HolinessHolinessLesson3Lesson3

The Spirit of HolinessThe Spirit of Holiness

Romans 1:4Romans 1:4Ezekiel 36:22-27Ezekiel 36:22-27Galatians 3:1-5Galatians 3:1-5

December 5, 2010December 5, 2010

I. IntroductionA. You may be surprised

1. “Holy Spirit” = 3x in Old Testament, 89x in New Testament.

2. “Spirit of the Lord” = 24x in O.T.3. “Spirit of God” = 12x in O.T.4. “My Spirit” = 12x in O.T.

B. Question: Why is “Holy Spirit” so seldom found in O.T., and yet so often in the N.T.?

C. My focus in this message is three-fold:1. The Holy Spirit in the Old Testament2. The Holy Spirit in the life and ministry of

Jesus Christ3. The Holy Spirit in the church, and the life of

the believer

II. The Holy Spirit in the Old TestamentA. The Holy Spirit in Genesis (1:2 and 6:3)B. The Holy Spirit and the nation Israel

1. In the exodus and possession of Canaana. Moses, 70 judges (Numbers 11:17, 25)b. Tabernacle construction (Exod. 31:3f.)c. Joshua (Numbers 27:18; Deut. 34:9)d. Ultimately the Spirit (Isa. 63:12-14)*

2. In the times of the judges (3:10; 6:34 etc.)3. Saul (1 Sam. 11:6); David (1 Sam. 16:3)4. In the prophets

a. Ezekiel 2:2; Micah 3:8b. Nehemiah 9:30c. As recognized in N.T. (Acts 1:16, 20;

7:51; 1 Peter 1:10-12; 2 Peter 1:20-21)

II. The Holy Spirit in the Old TestamentC. The Holy Spirit in prophecy

1. The Holy Spirit and the coming of Messiaha. Isaiah 11:1-2; 42:1b. Isaiah 61:1-2*

2. The Holy Spirit and the New Covenanta. Jeremiah 31:31-34b. Ezekiel 36:22-27*

D. Observations: 1. Holy Spirit = “Spirit of God”2. Warfield: “the executive name of God”3. More prominent that you might expect4. Consistency with New Testament5. A mystery (e.g. the Trinity)6. Immanence, vs. transcendence

III. The Holy Spirit in the Person and work of Jesus Christ, the Messiah.

A. In the birth of the Christ1. His conception (Matt. 1:18, 20; Luke 1:35)2. Utterances inspired by the Holy Spirit:

a. Elizabeth (Luke 1:41-45)b. Zacharias (Luke 1:67-74)c. Simeon (Luke 2:25-35)

B. The Holy Spirit & ministry of John the Baptist1. John is filled with the Spirit (Luke 1:15, 41)2. John distinguishes himself from Jesus in

terms of the Holy Spirit (Matt. 3:11; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16)

3. John’s identifies Jesus (John 1:29-34)*

C. The Holy Spirit in the ministry of Jesus1. Identifies Him as Messiah (John 1:29-36*)2. Commencement of His ministry in Luke:

a. Baptism – 3:21-22b. Temptation – 4:1-12c. Commencement of ministry – 4:14d. Announcement at Nazareth – 4:18e. Preaching at Capernaum – 4:31-37

3. Throughout Jesus’ entire ministry a. Matthew 12:22-32*b. He rejoices in the Spirit (Luke 10:21)c. Luke 5:17 d. Acts 10:38*; 1:2

4. His death (Hebrews 9:14) and resurrection (Romans 1:4; 8:11) are by the Spirit.

C. The Holy Spirit in the ministry of Jesus5. His teaching about the Holy Spirit

a. Matthew 10:20; Mark 13:11b. Luke 11:13c. John 7:37-39; 14:17, 26; 15:25; 16:13d. Receive the Holy Spirit (John 20:22)e. Baptize . . .the Holy Spirit (Matt. 28:19)

6. Conclusiona. Jesus’ entire ministry was conducted in

the power of the Spirit (see John 5:30; 8:42; 12:49; 14:10; 16:13).

b. If our Lord’s entire ministry was dependent upon the power of the Holy Spirit, how can we serve God (or be holy) independently?

IV. The Holy Spirit and HolinessA. Sanctification is the work of the Spirit (1

Thessalonians 4:3-8; 2 Thessalonians 2:13).B. Sin is an offense against the Holy Spirit.

1. Sin grieves the Spirit (Ephesians 4:30)2. We can lie to the Spirit (Acts 5:3) and put

the Spirit to the test (Acts 5:9)3. Bodily sin defiles the temple of the Holy

Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:18-20).C. The Spirit empowers us to do what the Law

commands (Romans 8:1-11).D. Sanctification is not by works, but through the

Spirit, by faith (Galatians 3:1-5).E. The Holy Spirit is the basis for unity, spiritual

gifts, and the fruit of the Spirit.

V. ConclusionA. Sanctification / holiness is not by means of

works, but through the Spirit by faith.B. We do not give the Spirit His due.C. We need to get over our hang-ups about the

ministry of the Holy Spirit (pneumaphobia?)D. Holiness and spiritual gifts

1. Contribute to corporate holiness (as does church discipline).

2. Are not the measure of holiness.3. Are given so that we may fill a unique role

in the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12-14).E. Every Sunday is (or should be) an exercise in

following the leadership of the Spirit.