The Ministries of the Holy Spirit, Part 1

Galatians 3:1-5

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 misunderstand 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.

• Adoration praising God
• Confession confessing sin
• Thanksgiving thanking God
• 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?