Wind II – Symbols of the Holy Spirit

Wind II – Symbols of the Holy Spirit

Hillcrest Church, August 15, 2009

Text

" Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2 He came to Jesus at night and said, "Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him." 3 In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." 4 "How can a man be born when he is old?" Nicodemus asked. "Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born!" 5 Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born again.' 8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit."" (John 3:1-8 NIV)

" When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them." (Acts 2:1-4 NIV)

Review

Last week, we learned several important things about the Holy Spirit by thinking about the wind.

The Holy Spirit is invisible.

In order to live in His fullness, we must be convinced of His reality.

The Holy Spirit is "feel-able."

In order to live in His fullness, we must cultivate spiritual sensitivity.

The Holy Spirit is inscrutable.

In order to live in His fullness, we must appreciate His mystery.

The Holy Spirit is unpredictable.

In order to live in His fullness, we must acknowledge His sovereignty.

In order to live in His fullness, we must be willing to respond to His initiatives.

Introduction

Today, we are going to learn three more important parallels between wind and the Holy Spirit.

This symbol is one of the most common in the Bible. In both the Old and New Testaments, in the original languages, the term "spirit" is linked to "wind." Jesus breathed on His disciples and told them to receive the Holy Spirit.

"22 And with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit." (John 20:22 NIV)

The Holy Spirit is directional.

The Bible does not compare the Holy Spirit to air, but to wind.

The definition of wind is "air in motion."

Air is static; wind is always dynamic.

Wind is always going somewhere. It is always blowing in a direction.

We feel the breeze as the wind blows across our skin. It is coming from somewhere and it is going to somewhere.

We stand in the "middle" of a breeze.

The Holy Spirit always has a direction He wants to move in.

"The task of every generation is to find the direction in which the Holy Spirit is moving and then to move in that direction." (Jonathan Edwards per R.T. Kendall)

He wants to take us somewhere we have never gone so that we can become something we have never been and do things for God that we have never done.

The Holy Spirit comes to give each of us the power to go somewhere to help someone.

The Holy Spirit wants to send each of us into someone's world somewhere around the world.

The Holy Spirit always concerns Himself with missions…!

Not just evangelism, but also missions…!

A church without a foreign missions program is a weak church.

A church without a foreign missions program is a sick church.

A church without a foreign missions program is a powerless church.

A church without a foreign missions program is a dying church.

A church without a foreign missions program is a sinful church.

A church which prioritizes missions will be a blessed church.

Testimony of Tri-County Assemblies of God in Hamilton, Ohio. In spite of many problems and heavy indebtedness, they actually increased their missions giving and paid their building off over time against incredible odds!

Paul's promise to the Philippian Christians was given in the context of a reference to their missions commitment (their financial support of his missionary ministry).

" 10 I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me…14 …it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need….18 …I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:10-19 NIV)

This verse is not a blanket promise made to every Christian. It is a specific promise made to missions-minded Christians…!

Jesus said, "You will be witnesses around the world," not you "could" or you "should" or you "might" have a world-wide witness…! He said, "You will be witlessness…!"

The characterized the early Pentecostal movement. In fact, the original purpose for the first gathering of what has become the largest Pentecostal denomination (the Assemblies of God) was a missions consultation in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

Going to the ends of the earth implies change. In order to live in the fullness of the Holy Spirit, I must be willing to embrace Spirit-inspired change.

• In order to live in the fullness of the Holy Spirit, I must be willing to follow His leadings.
  

The Holy Spirit is powerful.

This was the promise of Jesus to His disciples concerning the Holy Spirit.

" In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. 3 After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." 6 So when they met together, they asked him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?" 7 He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."" (Acts 1:1-8 NIV)

Notice the context of this promise of power and the contrast between their priorities and that of Jesus:

The disciples were concerned about God restoring the kingdom; Jesus spoke about expanding the kingdom.

They were interested in what God wanted to do for their country; Jesus spoke about what God wanted to do for other countries.

They were focused on what God would do for them; Jesus said the Holy Spirit would come to help them focus on others.

Selfishness has always been a core human problem.

The human heart is essentially selfish.

Sin, in fact, is always an expression of selfishness.

That is why Jesus said the most important commandments (the two primary keys to holiness) were loving God and loving people as ourselves!

" 28 One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, "Of all the commandments, which is the most important?" 29 "The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' 31 The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these."" (Mark 12:28-31 NIV)

It is also why John Wesley rarely used the term, "sanctification," but instead spoke of "perfect love."

The selfish nature of every human heart is why every church in the world has an inherent tendency to turn inward, to focus on meeting its own needs instead of focusing on meeting the needs of others, like a car with its front end out of line that constantly turns to one side.

But, the Holy Spirit comes to help us overcome those tendencies…!

The Holy Spirit comes to give us the power to overcome sin and to move beyond selfishness to selflessness.

" 16 So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature." (Galatians 5:16 NIV)

"16 My counsel is this: Live freely, animated and motivated by God's Spirit. Then you won't feed the compulsions of selfishness." (Galatians 5:16 The Message)

The Holy Spirit comes to give us the power to meet human need.

Example: man at the gate of the temple called Beautiful.

" One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. 2 Now a man crippled from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. 4 Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, "Look at us!" 5 So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them. 6 Then Peter said, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." 7 Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man's feet and ankles became strong. 8 He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. 9 When all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. 11 While the beggar held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon's Colonnade." (Acts 3:1-11 NIV)

" The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. 2 They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. 3 They seized Peter and John, and because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day." (Acts 4:1-3 NIV)

"18 Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John replied, "Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to obey you rather than God. 20 For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard." 21 After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened. 22 For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old. 23 On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. 24 When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. "Sovereign Lord," they said, "you made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and everything in them." (Acts 4:18-24 NIV)

"29 Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. 30 Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus." 31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly." (Acts 4:29-31 NIV)

Peter had walked by this man every day without feeling compelled to respond to his needs, but now, having been filled with the Holy Spirit, he reached out his hand in response.

The Holy Spirit comes to give us the power to live a life beyond ourselves.

The Holy Spirit comes to give us the power to meet the needs of others.

• In order to live in the fullness of the Holy Spirit, I must be willing to respond to the needs of others.
  

The Holy Spirit is beneficial.

On a natural level, we easily realize that the right amount of wind at the right time brings tremendous refreshing to our lives.

My Amish experience – without air conditioning, ice cream and a cool breeze felt mighty good!

Of course, in the natural, wind can also be destructive (tornado/hurricane), but on a spiritual level, there is never anything to fear.

Man does not have any more power over the wind than he does over the day of his death, but God does!

"8 No man has power over the wind to contain it; so no one has power over the day of his death…" (Ecclesiastes 8:8 NIV)

God establishes the force of the wind.

"25 When he established the force of the wind and measured out the waters, 26 when he made a decree for the rain and a path for the thunderstorm," (Job 28:25-26 NIV)

Even the stormy winds do his bidding.

"7 Praise the Lord from the earth, you great sea creatures and all ocean depths, 8 lightning and hail, snow and clouds, stormy winds that do his bidding," (Psalm 148:7-8 NIV)

Satan stirred up winds to destroy Job's house, but God recompensed him!

"17 While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, "The Chaldeans formed three raiding parties and swept down on your camels and carried them off. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!" 18 While he was still speaking, yet another messenger came and said, "Your sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother's house, 19 when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them and they are dead, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!"" (Job 1:17-19 NIV)

"10 After Job had prayed for his friends, the Lord made him prosperous again and gave him twice as much as he had before. 11 All his brothers and sisters and everyone who had known him before came and ate with him in his house. They comforted and consoled him over all the trouble the Lord had brought upon him, and each one gave him a piece of silver and a gold ring. 12 The Lord blessed the latter part of Job's life more than the first. He had fourteen thousand sheep, six thousand camels, a thousand yoke of oxen and a thousand donkeys. 13 And he also had seven sons and three daughters. 14 The first daughter he named Jemimah, the second Keziah and the third Keren-Happuch. 15 Nowhere in all the land were there found women as beautiful as Job's daughters, and their father granted them an inheritance along with their brothers. 16 After this, Job lived a hundred and forty years; he saw his children and their children to the fourth generation. 17 And so he died, old and full of years." (Job 42:10-17 NIV)

The Holy Spirit comes to edify the Body of Christ.

"3 But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening (KJV – edification), encouragement and comfort." (1 Corinthians 14:3 NIV)

"11 It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12 to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ." (Ephesians 4:11-13 NIV)

In Scripture, God often used wind to bring blessings:

Provision – quail

"31 Now a wind went out from the Lord and drove quail in from the sea. It brought them down all around the camp to about three feet above the ground, as far as a day's walk in any direction. 32 All that day and night and all the next day the people went out and gathered quail. No one gathered less than ten homers. Then they spread them out all around the camp." (Numbers 11:31-32 NIV)

They responded wrongly and the flesh began to rot in their teeth, but God's provision came through the wind.

Deliverance – parting waters

Same wind brought judgment to wicked and deliverance to the innocent (cf. locusts)

"21 Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the Lord drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. The waters were divided," (Exodus 14:21 NIV)

"13 So Moses stretched out his staff over Egypt, and the Lord made an east wind blow across the land all that day and all that night. By morning the wind had brought the locusts; 14 they invaded all Egypt and settled down in every area of the country in great numbers. Never before had there been such a plague of locusts, nor will there ever be again. 15 They covered all the ground until it was black. They devoured all that was left after the hail—everything growing in the fields and the fruit on the trees. Nothing green remained on tree or plant in all the land of Egypt. 16 Pharaoh quickly summoned Moses and Aaron and said, "I have sinned against the Lord your God and against you. 17 Now forgive my sin once more and pray to the Lord your God to take this deadly plague away from me." 18 Moses then left Pharaoh and prayed to the Lord. 19 And the Lord changed the wind to a very strong west wind, which caught up the locusts and carried them into the Red Sea. Not a locust was left anywhere in Egypt." (Exodus 10:13-19 NIV)

Refreshing - rain

"41 And Elijah said to Ahab, "Go, eat and drink, for there is the sound of a heavy rain." 42 So Ahab went off to eat and drink, but Elijah climbed to the top of Carmel, bent down to the ground and put his face between his knees. 43 "Go and look toward the sea," he told his servant. And he went up and looked. "There is nothing there," he said. Seven times Elijah said, "Go back." 44 The seventh time the servant reported, "A cloud as small as a man's hand is rising from the sea." So Elijah said, "Go and tell Ahab, 'Hitch up your chariot and go down before the rain stops you.' " 45 Meanwhile, the sky grew black with clouds, the wind rose, a heavy rain came on and Ahab rode off to Jezreel." (1 Kings 18:41-45 NIV)

New beginning – after Noah, winds caused the waters to recede.

"1 But God remembered Noah and all the wild animals and the livestock that were with him in the ark, and he sent a wind over the earth, and the waters receded." (Genesis 8:1 NIV)

In Scripture, there is even a connection between wind and angels.

"1 Praise the Lord, O my soul. O Lord my God, you are very great; you are clothed with splendor and majesty. 2 He wraps himself in light as with a garment; he stretches out the heavens like a tent 3 and lays the beams of his upper chambers on their waters. He makes the clouds his chariot and rides on the wings of the wind. 4 He makes winds his messengers, flames of fire his servants." (Psalm 104:1-4 NIV)

"1 Bless the LORD, O my soul. O LORD my God, thou art very great; thou art clothed with honour and majesty. 2 Who coverest thyself with light as with a garment: who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain: 3 Who layeth the beams of his chambers in the waters: who maketh the clouds his chariot: who walketh upon the wings of the wind: 4 Who maketh his angels
spirits; his ministers a flaming fire:" (Psalm 104:1-4 KJV)

In order to benefit from the power of the wind, we must position ourselves correctly.

Through my personal fascination with sailing, I am coming to better understand the value of wind. Sails have "trailers" that come off of the sail to help a sailor know if his sails are positioned correctly or not.

Our contemplative prayer class will help you learn to sense the moving of the Holy Spirit.

Some "places" are known to be more windy than others.

Sometimes revival is like that.

Concept of "prevailing winds" (sailing classes at Lake Ray Hubbard, the Gulf Stream – sailboats off the coast of the U.S.A., but sometimes weather patterns change.

• In order to live in the fullness of the Holy Spirit, I must be willing to rely on His resources.
  

conclusion

The wind is invincible.

You cannot "stop" the wind.

You can wait out a storm, but you cannot stop it…!

Every knee will bow…what will you do now?

Christmas - A Story of Signs and Wonder, December 16, 2007.doc

Christmas - A Story of Signs and Wonder

Sunday, December 16, 2007

Text

" 18 This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. 20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”—which means, “God with us.” 24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25 But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus. " (Matthew 1:18-25 NIV)

Introduction

Of the four Gospels, only Matthew and Luke deal with the circumstances of Jesus’ birth. Both of their narratives are filled with the supernatural, as one might expect when God was sending His own Son into the world…! While both of their accounts include some things in common, such as angelic visitations, they each stress different aspects and events. Luke tells us about God’s glory being manifest to humble shepherds; Matthew mentions the visit of the magi and their very, very generous gifts. Luke’s narrative highlights the manifestation of God’s glory and the gift of spirit inspired speech or prophecy; Matthew repeatedly references God-given dreams.

As we approach the Christmas season, I want to talk to you today about that very thing – the role of dreams in God’s way of working His will in the world and in our lives.

·        God-given dreams will be more common in the end times. (Joel 2:28)

" 28 “And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions." (Joel 2:28 NIV)

This does not mean that every dream comes from God…!

·        God-given dreams do not come to everyone. (Joel 2:28)

“old” men…! This does not mean God never gives dreams to the young, but this Scripture does indicate that not everyone receives God-given dreams.

The Christmas story underscores the fact that God is truly sovereign in the way He speaks to us and in the way He guides us. Abraham invited angelic travelers into his tent and did not recognize them for who they were, but when the angels appeared to the shepherds, “…the glory of the Lord shone round about…” It does appear, however, from a careful study of Scripture, that when someone receives a God-given dream, they know it is significant (Butler and cupbearer – Gen. 40; Pharaoh – Gen. 41; etc.)

·        God-given dreams sometimes come to unbelievers.

Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 4 – tree cut down, him becoming like an animal for seven years)

East Alton story about the man winning the lottery and needing to collect the price of the ticket from some of the most desperate homes in town…!

·        God-given dreams do not always come in the way we would expect or carrying the message we would expect.

For some reason, God sometimes tells angels to only deliver their message via dreams…! (This happened three out of four times to Joseph, whereas Mary saw the angel while awake.) My natural mind would think it would be more impressive and more conclusive if the angel showed up in person, manifesting the fullness of their supernatural glory, but such is not the case. In fact, God sometimes sends angels in such human form that even godly people do not recognize them for who they are,

"2 Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it." (Hebrews 13:2 NIV)

·        God-given dreams require God-given wisdom for proper interpretation.

"17 To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds." (Daniel 1:17 NIV)

"14 When Arioch, the commander of the king’s guard, had gone out to put to death the wise men of Babylon, Daniel spoke to him with wisdom and tact. 15 He asked the king’s officer, “Why did the king issue such a harsh decree?” Arioch then explained the matter to Daniel. 16 At this, Daniel went in to the king and asked for time, so that he might interpret the dream for him. 17 Then Daniel returned to his house and explained the matter to his friends Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. 18 He urged them to plead for mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that he and his friends might not be executed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. 19 During the night the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven 20 and said: “Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. 21 He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. 22 He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him. 23 I thank and praise you, O God of my fathers: You have given me wisdom and power, you have made known to me what we asked of you, you have made known to us the dream of the king.”" (Daniel 2:14-23 NIV)

let’s notice both what God did and what Joseph did…

1.    God used a dream to tell Joseph the truth. (Matt. 1:20)

“"20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit." (Matthew 1:20 NIV)

In response, Joseph willfully violated social custom by taking Mary directly into his home before the one-year betrothal was over and cared for her without having sexual relations with her.^[1]

In other parts of Scripture, God also used dreams to tell someone the truth about people…!

"19 While Pilate was sitting on the judge’s seat, his wife sent him this message: “Don’t have anything to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him.”" (Matthew 27:19 NIV)

2.    God used a dream to warn Joseph of an unknown danger. (2:13)

" 13 When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”" (Matthew 2:13 NIV)

In response, Joseph went somewhere he had never been before, somewhere he would never go again, somewhere he would have never wanted to go, somewhere his ancestors would have told him to never go…!

God could have taken Joseph, Mary, and baby Jesus to other countries (Lebanon, Syria, Persia), but He specifically led them to the one country where their ancestors had suffered so tragically during 430 years and where Abraham had made his greatest mistakes…! Why? On the surface, it is obviously in order to fulfill Bible prophecy.

“When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son." (Hosea 11:1 NIV)

But, the initial and obvious reference of that passage is to the experience of Israel as a “young” nation that was delivered through Moses in the Exodus. Why did it need to apply to Jesus?

There are only two reasons I can come up with:

·        Because it brought God greater glory and builds our faith – God protecting them from one enemy (Herod) by taking them into the presence of another enemy (Egyptians)…! David understood that principle…!

“You prepare a table for me in the presence of my enemies…!” (Psalms 23)

·        Because the  missionary minded God of the Bible is so redemptive that He wanted to wipe away the reproach, bitterness, and fear of Egypt from the collective minds of the people of God by redeeming their historic relationship with an ancient foe^[2].

"19 In that day there will be an altar to the Lord in the heart of Egypt, and a monument to the Lord at its border. 20 It will be a sign and witness to the Lord Almighty in the land of Egypt. When they cry out to the Lord because of their oppressors, he will send them a savior and defender, and he will rescue them. 21 So the Lord will make himself known to the Egyptians, and in that day they will acknowledge the Lord. They will worship with sacrifices and grain offerings; they will make vows to the Lord and keep them. 22 The Lord will strike Egypt with a plague; he will strike them and heal them. They will turn to the Lord, and he will respond to their pleas and heal them. 23 In that day there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria. The Assyrians will go to Egypt and the Egyptians to Assyria. The Egyptians and Assyrians will worship together. 24 In that day Israel will be the third, along with Egypt and Assyria, a blessing on the earth. 25 The Lord Almighty will bless them, saying, “Blessed be Egypt my people, Assyria my handiwork, and Israel my inheritance.” " (Isaiah 19:19-25 NIV)

In response, Joseph remained in that undesirable place until God’s purposes were finished there…!

3.    God used a dream to show Joseph the right time. (Matt. 2:19-21)

" 19 After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt 20 and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child’s life are dead.” 21 So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel." (Matthew 2:19-21 NIV)

In response, Joseph did what God said to do at the time God said to do it…!

Timing is so very important in God’s economy…! The right thing done at the wrong time can become the wrong thing and bring about the wrong result. God knows the right time for everything.

" There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: 2 a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, 3 a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, 4 a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, 5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain, 6 a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, 7 a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, 8 a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. …10 I have seen the burden [perhaps referring to God’s requirement that men trust His timing…!] God has laid on men. 11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end…14 I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere him. " (Ecclesiastes 3:1-14 NIV)

4.    God used a dream to calm Joseph’s fears. (2:22-23)

"22 But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee, 23 and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets: “He will be called a Nazarene.” " (Matthew 2:22-23 NIV)

As a result, Joseph raised the boy in a household filled with faith.

5.    God used a dream to settle Joseph in the right place. (2:22-23)

"22 But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee, 23 and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets: “He will be called a Nazarene.” " (Matthew 2:22-23 NIV)

As a result, Joseph changed his mind (something that is sometime very hard for males to do…!)

There is no evidence that Joseph ever knew he was being used by God to fulfill divine prophecy. Later, some of the contemporaries of Jesus would actually reject Him as Messiah because he had grown up in Nazareth.

"45 Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” 46 “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” Nathanael asked. “Come and see,” said Philip." (John 1:45-46 NIV)

It does appear from the text that Joseph’s original intent was to settle in Judea instead of back in his home area of Galilee (Perhaps to spare Mary and Joseph from the sting of gossip?) If Joseph had tried to make right decision for his family’s life and his son’s “messianic career,” he would never have chosen to rear the boy in Galilee, but God knew best…!

Invitation

1.    Do you need  God to tell you the truth about someone or some situation?

2.    Do you need God to show you the right time?

3.    Do you need God to lead you to the right place?

4.    Do you need God to restore you to a right relationship with Him?

Benediction

May God bless you with dreams that come from Him and with the ability to know both what they mean and what you should do. And may He give you the ability to know what is not from Him so your life will be grounded in His truth and not your own imaginations, so you will never stray from His purposes, but fulfill your destiny…!

---

^[1] Marriages were arranged for individuals by parents, and contracts were negotiated. After this was accomplished, the individuals were considered married and were called husband and wife. They did not, however, begin to live together. Instead, the woman continued to live with her parents and the man with his for one year. The waiting period was to demonstrate the faithfulness of the pledge of purity given concerning the bride. If she was found to be with child in this period, she obviously was not pure, but had been involved in an unfaithful sexual relationship. Therefore the marriage could be annulled. If, however, the one-year waiting period demonstrated the purity of the bride, the husband would then go to the house of the bride’s parents and in a grand processional march lead his bride back to his home. There they would begin to live together as husband and wife and consummate their marriage physically. John F. Walvoord, Roy B. Zuck and Dallas Theological Seminary, The Bible Knowledge Commentary : An Exposition of the Scriptures (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1983-c1985), 2:20.

^[2] Hagar got Ishmael a wife from Egypt (Gen. 21:21) and his descendants settled near Egypt (Gen. 25:18).

The Fulness of the Holy Spirit, March 4, 2007

The Fullness of the Holy Spirit

Sunday, March 04, 2007

Text

"15 The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Christ. 16 John answered them all, “I baptize you with water. But one more powerful than I will come, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. 17 His winnowing fork is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” 18 And with many other words John exhorted the people and preached the good news to them." (Luke 3:15-18, NIV)

"²³ After spending some time in Antioch, Paul set out from there and traveled from place to place throughout the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples. ²⁴ Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures. ²⁵ He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John. ²⁶ He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately. ²⁷ When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. On arriving, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed. ²⁸ For he vigorously refuted the Jews in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ. While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples ² and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” ³ So Paul asked, “Then what baptism did you receive?” “John’s baptism,” they replied. ⁴ Paul said, “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” ⁵ On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. ⁶ When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. ⁷ There were about twelve men in all. ⁸ Paul entered the synagogue and spoke boldly there for three months, arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God. ⁹ But some of them became obstinate; they refused to believe and publicly maligned the Way. So Paul left them. He took the disciples with him and had discussions daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus. ¹⁰ This went on for two years, so that all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord. ¹¹ God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, ¹² so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them. ¹³ Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, “In the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.” ¹⁴ Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. ¹⁵ One day the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?” ¹⁶ Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding. ¹⁷ When this became known to the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus, they were all seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor. ¹⁸ Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed their evil deeds. ¹⁹ A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. When they calculated the value of the scrolls, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas. ²⁰ In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power." (Acts 18:23-19:20, NIV)

"¹⁵ Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, ¹⁶ making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. ¹⁷ Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. ¹⁸ Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. ¹⁹ Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, ²⁰ always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Ephesians 5:15-20, NIV)

Introduction

As we have learned thus far in our study of the life of Christ as recorded in the Gospel of Luke, after his baptism in water at the river Jordan and his baptism in the Holy Spirit, Jesus went throughout Galilee and Judea, preaching the good news about the Kingdom of God and openly confronting the kingdom of Satan. Everything He did in both public and private ministry was through the power of the Holy Spirit. He calls us to do the works that He did and we can only do that through the help of the Holy Spirit.

And so today, after dealing with the reality of the demonic world over the past three Sundays, I feel strongly and specifically that the Lord would have me to draw our attention to the words spoken by the one who was sent by God to prepare the way for Jesus, the last and greatest Old Testament prophet, John the Baptist.

1. I need the help of the Holy Spirit to follow in the footsteps of Jesus.

" ¹⁶ So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature." (Galatians 5:16, NIV)

2. I need the help of the Holy Spirit to overcome the powers of darkness.

"¹² For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (Ephesians 6:12, NIV)

"¹⁸ And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests… " (Ephesians 6:18, NIV)

3. I need the help of the Holy Spirit to meet the needs of others.

"⁷ Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good." (1 Corinthians 12:7, NIV)

Do you want to receive the fullness of the Spirit, including HIs gifts?

These Ephesian believers had heard John’s message about Jesus, but apparently not John’s promise about the baptism with the Spirit. Luke calls them “disciples.” They had been instructed by Apollos, a mighty Bible preacher, who clearly understood and articulated the personal work of Jesus Christ, including His death and resurrection. Apparently, though, Apollos had never experienced the fullness of the Holy Spirit, including His charismatic giftings, or at least did not know how to minister that fullness to others. Note that Paul did not tell these Ephesian believers that they needed to repent or be converted. They were already born of the Spirit, but had not yet been filled with the Spirit.

1. Come to Jesus with a thirsty heart.

"³⁷ On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. ³⁸ Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.” ³⁹ By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified." (John 7:37-39, NIV)

2. Come to Jesus with an obedient heart.

"¹⁵ Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, ¹⁶ making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. ¹⁷ Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. ¹⁸ Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. ¹⁹ Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, ²⁰ always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Ephesians 5:15-20, NIV)

3. Come to Jesus with a caring heart.

The gifts of the Spirit are not just about you! They are about helping you meet the needs of others!

"¹⁴ When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick." (Matthew 14:14, NIV)

4. Come to Jesus with a worshipful heart.

On the Day of Pentecost they worshipped God in Spirit inspired languages.

"⁵ Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. ⁶ When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking in his own language. ⁷ Utterly amazed, they asked: “Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans? ⁸ Then how is it that each of us hears them in his own native language? … ^.10 … we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” ¹² Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?”" (Acts 2:5-12, NIV)

In 1 Corinthians, Paul speaks of “singing” in the Spirit.

"¹⁵ So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind." (1 Corinthians 14:15, NIV)

Note that more literal translations, including the New American Standard Bible and the King James Version, etc., specify Paul is describing singing with “the” Spirit (as in, “the Holy Spirit”) instead of singing with “his” human spirit alone. This is clearly supernatural in character.

5. Come to Jesus with an expectant heart.

"³⁷ On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. ³⁸ Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.” ³⁹ By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified." (John 7:37-39, NIV)

Paul urges us in 1 Corinthians 14 to pray earnestly for the “best” or “greater” gifts, then infers which gifts are best suited to which context. The best gifts are those which are best suited to meet the need at hand. If someone is sick in their body, for instance, prophecy is not better than healing…! Rather, Paul’s particular concern in 1 Corinthians 14 is to draw a distinction between what edifies in private and what edifies in public.

"³¹ But eagerly desire the greater gifts. And now I will show you the most excellent way." (1 Corinthians 12:31, NIV)

" Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. ² For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit. ³ But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort. ⁴ He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. ⁵ I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may be edified." (1 Corinthians 14:1-5, NIV)

· Pray for the ability to speak to God through a private prayer language in private. This gift is the only one of the nine examples Paul gifts that will directly edify you personally.

· Pray for the ability to speak to others prophetically in public, whether through words of wisdom, knowledge, tongues accompanied by interpretation, etc.

As you come this morning, understand that there is no need for any particular display of emotion. No need to deserve or merit these gifts, just to receive them.

Remember, you have come in faith to your Savior, Jesus. You have nothing to fear and you can do nothing wrong…!

"⁹ “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. ¹⁰ For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. ¹¹ “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? ¹² Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? ¹³ If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”" (Luke 11:9-13, NIV)