The Ministry of the Holy Spirit PDF

Chapter Five: The Ministry of the Holy Spirit Before we examine the ministry of the Holy Spirit, it is important to realize just who the Holy Spirit is. There are many people who do not understand this basic fundamental truth. Jesus said (John 4:24), “God is a Spiri...

Chapter Five: The Ministry of the Holy Spirit Before we examine the ministry of the Holy Spirit, it is important to realize just who the Holy Spirit is. There are many people who do not understand this basic fundamental truth. Jesus said (John 4:24), “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” Ephesians 4:4-6 tells us, “There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling. One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” Now if people can understand this, the whole Bible will come suddenly into focus. There is one God. That God has always existed as the Eternal Spirit. When Salvation was offered, the Spirit made a body that could be slain on the cross. That body was Jesus. God now for the first time had a body of flesh. Because God (the Spirit) dwelt in this body, Jesus was God. In the form of man, God could walk the earth, and more important, die on the cross. The Spirit however, still filled the Universe and the Spirit of God did not die on the cross. Thus, we have the Spirit and the Body of 109 God. God made man in His own image. We are also body and Spirit. If we examine Ephesians 4:6 in this light we see that the scriptures will support this. One of the most revealing Scriptures about Jesus is found in 1st Timothy 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. When reading this passage, the context makes it plain that Paul is presenting six propositions relating to the Lord Jesus Christ, in Whose divine Person – God was: 1. Manifest in the flesh 2. Justified in the Spirit 3. Seen of angels 4. Preached unto the Gentiles 5. Believed on in the world 6. Received up into glory. Let me say this clearly: Jesus is God manifested in the flesh. In these last days God has manifested himself. The Greek word manifest means, according to Strong’s Concordance, “from (phaneros); to render apparent (literal or figurative) :- appear, manifestly declare, (make) manifest (forth), shew (self).” God has shown Himself, revealed Himself, appeared. With this understanding we now can understand how Jesus could say, when speaking of the Father, John 10:30 I and my Father are one 110  John 14:9-11 9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? 10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. 11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake. We now understand that Jesus Colossians 1:15 … is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: This is why Peter could say, Acts 2:36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord (Kuros - God) and Christ (Messiah). Now we understand how Jesus could say when speaking of the Holy Spirit, John 14:16-18 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; 17 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. 18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. We understand then that the Holy Spirit is Christ in you, Colossians 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this 111  mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: Romans 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. It is as the Holy Spirit that Christ dwells in us (Col 1:27; John 14:20) and fulfills the promise to be with us always, even until the end of the earth (Matthew 28:20). Contrary to current popular opinion and common knowledge, the ministry of the Holy Spirit is not limited to the Day of Pentecost, or even the New Testament. The ministry of the Holy Spirit began in the Old Testament in Genesis 1:2 and will not end until the Lord returns. In the meantime, it is as the Holy Ghost that Jesus keeps the promise that he gave in Matthew 28:20, “…and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” In John 14:18 He said, “I will not leave you comfortless, I will come to you.” In Hebrews 13:5, the writer quotes the Lord as saying, “I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.” It is as the Holy Ghost that Jesus fulfills these promises. That is why the Holy Ghost is referred to in Romans 8:9 as both the Spirit of God and the Spirit of Christ. For indeed, Jesus is God, and He has kept his promise not to leave us comfortless. But, until the time He returns in bodily form, He ministers to the world, to the Church, and to the Believer in Spirit. Acts 1:1 tells us this: 112  “The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, until the day which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the Apostles whom he had chosen.” Let us look again at 2 Corinthians 13:14: “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.” It is also important to know that there are many different titles used in the New Testament to refer to the Holy Spirit. These titles do not reflect different Spirits, just as different titles applied to God do not reflect different gods, but different aspects of His nature. They reflect the different ministries of the Holy Spirit. Some of these titles are: 1. The Spirit of God Matthew 3:16 2. The Holy Ghost Matthew 1:18 3. The Spirit of the Lord John 4:18 4. The Comforter John 14:26 5. The Spirit of Truth John 16:13 6. The Spirit of Promise Acts 1:4,5 7. The Spirit of Adoption Romans 8:15 8. The Spirit of Christ Romans 8:9 9. The Spirit of Faith 2 Cor 4:13 10. The Spirit of Wisdom Eph 1:17 11. The Spirit of Revelation Eph 1:17 113 12. The Spirit of Grace Heb 10:29 13. The Eternal Spirit Heb 10:29 Certainly, no preacher or teacher would try to suggest that these are all “different spirits operating in the Bible” would they? No. Instead these are titles used to describe the attributes of the Holy Spirit. The same distinction is made with regards to the works and administrations of God (1 Cor. 12:4-6). Again, we learn, “Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. Now that we understand who the Holy Spirit is, let’s look at the ministry of the Holy Spirit. The Ministry of the Holy Spirit We have been building to this chapter in our work and study. We have seen that the baptism of the Holy Ghost was promised to all believers. We have examined who in the Bible received the baptism of the Holy Ghost. We have looked at the conditions for receiving the baptism of the Holy Ghost, and we have discussed “tongues” as the initial sign that one has received the baptism of the Holy Ghost. That now brings us to the next questions, “What is the purpose of the Holy Ghost? What is the ministry of the Holy Ghost? How significant is the ministry of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament Church? Despite the fact that the Holy Spirit is mentioned throughout the Bible, by contrast with other doctrines, the work and ministry of 114 the Holy Ghost is often neglected and rarely taught about. Once a person has received the baptism of the Holy Ghost, that person now has Christ in them. After the Spirit dwells in the believer and puts the believer into the body of Christ, the Spirit can now begin working and ministering in the believer. The Holy Ghost can now begin to glorify Jesus Christ (John 16:13). “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.” One of the strongest proofs of the reality of the baptism of the Holy Ghost is that this experience is crossing over denominational lines. No longer is the baptism of the Holy Spirit just for “Pentecostal groups.” The baptism of the Holy Ghost has been experienced by Baptist, Catholic, church of Christ, Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian and Episcopalian assemblies, and many others that have recently re-examined their doctrines in light of the scriptures and began to preach Doctrine and Truth rather than tradition. The ministry of the Holy Spirit is seen and felt in all “mainline” churches, and, while there is still much dispute over the doctrines taught and preached in the various mainline churches, it is a comforting feeling to know that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is being received and preachers that once were so adamant against this teaching are now examining other previously held traditions that might not stand under closer 115 examination of the Bible, under the Holy Spirit’s influence. Under the leading and guiding of the Holy Spirit, there is a coming to the “unity of the faith” that the Lord sought. The Lord and his apostles did not approve of divisions and “denominationalism”. The Bible teaches that there is One Church, not many. And, while some of these mainline churches have come to accept the truth of Holy Spirit baptism, many still persist in clinging to their man-made traditions. But the Bible teaches that the Father, the Word and the Spirit are One (1 John 5:7). “For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.” One cannot claim to be led of the Spirit of God and then teach and preach doctrines that are contrary to the Word of God, and then still hope to be pleasing to God. Many people feel that the baptism of the Holy Ghost is to confirm doctrine, but that is not so. Nowhere does the Bible tell us that the baptism of the Holy Ghost is dependent upon doctrine, or a confirmation of doctrine, outside of faith in Jesus Christ, of course. The truth is that the baptism of the Holy Ghost confirms people. People can go to Church for the first time, hear the sermon, feel the drawing power of God, and get saved and filled with the Spirit before they even own a Bible or completed a Bible study class. The Holy Spirit is not given based upon one’s knowledge of doctrine, but on the basis of their heart; 116  Acts 5:32 And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him. Acts 15:8 And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; The Holy Ghost is the seal on God’s people. Ephesians 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Ephesians 4:30 And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. After one has received the baptism of the Holy Ghost, the Spirit begins to teach and lead God’s people into all truth. It is therefore imperative that after one receives the baptism of the Holy Ghost, one should examine the teachings of that church that he fellowships in light of the teachings of the Bible, and if there are any discrepancies or differences, ask the minister for answer. If there is not a harmony between what the Bible teaches and what the minister preaches, find a church where the preacher preaches what the Bible teaches. Most of all, pray and ask God to open His Word to you. Some of the ministries of the Spirit are: 1. Teaches (John 14:26) (1 Cor 2:9-15): “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 117  remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” 2. Testifies of Christ (John 15:26) (Acts 5:32): “But when the Comforter is 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.” 3. Reproves the world (John 16:7-8): “And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:” 4. Gives spiritual power (Acts 1:8) (Eph 3:16) “And ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. 5. Empowers the overseers of the Church (Acts 20:28) “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with His own blood.” 6. Sheds the love of God (Romans 5:5): “…because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” 7. Bears witness of our relationship to God (Romans 8:16); “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.” 118 8. Allows the believer to be resurrected (Romans 8:11) (1 Peter 3:18) “…but if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.” 9. Intercedes for us (Romans 8:26): “Likewise, the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groaning’s which cannot be uttered.” 10. Allows believers to have hope (Romans 15:13) (Gal 5:5) “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” 11. Sanctifies the believers (Romans 15:16) “…that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.” 12. Imparts the Spiritual Gifts (1 Cor 12-14) (See chapter on Spiritual Gifts) 13. Seals the believer (2 Cor 1:22) (Eph 1:13; 4:30) “Who hath sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.” “…ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise: “And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.” 14. Gives the believer access to the Father (Eph 2:18): 119  “For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.” 15. Strengthens the believer (Eph 3:16): “That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his spirit in the inner man.” Although this is not an exhaustive list, and is not intended to be one, it should suffice to acquaint the reader with the work and ministry of the Holy Spirit, and to promote and encourage a prayerful reconsideration of the importance of the baptism of the Holy Ghost. We must remember that God has always dealt supernaturally with his people. Even in the Old Testament, despite having the written word, God still performed miracles for His people. He was always, and still is, supernaturally involved with His people. What He did for His people under the Old Covenant he will surpass under the New Covenant. “Ye Shall Receive Power” Another area of controversy connected with the Day of Pentecost is “What was the power that was received?” The Lord told them (Acts 1:8), “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” Many people feel that the power given was the power to perform miracles, but that is not true. It has already been noted that the power to perform miracles was given to the Apostles (Matthew 10:1,8) and to seventy 120 disciples (Luke 10:1,9) before the Day of Pentecost. So, the “power” is not the power to perform miracles. Many people confuse the “Gifts of the Spirit” that are to follow believers (Mark 16:17) and are set within the Church (1 Cor 12:1.28) with the baptism of the Holy Ghost, which can be received by all believers. So then, what power did they receive with the receiving of the Holy Ghost? They received working power of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament Church; power to be witnesses; and power in their lives. Remember that when the Lord was taken prisoner and crucified, his followers deserted Him (Matthew 26:56); even Peter denied Him (Matthew 26:69); the Apostles did not really believe in the Resurrection (Mark 16:14); and they were locked behind doors because they feared the Jews (John 20:19). But there was a change in them after they received the baptism of the Holy Ghost on the Day of Pentecost. Their nature and their behavior were changed after they were “endued with power from on high…” Here is a succinct list of the change in the Apostles after they received the baptism of the Holy Ghost. From that time on they: 1. Spoke the Word of God with boldness Acts 4:31 2. Witnessed with great power Acts 4:33 3. Witnessed with great grace Acts 4:33 4. Spoke in public Acts 4:19 121 5. Worshipped in public Acts 5:25 6. Rejoiced to suffer for His name Acts 5:41 7. Suffered persecution Acts 8:1-4 8. Gloried in Tribulations Romans 5:3 9. Sang in prison Acts 16:25 10. Prayed for their executioners Acts 7:54-60 11. Filled Jerusalem with the Gospel Acts 5:28 12. Were turning the world upside down Acts 17:51 And, on the Day of Pentecost, Peter preached to a crowd of people and 3000 souls were added to the Church (Acts 2:41). The baptism of the Holy Spirit is available to every believer. You may be immature, weak and imperfect, but the promise is to “as many as the Lord our God shall call.” And, if you have been “born again” of the Spirit, He dwells in you. It is one thing for you to have the Holy Spirit dwelling in you but do you yield to the Holy Spirit and allow Him to lead you and guide you? Does the Holy Spirit have you that He may fill you with the abundant life? The abundant life is not found in the environment or circumstances, or in the things you may 122 possess, it is found in the infilling of the Holy Spirit. You are filled with the Holy Spirit when you receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit. After that you are filled with the Spirit when times of anointing come upon you to be used of God for His purpose. To be filled with the Holy Spirit is to be Spirit-possessed, Spirit-empowered, Spirit-led, and Spirit-controlled. 1. You are filled with the Spirit that you might have joy (Eph 5:19-20) 2. You are filled with the Spirit for service (Acts 6:3; 11:22-24). 3. You are filled with the Spirit for power to be a witness (Acts 1:18). 4. You are filled with the Spirit for the hour of persecution (Acts 7:54-60). 5. You are filled with the Spirit that you may walk in the Spirit (Gal 5:16-26). 6. You are filled with the Spirit so that you may be led by the Spirit (Romans 8:14). We see in part that “power” does not always take the form of the working of miracles. The Apostles were given “power” to work miracles prior to the Day of Pentecost. And while there is a super-natural strengthening and aiding from the Holy Spirit, not every believer who has the baptism of the Holy Ghost has the same commission or the same miraculous powers as the Apostles. Nowhere in the Bible do we read of Cornelius performing a miracle, yet we know that he received the baptism of the Holy Ghost. Nowhere in the Bible does it say that only Apostles were to receive the baptism of the Holy Ghost or that one would become 123 an Apostle after receiving the Holy Ghost. In Eph 3:15 we are told, “That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man…” We are told again in Eph 3:20, “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us…” Again, we are told in 2 Tim 1:7, “…for God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” These verses demonstrate that not all references to “power” refers to the working of the spiritual gifts listed in 1 Cor 12. It is impossible for anyone to comprehend the totality of God’s plan and the totality of His methods of achieving His plan. We cannot begin to fathom exactly how He works or how He accomplishes what He chooses to accomplish. But we can know that it is through His Word and His Spirit that He operates. The Bible exhorts us to have faith and to believe, and then reassures us that all of the promises of God are Yea, and Amen. Let us therefore put our trust in God, have faith in his Word, and allow ourselves to be led and guided by the Spirit that indwells the believer. 124