The Work of the Holy Spirit

Review The Holy Spirit is a personal being The Holy Spirit is a divine being Now we will review His work –As seen throughout history –As demonstrated in the revelation of God’s plan –As demonstrated in the accomplishment of that plan

The Spirit’s work in creation Involved in the creation of the universe –Gen 1:2 Involved in the creation of man –Gen 1:26-27

The Spirit’s work in revelation In Old Testament times –2 Pet 1:20-21 Prophets spoke as directed by the Spirit –1 Pet 1:10-11 The Spirit predicted future events

The Spirit’s work in revelation In New Testament times Jn 16:12-13 –The Spirit guided the apostles into all truth 1 Cor 2:10-13 –The Spirit did this by revealing the mind of God

The Spirit’s work in confirmation Confirming Jesus as the Christ –Mt 12:28 Confirming the words of the apostles –Heb 2:3-4; Rom 15:18-19

The Spirit’s work in regeneration As the word was preached –Jn 16:8 – convicting the world of sin –For example, on the day of Pentecost Acts 2:4 – gave apostles utterance Acts 2:22-36 – Peter preached Christ Acts 2:37 – people convicted of sin Acts 2:38-39 – people told to repent and be baptized Acts 2:40-41 – those who were willing did so gladly

The Spirit’s work in regeneration As the word was obeyed –Acts 2:38-41 As they heard and believed the Spirit’s word, they were baptized –Titus 3:5-7 – regeneration and renewing –Jn 3:5 – born of water and the Spirit

The Spirit’s work in sanctification In our initial sanctification –Sanctification involves the idea of being “set apart” or “consecrated” –1 Cor 6:11 Sanctification begins in conjunction with our being washed and justified –2 Thes 2:13 The Spirit sanctifies us

The Spirit’s work in sanctification In our ongoing sanctification –Sanctification is an on-going work Not in the sense of needing redemption - Heb 10:10 But in the sense of leading holy lives –1 Thes 4:3-8

The Spirit’s work in sanctification In living holy lives –Eph 3:14-19 Strengthened, rooted, and grounded –Rom 8:11-13 Putting the deeds of the flesh to death –Gal 5:16-18 So we need to “walk by the Spirit” and be “led by the Spirit”

Conclusion The Holy Spirit has worked –In the creation of the universe and man –In the revelation of God’s word –In the confirmation of the Christ –In the confirmation of the revealed word The Holy Spirit continues to work today –Convicting the lost of their sin –Regenerating those who obey the word –Sanctifying us at the moment of washing and justification –Helping us to lead holy lives There will be more about how the Spirit helps us lead holy lives today when we later look at the indwelling of the Spirit