Whatever Happened to the Holy Spirit?
The Ministries of the Holy Spirit -- Part 1
by
John MacArthur
All Rights Reserved
(A copy of this message on cassette tape may be obtained by calling
1-800-55-GRACE)
Galatians 3:1-5 Tape GC 90-31
Introduction
In Galatians 3:1 5 Paul says, "You foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you,
before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified? This is the
only thing I want to find out from you: did you receive the Spirit by the works
of the Law, or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun by the
Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? Did you suffer so many things
in vain if indeed it was in vain? Does He then, who provides you with the Spirit
and works miracles among you, do it by the works of the Law, or by hearing with
faith?"
Paul was reminding the Galatian believers that the Christian life begins by the
power of the Holy Spirit through faith, and it must continue that way. They
could not reach spiritual maturity by human efforts apart from the Spirit's
power. I think most Christians today would agree with that principle, yet we are
facing a new form of Galatianism: an attempt to be sanctified by works apart
from God's Spirit.
Review
We have seen several reasons that the church has defected from true
sanctification: the confused creed resulting from the Charismatic Movement, the
confused confidence resulting from pragmatism, and the confused counseling
resulting from being overly dependent on psychology. A misunderstanding of the
depravity of man and the sovereignty of God is at the heart of the matter.
Many people believe that if a man is offered the right program or theory he can
somehow change himself. But that betrays a misunderstanding of the depravity of
man. We can't sanctify ourselves any more than we can save ourselves. Only God
saves and sanctifies by His Spirit through faith. Yet after being saved by the
Spirit, Christians often depend on human psychology rather than the Holy Spirit
to solve their problems and define standards of behavior. But sanctification
apart from the Holy Spirit is no sanctification at all.
False sanctification is a serious problem but the solution is simple: we must
depend on the Holy Spirit for sanctification just as we depended on Him for
salvation.
Lesson
Scripture reveals the comprehensive nature of the Spirit's ministry in the
believer's life.
A. The Holy Spirit Is the Agent of Salvation
There are four aspects to His saving work.
1. He produces conviction
Jesus spoke of the Spirit's convicting the world of sin (John 16:8). Conviction
is an awareness of guilt for one's own sins. Only God can produce such an
awareness. He uses believers to proclaim His truth about sin, but the Spirit
must apply it to unbelieving men and women's hearts to produce conviction.
Otherwise they would continue to deny their sinfulness and their need for a
Savior.
2. He produces repentance
Repentance is a desire to turn from our sins once we have been convicted of
them. God grants repentance (2 Tim. 2:25) because men are incapable of repenting
on their own. They love darkness more than light (John 3:19). Acts 11:18 says,
"God has granted to the Gentiles... the repentance that leads to life."
3. He empowers preaching
The Spirit empowers God's truth so it penetrates the unbeliever's mind and
begins to do its saving work. He empowers both the preacher and the hearer. Both
those works of the Spirit are necessary for effective proclamation and reception
of divine truth (1 Thess. 2:13). First Peter 1:12 speaks of "those who preached
the gospel... by the Holy Spirit," and 1 John 5:7 says, "It is the Spirit who
bears witness, because the Spirit is the truth." The Spirit's power is the key
element in effective preaching.
4. He regenerates hearts
Jesus said to Nicodemus, "'Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom
of God.' Nicodemus said to Him, 'How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot
enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born, can he?' Jesus answered,
'Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he
cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh;
and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to
you, "You must be born again." The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the
sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is
everyone who is born of the Spirit'" (John 3:3-8).
Paul said, "He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in
righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and
renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out" (Titus 3:5 6).
* Which Method of Evangelism Is Best?
Since salvation is a supernatural work, it is of little consequence what method
you use to present the gospel. However it's of major consequence that you
present the gospel accurately and in the power of the Holy Spirit. Methods of
evangelism alone can't convince someone to repent and turn to Christ. Only God
can do that by applying His truth to the person's heart. Your task is to
faithfully proclaim His truth and be sensitive to His Spirit's leading. Are you
doing that?
B. The Holy Spirit Is the Agent of Sanctification
In addition to the initial work of conviction, repentance, and regeneration, the
Spirit provides for the believer's ongoing sanctification.
1. He indwells believers
At the moment of salvation the Holy Spirit takes up residence in the believer's
heart.
a. Acts 2:38 -- Peter said, "Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name
of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift
of the Holy Spirit."
b. 1 Corinthians 12:13 -- Paul said, "By one Spirit we were all baptized into
one body... we were all made to drink of one Spirit."
c. Romans 8:9 Paul said, "You are not in the flesh but in the Spirit.... If
anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him."
d. 1 Corinthians 6:19 -- Paul said, "Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit
who is in you, whom you have from God."
2. He baptizes believers into the Body of Christ
The "Body of Christ" is a metaphor Paul used for the true church. Christ is its
Head and individual believers are its various parts. Believers are placed into
the Body of Christ at the moment of their salvation (1 Cor. 12:13).
3. He gives spiritual gifts to believers
Spiritual gifts are divine enablements for spiritual service such as preaching,
teaching, governing, faith, helps, and many others. Each believer has a unique
combination of gifts specially suited to him or her by the Holy Spirit. In that
sense believers are like spiritual snowflakes no two are alike. Each has a
unique and important role to play within the church.
4. He secures every believer's eternal inheritance
Ephesians 1:13 14 says, "You were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise,
who is given as a pledge of our inheritance." The Greek word translated "sealed"
speaks of authenticity an unbreakable promise. The Holy Spirit secures you for
eternity.
The Greek word translated "pledge" (arrabon) speaks of a down payment that was
made to secure a purchase. The moment you were saved, the Spirit of God became
the down payment on God's final installment of your eternal glory. In modern
Greek, arrabon [arrabon] includes the idea of an engagement ring. In that sense
we can view the Holy Spirit as God's engagement ring a sign of His deep love and
His guarantee to keep His promises.
5. He sanctifies believers
Second Thessalonians 2:13 says, "God has chosen you from the beginning for
salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth." In that
context "sanctification" means we have been set apart from sin and eternal
death. That's a positional sanctification resulting from our standing as
believers in Christ. Our practical sanctification comes as the Spirit does His
transforming work within us day by day (2 Cor. 3:18).
The Christian life begins in the power of the Spirit and includes all those
aspects of His supernatural work within us. That's why we should never attempt
to reach spiritual maturity by human means apart from His power. Instead, we
must understand and draw from the ongoing resources He provides for our
sanctification.
I. THE HOLY SPIRIT PROVIDES ACCESS TO GOD
Access to God implies intimacy with God. That means believers can approach
God on a personal basis without fear of rejection.
A. The Significance of Access to God
God is the provider of all spiritual resources. Because we as Christians live on
a spiritual level, our deepest needs can't be satisfied by natural commodities.
Only God can do that and He's available to us through the Holy Spirit.
B. The Illustration of Access to God
Paul said that God sent Christ "that we might receive the adoption as sons. And
because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts,
crying, 'Abba! Father!' Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a
son, then an heir through God... you have come to know God, or rather to be
known by God" (Gal. 4:5 9).
We are sons of God, and sonship involves access and intimacy. The phrase "Abba!
Father!" (v. 6) is a term of endearment. "Abba" can be translated "Papa" or
"Daddy." It signifies family, privilege, love, and approachability. It's what
the writer of Hebrews had in mind when he said, "Let us draw near with a sincere
heart in full assurance of faith" (Heb. 10:22).
Paul emphasizes the same truth in Romans 8:14 16: "All who are being led by the
Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you have not received a spirit of
slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as
sons by which we cry out, 'Abba! Father!' The Spirit Himself bears witness with
our spirit that we are children of God."
C. The Means of Access to God
1. From a negative perspective
Through prayer we have direct access to God. He's always available and
approachable but many Christians look elsewhere for their resources. Often they
seem willing to substitute almost anything for prayer. That might be
understandable if God wasn't accessible, but He is. The problem is their
apparent unwillingness to pray with intensity and wrestle with God over the
issues of life.
2. From a positive perspective
a. Psalm 16:11 -- The psalmist wrote, "Thou wilt make known to me the path of
life; in Thy presence is fullness of joy; in Thy right hand there are pleasures
forever." If you want joy, pleasure, and insights into life, they are found in
His presence. We needn't look elsewhere.
b. Psalm 27:4 -- David said, "One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall
seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to
behold the beauty of the Lord, and to meditate in His temple." That's a focused
prayer that reflects David's longing to be in God's presence.
c. Psalm 42:1 3, 5 7, 9 10 -- The psalmist cried out to God, saying, "As the
deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants for Thee, O God. My soul
thirsts for God, for the living God; when shall I come and appear before God? My
tears have been my food day and night.... Why are you in despair, O my soul? And
why have you become disturbed within me?... My soul is in despair within me....
All Thy breakers and Thy waves have rolled over me.... I will say to God my
rock, 'Why hast Thou forgotten me?' . . Why are you in despair, O my soul?"
Here's a man who was obviously in deep despair. Note that his solution was to
seek after God.
d. Psalm 73:25 26 -- Asaph said, "Whom have I in heaven but Thee? And besides
Thee, I desire nothing on earth" (v. 25). He understood that earthly resources
can't satisfy spiritual needs.
When Christians experience spiritual defeat it's often because they've forgotten
that God alone is the source of spiritual power. Various Christian programs,
seminars, and counseling techniques may be helpful to a point, but they can't
replace the spiritual power that comes from prolonged periods of deep communion
with the living God. That's our lifeline and our true source of strength.
Asaph looked to God alone for his spiritual strength. In verse 26 he says, "My
flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion
forever." Every believer can have that confidence because God's strength is
available through the Holy Spirit. What a tremendous promise!
D. The Benefits of Access to God
1. We have fellowship with God
A Christian is someone who loves God (Matt. 22:37). As lovers of God we should
long for fellowship and communion with Him. As we pursue that fellowship, we
experience the freshness and exhilaration only He can give to our spirits, and
we receive all the provisions we need for a healthy, victorious Christian life.
I've found that most people who come to me for counseling simply need a
sympathetic ear and an encouraging word from Scripture. I understand the need to
bear one another's burdens (Gal. 6:2) and am happy to share in that ministry,
but also think we can short circuit the Spirit's ministry by turning to men
before we turn to God. If someone feels better by simply talking to me, imagine
how they would feel if they talked to God!
2. We have resources for every need
Jesus said, "Give us this day our daily bread.... Do not lead us into
temptation" (Matt. 6:11, 13). Paul said, "My God shall supply all your needs
according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus" (Phil 4:19). God can meet
every human need.
3. We have wisdom for every circumstance
James said, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all
men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him" (James 1:5).
We must never try to perfect with the systems of man what was begun by the
Spirit of God. Such efforts are unnecessary and fruitless because we have access
to God Himself, who graciously gives us all the resources and wisdom we need to
live according to His will.
II. THE HOLY SPIRIT ILLUMINATES SCRIPTURE
A. Illumination Defined
Having intimacy with God is a wonderful thing but it must be a two way
conversation: we speak to Him in prayer and He speaks to us through His Word.
Illumination is the ministry of the Spirit whereby He opens our minds to God's
Word and makes it come alive to us as God speaks through its pages. That's why
we should always pray with an open heart and an open Bible.
B. Illumination Illustrated
1. 1 John 2:20, 27 -- John said,"You have an anointing from the Holy One, and
you all know [truth].... The anointing which you received from Him abides in
you, and you have no need for any one to teach you; but as His anointing teaches
you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught
you, you abide in Him." The Holy Spirit abides within every believer as the
resident Truth Teacher.
The Greek word translated "anointing" (chrisma [chrisma]) literally means
"ointment" or "anointing oil." An ointment is placed onto and absorbed into
one's skin. John's analogy pictures the Spirit as the One who resides within the
believer and permeates his life with God's truth.
2. 2 Corinthians 1:21 -- Paul said, "He who establishes us with you in Christ
and anointed us is God, who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts
as a pledge."
3. 1 Corinthians 2:9 14 -- Paul said, "Things which eye has not seen and ear has
not heard, and which have not entered the heart of man, all that God has
prepared for those who love Him. For to us God revealed them through the Spirit;
for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God. For who among men
knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of the man, which is in him? Even
so the thoughts of God no one knows except the Spirit of God.
"Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from
God, that we might know the things freely given to us by God, which things we
also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the
Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words. But a natural man
does not accept the things of the Spirit of God."
The Spirit enables the believer to understand Scripture. He is able to do that
because He was the author of Scripture. Second Peter 1:20 21 says, "No prophecy
of Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever
made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God."
To illustrate the Holy Spirit's unique qualification for revealing the Word,
Paul compared the Spirit's knowledge of God's mind to a man's knowledge of his
own mind (1 Cor. 2:11). God's Spirit knows God's thoughts and revealed them in
Scripture. Also He illuminates those thoughts in the minds of believers (1 Cor.
2:12).
* If God's Spirit Is Sufficient, Why Do We Need God's Word?
The sufficiency of God's Spirit in meeting our needs does not mean we can
neglect God's Word. Quite the contrary. The Spirit works through the Word to
accomplish God's purposes in our lives.
In my opinion Psalm 19:7 9 is the single greatest treatment in the Bible of the
sufficiency of Scripture: "The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul
[transforming the whole person]; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise
the simple [imparting skills for every aspect of daily living]. The precepts of
the Lord are right [they establish a right path to follow], rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes [enabling the
believer to see truth clearly]. The fear of the Lord is clean [untouched by
sin], enduring forever; the judgments of the Lord are true; they are righteous
altogether."
David there used six synonyms to describe Scripture: law, testimony, precepts,
commandment, fear, and judgments. "Law" refers to God's standards for man's
conduct. "Testimony" refers to His self-disclosure. "Precepts" refers to life
principles. "Commandment" refers to non-negotiable, non-optional demands. "Fear"
refers to instruction on worship. And "judgments" refers to God's verdicts on
man's behavior.
Scripture is sufficient to supply all God wants us to know about Himself and His
will for our lives. But Scripture must be illuminated by the Holy Spirit if
we're to understand it. God's Spirit working through God's Word provides a
supernatural resource that exceeds anything conceivable on the natural plane.
That's why Scripture is "more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb" (v. 10).
David prayed, "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be
acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer" (v. 14). Is that your
prayer? That can happen only when you follow the command of Joshua 1:8: "This
book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it
day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written
in it."
Conclusion
When we became Christians, God's Spirit convicted us of our sins, brought us to
repentance, and regenerated us. He then indwelt, baptized, sealed, gifted, and
separated us from sin. In the ongoing process of sanctification, He gives us
access to and intimacy with God, who supplies all the resources we need for
physical and spiritual life. The Spirit also illuminates our understanding of
God's Word so we are transformed by its principles as He applies them to our
lives.
What unimaginable gifts the Spirit has given to us! We are not left to flounder
around seeking solutions to spiritual needs on the natural plane. God's Spirit
is sufficient for every need. Our responsibility is to be filled with the Spirit
and to walk by the Spirit each day (Eph. 5:18; Gal. 5:16, 25).
It's necessary to be reminded of those basic truths because we often forget the
source of our spiritual power. Many Christians have been drawn away from
depending upon the Spirit's ministry, focusing instead on some supposed fast
answer, quick fix, or panacea for their problems. But the truth is, if you want
a godly life you must move into the presence of God through prayer and allow His
Spirit to minister to you and transform you through His Word. That's how
sanctification takes place.
Focusing on the Facts
1. We are facing a new form of Galatianism: an attempt to be __________ by
__________ apart from God's Spirit.
2. What are four aspects of the Spirits saving work?
3. Define conviction.
4. Define repentance.
5. According to Acts 11:18, who grants repentance?
6. The __________ __________ is the key element in effective preaching.
7. What is your task in evangelism?
8. What are five ways in which the Spirit provides for the believer's ongoing
sanctification.
9. What did Paul mean by "the Body of Christ" (1 Cor. 12:13)?
10. What is a spiritual gift?
11. Define arrabon [arrabon] as used in Ephesians 1:14.
12. Access to God implies __________ with God.
13. What is the significance of having access to God?
14. What does the expression "Abba! Father!" mean (Gal. 4:6)?
15. What is the means of access to God?
16. What was Asaph's perspective on the ability of earthly resources to satisfy
spiritual needs (Ps. 73:25 26)?
17. What are three benefits of having access to God?
18. Define illumination.
19. Does the sufficiency of the Spirit diminish our need for God's Word?
Explain.
20. What titles did David use to describe God's Word? What does each title mean
(Ps. 19:7 9)?
Pondering the Principles
1. We have seen that every believer has direct access to God through the Holy
Spirit and prayer. That's how we cultivate intimacy and fellowship with Him.
What a tremendous privilege! Do you take advantage of your access to God? Don't
let complacency or neglect rob you of the spiritual power and refreshment that
comes from time spent in His presence. There is no substitute for prayer. If you
have not developed a systematic approach to prayer, the "A.C.T.S." format is a
good way to start.
o Adoration praising God
o Confession confessing sin
o Thanksgiving thanking God
o Supplication praying for others
Whatever approach you use, be faithful and disciplined in prayer. It honors God
and it's your lifeline to a victorious Christian life.
2. Illumination is the ministry of the Spirit whereby He opens our minds to
God's Word and makes it come alive to us. As we communicate with God in prayer,
He communicates with us through His Word. That's where we must go for God's
answers to our questions and His solutions to our problems. Other sources of
information such as seminars and counseling are helpful only to the degree that
they are consistent with God's Word. Therefore our first source of instruction,
and the standard by which we measure all others, must be God's Word. Is that
true of you? Are you discerning about what you listen to and whose advice you
follow?
Added to Bible Bulletin Board's "MacArthur's Bible Study Guide Collection" by:
Tony Capoccia
Bible Bulletin Board
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