Chico Alliance Church
Pastor David Welch
“Heaven’s 7, 24, 365 Perpetual Pastor”
Considerable confusion exists today over the roll and function of this special person in the church. To many, his work and relationship to the church remains a mystery. He is not only invisible but also sometimes confusing and can even be a little bit eerie ... especially when, for many years, He was referred to as “It” and known to many as the as “The Holy Ghost.” Add to that various disturbing stories we hear today and activities carried out in the His name that don’t fit any Biblical norms and you have a stage set for division and confusion. Upon a closer look at the revelation concerning the Holy Spirit and His ministry in the Scripture, we discover that the Holy Spirit’s role is very similar, if not identical, to the role of a pastor. He is God’s perfect perpetual pastor to God’s people. He is on the job 7 days, 24 hours, 365 days
As we learned last week, His ministry is similar if not identical to the ministry of Christ to His disciples. Jesus maintained a close association and daily relationship with the disciples for over three years.
• He maintained a varied and intense ministry.
• He directed their thinking.
• He admonished their unbelief.
• He touched their needs.
• He empowered their ministry.
• He explained and modeled the Father.
• He commissioned them.
Before Jesus left the earth, He promised to provide another “Comforter” “Helper”, “encourager”. Jesus promised to send someone just like Him. He promised to send, in His place, someone who would carry on the same kind of ministry that He had among them. The Holy Spirit was sent to come along side each believer to direct and enable them to be faithful followers of Christ and carry out the commission passed on by Him. He works to bring about the eternal purposes of the Father and the Son regarding the kingdom. He is not here just to make us feel warm or provide some ecstatic experience. As we will see, His ministry on earth is much more practical and powerful and affects far more than the emotional. The Holy Spirit is here to lead us and enable us to conform to, and effectively carry out the agenda of the Father and the Son.
NOTE: These notes are abbreviated to provide a simple overview of the ministry of the Holy Spirit.
I. The Name and Titles of the Holy Spirit
Each of these names reveals and highlights either a relationship or function.
A. Relationship to the Father
Spirit of God Gen 1:2; Matt 3:16
Spirit of the Lord Luke 4:18
Spirit of our God 1 Cor 6:11
His Spirit Num 11:29
Spirit of Yahweh Judg 3:10
Your Spirit Ps 139:7
Spirit of the Lord God Isa 61:1
Spirit of you Father Matt 10:20
Spirit of the Living God 2 Cor 3:3
B. Relationship to the Son
Spirit of Christ Rom 8:9
Spirit of Jesus Christ Phil 1:19
Spirit of Jesus Act 16:7
Spirit of His Son Gal 4:6
Spirit of the Lord Act 5:9; 8:39
C. Titles revealing attributes
Spirit of Life Rom 8:2
Spirit of Holiness Rom 1:4
Holy One 1 John 2:20
Spirit of Wisdom Ex 28:3; Eph 1:17
Spirit of Wisdom and understanding Isa 11:2
Spirit of Counsel and Might Isa 11:2
Spirit knowledge & fear of the Lord Is 11:2
Spirit of Truth John 14:17
Spirit of Grace Heb 10:29; Zech 12:10
D. Titles revealing His Work
Spirit of Glory 1 Pet 4:14
Spirit of life Rom 8:2
Encourager, Helper, Comforter Jn 14-16
Spirit of Adoption Rom 8:15
E. SYMBOLS
• Clothed with Power Luke 24:49
• A Dove Mat 3:16; Mk 1:10; Lk 3:22; Jn 1:32
• Down-payment 2 Cor 1:22; 5:5; Eph 1:14
• Fire Acts 2:3
• Oil (Only by implication.)
• Seal 2 Cor 1:22; Eph 1:13; 4:30
• Water John 7:37-39
• Wind John 3:8; Acts 2:1-2
II. The Origin of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit, like the Father and the Son is the source of all life and has NO origin. The Holy Spirit eternally proceeds from the Father. John 15:26 “the Spirit of truth, which proceeds (present tense) from the Father”. Psalm 104:30 “You send forth Your Spirit”. The Holy Spirit exists from eternity along with the Father and the Son. His relationship with the Father and son has been from eternity and his ministry with men since the beginning.
III. The Nature and Character of the Holy Spirit
A. He is invisible but personal (John 3)
B. He has all the elements of personality
• Intellect (mind) 1Cor 2:10-11; Eph 1:17
• Sensibility (emotions) Eph 4:30; Joy in the HS
• Volition (will) 1 Cor 12:11
1. His works affirm personality
• He Creates Gen 1:2
• He Empowers Zech 4:6
• He Teaches John 16:13
• He Guides Rom 8:14
• He Comforts John 14:26
• He Prays Rom 8:26
A mere force or power does not do these things. These are activities of a living person.
2. The use of personal Pronouns affirms Personality
The Word generally used for the Holy Spirit is a neuter noun. However, in several places the masculine pronoun is used in defiance of normal grammar to make a powerful point regarding the personality of the Holy Spirit. (See John 15:26; 16:13-14)
C. He displays all the attributes of the Father and the Son
IV. Past Ministry to Pentecost
A. Creation Participation Gen 1:2; Psalm 104:30; 40:13
B. Special Skills for Significant Projects Ex 31
C. Ministry to Moses and First Church of the Desert Num 11:16-30
D. Ministry with the prophet Balaam
E. Ministry with the judges
F. The Spirit’s Ministry with the Kings – Saul, David
G. Prophets
H. The incentive to remain faithful to the wife of your youth. Malachi 2:13-16
Summary and Review of OT Ministry
• Ability to create and give life.
• Source of life.
• Stirred hearts to work.
• Skilled individuals to work.
• Skilled individuals to teach others
• Stirred hearts to give.
• Gave the ability to draw others to God
• Skilled leaders to bear burdens of others.
• Communicated the truth
• Provided wisdom for good decisions
• Imparted strategy for conducting warfare
• Ability to rally people to the cause
• Supernatural physical strength
• Prophetic proclamations
• Generated a righteous response to evil
• Provided protection from attack
• Spoke words of encouragement
• Provided specific direction
• Confronted concerning sin.
• Gave vision for the future.
• Gave courage to confront sin.
• Calmed fears by His presence
I. Ministry with Jesus
1. As prophesied in the Old Testament Isa 11:1-5; Isa 61:1-3
2. As Recorded in the Gospels
a) Began at His birth Matthew 1:18-. Luke 1:35
b) Manifested in His childhood Luke 2:46-49
c) Anointed Official ministry at His baptism Mark 1:9-11
d) Demonstrated throughout His ministry
• He directed His activities Mark 1:12
• He empowered for ministry Luke 4:13-15
• He provided the power over demonic forces Matthew 12:27-28
• He manifested joy in the Lord’s goodness Luke 10:18-21
Acts succinctly summarizes Jesus’ earthly ministry
Acts 10:38 "You know of Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He went about doing good, and healing all who were oppressed by the devil; for God was with Him.
J. Ministry with Followers of Jesus
1. Elizabeth Luke 1
2. Zechariah – filling to prophesy Luke 1:67
3. John the Baptist – filled for ministry even in his mother’s womb Luke 1:15
4. Simeon – Filled and anointed Luke 2:25-32
5. Disciples
V. Pentecost Ministry
A. Introduction
Considerable confusion remains concerning Pentecost and the term “Spirit Baptism” even in Alliance writings. We must be accurate when we talk about particular teachings in Scripture.
“Spirit Baptism” is one of those misunderstood teachings that must be studied carefully.
B. The Unimaginable Promise Joel 2:28-29; Matt 3:11-12
This term “baptize” came to signify identification. It was a term a dyer of cloth might use. The cloth became identified with the color of the dye. John baptized in water, signifying identification with the repentant believing remnant.
The promise here?
• John baptized in water (unifying agent or event)
• Jesus will baptize in the Holy Spirit (unifying agent or event)
• Jesus will baptize with fire (unifying event)
Each passage (except Mark) uses the words “baptized ?? the Holy Spirit”. The preposition “en” in Greek means “in, or with or even by”. Nowhere can we find the phrase “baptism of the Holy Spirit”. It is not the baptism of the Holy Spirit that was promised at Pentecost. Jesus is the baptizer. If anything it is the baptism of Jesus. If we are going to call this the “baptism of the Holy Spirit” to be true to the comparison of Scripture we would have to call John’s baptism the “baptism of water.” John’s baptism is the baptism of John in, by, or with water. What God promised at Pentecost was the Baptism of Jesus in, by, or with the Spirit. Jesus does the baptizing. Jesus unifies the church in the Holy Spirit. The permanent presence of the Holy Spirit in every Christian identifies us all with Christ. The experience of the indwelling, regenerating Spirit poured out upon all believers unifies all true believers in the body of Christ. “There is one baptism” Eph 4.
C. Jesus Proclaimed the Promise John 7:37-39
D. The Fulfillment -- Pentecost
The promise of the indwelling Spirit upon those beyond Pentecost came upon their repentance and belief. No indication of sensational manifestations here other than the miracle of new birth. The focus was repentance, worship, teaching, fellowship, and sense of awe, many signs and wonders, unity, growth, house-to-house ministry. Up to this point we observe the undeniable fulfillment of Phase one of the promise hinted by the prophet Joel and specified by Jesus just before He ascended -- The outpouring of the Holy Spirit in Jerusalem and Judea.
E. Other Manifestations
I have puzzled for some time why we have other accounts in Acts about individuals experiencing this “baptism in the Holy Spirit”. It wasn’t until I focused on the promise given by Jesus and linked them to the other accounts by Luke that I understood what was perhaps being communicated. The subsequent accounts of others receiving the Holy Spirit serve to graphically illustrate the complete fulfillment of what Jesus promised. He said that the disciples would have the boldness to proclaim Him and that their witness would extend to Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the uttermost parts of the earth (Gentiles).
Phase 2 Samaritans (Acts 8:14-31)
We see laying on hands here but no mention of tongues. Since the Samaritans were social outcasts and not considered worthy of God’s blessing, God demonstrates that they too were included in the promise by outward manifestation.
Phase Three Gentiles “uttermost part of the earth”(Acts 10:44-48)
The Spirit came upon all who were listening to the message. The people did not ask for it, pray for it, or wait for it nor did anyone lay hands on them (at least it is not recorded). The Holy Spirit came upon believing. Tongues speaking occurred in order to link the experience of the Gentiles with the Jews’ experience at Pentecost. This fact become important in the discussion of Jews and Gentiles at the Jerusalem council (Acts 15).
Acts 19 clarifying event
“Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed? The expectation by this time was that believers receive the Spirit upon belief. “Into what were you baptized?” The what points to the agent or event which unites you to other believers. In this case they had not experienced the regeneration that comes through faith in the complete work of Christ. They were chosen in the Old Testament sense of salvation but not “new birth”.
Defining passage
1 Cor. 12:13 For by(or in or with) one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.
We identify with Jesus physically or externally with a ceremonial water baptism. We are spiritually identified with the body of Christ by Holy Spirit baptism. Paul looks back at the event “we were all baptized by one Spirit into the body of Christ”. He was not there at Pentecost, but includes himself in the event. When was Paul baptized in the Spirit. At salvation upon belief.
Definition of “Spirit Baptism”
Baptism in the Spirit is a work of the Holy Spirit whereby He indwells any and every individual upon genuine belief in Christ and unites that individual with all other believers in the body of Christ.
• The Holy Spirit came at Pentecost to carry out the purpose of God through every believer.
• His ministry would no longer be limited to a few chosen individual channels.
• The Holy Spirit indwells and gifts every Christian.
• Nowhere are we commanded to wait for or ask to be baptized in the Spirit.
• What happened at Pentecost was a single event opening the ministry of the Holy Spirit to the entire body of Christ.
• Since Pentecost, the assumption is that every believer is baptized in the Spirit upon belief.
• There is no command or procedure or illustration of “the Baptism” of the Spirit in the Epistles. “In one Spirit we were all baptized”. Acts describes the period of transition from Old Testament selective ministry to New Testament universal (in all genuine believers) ministry. God leaves a graphic record of the fulfillment of His promise to pour out His Spirit upon all flesh. Men, women, children, Jew, Greek, slave, free. The wonder of the promise is that every person who embraces Jesus Christ is Spirit baptized.
Romans 5 is clear that anyone who does not have the Spirit is not a Christian at all.
VI. Present Ministry
A. Work related to Conversion
Conversion describes the supernatural work necessary to bring life to our spirit, which was dead in sin. We are His creation, created in Christ Jesus.
1. Baptism (see above)
2. Regeneration (Inner Core Change) John 3:3-8 Titus 3:5-7
Regeneration is a work of the Holy Spirit whereby He imparts life to the human spirit, which was dead in sin. It is clear that it is by the Spirit that we are made alive. He imparts life on the basis of faith in Christ.
3. Indwelling
Indwelling describes the place of ministry of the Holy Spirit. He comes to permanently live in every “baptized”, “regenerated” individual. When Jesus said, “and lo, I am with you always even to the end of the age”, He anticipated the ministry of the Holy Spirit.
We are a temple in which the Holy Spirit lives. This “pastor” doesn’t live next to the church, He lives IN the church and the “church” is called to reflect His presence in a dark world. This has tremendous significance to how we live and act and treat the body.
4. Sealing 2 Cor. 1: Ephes. 1:13. Ephes. 4:30
The Holy Spirit, by reason of His indwelling presence assures us God’s continual work in our life. He gives us a taste of what is yet to come and guarantees our delivery to the father. He seals us for the day of complete redemption; that is, the return of Christ.
B. Work related to Sanctification
“Sanctification” describes the work necessary to transform not the Spirit but the soul that includes our mind, emotions, and will.
The Holy Spirit indwells us at the moment of conversion and unites us to Christ. He then continues to indwell in order to continue His work of completing the salvation process.
1 Peter 1:1-2 Galatians 3:1 This resident untiring Pastor offers every conceivable resource and help(and some beyond our conception) to every Christian.
1. He fills and empowers for life and service
2. He Teaches truth John 14:25-27 John 16:13-15 1 Cor. 2:10-16 1 John 2:20.27
3. He Bears Witness to Truth Jo 15:26 Rom 8:16 Heb 10:14-17; 1 Jo 3:24 1 Jo 5:7
4. He anoints with Power to Proclaim the Truth Acts 4:31.
5. He enables Prayer
6. He provides Specific Direction when necessary Acts 13:2-4 Acts 16:6-7 Acts 21:4 Acts 21:11
7. He Continually Transforms the soul 2 Thes. 2:13. Titus 3:5-7 2 Cor. 3:17-18
• Providing New Life Romans 8:2,6,11 Galatians 6:8
• Producing eternal Fruit Gal 5:22-23
• Inspiring genuine Love Rom 5:5; Col 1:8
• Inspiring Joy and Peace Rom 14:17
8. He inspires eternal Hope Rom 15:13
9. He enables genuine Fellowship 2 Cor 13:14; Philip 2:1; Eph 4:3
10. He furnishes Inner Strength & Power Ephes. 3:16; Col. 1:9-12
11. He supplies victory over the flesh Romans 8:12-14 Galatians 5:16-25
12. He stimulates genuine Worship John 4:23-24; Philip 3:3
13. He encourages Perseverance in tribulation Gal 5:5; 1 Pet 4:14
Galatians 5:5 For we through the Spirit, by faith, are waiting for the hope of righteousness. 1 Peter 4:14 If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.
14. He Mysteriously transports people Acts 8:38-40
15. He gives truth and direction through Prophetic Visions Acts 10:19; John & Rev
C. The Holy Spirit’s Ministry in relation to the Church body
1. He is the source of Growth Acts 9:31; Eph 2:22
2. He is in charge of Leadership appointment and gifting Acts 13:2-4; 20:28; Eph 4
3. He distributes Spiritual gifts according to HIS will 1 Pet 4:10-11; 1 Cor 12; Rom 12; Eph 4
4. Holy Spirit’s ministry hindered by sin
The Issue of Belief or Faith
The Issue of Unconfessed sin
a) Resisting the Holy Spirit by our unbelief
b) Quenching the Holy Spirit by our refusal to respond
c) Grieving the Holy Spirit by sin, especially relational sins
d) Lying to the Holy Spirit by hypocrisy
e) Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit
f) Disobedient Children Isaiah 1:2-3
g) Adultery Ezekiel 16 (Read the full Chapter)
h) Various Examples 1 Corinthians 10:1-13
D. His Ministry in Relation to the World – Convince and convict of sin
VII. Future Ministry
A. Ministry in the Tribulation Period
1. Bring salvation
2. Minister to Believers
B. Ministry during the Millennium
1. Salvation Work
2. Ministry Work
C. Ministry in Eternity
There will be full cooperation and unity and presence of the Trinity with believers. We will forever be with the Lord.
CONCLUSION
What a wonderful pastor we have in the Holy Spirit!
Do you know Him? Do you want to experience the ministry of Jesus in your life?
It is the ministry of the Holy Spirit to carry on the ministry of Jesus to all believers.
Next week we will spend time in the next chapter of John that provides a basic framework for understanding and experiencing this powerful work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
