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).
2) A steward must be faithful: “Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required in stewards, that a man is found faithful,” 1 Corinthians 4:1-2.
3. Leaders are given stewardship. Apostles, evangelist, bishops, and saints are all stewards: "Of the manifold grace of God," 1 Peter 4:10; Ephesians 4:11-12; 1 Timothy 3:1-13.
a. The bishops or elders; are stewards, over the house of God, Titus 1:5-9.
b. They are tasked by the Holy Spirit to feed the church of God, Acts 20:28-32.
c. They have been given the responsibility for the oversight of the church of Christ, 1 Peter 5:1-4.
d. Beloved, we had to take this route; to lay down a foundation, on which we can now build upon when: “He the Spirit of truth has come.”
B. The dispensation. This then is the “dispensation of the grace of God.” This is the beginning of the Christian dispensation. You have learned in the previous lesson, the need for an understanding of the ages, times, and dispensations. Historically, there are three hermeneutical approaches; used in the study of the Scriptures. Let’s quickly review a few words before continuing any further discussion. Recall--
1. Definitions. To understand a sound approach to study the bible, we must define two key terms. They are: (hermeneutics and exegesis).
a. Biblical hermeneutics is the study of the principles of interpretation concerning the books of the Bible. It is part of the broader field of hermeneutics, which involves the study of the principles of interpretation for all forms of communication, which includes the Holy Scriptures.
b. Exegesis includes a wide range of critical disciplines of textual investigation and criticism. It considers the history and origin of the scripture; and studies the social and cultural background of the author, and the original audience (i.e., who is speaking; to whom are they speaking; and, what is being said), in the text.
c. The terms exegesis and hermeneutics have been used interchangeably.
2. Forms of hermeneutics. There are three forms of hermeneutics. They are, 1) biblical analysis, 2) dispensational analysis; and 3) historical-grammatical analysis.
a. First, biblical analysis is the study of the commands, examples, and necessary inferences; outlined in the scriptures, to form "sound doctrine."
b. Further, dispensational analysis is distinguishing between the Patriarchal, Mosaic, and Christian dispensations: (i.e., differentiating between the law of the fathers, the Law of Moses and the law of Christ), Hebrews 1:1-3; John 1:17; Galatians 6:2.
1) It considers Biblical history as being divided by God into three dispensations; periods, times or ages, Ephesians 1:10.
2) We are currently in the last dispensation, the "Christian age."
3) This age is called: "The dispensation of the grace of God," Ephesians 3:1-6.
c. Finally, Grammatico-historical analysis. In this method, the researcher seeks to discover the writer's original meaning, history, and biblical origin of the text. The relative importance given to these strategies; has varied over time and within different contexts. Let's notice now the church's hermeneutical approach.
3. The church's hermeneutics. The general impression among the churches of Christ; is that its hermeneutics are entirely based on the biblical analysis of commands, examples, and necessary inferences, to establish its doctrine.
Observe—
a. In practice, its interpretation has been deductive and heavily influenced by the church's commitment; to the origin of Christianity and that redemption from sin: has been made possible by Christ's death, burial, and resurrection.
b. It uses deductive or (logical) reasoning as well, i.e., by analyzing the Acts of Conversions, in the Book of Acts. They are collated, compared and characterized; to determine the steps of salvation; or the "pattern of conversion," that was taught to the apostles, by the Holy Spirit.
c. In this approach, ministers, evangelists, and teachers; examine the Scriptures in a deductive manner: arguing from one premise (hypothesis) to another, to arrive at a sound conclusion, regarding the "doctrine of Christ," 2 John 1:9.
4. Final dispensation. The Holy Ghost is the administrator of the last dispensation, that is, the "dispensation of the grace of God." We are now ready to engage in the work of the Holy Spirit in this dispensation.
C. When He the Spirit of truth has come. He made His advent into the world on the Day of Pentecost. Luke wrote: "And when the day of Pentecost fully came, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled all (the entire) house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance,” Acts 2:1-4. Consider--
1. These verses outline some essential facts; we must take notice of if we are to learn if the apostles were the ones that received the "Holy Ghost" baptism; and the "cloven tongues, like as of fire." Let's take Luke's description of this event, and try to understand "who" it was, that was "baptized and empowered" by the Holy Ghost. Let's begin our analysis of Luke's record of Pentecost. Notice--
2. First, they were all with one accord in one place. "They" is a "pronoun" in this sentence. Usually, it follows a "noun" having earlier been mentioned.
a. The noun mentioned earlier before our text of emphasis was ascribed to: "Matthias; and the eleven apostles," Acts 1:26. Stay with me, please!
b. Note if you would that: “Matthias was numbered with the eleven apostles.” This will be meaningful later as we conclude our analysis of this event.
c. Luke points out that: “They were with one accord in one place,” Acts 2:1. I would suggest for your consideration that it was Matthias and the 11; that is mention here and henceforth, in the remaining text. However, to be objective, let’s continue Luke’s analysis of this event.
d. They were all in agreement and together in one place when the Holy Ghost came upon them (to fill and empower these men).
3. Further, they were sitting. Luke also explains: "There came a sound from heaven as of a mighty rushing wind, and it filled all (the entire) house where they were sitting,” Acts 2:2.
a. As we continue, please note that "there came a sound from heaven as of a mighty rushing wind." Observe, this was the sound of a mighty rushing wind.
b. The sound: “It filled all (the entire) house where they were sitting.”
c. Please note: they were not jumping, shouting, music playing, and tambourine's beating. Luke wrote: "They were sitting," all with “one accord in one place.”
d. God is not the “author of confusion, but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints,” 1 Corinthians 14:33; 1 Corinthians 14:40.
4. Next, there appeared unto them. Luke continues: “And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them,” Acts 2:3.
a. Another "pronoun" is used in our text, and that is the word "them." The word "them" is like "they,"; so it must refer to the same group mentioned earlier.
b. We must then surmise that the word “them” refers to the “they” in the earlier verses of our text.
c. B.W. Johnson wrote that: “Luminous tongues sat on each of them, “parting asunder” (Revision), or “distributing themselves” (margin). Meyer says that the idea is that they parted and distributed themselves on those present,” Page 265.
d. These “cloven tongues” that had an appearance “like as of fire.”
1) The word “cloven tongues” in Gr., is diamerízo, dee-am-er-id'-zo; which means to partition thoroughly (literally in distribution, figuratively in dissension):—cloven, divide, part. These were “parting tongues being distributed.”
2) The parting tongues sat upon each of them: "Where they were sitting; all with one accord in one place," Acts 2:1-3. Stay with me! We are concluding.
5. Additionally, Luke outlines in his analysis: “And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost,” Acts 2:4a. He explains those upon whom the “parting tongues” sat; were “all filled with the Holy Ghost.”
a. They were “filled with the Holy Ghost.” This then, is the fulfillment of Christ’s promise to the 11 apostles before His ascension? Recall Jesus’ promise to them in these verses, Acts 1:4-5; Acts 1:8; Luke 24:49. What is meant: “They were filled with the Holy Ghost?” Consider--
1) The word “filled” in Gr., is platho, play'-tho; to "fill" (literally or figuratively (imbue, influence, supply)); primarily, to fulfill (time):—accomplish, fully (come), furnish. In this setting, it means to "be filled with, to furnish or to grant power and the Holy Ghost" to accomplish God's will in "preaching and confirming the word with signs following," Mark 16:20; Hebrews 2:1-4; Acts 2:42-43.
2) B. W. Johnson explains: “To be filled implies that the human spirit within was overwhelmed by, or immersed in, the Holy Spirit. The baptism of the Spirit was not a sprinkling, but an outpouring that overwhelmed the human spirit,” Page 265.
b. Luke now relates this occurrence to John’s prediction, “ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost and with fire,” Matthew 3:11. John’s preaching of this promise of God was fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost.
c. Joel’s prophecy was fulfilled in which he wrote: “That God... would pour out of His Spirit in that day upon all flesh,” Joel 2:28-29; Acts 2:16-18.
d. Peter concluded his sermon, declaring that Jesus was raised from the dead, and has ascended into heaven: “Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted and (we) having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear,” Acts 2:33.
1) The events of Pentecost certifies that Christ; had indeed sent the Holy Ghost into the world, as He had promised.
2) The Spirit is now being instructed by the Lord; of what to say and what to do!
3) He begins His instruction, guidance, and revelations unto the apostles; to: "Guide them into all truth."
6. Finally, Luke declares: “They (the apostles) began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance,” Acts 2:4b. The last of what they have “seen and heard” is now mentioned by Luke.
a. The “they” here in this verse, we must again conclude, refers to the “them and they” of the previous verses of our text of discussion.
b. They spoke in tongues, "as the Spirit gave them utterance." They spoke with the guidance and direction of the Holy Spirit. These were not their words; nor the words of the Holy Spirit; but rather the words of Christ.
1) Jesus had told them early in His ministry: “And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take no thought how or what ye shall answer, or what ye shall say; For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say,” Luke 12:11-12.
2) These unlearned and ignorant men are now speaking in "languages they were never taught," Acts 4:13. And the multitude heard and understood them. We will discuss this more, later in the lesson. Notice, however, these noted commentators.
c. First, Matthew Henry explains: “They were filled with the gifts of the Holy Ghost; they had miraculous powers for the furtherance of the gospel. They spake: not from previous thoughts or meditation; but, as the Spirit gave them utterance,” Page 985.
d. Second, B. W. Johnson commented that they spake: “In the languages of all the different countries from which Jews had come up to Pentecost. Many would be unable to understand the Hebrew dialect of Judea in that period, and hence, they must be preached to in the tongue of their own country. That the gospel on this, the first day the Great Commission was ever preached, was preached in all tongues, symbolized the fact that it is for all nations. They were not allowed to preach the Great Commission until now so that every word uttered on this day might be the word of the Spirit, (and) not of man. The words were to be spoken to an audience, not of those in Jerusalem only, but to our whole race in all time, to show how sinners are to be saved under the gospel,” Page 265-266.
e. Conclusion: We have carefully analyzed the first four verses of Acts, Chapter Two. What we have found thus far is: That the "they and them" have received the promise of the Father, the baptism of the Holy Ghost. At this point, we still do not know “who” the recipients of this promise were for sure. Luke, however, lists for our consideration specific facts; that might help us determine the real "subjects" of the Holy Ghost baptism. In summary, they are:
1) On the Day of Pentecost, they were all with one accord in one place.
2) There came a sound from heaven like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting.
3) There appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
4) They were all filled with the Holy Ghost and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance, Acts 2:1-4.
5) Let’s continue our examination of the rest of these events; to ascertain “who” it was that was: “given power after the Holy Ghost had come upon them.”
NOTE: We have provided an exhaustive discussion of this text, in a sermon entitled: "Ye Shall Receive Power," on SermonCentral.com. To save time, I will move ahead to disclose the persons who were baptized in the Holy Ghost. To do this, I must direct you; to turn your attention to Acts 2:14-18. Luke wrote--
D. Peter standing up with the eleven. Luke now establishes for us the “subjects” or the “who” on that Pentecost received, "power after that the Holy Ghost had come upon them," Acts 1:8. He reveals: "It was Peter and the 11," Acts 2:14. How do we know this for sure? The same audience was described earlier, as "Matthias and the 11," in Acts 1:26. In both cases, only 12 are mentioned. The twelve were the apostles of Christ. Observe--
1. Peter standing up with the eleven. Therefore, it was Peter and the 11 that were sitting ... (review comments above). Peter stood up with the eleven; because it was Peter and the 11 that were seated when the Day of Pentecost commenced.
2. He lifted his voice: "And said unto them, ye men of Judea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be it known unto you and listen to my words: For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel."
a. “And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh,” Joel 2:28-29.
b. John predicted that Christ would “baptize with the Holy Ghost, and with fire,” Matthew 3:11.
c. Jesus promised that the apostles: “shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon them,” Acts 1:8.
3. Conclusion: All this occurred on the first Pentecost after the death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of Christ into the heavens. Only the 12 apostles; received this "power and the Holy Ghost" baptism on that day. Why was it so necessary that we follow this course of discovery? Here is why.
E. Holy Spirit has come. Why did He come? This was mentioned earlier in our text by the Lord. Consider—
1. First, He will reprove the world. John wrote: “Nevertheless I tell you the truth: It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he has come, he will reprove the world of sin, and righteousness, and judgment: of sin, because they believe not on me; of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; of judgment because the prince of this world is judged. I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now,” John 16:7-12.
a. I go away - that the Comforter might come. As long as I remain, He cannot arrive. This will be His work when He comes.
b. He will reprove the world of sin, and righteousness, and judgment. Observe—
1) Reprove of sin, because they believe not on me. In naming sin, the chief of all things mentioned. All sin springs from the lack of faith or unbelief. To destroy sin, the heart of man must be pierced by the sword of the Spirit. Hence, the aim of the Spirit on Pentecost, and always, is to destroy unbelief; thus reproving the world of sin, by declaring Christ as the messiah, and giver of salvation to all that believe.
2) Reprove of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more. A human tribunal convicted him of blasphemy because he said he was the “Son of God” and put him to death. God exalted him to David’s throne, thereby showing that their condemnation was wrong and that he was righteous. Of this, the Holy Spirit bore witness in words and by His miraculous appearance on Pentecost.
3) Reprove of judgment, because the prince of the world is judged. In John 14:30, Jesus declared, “The prince of this world cometh.” It was the prince of this world, the spirit of the world, Satan, as the ruler of the world, who slew him. When Christ rose from the dead, and all power was given into his hands, this was a judgment in the court of heaven against Satan and all his workers of iniquity. Christ has brought “life and immortality to light, by the gospel,” 2 Timothy 1:10. Thus, destroying the work of the devil, 1 John 3:8; Hebrews 2:14-15.
4) Jesus continued: I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. I see the same thing in this audience right now. Amen, brother Doors.
c. I will speak more to this later in the lesson. However, for now, let's see the work of the Holy Spirit, as it pertains to Jesus Christ and His words.
2. Further, He shall glorify me: “He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore I say: He shall take that which is mine, and shall shew it unto you,” John 16:14-15.
a. The Son glorified the Father, John 17:4-5; John 13:31-32.
b. The Father glorified the Son, John 7:38-39; John 11:4.
c. The Holy Spirit will glorify the Son, John 16:14-15.
d. The believers should glorify the Father, Matthew 5:16; 1 Peter 2:12.
3. Next, He shall testify of me: “But when the Comforter has come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning,” John 15:26-27; Acts 1:21-26.
4. Finally, He shall teach you: “These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you,” John 14:25-26; John 14:16-17.
a. The word “Comforter” in the Gr., is parakletos or pä-rä'-kla-tos, which means an intercessor, consoler:—advocate, comforter. This is one who pleads another's cause before a judge, a pleader, counsel for the defense, legal assistant, to be an advocate.
b. W. E. Vines wrote: “parakletos (parakletos, 3875), lit., “called to one’s side,” i.e., to one’s aid, is primarily a verbal adjective, and suggests the capability or adaptability for giving aid. It was used in a court of justice to denote a legal assistant, counsel for the defense, an advocate; then, generally, one who pleads another’s cause, an intercessor, advocate, as in 1 John 2:1, of the Lord Jesus,” Page 651.
c. Jesus did not promise them only consolation or comforting; during their arrest, but also consultation: by the Spirit to advise them as their advocate and plead their case before magistrates and kings.
d. This Comforter, even the Spirit of truth: “Whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him: but ye know Him; for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you,” John 14:16-17; 1 Corinthians 2:10-14.
5. Conclusion: He, the Spirit of truth, will comfort them, teach them, plead for them, and bring all things to their remembrance: whatsoever Jesus had said unto them. The things He had taught them, He would remind them; and, He would also guide them (into all truth, through revelations, dreams, and visions), in this He would shew these apostles’ things to come, Joel 2:28-29; Acts 2:14-18. As I move to a conclusion, let me quickly review the “pattern of conversion,” for those needing to become a disciple of the Lord today/tonight. Recall--
CONCLUSION
A. Outline.
1. He the Spirit of Truth Has Come
B. Summarize main points.
1. We considered 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 method of conversion were not yet entirely taught unto these men. They were given pieces of this truth throughout the personal ministry of Jesus.
2. 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.
C. Invitation. Present the pattern of conversion, H.B.R.C.B.
D. Exhortation.
E. Motivation.
References:
1. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible, by Matthew Henry, Christian Classics Ethereal Library, Grand Rapids, MI, 1706.
2. The People's New Testament, by B. W. Johnson, Christian Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, MI, 1891.
3. The New Greek-English Interlinear New Testament; United Bible Societies,’ Fourth, Corrected Edition, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL, 1990.
4. Textus Receptus, taken from the Greek Text of Stephens 1550, The Englishman’s Greek New Testament, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan, First Zondervan Printing, 1970.
5. Clarke Commentary on the Bible, Eight Volumes, Published 1810-1826, New York, Published by J. Emory and B. Waugh, for the Methodist Episcopal Church, at the conference office, 13 Crosby-Street., J. Collord, Printer, 1831.
6. Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, by W. E. Vine, Fleming H. Revell Company, Old Tappan, NJ, Copyright, 1981.
