The Gift of the Holy Spirit
Seeing Jesus Through the Eyes of a Friend. • Sermon • Submitted
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Introduction
Opening Illustration - New York City uses 11, 000 Megawatt-hours of electricity on average each day. One megawatt represents the amount needed to power 100 homes!
New York City uses 11, 000 Megawatt-hours of electricity on average each day. One megawatt represents the amount needed to power 100 homes!
(1 Megawatt = 1,000 KiloWatt = 1,000,000 Watts) So New York uses 11 Billion Watt-hours per day! That’s a lot of POWER!
And I doubt Benjamin Franklin’s would have even have dreamed that his desire to understand electricity would have ever led to our utter dependance on it today!
Like Franklin, the disciples couldn’t have possibly understood the power of God that would soon be at their disposal. A power so great that it would turn their world upside down. The small band of disciples, this timid, fearful group of followers of Jesus would soon be bold as lions.
Like Benjamin Franklin’s lack of understanding of the power of Electricity (I doubt he would have scarcely comprehended what his country one day would be critically dependent on electricity) So, the disciples couldn’t have possibly understood the power of God that would soon be at their disposal. That power would turn the world upside down. The small band of disciples, this timid, fearful group of followers of Jesus would soon be bold as lions.
Main Idea - Do you Realize what God Gives You?
Main Idea - Do you Realize what God Gives You?
I have a question for you this morning, how would you categorize the church today? Your life today? Is it like the disciples, hours before Jesus’ death?? Fearful and timid? or like the disciples we see in the book of Acts? Bold and fearless for Jesus and His gospel? I’m afraid that all too often the church and we as individuals are more like the pre-resurrection disciples than the post. I can certainly say that of myself at times.
So, what gives? Why the difference in the disciples? How can they be so timid and then, within months be fierce and fearless for Jesus?
I believer there are two reasons. One of which is our focus this morning.
First, the Resurrection of Jesus...
Second, the full-blown ministry of the Holy Spirit in the lives of the Disciples...
Remember, Jesus’ departure from His disciples is imminent, it is within hours and He is working hard to prepare and encourage them. He takes the time to let them know that although He is leaving them, He is not leaving them alone. He is leaving His Spirit with them and they will be shocked at all the POWER they will have coursing through their lives as a result of His presence! They will no longer live by the flesh, but rather by the Holy Spirit of God Himself. This is the amazing promise for all believers since Pentecost! Listen to Paul...
9 You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.
Now, You, if you are a believer in Christ. If you are His follower, you have His Spirit dwelling in you as well. And it stands to reason that you and I, as modern day Christians should be just as bold, fierce and fearless as the first century disciples. But sometimes we need a little encouragement to get there in our thinking. So, this is what we are going to spend our time on today!
I want to remind you by way of God’s Holy Scriptures that you Have God dwelling in you and that should mean something profound to you!
Main Idea - Do you Realize what God Gives You?
Main Idea - Do you Realize what God Gives You?
I mean think about this! God has not left you. Jesus has promised to be with His disciples even to the end of the age! There is so much the Bible has to say about God’s Spirit - please take the time to study this important subject for yourself. In fact, why don’t you prayerfully pick someone to study this subject with? You will be amazed!
But for now, allow me to take you though this text and see what Jesus, Himself has to say about the ministry of His Holy Spirit. Things that He thought His disciples would need to know as they faced His imminent departure. Three things that God gives you in the Holy Spirit...
1. God Gives You a Holy Helper (vs. 4-7)
1. God Gives You a Holy Helper (vs. 4-7)
That’s right! You are not on your own...
God Gave You a Helper (vs. 4-7)
4 But I have said these things to you, that when their hour comes you may remember that I told them to you. “I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you. 5 But now I am going to him who sent me, and none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ 6 But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. 7 Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.
Just as a way of reminder from the last sermon on the prior passage so we can get a little context lets quickly review verses 1-4...
1 “I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away. 2 They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God. 3 And they will do these things because they have not known the Father, nor me. 4 But I have said these things to you, that when their hour comes you may remember that I told them to you. “I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you.
Verse 1 - “To be forewarned is to be forearmed.” And this is exactly what Jesus is doing for His disciples. He didn’t want them to be blindsided when real and painful persecution began to crush in on them! He loved them and wanted to protect them. But I want you to notice something, He didn’t remove them from the immense challenge. Just how immense would their challenge be?
Verse 2 - They would be put out of the synagogues! They would be persecuted and killed by those who believed they were serving God!
Illustrate -
They would be killed by those who believed they were serving God!
Verse 3 - Why would they do this horrific things? Because they were ignorant of the true God! The true Father and Son! (Saul before He became Paul) This means there is hope! There was hope back then for guys like Saul/Paul, and there is hope for people today!
This means there is hope! There was hope back then for guys like Saul/Paul, and there is hope for people today!
Verse 4 - Who is “their” of “their hour”? Their hour refers to the hour of those who are doing the persecuting. For example, Jesus, at this time is about to face the wrath of the Jewish and Roman leadership. In this period of time, it appears as if they (and Satan) have the upper hand. When Christ hangs on the cross and dies, it appears as if the enemies of God have won! “Their hour” has come. This is what Jesus means.
Jesus is telling his disciples that they will have “their hour” as well. They WILL face persecution, they will endure the wrath of a world system, influenced by Satan that will punch them hard and repeatedly without warning simply because of their affiliation with Jesus.
While it is true that there is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved, it is just as true that there is no other name under heaven by which His disciples will receive persecution.
In essence, Jesus didn’t focus on this reality during His ministry, but now He is giving them His word that they will be persecuted for His name sake.
His promise of persecution did come true for the disciples. They did receive abuse for their faith in Christ. Abuse and even death as we already discussed. Read “Foxes Book of Martyrs for a more detailed account...
Jesus gave them His word that they would suffer for His name and it happened, it came true. Jesus doesn’t lie. If He says it will happen, it will happen!
But look at the last half of verse 4...
4 But I have said these things to you, that when their hour comes you may remember that I told them to you. “I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you.
In other words, He didn’t need to focus on their impending suffering because He was there to protect him, guide them and help them. But His presence was soon coming to an end. He would leave them to the harsh realities of what it means to be a Christ follower.
5 But now I am going to him who sent me, and none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’
But wait? Didn’t they ask Him? Peter did! Peter asked where He is going in...
36 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus answered him, “Where I am going you cannot follow me now, but you will follow afterward.”
Thomas too! Thomas asked Jesus where He is going in...
5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?”
So why did Jesus say, “none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’”
The only conclusion that we can reach is, no one IN THAT MOMENT is asking this question.
Why? because of verse 6...
6 But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart.
6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
The God/man who had walked with them for the last three years, who had inspired them, who had taught them about God - who showed them God, was now leaving them. He had warned them of the day of his departure over and over. But the harsh reality was now knocking at their door and they didn’t want to answer. Jesus was leaving them and they were devastated! “Sorrow has filled your heart” - in other words, sadness had overtaken them. Their focus was on their circumstances and their limited perspective. They failed, yet again to sympathize with the Lord and His tremendous sacrifice as well as appreciating what He would accomplish through that sacrifice!
And so Jesus, in a gracious and gentle way, explains to them why He must leave them...
7 Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.
John
Jesus’ departure will not only, by His death burial and resurrection, provide salvation for all who will believe, but it will also bring about the capacity for an exponential multiplication of God’s power! God’s power would no longer limited to the one body of Jesus, it would be multiplied throughout the body of Christ!
And so Jesus says that His departure is actually a good thing for them because it clears the way for the Helper to come. The Helper is sent by Christ! The word “Helper” is...
parakletos (παράκλητος), lit., “called to one’s side,” i.e., to one’s aid, is primarily a verbal adjective, and suggests the capability or adaptability for giving aid.
Illustrate -
parakletos (παράκλητος, 3875), lit., “called to one’s side,” i.e., to one’s aid, is primarily a verbal adjective, and suggests the capability or adaptability for giving aid.
W. E. Vine, Merrill F. Unger, and William White Jr., Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words (Nashville, TN: T. Nelson, 1996), 111.
Do you remember the TV show (I’m totally dating myself here) Matlock? He was a down-home country-boy, criminal defense lawyer...
Ben Matlock was a parakletos.
Don't be fooled by his down-home demeanor and country-boy ways; criminal defense lawyer Ben MatlockIt was used in a court of justice to denote a legal assistant, counsel for the defense, an advocate; then, generally, one who pleads another’s cause, an intercessor, advocate, - W. E. Vine, Merrill F. Unger, and William White Jr., Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words (Nashville, TN: T. Nelson, 1996), 111.
Illustrate -
“It was used in a court of justice to denote a legal assistant, counsel for the defense, an advocate; then, generally, one who pleads another’s cause, an intercessor, advocate...” - W. E. Vine, Merrill F. Unger, and William White Jr., Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words (Nashville, TN: T. Nelson, 1996), 111.
It was used in a court of justice to denote a legal assistant, counsel for the defense, an advocate; then, generally, one who pleads another’s cause, an intercessor, advocate, - W. E. Vine, Merrill F. Unger, and William White Jr., Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words (Nashville, TN: T. Nelson, 1996), 111.
It was used in a court of justice to denote a legal assistant, counsel for the defense, an advocate; then, generally, one who pleads another’s cause, an intercessor, advocate,
W. E. Vine, Merrill F. Unger, and William White Jr., Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words (Nashville, TN: T. Nelson, 1996), 111.
Jesus tells His disciples that He will go and He will send (Ben Matlock, no!) a Holy Helper to enable them to live the Christian life they are called to live.
Are you struggling to live the Christian life? Are you more timid than tenacious when it comes to living for Jesus? Chances are that you are attempting to live the life of a Christian in your own power and strength! You need to tap into the power of the Holy Spirit! He is available to help you! In fact, it is one of His goals to make you boldly live for Jesus.
How can you tap into this Holy Helper?
First - -recognize who you are in Christ. You are called Holy. Did you know that?
1 Paul, called by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and our brother Sosthenes, 2 To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours:
You are holy! Live like it! What does a holy life look like? How can I know? Study the life of Jesus! Follow His ways. But you can’t do it alone...
Second - It is the Holy Spirit who is actively conforming us to the image of Christ
26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 27 And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.
He helps us in our weakness. He helps us by praying for us, He groans for us! It’s God’s will that He do this! And in all of this Spirit activity, He is actively conforming us to the image of Jesus!
He is our Holy Helper! He does for you what you could never do for yourself. He helps you grow in Christ.
Be filled with Him! Don’t grieve him! Don’t quench Him!
Review...Is there any better tool that God could give His disciples that would be better than Himself? NO WAY!
Do you realize what God Gives you?
God Gives You a Holy Helper
2. God Gives You a Multifaceted Powerhouse (vs. 8-13)
2. God Gives You a Multifaceted Powerhouse (vs. 8-13)
This is no small resource! You are vested with spiritual dynamite!
8 And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; 10 concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; 11 concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged. 12 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.
Yes, God gives us a Holy Helper, but Jesus doesn’t leave it there. He goes on to discuss what else this Helper will do for them as they live for Christ. First of all, please notice that Jesus says, “…when he comes” which, considering His audience is His disciples, it is textual proof that the full ministry of the Holy Spirit had not taken place yet. It was to come! When would He arrive? During the Jewish festival called Pentecost.
“Pentecost was a Jewish festival that happened during the Feast of First Fruits. Happening 50 days after Passover, which celebrated Israel's deliverance from Egypt, Pentecost was a time to celebrate the initial harvest feast. Israel gathered together to offer the Lord two loaves of wheat bread made from firstfruits of the grain...” https://www.biblestudytools.com/topical-verses/bible-verses-about-pentecost/
https://www.biblestudytools.com/topical-verses/bible-verses-about-pentecost/
1 When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. 5 Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. 6 And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. 7 And they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? 9 Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, 11 both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians—we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.” 12 And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” 13 But others mocking said, “They are filled with new wine.”
The Tongues thing was cool, but it wasn’t the most astonishing thing that took place the day the Church was born...
29 “Brothers, I may say to you with confidence about the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. 30 Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would set one of his descendants on his throne, 31 he foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption. 32 This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses. 33 Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing. 34 For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says, “ ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand, 35 until I make your enemies your footstool.” ’ 36 Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.” 37 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 And Peter said to them, “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. 39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” 40 And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” 41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.
Folks, do you see the most amazing thing about the arrival of the Holy Spirit? The dead were brought to life! These people were born again just like Jesus told Nicedemous how it happens! ! The church was not only born, but is grew exponentially immediately!
The disciples needed to be reminded that “when” the Holy Spirit comes, everything will change and it will change in a big, dramatic way! The Powerhouse what making His play!
But notice from the text the other activities the Spirit will engage in when He arrives...
8 And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; 10 concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; 11 concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.
Jesus tells His disciples in verse 8, three specific things the Spirit will do and it starts with the word “Convict” - “to present or expose facts, to convince of the truth.” Edwin A. Blum, “John,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 328.
He will convicts the world concerning sin
He Convicts the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment
Edwin A. Blum, “John,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 328.
He will convicts the world concerning sin
He will convicts the world concerning righteousness
He will convict the world concerning judgment
In verse 9 He clarifies what He mean by each...
He will convicts the world concerning sin - because they (the world) do not believe in Christ, which, by the way, is the greatest sin!
18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.
He (the Spirit of Truth) - Guides you in all truth
It is only through the powerful working of the Holy Spirit that people can be convicted and convinced of their sin problem...
He will convicts the world concerning righteousness - because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer. The problem was that Jesus was crucified as a criminal! The righteous one was treated as unrighteous!
23 his body shall not remain all night on the tree, but you shall bury him the same day, for a hanged man is cursed by God. You shall not defile your land that the Lord your God is giving you for an inheritance.
22 “And if a man has committed a crime punishable by death and he is put to death, and you hang him on a tree, 23 his body shall not remain all night on the tree, but you shall bury him the same day, for a hanged man is cursed by God. You shall not defile your land that the Lord your God is giving you for an inheritance.
This is how our righteous, sinless Lord was treated! But it would be his resurrection and ascension to the Father that would vindicate Jesus.
14 But you denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, 15 and you killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses.
He will convict the world concerning judgment - because the ruler of this world is judged. The death, burial and resurrection would be the crushing blow to the evil one.
31 Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out.
15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.
14 Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil,
The hold of the devil would be dealt the death blow on the cross. Satan has been judged and is awaiting final judgement! One day he will be thrown in the Lake that burns with fire for all eternity!
Jesus time is running short with them...
12 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now.
But He promises not to leave them in the dark for long...
13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.
And this shows us other things the Sprit will engage in!
He (the Spirit of Truth) - Guides you in all truth
He speaks with authority
He declares the future - only God can do that
You have a Multifaceted Powerhouse at your disposal!
14 He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you.
He glorifies Jesus - The Spirit is behind the scene. He is a silent power-player, if you will...
He will deca
My friend, Duane gave me a Swiss army knife and I don’t go anywhere without it! I use it almost everyday in one way or another.
Swiss Army Knife - History?
It was in Ibach, in 1884, where Karl Elsener and his mother, Victoria, opened a cutlery cooperative that would soon produce the first knives sold to the Swiss Army. The original model, called the Soldier Knife, was made for troops who needed a foldable tool that could open canned food and aid in disassembling a rifle. The Soldier Knife included a blade, a reamer, a can opener, a screwdriver, and oak handles. https://gearjunkie.com/swiss-army-knife-history
https://gearjunkie.com/swiss-army-knife-history
Apply - Believer, God has given you a tool, an assistant that will enable you to accomplish so much Kingdom work it is mind-blowing.
Picture of a ginormous Swiss Army Knife.
Believer, God has given you a tool, an assistant that will enable you to accomplish so much Kingdom work it is mind-blowing.
It was the Holy Spirit that started the Church, brought dead people to life.
It is the Holy Spirit that convicts of sin (not you)
It is the Holy Spirit that convicts of righteousness
It is the Holy Spirit that Judges Satan himself!
It is the Holy Spirit that traffics in the truth!
So what does this mean for you? The Holy Spirit that does all of these things resides in YOU!
So what does this mean for you? The Holy Spirit that does all of these things resides in YOU!
So, you, by the means and power of the Holy Spirit get to strengthen then church and bring dead people to life!
You, by the means and power of the Holy Spirit can convict other of sin, righteousness and even judgement of Satan and his minion
You, by the means and power of the Holy Spirit can traffic in the truth! You have the truth of God that can cut to the heart, and transform lives, truth that brings people from death to life!
Can you see the power that you have at your disposal? Do you realize that you have no need to fear? Do you understand what you can accomplish through the power of the Holy Spirit that dwells in, through and around you?
Practically speaking, you can move people to the Christ, by boldly speaking truth to them recognizing that it is the power of the Holy Spirit that will take it from there! By the way, this is true of believer and unbelievers...
And you, by the means
Review...
Do you realize what God Gives you?
God Gives You a Holy Helper
3. God Gives You a Divine Declarer (vs. 14-15)
3. God Gives You a Divine Declarer (vs. 14-15)
2. God Gives You a Multifaceted Powerhouse
3. God Gives You a Divine Declarer (vs. 14-15)
3. God Gives You a Divine Declarer (vs. 14-15)
14 He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. 15 All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.
As you can see from the words of Jesus, the Holy Spirit’s responsibility is to glorify Jesus. This is interesting because to glorify means to exalt. So why would God exalt God? That seems weird! True, but if you understand the concept that our God is a Triune God, meaning He is one God in three persons. It begins to make more sense.
Here is one verse of many that demonstrate the reality of this teaching...
1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you.
And by doing a careful study of the Scriptures regarding the Trinity, you will find that while they are all equally God, there is a heirarchy within the Godhead. In other words, there is authority and submission in the Trinity. The Holy Spirit submits to the Son and the Father and the Son submits to the will of the Father. So, how does God exalt God? By Submitting to the Authority that is in the Godhead! All God, All Equal, yet submissive, ultimately to the Will of the Father God.
And how does the Spirit exalt the Son? By being the Divine Declarer! The Spirit declares all that is Jesus’
What is Jesus’? What is His? All that the Father has.
What does the Father have? Everything
The job of the Spirit is to declare EVERYTHING!
D.A. Carson - His means is the unfolding of Jesus’ person and work: i.e. taking from what is mine and making it known to you does not simply mean that the Paraclete passes on what Jesus declares, but that all the revelation bound up in Jesus’ person and mission are pressed home on the disciples.
D. A. Carson, The Gospel according to John, The Pillar New Testament Commentary (Leicester, England; Grand Rapids, MI: Inter-Varsity Press; W.B. Eerdmans, 1991), 541.
I hope you hear what Dr. Carson is saying here. The Holy Helper will DECLARE everything the disciples need to accomplish the radical transformation of their lives and their culture! He will press it into them! He will infuse Himself in them. Because of His presence and indwelling in them, He makes them to be little Christs.
Instead of one Jesus in one place limited to one time, now their will be an exponential number of Jesus’ at any given time in any given generation until the end of the age! Brilliant. The Holy Spirit is the contagion for a glorious, victorious, virus! God infects us with His Spirit!
The flu is rough this year and I wouldn’t wish it on anyone. But I wish with all my heart that you get sick with the SPIRIT! I hope you get so infected with Jesus you NEVER recover!
Oh, and do you know how the “virus” spreads? Through our mouths!
17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
Jesus declares to the disciples that the Spirit will come and confirm in them everything He has told them. He, the Spirit, will declare it to be true! He will press it home in them. They in turn will become the conduit of the Spirit, pressing it home in others, passing the glorious transformation from life to life, from generation to generation!
Listen, Jesus is reassuring His disciples that even though He is going aways, His Spirit will be with them and will declare to them everything they need to accomplish the greatest transformations in all of History! The birth and growth of the Church of Jesus Christ!
The activity of the Spirit glorifies the Father and the Son. In other words, Everything is God’s, and the Spirit makes sure Every follower of Jesus knows this!
This is exactly what the Apostle Peter penned years later in His second letter to the churches in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia. These churches were being influenced by false teacher and Peter wanted them to remember they had EVERYTHING they needed!
3 His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, 4 by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. 5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. 8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. 10 Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. 11 For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Illustrate -
Jesus declared this to His disciples. The Spirit later reiterated Jesus’ declaration and the disciples have continued through the centuries declaring the message of God to His people!
You have everything you need in the Triune God of the Bible! This is the ministry of the Spirit! This is His glorious task. From person to person, church to church, generation to generation!
Believer, one simple question. God has given you His Divine Declarer. Are you allowing Him to declare His truth through you?
Apply -
Folks, friends! You will have no greater fulfillment in this life than to speak a word of truth to all those around you. Believers and unbelievers. There is no greater privilege than to open your mouth and be used by the Spirit to MOVE PEOPLE TO THE RIGHT. To Move people closer to Jesus!
Review...
Do you realize what God Gives you?
Do you realize what God Gives you?
God Gives You a Holy Helper
2. God Gives You a Multifaceted Powerhouse
3. God Gives You a Divine Declarer
Conclusion
Concluding thought - I really don’t think Benjamin Franklin had a clue of the extent of the power he was tapping into that night when he was trying to capture it flying a kite! How could he know that we would harness that power in such a way that it now powers virtually every aspect of our lives.
Friends! You have a far greater power source available to you today! The OMNIPOTENT (all powerful) God who created all things by the word of His mouth, dwells in you! He dwells in this Church.
I think it’s time we turned the power on, don’t you think?
Invitation
Connection Group Questions