Tracking The Wind In The New Testament Series

“Tracking the Wind in the New Testament” Pt 2

When we look at the work of the Holy Spirit both in the New Testament and the Old Testament it is like that of a shepherd or pastor; a perfect pastor. Jesus promised one who would come along side and carry out an identical role as He played with His disciples while on earth. He would be their perpetual encourager and guide.

We learned that the Holy Spirit is a person not a force or power or an “it”. He is invisible but yet personal bearing all the elements of personhood. He has been active along with the Father and the Son from eternity not only in initial creation but the lives of those He created. A common theme throughout the Old Testament described the Holy Spirit “coming upon” people to motivate and enable them to carry out God’s specific purposes. Such activity observed in the Old Testament continued on into the New Testament age along with come expanded and more permanent activity and ministries.

Last week we reviewed His involvement in the lives of those before the Day of Pentecost and His shift in ministry AT Pentecost. Today we will review His ministry related to conversion and growth.

I. Names and Titles of the Holy Spirit

II. Origin of the Holy Spirit

III. Nature and Character of the Holy Spirit

IV. References to the Holy Spirit

V. The Holy Spirit’s Ministry in the Old Testament

VI. The Holy Spirit’s Ministry in the New Testament

A. The Holy Spirit’s Ministry with Jesus

B. The Holy Spirit’s ministry in people before Pentecost

C. The Holy Spirit’s Ministry AT Pentecost

Pentecost was a onetime event promised not only by Jesus but in several Old Testament prophecies. It had to do with a new aspect of the Holy Spirit in the lives of followers of Jesus.

Pentecost was the birth of God’s newly created community of believers; the bride of Christ.

It marked the birth of a community no longer identified by ethnic distinctions like Jew or Gentile but a new group connected to Jesus by the indwelling Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit is responsible for blessings related to our initial conversion (salvation) and continues ministries associated with our growth and perfection (sanctification).

Since we live by the Spirit (salvation), let us also walk by the Spirit (sanctification). Galatians 5:25

D. The Holy Spirit’s Ministry related to Conversion

There are some blessings initiated by the Holy Spirit at the moment of genuine faith in Christ.

1. Regeneration (Inner Core Change)

John 3 is the definitive passage on the new birth.

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, 6whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7that being justified by His grace we might be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. Titus 3:5-7

Definition

Ministry of the Holy Spirit whereby He imparts life to the human spirit which was dead in sin.

Conversion does not just describe a change in core belief but a complete change of our core.

What was dysfunctional became functional. What was dead became alive.

17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, he has become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17

You may not always sense it or feel it but the Bible declares a fundamental change.

Without this change, without regeneration you are not a Christian. It is the Holy Spirit’s work that makes you a Christian not yours. It is not some activity you perform; it is on the basis of the new birth that He performs.

2. Baptism

The first converts were connected to this new community of Christ followers Pentecost.

See notes from June 12th for a fuller description of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. All subsequent believers are connected to the body of Christ at the moment of and on the basis of regeneration.

3. Indwelling

We become the dwelling place or place of operation for the Holy Spirit. He permanently indwells every regenerated, baptized, individual. Indwelling bring Him in close proximity to His work.

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? 1 Corinthians 6:19

4. Sealing

The Holy Spirit is the one who puts His seal on every believer.

Sealing in the New Testament indicated:

Authentication (good housekeeping seal of approval)

Ownership (mark our stuff or territory, boundary markers)

Protection/Preservation/Security

who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge. 2 Cor. 1:22

In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation-- having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God's own possession, to the praise of His glory. Ephes. 1:13