He The Spirit Of Truth Has Come (Lesson 1) Series

INTRODUCTION

Outline.

1. He the Spirit of Truth Has Come

Remarks.

1. This is the first lesson, in the sermon-series entitled: “The Pattern of Conversion.” This will be the most important, “textual sermons,” I will have ever preached. This lesson will unfold to the hearer: “The Pattern of Conversion,” or, that which we often call: “the invitation.” Jesus began to unfold unto His apostles, the work of the Holy Spirit in sharing to the world: “the pattern of conversion.” It will be through this medium, message, and methods, sincere believers: shall become obedient to the gospel of Christ. Jesus said to them: “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come,” John 16:13. This will be a discussion of the “mystery of Christ,” 1 Timothy 3:16.

2. We will consider when: “He the Spirit of truth has come;” how, the apostles were instructed in the “pattern of conversion,” to be preached to the entire world. It is important to note: that the means, message, and methods of conversion were not yet entirely taught unto these men. They were given pieces of this truth throughout the ministry of Jesus. They, however, did not have a complete understanding of the message. This would occur when the Holy Spirit has made His entrance into the earth; to begin His ministry of revelation, under the “dispensation of the grace of God,” Ephesians 1:10; Ephesians 3:1-7; Acts 20:24. With this brief introduction, let’s consider our first lesson, in this sermon-series when: “He the Spirit of truth has come.”

BODY OF LESSON

I HE THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH HAS COME

A. Spirit of truth. We have written much regarding the descending of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles, to guide them into all truth. However, what is lacking in much of my preaching; and, the teaching of my brethren, is that the words Jesus speaks about here, once given unto these apostles, would begin a new administration of God. That administration is called: “The dispensation of the grace of God.” The Old Dispensation will have passed away. Observe—

1. The word “dispensation,” in Gr., is oikonomia or oi-ko-no-me'-ä, which means an administration (of a household or estate); especially, a (religious) "economy":—i.e., a dispensation, or stewardship. It refers to the office of a manager or overseer, of their stewardship. Christ illustrates this office, in Luke 16:1-4; Luke 12:42. The apostles would be His stewards, of the gospel message, in this new age: the dispensation of the grace of God.

2. Paul wrote of it:

a. First, to Ephesus: “For this, cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ). Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; That the Gentiles should be fellow-heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power,” Ephesians 3:1-7; Ephesians 1:10; Acts 20:24.

b. Further, to Colossae: “Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God; Even the mystery which hath been hidden from ages and generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: Whereunto I also labor, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily,” Colossians 1:25-29.

c. Finally, to Corinth: “For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me,” 1 Corinthians 9:16-17; Romans 16:25-27.

1) Paul, in a theocratic sense to the office (duty) entrusted to him by God; (the lord and master) of proclaiming to men the blessings of the gospel of Christ. He was a steward of God; he was a preacher (of the Gospel of Christ).