also the Holy Spirit that gives life-producing power to the Word of God as it is implanted into our hearts.
The Word of God is the sword of the Spirit that God uses to penetrate our hearts.
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. (NIV)Ephesians 6:17-18
Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. (NIV)
The Holy Spirit is Given to the ObedientPeter states that the Holy Spirit is given to the obedient. When we are convicted of our sin and turn to God in obedience God gives us his Holy Spirit.
Acts 5:32
We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him." (NIV)
God sends his Holy Spirit into the hearts of those who believe to give them life and to order their lives.
Galatians 4:6
Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, (NIV)
We must have the Holy Spirit to be Christ.Romans 8:9God promised the gift of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost through repentance and baptism. "Peter replied, 'Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off-- for all whom the Lord our God will call.'" (Acts 2:38-39 NIV)
You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ. (NIV)The Word of God is the Sword the Holy Spirit uses to open a person's heart to receive the life-giving Spirit. When one surrenders his/her life to God at baptism God sends his Holy Spirit into that persons heart to give that person spiritual life. (Galatians 4:6)
John 7:38-39
He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.) (KJV)Titus 3:4-7
But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. (NIV)
The gift of the Holy Spirit at baptism is nothing less than the gift of a spiritual rebirth. It is the gift of life.God will give his Spirit to anyone who asks him.
Luke 11:13
If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? (KJV)
It is our choice to be filled by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit can only dwell in the child of God to the degree to which the child of God chooses to surrender. We may choose to be filled with the power of the Spirit or we may choose to quench the Spirit's work.
Ephesians 5:18-20
Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (NIV)
We can quench the Spirit's work by resisting his leading and thereby grieve the Holy Spirit.Acts 7:51God can take his Holy Spirit from you.
"You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers: You always resist the Holy Spirit! (NIV)1 Thessalonians 5:19
Quench not the Spirit. (KJV)Ephesians 4:30
And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. (KJV)Psalms 51:11
Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. (NIV)Isaiah 63:10
Yet they rebelled and grieved his Holy Spirit. So he turned and became their enemy and he himself fought against them. (NIV)
We blaspheme the Holy Spirit when we refuse his direction for our lives. If we refuse the Holy Spirit's message for our lives given through the gospel, there will not be another message. The message of the Holy Spirit as given in the Bible is the last message given by God. To reject it is to blaspheme the Holy Spirit.Matthew 12:32
Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come. (NIV)Mark 3:28-29
I tell you the truth, all the sins and blasphemies of men will be forgiven them. But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; he is guilty of an eternal sin." (NIV)
The fruition of the Word of God in our lives is proof of the Spirit's presence. No person can produce this fruit without the power of the life giving Spirit. It can only be produced through the life giving power of the Spirit as one desires to be obedient to the Word. The Spirit fills us as we seek to know God's will for our lives. It is then that He bears fruit in our lives.Galatians 5:22-26
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. (NIV)
There is no way that we can make the Word of God bear fruit. It would be like trying to make a grain of corn grow by your own power. We can only cultivate our hearts to receive the implanted word. It is our desire to obey the Word that cultivates our hearts for the Spirit's work through the Word. When we separate the Word of God from the power of the Spirit of God the Bible becomes a letter that kills for we are powerless to make it bear fruit in our lives.2 Corinthians 3:6
He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant-- not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. (NIV)
Conclusion:Surrender to the Spirit's power for your life through seeking his power to obey his commands.
2 Thessalonians 2:13-14
But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. (NIV)