The Holy Ghost Was Upon Him
Luke 2:25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.
(Read also to verse 32)
The Holy Ghost was upon him.
The wind of the Spirit doesn’t blow where it is not welcomed. (Welcomed - actively invited and sought)
This text reminds us of Genesis 1:2 the Spirit of God was moving upon the waters.
Whenever the bible says the Holy Ghost was/is upon someone - something is happening.
Jesus was anointed. The apostles were filled. Saul started dancing and prophesying. A baby was being formed in Mary’s womb. Jesus was being manifested at His water baptism. Numerous incidents of unction to prophesy. Gideon blew a trumpet that resounded in the hearts of others. Samson was supernaturally empowered with physical strength. Ezekiel was knocked off his feet by the glory of God, and the Holy Spirit came upon him and gave him the strength to stand in God’s presence.
Simeon it appears is one of several people in scripture who had a remarkable encounter with God for a sustained amount of time. He did not have a come and go anointing.
Too many Christians have a come and go anointing. (Actually they don’t, - practically they do. The Spirit came into them when they were born again and doesn’t leave. But because they walk too often in the flesh, or don’t pay attention to the Spiritual man the net effect is this come and go sensation that the Holy Spirit is only on them in times and season.)
Signs and evidences the Holy Spirit is working in your life.
1. Simeon was just - following God’s laws. Relations with people.
2. Simeon was devout. Taking hold carefully. Relations with God.
3. Simeon was waiting for the consolation of Israel.
One sign that a person is filled with the Holy Spirit is that they have a longing for the coming of the Lord.
Post tribbers have no sense of longing for the return of the Lord. They have no sense God comes quickly. If the Holy Ghost was upon them, they would be waiting for the consolation of Israel.
Revelation 22:20 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. (What condition was John in when he made this statement? He was in the Spirit on the Lords day, and was taken up into heaven.)
2 Timothy 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. (That He came once, that He will come again.)
2 Peter 3:12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?
How does one hasten the coming of the day of God. You get full of the Holy Ghost and you start crying out, "Even so come, Lord Jesus." "Thy kingdom come." Didn’t Jesus teach us to pray that way, "thy kingdom come"? One sign that the Holy Ghost is upon you is that you have an intense longing for the kingdom of God to come, right now!
Additionally those who are filled with the Spirit have an unconditional love for the Jewish people - They are God’s wayward sons.
Thirdly, people with the Holy Ghost on them have an upward look.
Simeon was a man not focusing on the Roman occupation, or the corruption of the priesthood, but was looking at Israel in the light of the covenant and promises, and cherishing in his heart their coming consolation. He had an upward look. If the Holy Ghost is on you, you will have an upward look. When you see these things begin to pass look up your redemption draweth nigh.
4. Simeon was receiving communication from God. Simeon = One who hears
There were many clever men in Jerusalem at that time, doctors of the law and so forth, but Simeon’s ear was open to what the Spirit of God was saying. Often you will hear preachers say - "scholars say..." Scholars, smolars, which of the scholars of Christ’s day didn’t want to crucify Him? Head knowledge is good, but it is always trumped by Spirit knowledge.
Second group of learned idiots are the people who say, "I have been studying prophecy for 30 years." Prophecy isn’t something you study, it is something the Holy Ghost has to come upon you and you get revelation about. The natural man receiveth not the things of God.
People get occupied with events, but they will never learn anything that way. The first move will take place at the right hand of God so far as the church is concerned. Who can tell us about that? No one but the Spirit; the Spirit came from there and He is in the secret of what is known there. The Spirit delights to have some down here whom He can take into confidence, and tell what is going on at the right hand of God. That is something to be greatly desired.
The rest doubtless were occupied with Roman oppression; but these few waited for Him,
5. Simeon was being led by the Holy Spirit (came by Spirit to temple)
When can you say was the last time you were led of the Spirit?
In the Zone.
6. Simeon had discernment of the presence of Christ. He knew that God was moving
7. Simeon was free from prejudice. (v. 32 light gentiles)
8. Simeon was a worshipper.
v.28 He took Christ in His arms, and blessed God. If you are filled with the Holy Ghost you will take Christ into your bosom, and bless God.
Close: Simeon sets before the example and traits of man/woman who has the Holy Spirit actively working in their life. Question 1: Are you a born again Christian, have you received Christ into your heart? Question 2: Can you say the Holy Spirit is upon you? If not would you like prayer that God might be more active in your life?
