Doctrine of the Holy Spirit

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DOCTRINE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

EDGAR LEE PASCHALL

Pastor

NEW HOPE BAPTIST CHURCH

1661 Griggstown RD

Calvert City, KY 42029

INTRODUCTION

I pray this booklet will be a blessing to you. It is only a skeletal outline of the doctrine of the Holy Spirit. This in no way exhausts the doctrine of the Holy Spirit. No one man knows everything there is to know about this subject. If all was written about the doctrine of the Holy Spirit then it would be as John said about the Lord Jesus in John 21:25: "The world itself could not contain the books that should be written."

Read this booklet, study it, dissect it, reprint it in part or in its entirety, teach it, preach it, or use it anyway you see fit. I do not claim any originality. Also there are not any copyrights for who can put a copyright on the Holy Spirit?

This series was preached in our church in 1996. If you would like to have the audio version (18) of these messages please let us know. They are free for the asking. If we can be of help in any way please feel free to write or call. We care.

Because of Calvary,

Edgar Lee Paschall

DOCTRINE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

John 14:16-26

A. Various names of the Holy Spirit in the OT.

1. The Spirit of the Lord 26 times

2. The Spirit of God 14 times

3. My Spirit 12 times

4. The Spirit 22 times

5. Thy Spirit 5 times

6. Spirit of Wisdom 3 times

7. Spirit of Judgment and Burning 1 time

8. Spirit of Counsel 1 time

9. Holy Spirit 3 times

10. Spirit of Knowledge 1 time

11. Spirit of Grace 1 time

B. Various names of the Holy Spirit in the NT.

1. Holy Ghost 89 times

2. The Spirit 111 times

3. The Spirit of God 10 times

4. Spirit of Truth 4 times

5. Comforter 4 times

6. The Spirit of the Lord 5 times

7. My Spirit 3 times

8. Spirit of Christ 2 times

9. Holy Spirit 2 times

10. Holy Spirit of God 1 time

11. Holy Spirit of Promise 1 time

12. Spirit of Adoption 1 time

13. Spirit of Grace 1 time

14. Spirit of Glory 1 time

15. Spirit of Wisdom 1 time

16. Spirit of Holiness 1 time

C. How was the Spirit revealed in the OT time?

1. As Omnipotent--sharing the work of creation.

Genesis 1:2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

Job 26:13 By his spirit he hath garnished the heavens; his hand hath formed the crooked serpent.

Job 33:4 The spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life.

Psalms 139:14-15 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.

Psalms 104:30 Thou sendest forth thy spirit, they are created: and thou renewest the face of the earth.

2. As Omnipresent--present everywhere.

Psalms 139:7 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? (The answer--no where!)

3. As striving with men.

Genesis 6:3 And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.

John 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. ("Draw" means to impel; to persuade; compel by love.)

2 Corinthians 5:14 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead.

4. As enlightening.

Job 32:8 But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.

5. As enabling.

1) To prepare and build the tabernacle.

WORKERS WITH MATERIAL: Exodus 28:3 And thou shalt speak unto all that are wise hearted, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they may make Aaron's garments to consecrate him, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office.

BEZALEEL: Exodus 31:3 And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship. Exodus 35:31 And he hath filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship.

2) To give.

Exodus 35:21 And they came, every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing, and they brought the LORD'S offering to the work of the tabernacle of the congregation, and for all his service, and for the holy garments.

Exodus 36:4-7 And all the wise men, that wrought all the work of the sanctuary, came every man from his work which they made; And they spake unto Moses, saying, The people bring much more than enough for the service of the work, which the LORD commanded to make. And Moses gave commandment, and they caused it to be proclaimed throughout the camp, saying, Let neither man nor woman make any more work for the offering of the sanctuary. So the people were restrained from bringing. For the stuff they had was sufficient for all the work to make it, and too much.

3) To receive and utter Divine Revelations.

MOSES: Numbers 11:25 And the LORD came down in a cloud, and spake unto him, and took of the spirit that was upon him, and gave it unto the seventy elders: and it came to pass, that, when the spirit rested upon them, they prophesied, and did not cease.

DAVID: 2 Samuel 23:1-2 Now these be the last words of David. David the son of Jesse said, and the man who was raised up on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel, said, The Spirit of the LORD spake by me, and his word was in my tongue.

MESSENGERS OF SAUL: 1 Samuel 19:20 And Saul sent messengers to take David: and when they saw the company of the prophets prophesying, and Samuel standing as appointed over them, the Spirit of God was upon the messengers of Saul, and they also prophesied.

Proverbs 21:1 The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.

LEVITE SPEAKING OF ISRAEL: Nehemiah 9:30 Yet many years didst thou forbear them, and testifiedst against them by thy spirit in thy prophets: yet would they not give ear: therefore gavest thou them into the hand of the people of the lands.

2 Peter 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

EVEN TO THE LOST: Numbers 24:2 And Balaam lifted up his eyes, and he saw Israel abiding in his tents according to their tribes; and the spirit of God came upon him.

EVEN TO DUMB ANIMALS: Numbers 22:28 And the LORD opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times?

4) Giving physical strength.

SAMSON: Judges 14:6 And the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him, and he rent him (lion) as he would have rent a kid, and he had nothing in his hand: but he told not his father or his mother what he had done.

Judges 14:19 And the Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he went down to Ashkelon, and slew thirty men of them, and took their spoil, and gave change of garments unto them which expounded the riddle. And his anger was kindled, and he went up to his father's house.

Judges 15:14-15 And when he came unto Lehi, the Philistines shouted against him: and the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him, and the cords that were upon his arms became as flax that was burnt with fire, and his bands loosed from off his hands. And he found a new jawbone of an ass, and put forth his hand, and took it, and slew a thousand men therewith.

Ezekiel 37:1-14 (Read in the Bible.) The Spirit of God put breath in dry bones so that they lived!

5) Giving ability and wisdom.

OTHNEIL (1st Judge): Judges 3:10 And the Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he judged Israel, and went out to war: and the LORD delivered Chushanrishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand; and his hand prevailed against Chushanrishathaim.

GIDEON (6th Judge): Judges 6:34 But the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon, and he blew a trumpet; and Abiezer was gathered after him.

JEPHTHAH (9th Judge): Judges 11:29 Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jephthah, and he passed over Gilead, and Manasseh, and passed over Mizpeh of Gilead, and from Mizpeh of Gilead he passed over unto the children of Ammon.

SAMSON (13th Judge): Judges 13:25 And the Spirit of the LORD began to move him at times in the camp of Dan between Zorah and Eshtaol.

6. As generally empowering the servants of God

DAVID AFTER HIS SIN: Psalms 51:12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.

MICAH TO PROPHESY: Micah 3:8 But truly I am full of power by the spirit of the LORD, and of judgment, and of might, to declare unto Jacob his transgression, and to Israel his sin.

ONLY WAY ANYONE CAN BE DELIVERED: Zechariah 4:6 Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.

7. As a fighter of the enemy.

Isaiah 59:19 So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.

D. The Spirit was promised.

1. To Israel.

DESOLATE AND FORSAKEN UNTIL: Isaiah 32:15 Until the spirit be poured upon us from on high, and the wilderness be a fruitful field, and the fruitful field be counted for a forest.

Ezekiel 39:29 Neither will I hide my face any more from them: for I have poured out my spirit upon the house of Israel, saith the Lord GOD.

2. To those who are thirsty.

Isaiah 44:3 For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring.

3. To those who repent.

Proverbs 1:23 Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you.

4. To those of the last days.

Joel 2:28-29 And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit. ("Afterward" means the last days which refers to the day of grace.)

Hebrews 1:1-2 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds. (Last days is a period of time since Pentecost known as period of grace.)

Acts 2:15-18 For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.

E. The Spirit could be taken from one in OT time. (not so in NT time)

SAUL: 1 Samuel 16:13-14 Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah. But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him.

Psalms 51:11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.

F. The Spirit filled Jesus' forerunner, John the Baptist.

THE ANGEL PROMISED HE WOULD BE: Luke 1:15 For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb.

HIS MOTHER FILLED: Luke 1:41 And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost.

HIS FATHER WAS FILLED: Luke 1:67 And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying.

Luke 1:80 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.

John 3:34 For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.

G. The Spirit enabled our Lord.

1. His conception.

ANNOUNCED BY THE ANGEL: Luke 1:35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

Matthew 1:18-20 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

2. Upon Simeon when his parents come to present Him.

Luke 2:25-32 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. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

3. At His baptism the Spirit descended upon Him.

Matthew 3:16-17 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

Mark 1:9-11 And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him: And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

Luke 3:22 And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.

John 1:32-34 And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.

4. Led Him into temptation.

Matthew 4:1 Then was Jesus led up of the spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.

Mark 1:12 And immediately the spirit driveth him into the wilderness.

Luke 4:1 And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness.

5. Returned in the power of the Spirit.

Luke 4:14 And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about.

Luke 4:18-19 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.

Matthew 12:18-20 Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles. He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory.

6. Sent 12 out with assurance the Spirit would tell them what to say in tough times.

Matthew 10:16-20 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.

Luke 12:12 For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.

7. He cast out devils by the Spirit.

Matthew 12:22-28 Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw. And all the people were amazed, and said, Is not this the son of David? But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils. And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand: And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand? And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? therefore they shall be your judges. But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.

8. Every miracle He ever did was by the power of the Spirit.

JESUS SAID: John 5:30 I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.

PETER PREACHING TO CORNELIUS: Acts 10:38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

9. He went to the cross through the Spirit.

Hebrews 9:11-14 But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

10. He arose by the Spirit.

1 Peter 3:18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit.

HOPE FOR THE SAINTS: Romans 8:11 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.

H. Reason for showing these things.

The Holy Spirit who moved on the face of the deep in Genesis 1 is the same Spirit that is still present today. He has not diminished in strength, nor ability, nor capability 1 iota. He is like Jesus in: Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

He is the same One who delivered Legion and He is present to deliver you and me: Ephesians 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.

I. The Spirit's work in Salvation.

This is called the sanctifying work of the Holy Ghost.

1 Peter 1:2 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.

2 Thessalonians 2:13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth.

Sanctification of the Spirit stresses the Spirit's role in separating believers from Satan's sphere of control (kingdom of darkness) to God's sphere of control (kingdom of light) which is a divine act preceding receiving the gospel.

Colossians 1:12‑14 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins.

1. Moves in our darkness.

Genesis 1:2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

1) Positions us to the "knowledge of accountability."

"Knowledge of accountability" is the point in one's life where he has a knowledge of good and evil not just right and wrong.

A Bible example is the children of Israel at 20 years of age.

Deuteronomy 1:39 Moreover your little ones, which ye said should be a prey, and your children, which in that day had no knowledge between good and evil, they shall go in thither, and unto them will I give it, and they shall possess it.

Even though one has reached the "knowledge of accountability" darkness is still in many areas of his life due to:

a. Blindness.

2 Corinthians 4:3‑4 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

b. Deception.

Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?

2) Positions us to receive light.

1 Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. ("Discerned" means determined; made known.)

a. Light of conscience-‑inside.

Romans 1:19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.

b. Light of creation-‑outside.

Romans 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse.

REVEALS THERE IS A GOD: Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

REVEALS THE CHAOTIC CONDITION OF OUR SOUL: Genesis 1:2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

SAME WORD "MOVED" IS ALSO TRANSLATED "SHAKE": Jeremiah 23:9 Mine heart within me is broken because of the prophets; all my bones shake; I am like a drunken man, and like a man whom wine hath overcome, because of the LORD, and because of the words of his holiness.

SAME WORD "MOVED' IS ALSO TRANSLATED "FLUTTERETH": Deuteronomy 32:11 As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings.

c. Light of the gospel.

1 Thessalonians 1:5 For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.

3) Positions us for the work of reproval.

A shake up in our darkness is necessary to receive truth which is light which is Jesus, the day star.

2 Peter 1:19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts.

2. Works reproval.

John 16:8‑11 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Of sin, because they believe not on me; Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.

Conscience and creation will not convict by themselves. It takes the Word of God sharpened by the Holy Spirit in His work of reproval.

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

His work of reproval is sometimes called "Holy Ghost conviction" or "Godly sorrow."

2 Corinthians 7:10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.

Godly sorrow is deep, God caused grief which is a broken and contrite heart because of your sin, that bring you to repentance which is necessary for salvation.

Luke 13:3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

The Greek word for "reprove" is also translated "rebuke," "tell a fault," "convince," and "convict."

1) These five words defined.

a. Reprove ‑ John 16:8.

"Reprove" means to lay blame on someone with the purpose or intention of correcting the problem. When the light of reproval is turned on (we are put in a position to expose our real condition) we tend to blame everyone else, pass the buck so to speak.

AN EXAMPLE: ADAM WHO REALLY BLAMED GOD: Genesis 3:11‑12 And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat? And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat.

WE USUALLY BLAME THE PREACHER, WHO IS JUST A LIGHT TURNER-ONER, BUT IN REALITY WE BLAME GOD: Luke 10:16 He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me.

We place blame on others to get the pressure off us or get the attention off us or to get others in trouble, but not so with God. He lays blame on us with the purpose of correcting the problem.

b. Rebuke.

1 Timothy 5:20 Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.

"Rebuke" means to reprove sharply and sternly with authority. When this occurs we have two choices:

SEEK MORE LIGHT: Acts 2:37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

REJECT: Acts 7:54 When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.

This work happens to all who are saved whatever their age may be. When this occurs you are just closer to the SON rise: 2 Peter 1:19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts.

c. Tell a fault.

Matthew 18:15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.

"Tell a fault" means to give evidence of. This is done by:

a) Lip.

PREACHING: 1 Corinthians 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

1 Corinthians 1:21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching: to save them that believe.

TESTIFYING: John 4:39 And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did.

b) Life.

2 Corinthians 3:2 Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men.

Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

One's life must match their lip if they really give evidence.

Ephesians 4:1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called.

"Worthy" means to bring up the other side of the balance. This is so that there will be evidence shown forth that you are really saved.

d. Convince.

Titus 1:9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

"Convince" means to persuade by argument using the evidence at hand. The Holy Ghost argues with you because you argue with Him.

e. Convict.

John 8:9 And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.

"Convict" means the state of being proven guilty; also a firm belief based upon the facts at hand.

The summary of these words and a full definition of the Holy Ghost's work of reproval is: To lay blame on someone sharply and sternly with authority using the evidence at hand to persuade by argument that individual, bring him to a state of being proven guilty. This is all done with the purpose or intention of correcting the problem.

2) The reproval consist of three things.

a. Sin.

John 16:9 Of sin, because they believe not on me. (Sin is singular, which is unbelief.)

John 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

The word "on" in John 16:9 and "in" in John 3:18 means to come to a point, time, and place with a purpose. This can only be done after the sanctifying work of the Holy Ghost is completed in all three areas.

b. Judgment.

John 16:11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. The lost sinner has the same verdict as the devil which is hell.

Matthew 25:41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.

We need to see judgment because, before saved, we are a child of wrath and that wrath remains (abides) on an unbeliever (one who has reached the knowledge of accountability).

Ephesians 2:3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

When we see judgment rightly, it will back us into a corner of desperation and no hope within ourselves and then the Holy Ghost will show you the Door which is Jesus--Righteousness.

John 10:9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

The reason for dealing with judgment before righteousness is because many make a profession after seeing the judgment but have never had the work of reproval of righteousness completed in their lives, therefore they are not saved. The Lord does not save you to keep you out of hell!

c. Righteousness.

John 16:10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more.

This does not refer to self‑righteousness nor acts of righteousness but it refers to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Matthew 5:20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

1 Corinthians 1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.

The problem with the Jews is that they would not submit to Jesus Christ as Lord.

Romans 10:3 For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.

All three: sin, righteousness, and judgment, must be reproved for one to be saved. Many are "short‑circuited" by well meaning preachers and so called "soul‑winners" who do not allow the Holy Ghost to complete His work of reproval.

3. Empowers the gospel.

1 Thessalonians 1:5 or our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.

Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

This is not just claiming a verse but the Holy Ghost making the gospel real to you. The gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection.

1 Corinthians 15:1‑4 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scripture.

4. Grants repentance and faith.

You cannot separate repentance from faith or vice versa.

PAUL PREACHED BOTH: Acts 20:20‑21 And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

ALSO HAD THE SAME MESSAGE IN ACTS 16 EVEN THOUGH REPENTANCE IS NOT MENTIONED: Acts 16:30‑32 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.

Notice Paul spake unto him the Word which allowed the Spirit of God to work reproval whereby repentance and faith could be granted.

1. Repentance.

"Repentance" means a change of mind, attitude, heart, and direction. It involves both a turning from sin and a turning to God.

a. Godly sorrow works it.

2 Corinthians 7:10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.

This makes repentance a work of God not man. God must grant repentance for one to be saved.

Acts 11:18 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.

b. God's goodness leads to it.

Romans 2:4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

THE PSALMIST MISUNDERSTANDS GOD'S GOODNESS AT FIRST: Psalms 73:2‑3 But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped. For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

Psalms 73:12‑14 Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches. Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency. For all the day long have I been plagued and chastened every morning.

Psalms 73:16‑17 When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me; Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.

c. The Lord desires all to repent.

2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us‑ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

d. Necessary to be saved.

Luke 13:3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

e. Saints are commissioned to preach it.

Luke 24:46‑47 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

2) Faith.

a. Defined.

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

b. It is the Lord's faith.

Galatians 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

c. It is a gift.

John 3:27 John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.

Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.

d. Comes by Hearing.

Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

"Word" means every utterance of God whether it be preaching, testifying, or God working in our circumstances.

5. Calls.

Revelation 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

Romans 8:30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

This call is the effectual (capable of producing the desired results) call.

6. Enables us to obey the gospel.

The sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit brings us to an act of obedience, which is to repent and believe. This is man's part but we could not even do that if it were not for the Lord.

1 Corinthians 12:3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.

Belief of the truth emphasizes the human response of faith to the truth of the gospel.

If a person does not obey the gospel the outcome is hell.

2 Thessalonians 1:7‑9 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power.

7. Quickens our dead spirit.

"Quicken" means to make alive. Some refer to this as to the time when the seed is planted (conception) and man's spirit is awakened. Others refer to this as to the time when one is saved. It makes no difference as to which one is correct, it takes the Holy Ghost to awaken and quicken. Man was born with a dead spirit passed from our forefather Adam whose spirit died the moment he ate of the forbidden tree.

John 5:25‑26 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God, and they that hear shall live. For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself.

John 6:63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

Ephesians 2:1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins.

Ephesians 2:5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

Colossians 2:13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him having forgiven you all trespasses.

8. Justifies.

"Justifies means for one to have been rendered just or right in the sight of God.

NO ONE CAN BE JUSTIFIED BY THE LAW: Romans 3:20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

BY THE SPIRIT: 1 Corinthians 6:11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

BY THE LORD JESUS: Acts 13:39 And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.

BY GRACE AND BLOOD: Romans 3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.

BY FAITH: Galatians 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

BY GRACE: Titus 3:7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

THERE ARE TWO ASPECTS OF BEING JUSTIFIED FOUND IN: Ephesians 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.

"Redemption" refers to being saved from the penalty of sin. "Forgiveness" refers to being saved from the guilt of sin.

9. Sheds love abroad in our hearts.

Romans 5:5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

HE IS LOVE: 1 John 4:8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

1) Love for the Lord.

1 John 4:19 We love him, because he first loved us.

2) Love for others.

a. Saints and the man of God.

1 John 3:14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.

1 John 4:20‑5:1 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also. Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.

John 13:35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

b. Sinners, mates, children, and even your enemies. 1 Thessalonians 3:12 And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you.

Matthew 5:43-45 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children (the Greek word means a mature son or mature children) of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

Proverbs 16:7 When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at Peace with him.

3) Love the Word.

1 Peter 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.

1 John 5:2‑3 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.

ALL THE WORD OF GOD HANGS ON LOVE: Matthew 22:40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. (The two commandments are: 1) love the Lord with all your heart and 2) love thy neighbor as thyself.

10. Places us in the Lord's body.

1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

Romans 6:3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?

When one is saved, he is baptized with the Spirit into a forming body that will be complete at the rapture. The local new testament church is a picture of this as one is baptized into the local new testament church with water baptism.

11. Indwells every believer.

PROMISED: John 14:16-17 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever 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.

I John 3:24 And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us by the Spirit which he hath given us.

I John 4:13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us because he hath given us of his Spirit.

12. Seals every believer.

THE HOLY GHOST IS THE SEAL: Ephesians 1:13-14 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of you salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

2 Corinthians 1:21-22 Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.

A seal signifies:

1) A finished transaction.

Jesus finished what He came to do.

John 17:4 I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.

John 19:30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost. Not one thing can be added nor one thing taken away.

2) Ownership.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

3) Security.

Ephesians 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

John 10:27-29 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.

Romans 8;35,37‑39 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

4) Approval placed upon.

John 6:27 Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.

The one who labors rightly is the one the Father puts His approval upon. An example would be USDA #1 meat. The US government would put its seal of approval upon all that passed inspection.

5) Leaves an impression upon.

Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

This nine‑fold fruit is present in every saint, without exception, in some quantity.

Colossians 1:5-6 For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth.

Matthew 13:23 But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

J. His Work after Salvation.

1. Gives assurance.

Assurance means entire confidence. 2 Peter 1:10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall.

1) Much Assurance.

1 Thessalonians 1:5 For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.

2) Assurance forever

Isaiah 32:17 And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.

THIS IS THE HOLY SPIRIT'S JOB, NOT THE PREACHER'S: 1 John 5:6b And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.

"Beareth witness" means to give testimony to; to give a firsthand, detailed account of what one has seen or heard or experienced; in this case all three; the tense speaks of a continuous action, not a one-time thing; you can depend on Him, thus John calls Him "truth."

Romans 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.

This is not my spirit bearing witness with your spirit as many preachers will tell you.

1 John 5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

"Know" means assurance which is the opposite of doubt. You can see this assurance if we look at these verses in reverse order.

1 John 5:12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

1 John 5:11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.

1 John 5:10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. (Note: the witness is in himself. This is the Holy Spirit who lives in every saved person.)

1 John 5:9 If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son.

1 John 5:8 And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. What the blood has cleansed, the Spirit bears witness to and the Word (water) verifies. This is not Word only. The Devil can't shake it, the world don't doubt it, that's why we can shout it--saved saved saved! All because of the Spirit's work in and after salvation.

2. Teaches.

1 John 2:20 But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things. 1 John 2:27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. ("Unction" and "anointing" are from the same Greek word and mean reception of the Spirit which is a one time occurrence. We don't need another anointing but we do need to be empowered by the Holy Spirit again and again.)

John 16:12-15 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. 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. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

Titus 2:11-13 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. Grace gives you what you don't deserve--salvation and a classroom set up in your heart.

1) Lay aside some things.

Titus 2:12a Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts. (Denying means to reject.)

a. Ungodliness

Ungodliness is wickedness or anything against God.

James 1:21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.

Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

1 Thessalonians 5:22 Abstain from all appearance of evil. We are not only to abstain from evil itself but from the appearance of it, even that which seems to be wrong. A great variety of subjects, such as those pertaining to dress, amusements, the opera, the ballroom, games of chance and hazard, and various practices in the transaction of business, come under this general class--appearance of evil. Even though there is a supposition that they cannot be proved to be in themselves positively wrong or forbidden they have the appearance of evil and will be interpreted so by others. The safe and proper rule is to "lean always" to the side of virtue and when in "doubt," "don't."

Some say we're under grace not law. True, but grace is not a license to sin. Galatians 5:13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

PAUL SAID IT THIS WAY: 1 Corinthians 6:12 All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. ("Expedient" means profitable or advantageous.)

1 Corinthians 8:13 Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend. ("Meat" refers to the meat offered to idols.)

b. Worldly lust.

"Worldly lust" means a longing for what is forbidden.

1 John 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. (This is plain. The legalist is trying to put godly teaching inside ungodly people who have never had the Holy Spirit as their teacher.)

James 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. (God's enemy is not going to heaven. We all were enemies of God before we were saved but His precious blood changed that.)

2) Live for the Lord.

Titus 2:12b Teaching us that, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world. ("Live" means to conduct one's self or to order one's steps. This refers to lifestyle.)

Psalms 119:133 Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.

a. Soberly

"Soberly" means sound reasoning or self restraint that governs all passions and desires. Sound reasoning knocks a lot of things in the head.

b. Righteously

"Righteously" means acting in a just upright manner.

1 John 2:29 If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.

Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Philippians 1:27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.

c. Godly.

Godly means showing reverence toward God in our actions. Where?

a) In this present world.

b) Not in a monastery.

c) Not as a hermit.

d) Before others.

Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

3) Looking for the Lord's coming.

Titus 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. ("Looking" means expectant longing. The blessed hope is the Lord's coming.)

Acts 1:11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

John 14:1-3 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

1 Corinthians 15:51-57 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Luke 19:13 And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.

Hebrews 9:28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

Hebrews 2:11 For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren. (He will not be ashamed of His own.)

3. Comforts.

John 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever.

John 14:26 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 remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

"Comforter" means one along side to aid. "Another" means another of the same kind, referring to the Holy Spirit as being the same kind of Comforter as the Lord Jesus was.

1) Helps us pray.

Romans 8:26-27 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 groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

2.) Comforts us in tribulation.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. (Note: "That" gives the reason we are comforted. The Holy Spirit does not comfort us to make us comfortable but to make us comforters.)

4. Produces Fruit.

Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

Fruit is singular but nine-fold, classified in three categories:

1) Character as an inward state.

a. Love.

This is "agape" love, the God kind of love produced in the heart of every believer. Romans 5:5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. ("Shed abroad" means to pour in like a flood, not as a sprinkle of rain or as dew drops.)

This kind of love lets you even love those who do not love you.

This love is even present in some degree in an awakened sinner for the Lord Jesus said so in Luke 7:37-39,47 And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner. Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. (She loved [agape] much even though she was lost.)

b. Joy.

This is gladness of heart. 1 Peter 1:8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.

c. Peace

This is tranquility of mind based on the consciousness of a right relationship with God.

This peace is a person not the absence of trouble. Ephesians 2:14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us.

Philippians 4:6-7 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

2) Character in expression toward man.

a. Longsuffering.

This speaks of steadfastness of the soul under provocation. The idea is forbearance and patient endurance of wrong under ill treatment, without anger or thought of revenge.

b. Gentleness.

This refers to kindness which is a quality that should penetrate the whole nature, mellowing in it all that is harsh and hard. The quantity and quality of the fruit of the Spirit increases with age. If you get more cantankerous the older you get you need to check out the problem. You do not have the fruit of the Spirit. If that be the case you are not saved. 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.

c. Goodness.

This refers to that quality in a man who is ruled by and aims at what is good (the quality of moral worth).

3) Character in expression toward God.

a. Faith.

This does not refer to saving faith but to faithfulness and fidelity as produced in every believer by the Holy Spirit. This is called the perseverance of the saints.

Matthew 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. (It is not possible for a saved person to live in a continuous state of deception because he has the Holy Spirit who will guide him into all truth.)

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.

Hebrews 3:6 But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.

Hebrews 3:14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end. (These last two verses show that the saints of God continue firm and stedfast unto the end.)

b. Meekness.

This means to have a teachable spirit. Many who say they are saved do not have this, in fact their attitude is, "My mind is made up. Don't confuse me with the truth."

Acts 17:11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

c. Temperance.

This is self control by the aid of the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 7:15-18,20 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. (The fruit of the Spirit is the fruit you are known by. If you do not possess this fruit then you have not the Holy Spirit, thus you are not saved. You need to take Paul's advice to the church at Corinth.)

2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

5. Gives Gifts.

There is common thinking that when one is saved he is given gifts by the Holy Spirit, but this is false thinking. Gifts are present from birth and need to be stirred by the Holy Spirit if they are to be used for the Lord's glory. Let us see some things about these gifts.

1) Given to every man.

1 Corinthians 12:7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.

1 Corinthians 12:11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

Ephesians 4:7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. (Not just to saints but to every man. Do not our politicians have the gift of speaking and persuading men? Do not men of the world have gifts to build large magnificent buildings? Do not men of the world have gifts to organize, to edify others, and on we could go? We would have to answer, Yes! Where did these gifts come from? You say they were born with them. Yes, but where did they come from? From God--the Holy Spirit.

EXAMPLE OF PAUL: Galatians 1:15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace.

EXAMPLE OF JEREMIAH: Jeremiah 1:5 Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.

My case rests. Gifts are given to every man at birth and are stirred up by the Holy Spirit to be used for the Lord when saved.

2) Without repentance.

Romans 11:29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. (This means God will not change His mind no matter how men use their gifts. The gifts He bestows are immutable and unalterable. Even if a man disqualifies himself from the ministry by divorce and remarriage, that does not change the fact he was gifted to preach.

3) Different kinds.

1 Corinthians 12:4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.

PAUL USED MAN'S BODY AS AN ILLUSTRATION: 1 Corinthians 12:14-17 For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?

Romans 12:4-6a For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us. (Diverse but according to grace, undeserved yet equally honorable because they are bestowed by the same Spirit, administered under the same Lord, and energized by the same God. The different kinds of gifts are given according to a wise God who knows best.)

1 Corinthians 12:11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

1 Corinthians 12:18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.

4) Given to profit.

1 Corinthians 12:7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. (The Greek construction refers not to the manifestation of the gift but the manifestation of the Lord which is done by the Holy Spirit speaking of Him.) 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.

THE LORD IS LIGHT: Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (How can you let your light shine? By allowing the gifts the Holy Spirit has given you to be energized and operating in your life. This will cause the church to be edified--built up.)

Ephesians 4:11-12 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.

"Profit withal" means to be advantageous together.

There are three types of gifts:

a. Sign gifts.

These are given for the purpose to show and confirm the Word of God. These are miracles done to vindicate the person used in performance of these miracles that his ministry was from God.

John 3:2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.

Mark 16:17-18 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

These are for the unbeliever and a wicked generation as Jesus Himself said. Matthew 16:4 A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed.

b. Speaking gifts.

These are given for the purpose of proclaiming the gospel and edifying the church.

c. Serving gifts.

These gifts are given that we might serve one another and build up one another in the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ--profit withal.

5. Some gifts have passed away.

Sign gifts have passed away. These primarily include tongues and healing. You may ask, Does God still perform miracles today? Oh! Yes! Does He still heal? Oh! Yes! He is the Great Physician. James 5:14-15 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.

Only God can forgive sin and only God can heal. Which is the greatest miracle--to be healed of blindness or be born again--saved? To be healed of deafness or be born again? For a soul to be saved is better than fire falling from heaven.

Mark 8:36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?

There will be signs given again in the end time, but they will be for the unbelieving Jews--a wicked nation. For example, signs will follow the two witnesses of Revelation 11:6: These (two witnesses) have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will.

The Antichrist will be performing signs which will cause unbelievers to follow him but the saints will not follow him. Matthew 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible (indicates it will not be possible), they shall deceive the very elect.

We don't need these sign gifts today but many are desiring, coveting them anyway. 1 Corinthians 12:31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way. ("More excellent way" is the way of charity [explained in 1 Corinthians 13] which is God's love in action demonstrated by speaking gifts and serving gifts.)

1 Corinthians 13:8-10 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. ("That which is perfect" refers to the completed Word of God which we possess today; therefore, we no longer need the sign gifts.)

We have the speaking gifts and serving gifts which the Holy Spirit has so graciously given us. And when we exercise these gifts we recognize the gifts the Holy Spirit has given us and put them to use for the Lord's glory.

6. Calls Into Service.

Romans 11:29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. (Gifts are different from calling.)

1 Corinthians 7:17 But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches. ("Calling" is the means whereby one becomes aware of gifts he already possesses and what they are for.)

2 Peter 1:10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall. (If there is no sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit then one is not elected.)

Peter was called into service in Matthew 4:18-19: And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.

This is not salvation, for Peter's salvation is found when his name was changed in John 1:41-43: He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone. The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me.

The calling of one into service will be connected to the local church which Jesus started and built upon Himself during His earthly ministry. Matthew 16:18-19 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock (Himself) I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

Ephesians 3:21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

One will be rewarded only if his service is through the authority of a local, New Testament church, which is a living organism and not an organization.

The choosing of the seven men (we usually call deacons) to serve tables for the church was done by the authority of the church. Acts 6:1-6 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.

The first missionaries were chosen by the authority of the local church at Antioch in Acts 13:1-3: Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. (Note that the Holy Spirit said--spoke to the local church.)

Paul was called and directed. Acts 16:9-10 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us. And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them. (All God's pastors and missionaries are called and placed, if they are true servants of God.)

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.

Christian service is simply the ministering of the gifts an individual has received.

7. Empowers You to be a Witness.

A person cannot be a proper witness until the Holy Ghost comes upon him in power. 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 Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

He gives power to live so others can read your life. 2 Corinthians 3:2 Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men.

Philippians 1:27a Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ. . .

Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

1 Peter 2:12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. (The Gentiles [lost] glorify God by believing [be saved] on the Lord when the Holy Ghost visits in godly sorrow using the evidence of another's faithful witness.)

A witness is one who can give a first hand, detailed account of what they have experienced. He just tells how he was saved. If saved, you can be a witness by life and lip.

The favorite term used by most churches today is "soul-winner." There is only one place in the Bible where that term is used. Proverbs 11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise. ("Winneth" means to persuade and influence which is what a witness does. The Bible says for the saints to be witnesses. Therefore we should obey the Scriptures and leave the "soul-winning" to the Holy Ghost for He is the "soul-winner.")

He empowers saints to be a witness--work out what the Lord put inside. Philippians 2:12-13 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

He empowers us even in terrible times. Luke 21:10-18 Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven. But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake. And it shall turn to you for a testimony. Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer: For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist. And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake. But there shall not an hair of your head perish.

This power only comes after His calling, for we need directions where to go and to whom. Matthew 10:1 And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.

He is the Enabler. Ephesians 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,

8. Resurrect the Saints One Day.

Romans 8:11 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.

Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. (The day of Christ refers to the rapture when all saints will have their glorified bodies.)

Romans 13:11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. (Salvation here is referring to glorification--resurrection.)

1 Peter 1:3-9 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. (Again, salvation is referring to glorification--resurrection.)

Rapture is not a Bible word but a Bible principle. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

1 Corinthians 15:54-57 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (This victory is through the Lord Jesus Christ but wrought by the Holy Ghost.

K. Sins Against the Holy Spirit.

Most preachers list five but I list six. I'll give you the list and then we will elaborate about each one. The lost can commit two sins against the Holy Spirit: 1) blasphemy, 2) resist, while the saved can commit the last four: 3) grieve, 4) quench, 5) tempt, 6) despite.

1. Blasphemy Against the Holy Ghost.

This is the one sin most have heard about and yet the most misunderstood.

1) First we must know what it is.

a. Defined.

Webster's dictionary: "any remark or action held to be irreverent or disrespectful; to speak irreverently or profanely of or unto God." In the Greek dictionary the word is practically confined to speech defamatory of Divine Majesty. "Defamatory" is defined in Webster's: "to attack or injure the reputation or honor of, by false and malicious statements; slanderous."

b. Translated.

The root word is translated "blasphemy" many times in the NT but it is also translated:

a) "Evil speaking."

Ephesians 4:31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice.

b) "Railings."

1 Timothy 6:4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings.

2 Peter 2:10 -11 But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord.

Jude 9 Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee. ("Railing" means to speak bitterly and reproachfully.)

c) "Speak evil."

Romans 14:16 Let not then your good be evil spoken of. Titus 3:2 To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.

2 Peter 2:2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.

1 Peter 4:4 Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you.

1 Peter 4:14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.

Jude 8 Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.

Jude 10 But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.

d) "Slanderously reported."

Romans 3:8 And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just.

c. The Bible says.

Matthew 12:31-32 Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.

This shows that speaking against God is blasphemy. Notice all sin and blasphemy can be forgiven except blasphemy against the Holy Ghost. Paul spoke against Christ therefore he was speaking against God but he did it ignorantly and God had mercy.

1 Timothy 1:13 Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. (Paul didn't blaspheme the Holy Ghost or he would not have had mercy from God.)

2) Second, what is blasphemy against the Holy Ghost?

It is referred to as the unpardonable sin. Matthew 12:32 And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.

It is not rejecting the Holy Spirit's drawing and wooing nor rejecting the light that He gives. Every person has done that. Acts 7:51 Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.

In simple terms, blasphemy is giving the devil credit for something the Holy Ghost has produced in His presence and doing it with your heart willfully.

3) Third, how can it be committed?

a. Look at what occurred in Mat. 12:22-30.

There had just been a demonstration of Divine power. Matthew 12:22 Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw.

The Lord Jesus had performed this miracle by the power of the Holy Spirit. Matthew 12:28 But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you. (Therefore the Holy Spirit was present and power was demonstrated.)

The Pharisees said Jesus had performed this miracle by Beelzebub (devil). Matthew 12:24 But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils.

They gave the devil credit for a miracle that was produced by Holy Ghost power. Also they were in the presence of the Holy Ghost. If they did this with their heart willfully then they were guilty of blasphemy of the Holy Ghost.

b. It takes more than a thought to commit this sin.

It takes an action of the heart where one's will (controlled by Satan in the lost person) is involved and that indicates a premeditated action. It is not a sin one can commit ignorantly. These Pharisees knew the Word. They heard the witness of Jesus and saw His miracles--more than one. They were always trying to discredit Him and slander Him and the Lord Jesus said those sins could be forgiven, but not blasphemy against the Holy Ghost. Whether they committed this sin or whether Jesus was just warning them so they would not commit blasphemy of the Holy Ghost, I know not.

4) Who can commit it?

Only the lost can commit this sin. The saved have the Holy Ghost living inside them. They know the work He did in them to bring them to salvation. They have already exercised their will (this was only made possible by the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit) to trust Jesus as their Lord. They fellowship with the Lord through the Spirit of God. The Holy Ghost is the living water that springs up in their well. John 7:38-39 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

The Holy Ghost is the hidden radar to warn them of sin, when tempted, so they will not commit such sin. A saved man cannot commit the sin of blasphemy against the Holy Ghost because to do so would be contradictory to God's Word. Matthew 12:32 says it is impossible: And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.

If one has been saved he has eternal life which means his sins have been forgiven. John 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

Romans 8:35,37-39 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, (nothing) shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

5) Some think they have committed this sin.

The devil will try to make you think you have committed this sin so that you would not have any hope. But let me say, if you have any feelings toward God or for God, you have not committed this sin.

When one has been turned over to a reprobate mind, he has no feeling for God because the Holy Spirit has quit dealing with him. Yet, even they have not blasphemed the Holy Ghost. Romans 1:28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient.

1 Timothy 4:2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron. (These men were past feelings for God, yet they did not blaspheme the Holy Ghost.)

Therefore, if you have any desire for the Lord God you have not committed this sin and there is hope for you. The devil is a liar.

6) Results of Blasphemy against the Holy Ghost.

There are some preachers who believe that one who has blasphemed the Holy Ghost will be dead in less than 24 hours. They have instances to back up their claim and use an example of Herod in Acts 12:21-23: And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them. And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man. And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.

I'll have to say I do not know for certain that if one commits this sin he will die within 24 hours. But I do know that all who have committed this sin can never be forgiven and will end up in the lake of fire. Matthew 12:32 And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.

Therefore this warning: Be careful how you speak when the Holy Ghost moves. If you don't understand, count the ceiling tiles or do something to direct your attention away from what is happening. Whatever you do, keep your tongue still concerning the work that the Holy Ghost does.

It is not easy to commit this sin because we are seeing fewer and fewer demonstrations of the Holy Ghost in our day.

2. Resist the Holy Ghost.

Acts 7:51 Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.

"Resist" means to oppose; to refuse to submit to; offer resistance; to oppose actively. There is a sense in which a saved person may do this, but it is covered in the four other sins we will discuss next that deal with a saved person.

In context of Acts 7, Stephen is dealing with the lost. He was preaching and he outlined the Jews' history from Abraham to the present, telling of their failures and rebellion. He stated very plainly in verse 51 that they and their forefathers always resisted the Holy Ghost. These were the Pharisees who knew the OT Scriptures but they were full of tradition and self righteousness. Stephen's preaching brought conviction to their hearts.

Acts 7:54 When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. (Instead of submitting to the truth, they resisted the truth [light] of Stephen's message. Thus, by resisting truth, they resisted the Holy Ghost.)

Every man has been given light. John 1:9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

The Holy Spirit will guide you into all truth (light). 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.

Every person who resists light pulls himself out of the way of understanding (the narrow way that leads to life). Proverbs 21:16 The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead.

As long as you resist, you will remain in a lost condition. That's why it is necessary to step back in light when you realize you stepped out of the way of understanding. Quit resisting light! Submit and allow the Holy Ghost to complete His work of conviction that you may be saved.

When one believes unto salvation, they no longer resist the truth nor the Holy Ghost.

3. Grieve not the Holy Spirit.

1) Definition.

a. Webster's: "Grieve" means to feel deep acute sorrow of distress; to hurt deeply.

b. Greek: "Grieve" means to be in heaviness; to cause pain; make sorrowful.

2) Bible.

Ephesians 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

The Holy Spirit is a real person with feelings and He lives in the saved. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. (We should be careful how we treat Him for He is God, a part of the trinity.)

In Eph. 4:30 after a long list of sins are mentioned, the saved are commanded to "grieve not" the Holy Spirit. In fact, the Greek says, "stop grieving the Holy Spirit," which indicates the saints at Ephesus were grieving the Holy Spirit and the writer says they needed to stop hurting deeply the Holy Spirit.

3) How do we grieve (hurt) the Holy Spirit?

a. When His work is hindered in us.

His work is a sanctifying work to bring us to perfection. His leading and guiding will bring us to perfection. But when we refuse His 1) leadership, 2) warning, and 3) pleading with us then His work is hindered and the Holy Spirit is grieved.

b. When sin is trifled with.

"Trifle" means to play or toy with; to joke about; deal lightly with. When you dibble and dabble in sin you'll get hooked. James 1:15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. 1 Thessalonians 5:22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.

When you trifle and play with sin you grieve the Holy Spirit.

c. When deity is treated carelessly.

"carelessly" means not thinking before one acts or speaks; being neglectful or inconsiderate. "Deity" is the Lord Jesus Christ who died for our sins and saved us. Therefore, we treat deity carelessly by 1) taking Him for granted, 2) not thanking Him for safety in travel, food on the table, clothes on our back, breath we breathe, and etc., 3) neglecting His precious Word (Him talking to us), 4) neglecting to talk to Him (prayer), and 5) mistreating the Lord's church--same as mistreating Jesus.

When you are neglectful of the Lord Jesus the Holy Spirit is grieved.

d. When place is given to the devil.

A person does this when 1) they embrace false doctrine that leads them astray, and 2) they let the devil occupy a place in their life that rightfully belongs to the Lord.

When we give place to the devil, the Holy Spirit is grieved.

e. When the spirit of the world is cherished.

1 John 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Some may ask how can we keep from cherishing the world when we live in it? The answer--grace teaches and enables you. Titus 2:11-12 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.

When we cherish this world the Holy Spirit is grieved.

4) What are the results of grieving the Holy Spirit?

-His leadership will be lessened and He'll let you have your own way.

-He will withdraw His comfort to a degree.

-You will lose the peace of God, not the peace with God. Philippians 4:6-7 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

-You will be chastised. Hebrews 12:5-8 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.

5) What can we do when we grieve the Holy Spirit?

a. Confess our sin.

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

b. Forsake our sins.

Proverbs 28:13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

c. Forgive one another.

Ephesians 4:31-32 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. (We cannot be right with God if we are wrong with our brother.)

6) What are the results of confessing and forsaking our sins and forgiving one another?

-The Father forgives and forgets. Hebrews 10:17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.

-The blessings begin to flow.

-Grace becomes evident in our lives.

-The peace of God is restored.

-The future becomes as bright as the promises of God.

4. Quench not the Spirit.

1 Thessalonians 5:19 Quench not the Spirit.

"Quench" means to extinguish; to go out; to overpower; to overcome; to subdue; to suppress; negated by "not." Thus in context it means to stop stifling and suppressing the Spirit.

1) How can we that are saved quench the Spirit?

a. By a careless and immoral life.

Philippians 1:27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ. . . ("Conversation" means our way of life. Our life is the only Bible some will ever read.)

b. Through ignorance of His ways.

2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

c. Through failure to recognize His ways.

1 John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

Matthew 26:41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Matthew 13:15 For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. (The eyes of many are shut to the Lord's ways because of tradition which says, "God doesn't operate that way," when in reality He does.

d. By refusal to submit to His ways.

Many just say no to the Spirit's leading. He says "testify" and you say "no" or He says "go" and you say "no." Thus the Spirit is quenched.

e. By being impatient with others in church.

When we stop and recognize God's longsuffering, patience, and forbearance with us, it ought to cause us to have patience with babes in Christ. When we do not practice this we quench the Spirit. We must never forget where we came from.

f. By allowing something to render us lifeless (dead) in the service of God.

We do not need to get to the place we are past feeling.

g. By allowing something to quench worship in our souls.

This can be just the cares of this world--things we have to do. Also it can be having our priorities wrong.

h. By formality or lukewarmness.

If we are not careful, our so called worship is not real worship but just habit or tradition. This quenches the Spirit.

i. By allowing something to obstruct, hinder, or dampen our lives.

2) Results if the Holy Spirit is quenched.

a. The candlestick will be removed from the church.

This means the church loses its effectiveness in the community.

b. the Holy Spirit will be on the outside wanting to gain entrance into the church.

Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. (In context this is not the door of salvation the Lord is knocking at but the door of the church.)

c. Souls will not be saved.

There may be professions, but if the fire of the Holy Spirit, which is the power of God, is not present, there will be no one saved. This means our children and grandchildren will not be saved.

Lord help us to not quench the Spirit.

5. Tempt the Spirit.

Acts 5:9 Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out.

"Tempt" means to try; to test. In Acts 5:9 it means putting the Holy Spirit to the test. Ananias and Sapphria tested and tried the Holy Spirit to see what He would do.

6. Do despite unto the Spirit of Grace.

Hebrews 10:29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?

"Despite" means to treat contemptuously, which is the condition of being despised or scorned; the feeling or actions of a person toward someone or something he considers low, worthless, or beneath notice. Also it means to treat insultingly or to treat with disrespect.

7. I will deal with tempt and despite together.

When one tries or tests (tempts) the Holy Spirit, he is insulting Him or treating Him with great disrespect (despite) because He is God, a part of the Trinity. When the saved commit these sins, there is a sense in which the Holy Spirit is grieved--hurt deeply, but these sins go farther than just grieving. These sins are wilful and also premeditated at times, which means they are not sins of ignorance. Hebrews 10:26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins.

1) How do you commit these sins or how do you insult the Holy Spirit?

a. In His call.

-When He calls and you say "no"--that's disobedience.

-When He leads and you won't follow.

-When He directs and you won't obey.

-When He convicts of a sin and you say "I don't have any sin."

I pray the Lord will give me wisdom to:

-say yes when He calls.

-go when He directs.

-obey when He directs.

-confess when He convicts.

b. In His character.

The Holy Spirit is God and possesses the same attributes as God. One of these attributes is omniscience which means He has all knowledge. He knows the secrets of your soul. He knows:

-every word you ever spoke.

-every work you ever performed.

-every walk you ever took.

-every thought you ever had.

We insult His character when we get a proud and haughty spirit and put ourselves above the Holy Spirit, thinking we know better than Him. For example: "I know what the Bible says but I think something else." The Holy Spirit wrote the Bible and it says what it means and means what it says. 2 Peter 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

c. In His chastisement.

Hebrews 12:5-8 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.

God deals with His sons four ways:

a) Speaks to him through preaching.

The Holy Spirit takes the sword of the Word and gets to the heart--gets to the problem. Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

If the son does not confess and forsake at this point, then:

b) Lays lash upon him.

The son knows what it is for.

If the son does not confess and forsake at this point, then:

c) Becomes a castaway.

1 Corinthians 9:27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

"Castaway" means to be disqualified for rewards and will have nothing to cast back at the feet of Jesus.

If the son does not confess and forsake at this point, then:

d) Carries him home.

This is what is called a sin unto death for a saved person. It could be any sin one is not willing to confess and forsake and the Holy Spirit says, "If you commit that one sin one more time I'm carrying you home (heaven) early (prematurely) because you are false advertisement for the Father and embarrassing Him." 1 John 5:16 If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it. (This sin was committed by Moses in the OT and by Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5.)

2) Warning which calls for an examination.

If you can tempt the Holy Spirit and insult (do despite) Him and keep on doing it and the Lord doesn't kill you prematurely, you are not saved. You need to get honest and examine yourself. 2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

It will be a sad day for those who fail to do so and remain in their deceived condition. Matthew 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? (And then they will hear these sad words.) Matthew 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.