“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed, to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord.” - Luke 4:18-19
Last Sunday we began a new sermon series called “The Works of the Holy Spirit”. We began by identifying who the Holy Spirit is and what role He plays within the Trinity. We looked at several scriptures which clearly and definitively teach that the Holy Spirit is God - He is not a force, feeling, or phantom. He is the 3rd Person of the triune Godhead - Father, Son, and Spirit. The Holy Spirit is a divine person who possesses both the characterics of God and personal attributes. He carries out or executes the will of the Father within creation (which includes applying the redemptive work of the Son within believers). To use Mike Riccardi’s term, the Holy Spirit is “The Executor of All Divine Operations”.
God’s creative, sustaining, and ongoing work within the natural universe is performed by the Holy Spirit. We see this displayed in several instances throughout scripture. However, the Bible spends much more time discussing the works of the Holy Spirit within the lives of believers than it does within the natural order, not that those aren’t remarkable. God is more concerned about His people than the earth upon which they live. That said, this morning we are going to speak about “The Presence of the Holy Spirit” within Christians.
I. THE INDWELLING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
There is a significant difference between the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament and in the New Testament. During the Old Testament and prior to Pentecost, the Holy Spirit selectively came upon particular people, often temporarily and/or for a specific purpose. If that individual fell out of favor with God or when their special service was complete, the Holy Spirit could depart from them (Psalm 51:11). For example, the Holy Spirit came upon King Saul enabling him to prophesy (1 Samuel 10:10), but then later left him after his sinful disobedience (1 Samuel 16:14). We see this same activity with several other Old Testament characters including various kings and judges, perhaps most notably Samson (Judges 14:6, 16:20).
Near the end of His earthly ministry and time of His departure, Jesus promised the disciples that He would ask the Father to send the Holy Spirit to abide in them “forever” (John 14:16-17). In keeping with this promise, when the Holy Spirit fell upon the apostles at Pentecost the manner of indwelling changed. Since that time, the Spirit permanently indwells all believers who have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior (Acts 2:38). His inner-presence is not selective, temporary, or task-specific. By permanent, I mean constantly, from the moment of someone’s salvation until their physical death. He does not come and go throughout their lives.
When we present the gospel to children or new believers, we often invite them to “Ask Jesus to come into their heart”. In reality, it is the Spirit of Christ (that is, the Holy Spirit) who comes into and abides within those who are saved (1 John 3:24). The Spirit of God dwells within all Christians, and His absence indicates that someone is not truly saved (Romans 8:9). In addition, the Bible teaches that the physical bodies of believers are the temple of God, because the Holy Spirit resides within them (1 Corinthians 3:16-17; 6:19-20). For this reason, we should take care of ourselves and practice good health. These and many other similar verses and passages teach that the Holy Spirit permanently indwells Christians today.
II. THE FALLING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
Although the Holy Spirit was already present and active during the Old Testament, the prophet Joel spoke of a coming day when He would be poured out upon all mankind (Joel 2:28-29). This outpouring or “falling” was a unique, one-time historical event that marked the beginning of the Church Age. The Holy Spirit fell upon believers living at that time who, despite being saved by faith, were not yet “indwelt” by the Holy Spirit. This transformation is documented in the book of Acts and occurred in 3 distinct phases. The Holy Spirit first fell upon the apostles in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost resulting in the salvation of 3,000 Jews (Acts 2:1-4). Next He fell upon Samaritan believers (Acts 8:14-17) and finally upon Gentile believers (Acts 10:44-45). These 3 instances represent the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on all people groups - the Jews, the Samaritans, and the Gentiles.
Following the outpouring of the Holy Spirit described above, there are no additional instances in the Bible when the Holy Spirit spontaneously “fell” or was “poured out” upon a believer or group of believers. Such an action would be redundant and unnecessary seeing that there were no longer any believers who were void of the Holy Spirit, nor would there be in the future. Why would the Holy Spirit need to fall upon those who were already indwelt by Him? Are we to believe that the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit becomes stale over time and needs to be refreshed? Certainly not!
For Christians today, it is reasonable to pray for the Holy Spirit to pour Himself out or “fall” upon lost people or heathen nations because He does not yet abide in them. However, this is not a prayer that believers need to pray for themselves or one another. My concern is that many modern church-goers who pray for the Holy Spirit to “fall” upon them or their congregations are more interested in seeing, receiving, and/or performing the miracles that were associated with His initial outpouring than they are in living in faithful obedience to God.
III. THE FILLING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
Being “filled” with the Spirit can have different meanings depending on how it is used. In some instances it refers to indwelling, which we’ve already discussed. When a sinner comes to faith in Christ, they are filled with the Holy Spirit at the moment of their salvation. This filling is the initial arrival of the Holy Spirit within the life of the new believer.
Another meaning of being “filled” with the Holy Spirit applies to those who are already Christians. In fact, the Word of God encourages believers to be continuously filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). Now you may ask, if a Christian is permanently indwelt by the Holy Spirit from the moment of their salvation, aren’t they already filled with the Holy Spirit? Yes, they are filled with His presence, but may not be swayed by His influence. Let me explain…
The Greek word “pneuma” in the New Testament and the Hebrew word “ruach” in the Old Testament are the most commonly used words for spirit found in the Bible. Both of these words can also mean breath or wind. The Holy Spirit is frequently described as breath or wind in the Bible (Job 26:13, John 3:8). That said, when we think about the “filling” of the Holy Spirit within the lives of Christians, we shouldn’t imagine a container being filled with wine or grain, but rather a sail being filled with the wind. Figuratively speaking, the wind of the Holy Spirit is always blowing within those who are indwelt by Him, but they must hoist their sails in order to capture it lest they row in their own strength, perhaps even against it.
Paul warns believers not to “quench the Spirit” with sinful behaviors and evil practices (1 Thessalonians 5:19). Such carnality is the opposite of Spirit-filled living. However, when Christians submit to God’s will and walk in faithful obedience to HIs commands, they metaphorically hoist their sails and are filled with His Spirit who then propels them with the LORD’s strength in the direction that He desires for them to go.
CONCLUSION
Let’s take a moment to go over the major points of today’s sermon.
During the Old Testament and prior to Pentecost, the Holy Spirit selectively came upon particular people, often temporarily and/or for a specific purpose. If that individual fell out of favor with God or when their special service was complete, the Holy Spirit could depart from them.
The manner of the Holy Spirit’s presence in people’s lives changed when He was poured out or “fell” upon the apostles at Pentecost. His outpouring included the Jews, Samaritans, and Gentiles - ie, all people. Since then, the Holy Spirit permanently indwells all believers from the moment of their salvation until their physical deaths. He doesn't come and go.
Seeing that Christians today are already indwelt by the fullness of the Holy Spirit, they should understand that being “filled” by the Spirit has to do with being under His control, not being in His presence. When Christians live in submission to God’s will and faithful obedience to His commands, they are “filled” with the Holy Spirit who gives them strength and guidance.
Next week we will begin looking at specific works that the Holy Spirit accomplishes within the lives of God’s people. Until then, have a blessed week.
Last Sunday we began a new sermon series called “The Works of the Holy Spirit”. We began by identifying who the Holy Spirit is and what role He plays within the Trinity. We looked at several scriptures which clearly and definitively teach that the Holy Spirit is God - He is not a force, feeling, or phantom. He is the 3rd Person of the triune Godhead - Father, Son, and Spirit. The Holy Spirit is a divine person who possesses both the characterics of God and personal attributes. He carries out or executes the will of the Father within creation (which includes applying the redemptive work of the Son within believers). To use Mike Riccardi’s term, the Holy Spirit is “The Executor of All Divine Operations”.
God’s creative, sustaining, and ongoing work within the natural universe is performed by the Holy Spirit. We see this displayed in several instances throughout scripture. However, the Bible spends much more time discussing the works of the Holy Spirit within the lives of believers than it does within the natural order, not that those aren’t remarkable. God is more concerned about His people than the earth upon which they live. That said, this morning we are going to speak about “The Presence of the Holy Spirit” within Christians.
I. THE INDWELLING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
There is a significant difference between the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament and in the New Testament. During the Old Testament and prior to Pentecost, the Holy Spirit selectively came upon particular people, often temporarily and/or for a specific purpose. If that individual fell out of favor with God or when their special service was complete, the Holy Spirit could depart from them (Psalm 51:11). For example, the Holy Spirit came upon King Saul enabling him to prophesy (1 Samuel 10:10), but then later left him after his sinful disobedience (1 Samuel 16:14). We see this same activity with several other Old Testament characters including various kings and judges, perhaps most notably Samson (Judges 14:6, 16:20).
Near the end of His earthly ministry and time of His departure, Jesus promised the disciples that He would ask the Father to send the Holy Spirit to abide in them “forever” (John 14:16-17). In keeping with this promise, when the Holy Spirit fell upon the apostles at Pentecost the manner of indwelling changed. Since that time, the Spirit permanently indwells all believers who have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior (Acts 2:38). His inner-presence is not selective, temporary, or task-specific. By permanent, I mean constantly, from the moment of someone’s salvation until their physical death. He does not come and go throughout their lives.
When we present the gospel to children or new believers, we often invite them to “Ask Jesus to come into their heart”. In reality, it is the Spirit of Christ (that is, the Holy Spirit) who comes into and abides within those who are saved (1 John 3:24). The Spirit of God dwells within all Christians, and His absence indicates that someone is not truly saved (Romans 8:9). In addition, the Bible teaches that the physical bodies of believers are the temple of God, because the Holy Spirit resides within them (1 Corinthians 3:16-17; 6:19-20). For this reason, we should take care of ourselves and practice good health. These and many other similar verses and passages teach that the Holy Spirit permanently indwells Christians today.
II. THE FALLING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
Although the Holy Spirit was already present and active during the Old Testament, the prophet Joel spoke of a coming day when He would be poured out upon all mankind (Joel 2:28-29). This outpouring or “falling” was a unique, one-time historical event that marked the beginning of the Church Age. The Holy Spirit fell upon believers living at that time who, despite being saved by faith, were not yet “indwelt” by the Holy Spirit. This transformation is documented in the book of Acts and occurred in 3 distinct phases. The Holy Spirit first fell upon the apostles in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost resulting in the salvation of 3,000 Jews (Acts 2:1-4). Next He fell upon Samaritan believers (Acts 8:14-17) and finally upon Gentile believers (Acts 10:44-45). These 3 instances represent the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on all people groups - the Jews, the Samaritans, and the Gentiles.
Following the outpouring of the Holy Spirit described above, there are no additional instances in the Bible when the Holy Spirit spontaneously “fell” or was “poured out” upon a believer or group of believers. Such an action would be redundant and unnecessary seeing that there were no longer any believers who were void of the Holy Spirit, nor would there be in the future. Why would the Holy Spirit need to fall upon those who were already indwelt by Him? Are we to believe that the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit becomes stale over time and needs to be refreshed? Certainly not!
For Christians today, it is reasonable to pray for the Holy Spirit to pour Himself out or “fall” upon lost people or heathen nations because He does not yet abide in them. However, this is not a prayer that believers need to pray for themselves or one another. My concern is that many modern church-goers who pray for the Holy Spirit to “fall” upon them or their congregations are more interested in seeing, receiving, and/or performing the miracles that were associated with His initial outpouring than they are in living in faithful obedience to God.
III. THE FILLING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
Being “filled” with the Spirit can have different meanings depending on how it is used. In some instances it refers to indwelling, which we’ve already discussed. When a sinner comes to faith in Christ, they are filled with the Holy Spirit at the moment of their salvation. This filling is the initial arrival of the Holy Spirit within the life of the new believer.
Another meaning of being “filled” with the Holy Spirit applies to those who are already Christians. In fact, the Word of God encourages believers to be continuously filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). Now you may ask, if a Christian is permanently indwelt by the Holy Spirit from the moment of their salvation, aren’t they already filled with the Holy Spirit? Yes, they are filled with His presence, but may not be swayed by His influence. Let me explain…
The Greek word “pneuma” in the New Testament and the Hebrew word “ruach” in the Old Testament are the most commonly used words for spirit found in the Bible. Both of these words can also mean breath or wind. The Holy Spirit is frequently described as breath or wind in the Bible (Job 26:13, John 3:8). That said, when we think about the “filling” of the Holy Spirit within the lives of Christians, we shouldn’t imagine a container being filled with wine or grain, but rather a sail being filled with the wind. Figuratively speaking, the wind of the Holy Spirit is always blowing within those who are indwelt by Him, but they must hoist their sails in order to capture it lest they row in their own strength, perhaps even against it.
Paul warns believers not to “quench the Spirit” with sinful behaviors and evil practices (1 Thessalonians 5:19). Such carnality is the opposite of Spirit-filled living. However, when Christians submit to God’s will and walk in faithful obedience to HIs commands, they metaphorically hoist their sails and are filled with His Spirit who then propels them with the LORD’s strength in the direction that He desires for them to go.
CONCLUSION
Let’s take a moment to go over the major points of today’s sermon.
During the Old Testament and prior to Pentecost, the Holy Spirit selectively came upon particular people, often temporarily and/or for a specific purpose. If that individual fell out of favor with God or when their special service was complete, the Holy Spirit could depart from them.
The manner of the Holy Spirit’s presence in people’s lives changed when He was poured out or “fell” upon the apostles at Pentecost. His outpouring included the Jews, Samaritans, and Gentiles - ie, all people. Since then, the Holy Spirit permanently indwells all believers from the moment of their salvation until their physical deaths. He doesn't come and go.
Seeing that Christians today are already indwelt by the fullness of the Holy Spirit, they should understand that being “filled” by the Spirit has to do with being under His control, not being in His presence. When Christians live in submission to God’s will and faithful obedience to His commands, they are “filled” with the Holy Spirit who gives them strength and guidance.
Next week we will begin looking at specific works that the Holy Spirit accomplishes within the lives of God’s people. Until then, have a blessed week.