12/12/22

"THE HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD" The Sins Against The Holy Spirit by Mark Copeland

 








https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/holy-spirit/hs_12.html

"THE HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD"

The Sins Against The Holy Spirit

INTRODUCTION
  1. We have seen where the Holy Spirit is certainly active in God's scheme of redemption...
    1. Revealing and confirming the Word of Truth - He 2:3-4
    2. Convicting hearts of sin through the Word - Jn 16:7
    3. Regenerating those who respond to the gospel - Jn 3:5; Ti 3:5
    4. Indwelling those who obey the gospel - Ac 2:38; 1Co 6:19
    5. Leading those who walk in the Spirit - Ga 5:16-18,25
    6. Producing the fruit of the Spirit in those so led - Ga 5:22-23
    7. Strengthening those seeking to please God - Ep 3:16
    8. Serving as a seal, marking Christians as God's own - Ep 1:13
    9. Serving as an earnest (guarantee) of our inheritance - Ep 1:14
  2. Because of the Spirit's activity, it is possible for us to sin against the Spirit...
    1. We can resist the Spirit - Ac 7:51
    2. We can quench the Spirit - 1Th 5:19
    3. We can grieve the Spirit - Ep 4:30
    4. We can insult the Spirit - He 10:29
    5. We can blaspheme the Spirit - Mt 12:31-32

[Lest we be guilty of sinning against the Spirit, let's examine how such sins are possible...]

  1. RESISTING THE SPIRIT
    1. THE WARNING...
      1. Stephen condemned his listeners for resisting the Spirit - Ac 7:51
      2. How did they do this? By persecuting (i.e., resisting) the prophets - Ac 7:52
        1. Who foretold the coming of Christ
        2. In whom the Spirit of Christ was working - cf. 1Pe 1:10-11
        -- Resisting the Spirit-led prophets resulted in their resisting the Spirit!
    2. THE APPLICATION...
      1. The same Spirit led the apostles of Christ to preach the gospel- cf. 1Pe 1:12; Ro 15:19
      2. We can resist the apostles today
        1. By refusing to obey their word - cf. 1Co 14:37
        2. By refusing to abide in their doctrine - cf. Ac 2:42
        -- Are we guilty of resisting the Spirit, by resisting the words of the apostles?

      [Certainly those who refuse to obey the gospel are guilty of resisting the Spirit, but even those who are Christians can be guilty. Christians can also be guilty of...]

  2. QUENCHING THE SPIRIT
    1. THE WARNING...
      1. Written to the church at Thessalonica - 1Th 5:19
      2. How could they become guilty of this?
        1. To quench means to extinguish, suppress, stifle
        2. To whatever extent the Spirit was at work, they were not to suppress it
      3. Two examples...
        1. The Thessalonians were not to despise prophecies - cf. 1 Th 5:20 ("Do not despise the words of the prophets" NRSV)
        2. Timothy was encouraged not to neglect his gift - 1Ti 4:14; 2Ti 1:6
        -- Suppressing (or neglecting) the Spirit's work is quenching the Spirit!
    2. THE APPLICATION...
      1. The Spirit is at work in our lives today
        1. Teaching and guiding us through His revealed word - cf. Ep 6:17
        2. Strengthening us through His indwelling - cf. Ep 3:16,20
        3. Producing the fruit of the Spirit as we are so led - cf. Ga 5:22-23
      2. But we neglect or stifle the Spirit's effort...
        1. When we fail to read and heed the Word of God
        2. When we fail to pray, asking for strength
        3. When we fail to produce the fruit of the Spirit
        -- Are we guilty of quenching the Spirit, through our own neglect?

      [Another sin against the Spirit that Paul warned Christians about is...]

  3. GRIEVING THE SPIRIT
    1. THE WARNING...
      1. Written to the Ephesians - Ep 4:30
      2. What does it mean to grieve?
        1. To make sorrowful, to affect with sadness
        2. To offend
      3. How could they grieve the Spirit?
        1. By corrupt speech - cf. Ep 4:29
        2. By bitterness, anger, evil speaking - cf. Ep 4:31
        -- When Christians sin, they grieve the Spirit who indwells them!
    2. THE APPLICATION...
      1. The Spirit desires to produce good fruit in Christians...
        1. The fruit of graceful words that lift up others - cf. Ep 4:29
        2. The fruit of graceful conduct that bless those around us - cf. Ep 4:28,32
      2. But we make the Spirit sorrowful every time...
        1. Unwholesome words proceed from our mouths
        2. We engage in conduct unbecoming those who have been sealed (marked) for the day of redemption!
        -- Are we guilty of grieving by our speech or conduct the Spirit who indwells us?

      [As bad as it is for Christians to quench the Spirit (through neglect) or grieve the Spirit (through disobedience), it can get worse! We can even be guilty of...]

  4. INSULTING THE SPIRIT
    1. THE WARNING...
      1. Written to the Hebrews - He 10:29
      2. What does it mean to insult the Spirit of grace?
        1. KJV, ASV, "despite the Spirit of grace"
        2. NRSV, "outraged the Spirit of grace"
      3. The context pertains to willful sin - cf. He 10:26-31
        1. Persistent sin with full knowledge and no desire to repent
        2. Conduct that tramples Christ underfoot, and regards His blood a common thing
        3. For which remains a fearful and fiery judgment
        -- Christians can become so hardened by sin that they insult the Spirit through outrageous conduct!
    2. THE APPLICATION...
      1. We need to be aware of the danger of apostasy - He 3:12-14
        1. We can become hardened by the deceitfulness of sin
        2. We can thereby depart from the living God
        3. We must hold the beginning of our confidence (faith) steadfast till the end - cf. Re 2:10
      2. We become guilty of insulting the Spirit...
        1. When we sin willfully, with full knowledge of our sin
        2. When we have no desire to repent - cf. He 6:4-8
        -- Sinning through ignorance or weakness grieves the Spirit, but sinning willfully insults the Spirit!

      [Finally, we note that Jesus warned about...]

  5. BLASPHEMING THE SPIRIT
    1. THE WARNING...
      1. Jesus told the Pharisees of the unforgivable sin - Mt 12:31-32
        1. He had just healed a demon-possessed man - Mt 12:22-23
        2. The Pharisees attributed His power to Beelzebub (Satan) - Mt 12:24
        3. He illustrates the absurdity of their charge - Mt 12:25-28
        4. He explains the implication and necessity of casting out demons by the Spirit of God
          1. The kingdom (rule or reign, power) of God has come - Mt 12:28
          2. For such to be complete, the strong man (Satan) must be bound - Mt 12:29
          3. This Jesus ultimately accomplished through His death and resurrection - Jn 12:31-33; Ro 14:9; Col 2:15; He 2:14-15; Re 1:18
      2. What is the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit?
        1. It is attributing Jesus' power to an unclean spirit - cf. Mk 3:28-30
        2. It is ascribing the work of the Holy Spirit to Satan (B.W. Johnson)
      3. Why is this sin unforgivable? When one concludes that Jesus' power was of the devil...
        1. He has rejected the evidence which produces faith in Jesus
        2. He has rejected the efforts by God to save those in sin
        -- When one is willing to believe that Jesus was in league with the devil, saving faith is not possible!
    2. THE APPLICATION...
      1. We must be careful not to reject the testimony of the Spirit
        1. He is the means by which God bore witness to Jesus - cf. Ac 10:38
        2. Otherwise we can neglect that "great salvation" - cf. He 2:3-4
      2. If we reject the testimony of the Holy Spirit...
        1. We reject heaven's last effort to save man (Ferrell Jenkins, The Finger Of God, p.45)
        2. We reject the evidence which convicts of sin (ibid.)
        -- The consequences of rejecting the Spirit's testimony are serious, depriving one of the forgiveness found only in Christ!
CONCLUSION
  1. Sins against the Holy Spirit can lead progressively into apostasy...
    1. Resisting the Spirit can lead to quenching the Spirit
    2. Quenching the Spirit can lead to grieving the Spirit
    3. Grieving the Spirit can lead to insulting the Spirit
    4. Insulting the Spirit can lead to blaspheming the Spirit
    5. Blaspheming the Spirit leads to a condition where forgiveness is not possible
  2. Note the sad condition of those in full-blown apostasy - cf. He 6:4-6
    1. This passage describes those who at one time:
      1. Were enlightened
      2. Tasted the heavenly gift
      3. Become partakers of the Holy Spirit
      4. Tasted the good word of God
      5. Tasted the powers of the age to come
    2. Yet they had fallen to the point:
      1. Where it was impossible to renew them to repentance
      2. Where they were crucifying again the Son of God, putting Him to open shame

How to prevent such a sad end? Make sure that we are not guilty of "The Sins Against The Holy Spirit"!

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022

"THE HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD" The Gifts Of The Holy Spirit by Mark Copeland

 








https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/holy-spirit/hs_11.html

"THE HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD"

The Gifts Of The Holy Spirit

INTRODUCTION
  1. In previous lessons we made frequent reference to the "gift" of the Spirit...
    1. Promised to all who repent and are baptized - Ac 2:38-39
    2. Referring to the gift of the Spirit Himself - cf. Jn 7:39; Ac 5:32; Ga 4:6
    3. Pertaining to the indwelling of the Spirit in the church and in the Christian - 1Co 3:16; 6:19
  2. The Bible also speaks of the "gifts" of the Spirit, which is not the same as the "gift" of the Spirit...
    1. "We must distinguish the gift of the Spirit from the gifts of the Spirit. The gift of the Spirit is the Spirit himself, bestowed by the Father through the Messiah; the gifts of the Spirit are those spiritual faculties which the Spirit imparts, 'dividing to each one severally even as he will' (1Co 12:11)." - F.F. Bruce, Commentary on the Book of Acts, p.77
    2. "We need, however, to distinguish between 'the gift' of the Holy Spirit and what Paul called 'the gifts' (ta pneumatika, 1Co 12:1; 14:1) of that self-same Spirit. 'The gift' is the Spirit himself given to minister the saving benefits of Christ's redemption to the believer, while 'the gifts' are those spiritual abilities the Spirit gives variously to believers 'for the common good' and sovereignly, 'just as He determines' (1Co 12:7,11). Peter's promise of the 'gift of the Holy Spirit' is a logical outcome of repentance and baptism." - Richard N. Longenecker, Expositors' Bible Commentary, Vol. 9, p.283
  3. In this study, we shall focus our attention on the "gifts" of the Spirit...
    1. What were the gifts?
    2. How did people receive the gifts?
    3. What was the purpose of the gifts?
    4. How long were the gifts to last?

[By reading 1Co 12:8-11, we can begin to answer the first question...]

  1. WHAT WERE THE SPIRITUAL GIFTS?
    1. DESCRIBED BY PAUL...
      1. "word of wisdom" - ability to speak new revelations of divine wisdom, cf. 1Co 2:6-10
      2. "word of knowledge" - ability to speak truths already revealed, e.g., 1Co 14:6
      3. "faith" - not saving faith, but faith to perform miracles, cf. 1Co 13:2; Mk 11:23
      4. "gifts of healing" - ability to heal all kinds of sickness, cf. Mt 10:1
      5. "the working of miracles" - miracles of extraordinary power, e.g., Ac 19:11
      6. "prophecy" - in this context, inspired disclosure of the future, e.g., Ac 11:27-28; 21:11
      7. "discerning of spirits" - ability to tell whether another speaks from the Spirit, or from some other source, either human or demonic, cf. 1Co 14:29; 1Ti 4:1; 1Jn 4:1
      8. "kinds of tongues" - ability to speak in various languages, e.g., Ac 2:4-11; 1Co 14:18
      9. "interpretation of tongues" - ability to interpret languages, e.g., 1Co 14:27
      -- There may be overlapping in these gifts; I have listed the descriptions given by Jamieson, Faussett, and Brown in their commentary
    2. DELINEATED BY PAUL...
      1. These gifts are called "spiritual" (Grk., pneumatikos) - 1Co 12:1; 14:1
        1. Implying that which is of the Spirit, and not natural
        2. They all come from the same Spirit - 1Co 12:11
      2. They were "manifestations" of the Spirit - 1Co 12:7
        1. Manifest - conspicuous, plain; that which illustrates, or makes anything seen or known (Barnes)
        2. These "spiritual" gifts were visible and audible evidences of the Spirit's influence
        3. Perhaps in contrast to other "gifts" which were not as noticeable, but expressions of God's gracious "gifts" nonetheless - cf. Ro 12:3-8; 1Pe 4:10-11
      3. Not all Christians had these "spiritual" gifts; some may have had no such gift at all
        1. E.g., not all could speak in tongues - 1Co 12:28-30
        2. Some were even "ungifted" (NASB) - 1Co 14:16,23-24 ("uninformed", NKJV)
      4. Possession of these "spiritual" gifts did not ensure spiritual maturity
        1. The brethren at Corinth came short in no gift - 1Co 1:4-7
        2. Yet they were noted for being "carnal" and "babes" - 1Co 3:1-4
      5. These "spiritual" gifts could be abused, but also controlled
        1. Used for personal benefit, contrary to their purpose (see below) - 1Co 14:1-5
        2. Used improperly, to the shame of the congregation - 1Co 14:23
        3. Used properly, to the edification of all - 1Co 14:26-32
        -- Note: In this lesson we are talking about the "spiritual" gifts, those gifts that were a miraculous manifestation of the Spirit

      [The next question we shall examine is...]

  2. HOW DID PEOPLE RECEIVE THE GIFTS?
    1. FROM THE HOLY SPIRIT HIMSELF...
      1. The Holy Spirit distributed the gifts to each one as He determined - 1Co 12:11
      2. Those with certain roles likely received more gifts; e.g., the apostles - cf. 1Co 14:18
      3. On special occasions, the Spirit came upon individuals and imparted gifts directly
        1. E.g., the apostles, at Pentecost - cf. Ac 2:1-4
        2. E.g., the household of Cornelius, the first Gentiles - cf. Ac 10:44-46
    2. THROUGH THE LAYING ON OF HANDS...
      1. Definitely through the laying on of the apostles' hands
        1. E.g., the Samaritans - cf. Ac 8:14-19
        2. E.g., the Ephesians - cf. Ac 19:6
        3. E.g., the Romans - cf. Ro 1:11
      2. Possibly through the laying on of hands by others
        1. Paul may have received the Spirit (along with the gifts) with the laying on of hands by Ananias - cf. Ac 9:17
        2. Timothy may have received a gift by the laying on of hands of elders - cf. 1Ti 4:14
          1. Though the Greek "with" implies that the presbyter's laying on hands was the mere accompaniment of the conferring of the gift (Jamieson, Fausset, Brown)
          2. And "by" (in 2Ti 1:6) implies that Paul's laying on his hands was the actual instrument of its being conferred (ibid.)
          -- Though the Spirit (in this miraculous manifestation) was imparted by the laying on of hands, it was the Spirit who determined what gifts one received
    3. ADDITIONAL GIFTS MAY HAVE BEEN RECEIVED THROUGH PRAYER...
      1. Paul instructed some to pray that they might receive a gift - cf. 1Co 14:13
      2. Those who already had the gift of tongues could pray to receive the gift of interpreting tongues - cf. 1Co 12:10
      3. Could those who had not already received a gift pray for one?

      [The Scriptures do not go into detail as to how people received the gifts. The reason for such ambiguity may have been their temporal nature. Before we consider how long gifts were to last, let's consider the question...]

  3. WHAT WAS THE PURPOSE OF THE GIFTS?
    1. TO REVEAL AND CONFIRM...
      1. To reveal God's will and confirm that it was His will - cf. Mk 16:17-20; He 2:3-4
        1. Some gifts revealed God's will (e.g., prophecy)
        2. Other gifts confirmed God's will (e.g., tongues, miracles)
      2. Gifts were of little value unless truth was being revealed - 1Co 14:6
        1. Which is why prophesy was valued more highly than tongues - 1Co 14:5
        2. Especially when tongues were spoken without interpreters - 1Co 14:9-11
        -- Spiritual gifts were an indication the process of revelation was not yet complete
    2. FOR THE PROFIT OF ALL...
      1. The gifts of the Spirit were given "for the profit of all" - 1Co 12:7
        1. Not for personal or selfish reasons
        2. But for the purpose of benefiting others
      2. Thus the purpose of these miraculous gifts were to:
        1. To instruct and edify the church - cf. 1Co 14:3-4
        2. To convince unbelievers, e.g., speaking in tongues - 1Co 14:22; Ac 2:4-11
        -- Spiritual gifts were designed to bless the whole church, not individuals

      [Keeping in mind the purpose of spiritual gifts will help us to answer our next question...]

  4. HOW LONG WERE THE GIFTS TO LAST?
    1. SPIRITUAL GIFTS WERE TO CEASE...
      1. Prophecies were to done away (NASB) - 1Co 13:8a
      2. Tongues would cease - 1Co 13:8b
      3. Knowledge (cf. 1Co 12:8) will be done away (NASB) - 1Co 13:8c
      -- The three gifts, prophecy, tongues, and knowledge evidently stand for the whole group of spiritual gifts (Ferrell Jenkins)
    2. WHEN THAT WHICH IS PERFECT HAS COME...
      1. What does "that which is perfect" refer to? - cf. 1Co 13:9-10
        1. Some say Christ, alluding to the time of His return
        2. Others say heaven, alluding to the same time period
      2. The overall context suggests differently; note carefully...
        1. The contrast between partial knowledge, and that which is perfect - 1Co 13:9-10
          1. "perfect" (teleios) means "brought to its end, finished; wanting nothing necessary to completeness; perfect..." (Thayer)
          2. There appears to be a contrast:
            1. Between the partial knowledge at the time it was being revealed through spiritual gifts
            2. And the time when such knowledge would be completely revealed (i.e., when God's revelation was final)
        2. The contrast in the two illustrations used by Paul - 1Co 13:11-12
          1. The first showing a contrast between infancy and maturity
            1. Spiritual gifts served during the infancy (beginning) of the church
            2. Once their purpose (to reveal and confirm) was complete, things necessary to the beginning of the church were to be done away
          2. The second showing a contrast between a vague image and a clear image
            1. During the period when knowledge of God's will was not yet complete, it was like looking at a dim mirror
            2. Once God's word was completely revealed, it would be like seeing oneself much more clearly
        3. The contrast with what would remain - 1Co 13:13
          1. While prophecies, tongues, and knowledge would cease, faith, love, and hope would "abide" (Grk., meno, "remain, dwell, continue, tarry, endure")
          2. To say Christ or heaven is "that which is perfect" makes Paul's point meaningless
            1. For there will be a time when spiritual gifts have ceased, while faith, love, and hope remain
            2. Yet when Christ or heaven comes, faith and hope will be no more! 1] We will no longer walk by faith, but by sight! - cf. 2Co 5:7 2] We will no longer hope for what is unseen! - cf. Ro 8:24-25
          3. But if "that which is perfect" refers to completed revelation...
            1. Then faith, hope, and love, will continue until Christ returns
            2. Even though spiritual gifts have been done away with
            -- Spiritual gifts, so important to the beginning and establishment of the Lord's church, ceased once their purpose (to reveal and confirm God's Word) was completed
CONCLUSION
  1. Spiritual gifts were important to the beginning of the church, the means by which the Lord...
    1. Bore witness to His Word and His apostles - Mk 16:19-20; He 2:3-4
    2. Provided a full and final revelation of His Will - 2Pe 1:3; Jude 3; 2Ti 3:16-17
  2. Yet spiritual gifts, the miraculous manifestations of the Spirit, were simply a means to an end...
    1. To produce the Word of God, the sword of the Spirit - Ep 6:17
    2. Which in turn produces the "fruit" of the Spirit - Ga 5:22-23; Ro 8:5-6
  3. More important than tongues, prophecy, knowledge, or any other spiritual gift...
    1. Are the qualities of love, joy, peace, hope, etc., in the life of the Christian
    2. I.e., the "fruit" of the Spirit in our life is more important than the "gifts" of the Spirit!

Spiritual gifts may have ceased, but the fruit of the Spirit can be born whenever one is willing to let "the perfect law of liberty" (i.e., the Word of God) transform their life! - cf. Jm 1:21-25

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022

"THE HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD" The Fruit Of The Holy Spirit by Mark Copeland

 








https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/holy-spirit/hs_10.html

"THE HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD"

The Fruit Of The Holy Spirit

INTRODUCTION
  1. During His ministry, Jesus promised the Spirit to those who believe on Him - Jn 7:37-39
    1. For the believer, "out of his heart will flow rivers of living water"
    2. Fulfilling Scripture, perhaps the one in Isa 58:11
    -- In what way does receiving the Spirit produce "rivers of living water"?
  2. I believe the answer lies in the "fruit" of the Spirit, that which is born by one...
    1. Who has received the "gift" of the Spirit
    2. Who benefits from the "indwelling" of the Spirit
    3. Who is "led" by the Spirit
    -- Which when produced, blesses himself and those around him

[What is the "fruit" of the Spirit? What should we expect to see in one who has received the Spirit as promised by Jesus? In Ga 5:22-23 the apostle Paul provides the answer...]

  1. DEFINING THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT
    1. A MANIFOLD EXPRESSION OF GRACES...
      1. Love - active good will, expressed toward God and man
      2. Joy - gladness, delight, especially in response to God's grace
      3. Peace - tranquility, harmony, both with God and our fellow man
      4. Longsuffering - patience, forbearance, self-restraint in the face of provocation (Vine)
      5. Kindness - sweetness of temper that puts others at ease (Plummer)
      6. Goodness - generosity that reaches beyond just giving what is one's due
      7. Faithfulness - the virtue of reliability (Barclay)
      8. Gentleness - a humble and kind demeanor that helps to calm another's anger
      9. Self-control - the virtue of one who masters his desires and appetites (Thayer)
    2. REGARDING THE EXPRESSION OF THESE GRACES...
      1. Paul defines this as the "fruit" (singular) of the Spirit
        1. These graces produce one "fruit"
        2. The human spirit may develop some of these graces
        3. The Holy Spirit produces them all!
      2. Paul's list of graces is likely not exclusive
        1. Other graces produced by the Spirit include righteousness, hope - Ro 14:17; 15:13
        2. Other graces likely include faith, virtue, knowledge, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness - cf. 2Pe 1:5-8

        [Where the Spirit indwells, strengthening the Christian (cf. Ep 3:16), the "fruit" of the Spirit will be evident. The graces that make up this "fruit" are spiritually refreshing, like "rivers of water" that nourish both one's soul and those around him.

        How can we ensure that the Spirit produces this "fruit" in our lives? Again, Paul provides the answer...]

  2. DEVELOPING THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT
    1. WE MUST WALK IN THE SPIRIT...
      1. Otherwise we will fulfill the lust of the flesh - Ga 5:16-17, 25-26
        1. Unable to do the things we want, such as produce the fruit of the Spirit
        2. Producing instead the works of the flesh, which prevent true love, joy, peace, etc.
      2. This we do by minding the things of the Spirit - cf. Ro 8:4-6
        1. Those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit, such as the Word which the Spirit reveals
        2. Spiritually minded, they experience true life and peace
        -- With minds focused on the Word of God, living in harmony with what the Spirit teaches through the Word, we will walk in the Spirit
    2. WE MUST BE LED BY THE SPIRIT...
      1. Only then are we truly the sons of God - cf. Ro 8:14
        1. No longer enslaved to the flesh - Ro 8:12
        2. But able to put to death the deeds of the flesh - Ro 8:13
      2. Led by the Spirit as described in our previous study
        1. Externally through the Word, as He instructs and convicts - Jn 16:7-8; Ep 6:17
        2. Internally through the indwelling, as He empowers and blesses - Ep 3:16; Ro 15:13
      3. Lest we overlook the obvious, two tools are essential to being led by the Spirit:
        1. The Word of God - the Spirit instructs and teaches in no other way
        2. Prayer - through which we can ask for strength from the Spirit - Ep 3:16,20
        -- Through obedience to the Word of God and faithful prayer, we will be led by the Spirit to produce His fruit in our lives
CONCLUSION
  1. To the Samaritan woman, Jesus offered what He called "living water" - cf. Jn 4:10-14
    1. What He referred to also as "the gift of God"
    2. Producing in those who drink, "a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life"
  2. Could Jesus be referring to the gift of the Spirit? Perhaps, for...
    1. The Spirit is given to those who obey God - Ac 2:38; 5:32
    2. Those who receive the Spirit, "out of his heart will flow rivers of living water" - Jn 7:37-39
  3. Certainly the figure of "living water" is a fitting depiction of the fruit produced by the Spirit in the life of the Christian...
    1. Producing graces that spiritually refresh the Christian and those around him
    2. Producing graces that certainly prepare the Christian for life everlasting

May we be diligent to so walk in the Spirit, and be led by the Spirit, that the fruit of the Spirit is produced in our lives...!

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022

"THE HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD" The Leading Of The Holy Spirit by Mark Copeland

 








https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/holy-spirit/hs_09.html

"THE HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD"

The Leading Of The Holy Spirit

INTRODUCTION
  1. The Scriptures speak of the Christian being led by the Holy Spirit...
    1. Those led by the Spirit are the sons of God - Ro 8:14
    2. Those led by the Spirit are not under the law - Ga 5:18
    -- So it is important that the Christian be led by the Spirit of God
  2. How does the Spirit lead the Christian...?
    1. Is it by the Word of God only?
    2. Is through feelings, impressions, visions, dreams, etc.?
    -- There is much confusion as to how the Christian is led by the Spirit
  3. Conflicting ideas on this subject is one reason for much religious confusion...
    1. Many justify their beliefs and practices saying, "The Spirit led me to this..."
    2. Catholic, Protestant, Pentecostal, non-Pentecostal, all claiming to be led by the Spirit
    -- Yet the Spirit of truth (Jn 16:13) does not lead people into confusion - cf. 1Co 14:33

[How then does the Spirit lead? Here are some thoughts regarding...]

  1. HOW THE SPIRIT LEADS THE CHRISTIAN
    1. THE SPIRIT LEADS BOTH EXTERNALLY AND INTERNALLY...
      1. "The leading is both internal and external. To whatever extent the Holy Spirit by its indwelling strengthens the human spirit to enable it to control the flesh, to that extent the leading is internal; to whatever extent the motives of 'the law of the Spirit,' when brought to bear on the heart in the New Testament, enlighten and strengthen, and so enable it to keep the body in subjection, to that extent the leading is external. The leading, then, consists of the whole of the influences of every kind exercised by the Holy Spirit on the human spirit, enabling it to keep the body under. - David Lipscomb and J.W. Shepherd, A Commentary on the NT Epistles, Vol. I, Romans,
      2. 149 (commenting on Ro 8:14)
      3. "But what kind of "leading" is here meant--an occult, internal, inexplicable leading, or an external, explicable one by the truth? Before replying, let us ask, who are led? Certainly not the unconverted, but Christians. In those led, then, the Holy Spirit already dwells. What kind of leading then is it? I answer, both internal and external. To whatever extent the Holy Spirit by its indwelling strengthens the human spirit, to enable it to control the flesh, to that extent the leading is internal. To whatever extent the motives of the gospel, when brought to bear on the mind in the written word, enlighten and strengthen it, and so enable it to keep the body in subjection, to that extent the leading is external. The leading, then, consists of the whole of the influences of every kind, spent by the Holy Spirit on the human spirit, in enabling it to keep the body under. More definitely than this it would not be wise to attempt to speak." - Moses Lard, A Commentary on Romans, p.264 (commenting on Ro 8:14)
      4. "The Spirit leads both externally and internally. Externally, the Spirit supplies the gospel truth as set forth in the New Testament, and the rules and precepts therein found are for the instruction and guidance of God's children. Internally, the Spirit aids by ministering strength and comfort to the disciples in his effort to conform to the revealed truth and will of God." - J.W. McGarvey and Philip Y. Pendleton, Thessalonians, Corinthians, Galatians and Romans, p. 361 (commenting on Ro 8:14)
      5. "...Christ most likely refers here to an influence of the Spirit, over and above that which it exercises through the word of truth and the ordinary workings of Divine providence; an influence, by means of which it helps our infirmities (Ro
      6. 26); strengthens us with might even into the inner man (Ep
      7. 16); and enables us to bring forth abundantly in our lives the fruits of 'love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, fidelity, meekness, and temperance' (Ga 5.22-23)." - Robert Milligan, The Scheme of Redemption, p.283 (commenting on Jn 7:38-39)
      -- Note the distinction made between an external and internal influence by which the Spirit leads; now let's take a closer look at this distinction...
    2. THE SPIRIT LEADS EXTERNALLY THROUGH THE WORD...
      1. The Word is the instrument used by the Spirit to instruct and convict...
        1. The Spirit was sent to convict the world - Jn 16:7-11
        2. The Spirit guided the apostles into all the truth - Jn 16:12-13; cf. Ac 20:27; 2Pe 1:3
          1. What the Spirit revealed, the apostles received and preached - 1Co 2:9-13
          2. What they received, they wrote that we might understand - Ep 3:3-5
          3. Thus the early church continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine - Ac 2:42
        3. Thus the Word is the "sword" (instrument) used by the Spirit - cf. Ep 6:17
      2. To resist the Word is to resist the Spirit...
        1. As when Israel resisted the inspired word given through prophets - Ac 7:51-53
        2. As when we resist the inspired word given through apostles - 1Co 14:36-37
      3. When one sets their mind on the things of the Spirit (i.e., His revealed Word)...
        1. They will live according to the Spirit - Ro 8:5
        2. They will experience life and peace - Ro 8:6
      4. When one walks in the Spirit (by heeding His Word)...
        1. They will not fulfill the lust of the flesh - Ga 5:16
        2. They will be thus led by the Spirit - Ga 5:18
        3. They will so produce the fruit of the Spirit - Ga 5:22-25
        -- Do you desire to be led by the Spirit? Then let Him lead you through His Word!
    3. THE SPIRIT LEADS INTERNALLY THROUGH HIS INDWELLING...
      1. By strengthening the inner man...
        1. God is at work in the Christian - Ep 3:20
        2. Even as we are working out our own salvation - Php 2:12-13; Php 4:13
        3. The instrument by which God strengthens the Christian is His Spirit in the inner man - Ep 3:16
        4. By His indwelling Spirit, we are able to put to death the deeds of the body - Ro 8:13
        5. In this way the Spirit likewise leads us - Ro 8:14 (cf. Ro 8:11)
      2. In conjunction with the Word...
        1. When we make effort to heed the Word, the Spirit aids us
          1. Supplying what strength we may need
          2. So that which is produced may rightly be called the "fruit" of the Spirit
        2. To illustrate, consider the development of a Christ-like character
          1. Peter reminds us of the need for diligence on our part - 2Pe 1:5-10
          2. Paul explains these qualities produced are the "fruit" of the Spirit - Ga 5:22-23
          -- Do you desire to be led by the Spirit? Then let Him strengthen you as you obey His Word!

        [The Spirit leads both externally (via the Word of God) and internally (via His strengthening). But there are some misconceptions about the Spirit's leading that we should be careful to note...]

  2. HOW THE SPIRIT DOES NOT LEAD THE CHRISTIAN
    1. THROUGH FEELINGS, INTUITION...
      1. Many people believe their feelings or intuitions are "leadings" of the Spirit
      2. Yet the Spirit did not lead people through such subjective means - cf. Ac 16:6-7
        1. If Paul and his companions had been led by their own feelings, they would have gone to Asia or Bithynia
        2. In some audible or visible way, the Spirit forbade them
      3. Much religious confusion is the result of failing to note this distinction
        1. People appeal to "feelings" to justify their beliefs and practices
          1. The heart (emotions, feelings) can be a deceptive guide - Pr 28:26; Jer 17:9
          2. What may "seem" to be right, may not be right - Pro 14:12; e.g., Ac 26:9
        2. Rather than appealing to the Word of God, the sword of the Spirit
          1. God is not the author of confusion - 1Co 14:33
          2. He has provided an objective standard by which to know the truth - 2Ti 3:16-17
          3. That standard is the Word of God, not one's feelings
          -- Don't let feelings of the human spirit keep you from following the teachings of the Holy Spirit!
    2. THROUGH VISIONS, DREAMS...
      1. Yes, God did at one time reveal truth through such means
        1. As exemplified in the example we just considered - Ac 16:9-10
        2. As part of the Spirit's work in being poured out - Ac 2:17
      2. But this was part of the process of revealing and confirming God's truth
        1. Along with signs, wonders, and miracles - cf. He 2:3-4
        2. Which confirmed whether such visions or dreams were from God
        3. Which was a temporary process, finished when God's Word was complete - 1Co 13:8-10
      3. Even when such dreams and visions were used by God, tests were provided
        1. Such as whether it was in harmony with God's revealed Word - Deut 13:1-5
        2. Such as whether the dream came to pass - Deut 18:20-22
      4. The Scriptures warn against the danger of being led astray by dreams
        1. They can be vanity - Ec 5:7
        2. They be the tools of false prophets - Jer 23:25-32; Zec 10:2
        3. They can be the product of our imagination - Jer 29:8
        -- We have God's Word fully and completely revealed; let it be your guide, and not the dreams and visions of others or your own!
    3. THROUGH ENLIGHTENMENT...
      1. In order to understand the Word
        1. Many believe that they need the Spirit's leading to understand the Bible
          1. Based upon a misapplication of 1Co 2:14
            1. Concluding one cannot understand the Bible without the leading of the Spirit
            2. Which leads to much religious confusion, because everyone claims the Spirit led them to this interpretation or that one
          2. The context is contrasting the apostles with philosophers
            1. Philosophers cannot know God's will simply by wisdom - 1Co 1:18-20
            2. The apostles have received God's will by the Spirit - 1Co 2:6-14
          3. The "natural man" is simply one who does not have the benefit of the Spirit's revelation, whereas the "spiritual man" is one like Paul who did!
        2. The Spirit has revealed God's will to us through the apostles and prophets
          1. When we read their writings, we can understand! - e.g., Ep 3:3-5
          2. When we read the apostles, we can know! - e.g., 1Jn 5:13
        3. We don't need the Spirit's help to understand what the Spirit Himself reveals!
          1. We simply need to have good and honest hearts - e.g., Ac 17:11
          2. We can certainly pray that God help us to be free from preconceived ideas so as to be completely open to His Word - e.g., Ps 119:18
          -- Let the Spirit's Word, revealed that we might know and understand God's will by a simple reading and contemplation of it, be your guide!
      2. In order to be led to new truth
        1. Many believe the Spirit is leading His church into new truth
          1. Based upon a misapplication of Jn 16:13
            1. Believing the Spirit is still guiding us into new truth
            2. Which leads to much religious confusion, as people say the Spirit tells them to now accept homosexuality, leadership of women in the church, etc.
          2. The context is the work of the Spirit in the lives of the apostles
            1. Jesus is preparing them for their work as apostles - Jn 16:1-7
            2. Together with the Spirit, they would be witnesses - Jn 15:26-27
            3. The Spirit would aid them in this task, reminding them of what Jesus taught, revealing the rest of what Jesus wanted them to know - Jn 14:25-26; 16:12-13
        2. The Spirit led the apostles into "all" the truth, just as Jesus said He would
          1. Paul had received the "whole" counsel of God - Ac 20:27
          2. Peter had received "all things" that pertain to life and godliness - 2Pe 1:3
          3. Jude said the faith was "once" (lit., once for all) delivered to the saints - Jude 3
        3. The Spirit fulfilled His work of revealing and confirming the truth
          1. With the aid of inspired Scriptures, we have what we need to be "complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work" - 2Ti 3:16-17
          2. Those who claim to be led by the Spirit to new truth, need to back up with the same sort of signs, wonders and miracles the Spirit used to confirm the apostles!
          -- Let the "sword" of the Spirit (Ep 6:17) be your guide, not the pronouncements of human councils, synods, or individuals who claim to be led by the Spirit, but unable to prove it!
CONCLUSION
  1. It is a wonderful blessing to be led by the Spirit...
    1. As He guides us through His revealed Word
    2. As He strengthens us through indwelling our bodies
  2. It is a blessing to know...
    1. That we have a Guide to direct us as we live in this world
    2. That we have a Helper to strengthen us as needed
  3. But this blessing is only for those...
    1. Who become the sons of God - Ga 4:6; cf. Ac 2:38; 5:32
    2. Who are willing to set their minds on the things of the Spirit - cf. Ro 8:5-6
    3. Who are willing to diligently work out their salvation - cf. Php 2:12-13

Are you willing to be led by the Spirit? Then walk in the Spirit by heeding His Word and praying that the Father strengthen you by His Spirit in the inner man!

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022




"THE HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD" The Indwelling Of The Holy Spirit by Mark Copeland

 








https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/holy-spirit/hs_08.html

"THE HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD"

The Indwelling Of The Holy Spirit

INTRODUCTION
  1. Several passages speak of the Spirit given to the Christian...
    1. Jesus promised the Spirit in some way that would be unique - cf. Jn 7:37-39
      1. "...Christ is speaking here of what is peculiar to his own personal reign and administration." - Robert Milligan, Scheme of Redemption, p.283
      2. "He manifestly refers in this passage to something which had hitherto been enjoyed by no one, and which could be enjoyed by none until after that he himself was glorified." - ibid.
      3. "This, it would seem, could not have reference to the mediate agency of the Spirit, through the written word and the ordinary workings of God's providence; for through these media the Spirit had always operated on the minds of both Jews and Patriarchs." - ibid.
      4. This promise also does not have reference to any miraculous manifestation of the Spirit, as such had been experienced prior to the glorification of Jesus - e.g., Lk 1:41,67
    2. Peter promised the Spirit to those who repent and are baptized - cf. Ac 2:38-39
      1. "The gift of the Spirit promised in Ac 2:38 was the Spirit itself" - David Lipscomb, Queries and Answers
      2. "The expression means the Holy Spirit as a gift" - J.W. McGarvey, New Commentary on Acts of Apostles
      3. "Certainly the gift of the Spirit is the Spirit itself given." - Moses Lard, Lard's Quarterly
      4. "The gift of the Holy Spirit is not some definite thing the Holy Spirit gives, but the Holy Spirit as a gift." - R. L. Whiteside, Reflections
    3. Other passages to consider are Ac 5:32; Ro 5:5
  2. Such promises of the Spirit likely refer to what is called the indwelling of the Spirit...
    1. "Since the gift of the Spirit in Acts 2:38 is promised to all believing penitents who are baptized into Christ, and since the Spirit dwells in all Christians, this is the gift of the Spirit which was promised in Ac 2:38. - James D. Bales, The Holy Spirit And The Christian, p.13
    2. "...the reference is to that indwelling of the Holy Spirit by which we bring forth the fruits of the Spirit, and without which we are not of Christ." - J. W. McGarvey, New Commentary on Acts of Apostles, p.39 (commenting on Ac 2:38)
    3. "If they would repent and be baptized, receiving and cherishing the word of God in their hearts, this Holy Spirit as the indwelling guest of the church and the Christian would be their portion." - David Lipscomb, Queries and Answers, p.222 (commenting on Ac 2:38)

[Whether certain passages (such as Jn 7:37-39; Ac 2:38) specifically refer to the Spirit's indwelling may be debatable. But one thing is certain, and that is...]

  1. THE FACT OF THE SPIRIT'S INDWELLING
    1. THE SPIRIT DWELLS IN THE CHURCH...
      1. The church is the temple of God, in which the Spirit dwells - 1Co 3:16
      2. The church is a dwelling place of God in the Spirit - Ep 2:21-22
      3. "...God, by means of the Spirit, dwells in the spiritual temple, in the hearts of believers. This temple is composed of 'living stones' (1Pe 2:5), has a holy priesthood, and spiritual sacrifices." - B.W. Johnson, People's New Testament (commenting on Ep 2:22)
      4. "Christians are builded together in Christ, for a habitation, a dwelling place of God on earth. He dwells in this holy habitation in the person of the Spirit." - J.W. Shepherd, A Commentary on the New Testament Epistles, Vol. IV, p.53 (commenting on Ep 2:22)
      -- Thus the Spirit dwells in the church as a whole, making it possible for the church to be a temple in which God may dwell
    2. THE SPIRIT DWELLS IN THE CHRISTIAN...
      1. Necessary to belonging to Christ, to receiving life in our mortal bodies - Ro 8:9-11
        1. If we do not have the Spirit, we are not His
        2. If we have the Spirit, He will impart life to our mortal bodies
      2. A reason to flee sexual immorality - 1Co 6:18-19
        1. The body is the temple of the Holy Spirit
        2. What is said of the church as whole in 1Co 3:16, is now said here of our bodies
        -- Thus the Spirit dwells in each Christian individually, which ought to inspire godly living

      [No Christian disputes the fact of the Spirit's indwelling. What is often disputed is...]

  2. THE NATURE OF THE SPIRIT'S INDWELLING
    1. THE ISSUE DEFINED...
      1. Is the Spirit's indwelling literal, personal?
        1. Does the Spirit literally dwell in the Christian?
        2. Does He somehow personally reside in the body of each Christian?
      2. Or is the Spirit's indwelling mediated, through the Word only?
        1. Does the Spirit figuratively dwell in the Christian?
        2. Does He dwell in the Christian only in the sense that the Word abides in us?
        -- I understand the Spirit to literally and personally dwell in the Christian
    2. ARGUMENTS FOR A LITERAL, PERSONAL INDWELLING...
      1. Primary support for such a view - 1Co 6:18-19
        1. Note the metaphor used by Paul
          1. The body of the Christian is the "temple" of the Holy Spirit
          2. Just as the body is a tabernacle for our spirit (2 Co 5:1-4; 2Pe 1:13-14)
          3. So also the body is a dwelling place for the Spirit of God
        2. Note the prepositions used by Paul
          1. The Spirit is "in" the Christian
          2. The Christian has the Spirit "from" God
        3. Note the line of reasoning (train of thought) used by Paul
          1. Paul argues from the indicative to the imperative
            1. From a statement of fact or condition to a command to be obeyed
            2. Because the Spirit dwells in them (statement of fact), they need to flee sexual immorality (command to be obeyed)
            3. Paul argues that because the Spirit is in them, they need to obey the Word
          2. Through-the-Word-only advocates argue from the imperative to the indicative
            1. This view argues that a Christian must obey the word (imperative) in order for the Spirit to indwell (indicative)
            2. I.e., one must flee fornication (heed the Word) so the Spirit will dwell in them
            3. Exactly opposite to the line of reasoning used by Paul!
            -- Through use of metaphor, prepositions, line of reasoning, Paul depicts the Spirit as dwelling in the body of the Christian
      2. Other passages for such a view
        1. God has sent the Spirit "into" our hearts - Ga 4:6
          1. Note this occurs because we are His sons; i.e., something beyond simply hearing and obeying the Word of God
          2. The effect is one of producing endearment in our relationship to God - cf. Ro 8:15
        2. God strengthens us by "His Spirit in the inner man" - Ep 3:16
          1. God is at work in us as we work out our salvation - Php 2:12-13; 4:13
          2. One way He does this is by His Spirit in the inner man - Ep 3:16
          3. With the Spirit as His instrumental agent, God is "able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us" - Ep 3:20
          -- The plain and simple reading of the Scriptures lead me to believe that the Spirit's indwelling is literal and personal

        [I find arguments against a literal, personal indwelling of the Spirit unconvincing, and may address them in another study. But let's conclude this lesson by reviewing some of...]

  3. THE BENEFITS OF THE SPIRIT'S INDWELLING
    1. WE ARE SEALED BY THE SPIRIT...
      1. We have been "sealed" by the Holy Spirit of promise - Ep 1:13; cf. 2Co 1:21-22
      2. The word "seal" (Gr. sphragizo) - "mark (with a seal) as a means of identification...; so that the mark which denotes ownership also caries with it the protection of the owner (see Re 7:3)... This forms a basis for understanding the symbolic expression which speaks of those who enter the Christian fellowship as being sealed with or by the Holy Spirit" - Arndt & Gingrich, p.796
      3. "The word "seal" is used in several important senses"
        1. "A seal authenticates a document and proves its genuineness (e.g., notary public seal or seal of an official on a document)"
        2. "It is a mark of ownership (e.g., seals on ancient jars, brands on animals)"
        3. "It is a mark of security (e.g., railroad cars closed and sealed; medicine bottles)"
        -- Ferrell Jenkins, The Finger of God, p.19
      4. "It is our conviction that when a person obeys the gospel he is given the Holy Spirit. In this way God seals the person."
        1. "In effect God says 'This person belongs to me; let everyone take note."
        2. "The other side of the coin is that the Christian greets this reception of the Spirit as a guarantee (earnest or pledge) of eternal inheritance." (see point B, mac)
        -- ibid., p.19
      -- Though not expressly stated, giving us His Spirit may be how God's "seals" or "marks" us as one of His own - cf. Ga 4:6
    2. WE HAVE THE SPIRIT AS AN EARNEST...
      1. The Spirit is given as an "earnest" (KJV) of our inheritance - Ep 1:13-14; cf. 2Co 1:21-22
        1. Translated "guarantee" (NKJV)
        2. Translated "pledge" (NASB, NRSV)
      2. The word "earnest" (Gr. arrabon) - "first installment, deposit, down payment, pledge, that pays a part of the purchase price in advance, and so secures a legal claim to the article in question, or makes a contract valid...in any case, [arrabon] is a payment which obligates the contracting party to make further payments." - Arndt & Gingrich, p.109
      3. Vine points out that the word is closely connected to the modern Greek word for engagement ring - Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, Vol. II, p.11
      4. "The Holy Spirit is God's earnest (down payment) to the Christian as assurance of the complete promised inheritance."
        1. "There is no comfort here for the advocate of the impossibility of apostasy."
        2. "The Christian can 'grieve' the Spirit (Ep 4:30)."
        3. "We can forfeit the down payment and not receive the inheritance."
        -- Ferrell Jenkins, The Finger of God, p.19
      -- Receiving the Spirit is an indication that we are the children of God, and joint-heirs with Christ of the inheritance of which the Spirit is an "earnest" - Ro 8:14-17
    3. WE ARE STRENGTHENED BY THE SPIRIT...
      1. God strengthens us by His Spirit in the inner man - Ep 3:16
      2. It is by the Spirit we are able to put to death the deeds of the body - Ro 8:13
      3. The Spirit helps in our weaknesses - Ro 8:26a
      -- The Spirit serves as God's instrumental agent by which He imparts strength and support to the Christian
    4. WE ARE LED BY THE SPIRIT...
      1. Necessary if we are to be the sons of God - Ro 8:14
      2. Necessary if we are not to fulfill the lust of the flesh - Ga 5:16
      3. Necessary if we are not to fall under condemnation of the law - Ga 5:18
      -- How the Spirit leads, we shall examine more closely in the next lesson
    5. WE BEAR THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT...
      1. The fruit of a person led by the Spirit includes love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control - cf. Ga 5:22-23
      2. We can be filled with peace and all joy in believing, and abound in hope by the power of the Spirit - Ro 15:13
      -- Producing such fruit is contingent on setting our minds on the things of the Spirit - Ro 8:5-9
CONCLUSION
  1. Exactly how the Spirit indwells the Christian may remain a mystery...
    1. Many understand the indwelling as literal, with the Spirit personally abiding in the Christian
    2. Others view it as figurative, the Spirit dwelling through the Word only
    -- I used to hold the latter view; I now lean strongly toward the former
  2. Whatever the exact nature of the Spirit's indwelling, we must be careful to not...
    1. Grieve the Spirit, by whom we were sealed for the day of redemption
    2. Anger the Father, who has given us His Spirit as a pledge of our inheritance
    -- Which we can do by continuing in willful sin - cf. He 10:26-31
  3. Whatever the exact nature of the Spirit's indwelling, we must be careful to...
    1. Bring glory to God, by producing the fruit of the Spirit
    2. Walk after the Spirit, being strengthened by the Spirit
    -- Which we can do by being led by the Spirit, as we set our minds on the things of the Spirit - Ro 8:5-14

In our next study, we will look more closely at how the Spirit leads. In the meantime, don't forget that the Spirit is given to those who are the sons of God (Ga 4:6).

Have you considered how one becomes a child of God? - cf. Jn 3:5; Ga 3:26-27; Tit 3:5; Mk 16:16

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022

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