The Holy Spirit John Wesley

7/30/2019 The Holy Spirit John Wesley

1/87

-0-

A STUDY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

APOLLOS

John Wesleys Sermon #22, Delivered December 1740

The Nature of Enthusiasm [Charismatic]

with John Wesleys Explanatory Notes

Upon The New Testament, 1754


2/87

-1-

Scriptures from The Living Bible,Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.,

Used by permission, all rights reserved.

John Wesley's Explanatory Notes Uponthe New Testament, Vols. 1 & 2,

Baker Book House, Grand Rapids, MI49506, Used by permission.

John Wesley's Fifty-three Sermons,edited by E.H. Sugden, 1921,

Abingdon Press, Nashville, TN.Used by permission of

Epworth Press, Manchester, England.

Layman's Bible Encyclopedia,William C. Martin: The Southwestern Co.,

Nashville, TN, Used by permission.

1991, Reprint 2000, and2008Common Thread Ministries

1820 S. 32

nd

Street, Terre Haute, IN 47803Phone: 812-240-2863 Fax: 812-232-8950


3/87

-2-

www.ctministries.net, [email protected]

A Study of the Holy Spirit

APOLLOS

HOPE: (1). Desire. The desire or expectation of futurehappenings, such as, the repentance and forgiveness of sin astaught by John the Baptist.

(2). Trust, Reliance. The teachings of Jesus Christand the indwelling of Holy Spirit; "I am leaving you with agiftpeace of mind and heart! And the peace I give isn't

fragile like the peace the world gives. So don't be troubled orafraid," John 14:27.


4/87

-2-

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

I wish to that the church family of First United MethodistChurch, Terre Haute, IN for their assistance in my Christianwalk. I would like to thank Mrs. Ladonna Strahla, Mrs.Frances Burget, and Mr. Bill Lattin for their assistance in thepreparation of the material, and Mrs. Michelle O'Hare for thecover design.

I would like to thank Rev. Dan Wakefield for his assistancein cover design, and many discussions of Wesleyan Theologyfor our 2008 book.


5/87

-3-

I would like to thank Kristine OHare for assistance indrawing the diagrams.

PREFACE

This is the second in a series of books for those beginningtheir Christian walk. We will be discussing the Holy Spirit,and how to use the Spirit on our Christian walk.

Apollos has been selected to lead into the study of the Holy

Spirit. He was very well educated, an Egyptian Jewish scholarwho preached with great eloquence. He only knew theimperfect view held by the disciples of John the Baptist. Twolay tent makers, Aquila and Priscilla instructed him, in "whathad happened to Jesus since the time of John, and all that itmeant," Acts 18:26.

It has to be the power of the Holy Spirit for two ordinary

lay people to instruct someone well educated and for him tobelieve. If someone has great natural abilities, just think howmuch greater those abilities will be using the power of theHoly Spirit. It is felt by many that Apollos wrote the epistle ofHebrews.

God expects us to be a good steward of our time. If we can

do something in five minutes he does not expect us to taketwenty-five minutes. Pick out a pocket Bible version that is


6/87

-4-

easy for you to read and understand. Think of it as aworkbook. You can underline, circle, hi-light, and write in themargins.

By carrying it with you, you can read it when time allows.

Quoting the Reverend Charles Stanley, "the object is to get theBible dirty and the heart clean. A clean Bible and a dirty heartdoes not do us any good. We must get the heart clean and theBible dirty."

Each time, before you start reading say a short prayerasking for the direction and guidance of the Holy Spirit. So

that your eyes and heart may be opened to what God wantsyou to understand. Use a bookmarker that is plain on theback. Write the Bible verses, by subject, you wish to read andunderstand on the plain side. For each subject use a differentcolor for hi-lighting the Bible verses.

In studying John Wesley's writings you soon understandthat he was evangelical, but not charismatic. That he was

interested in the common person, and preached the use of thegifts just available to them, "The first fruits of the Spirit." Hedid expect the members to strive for the greater gifts. AtAldersgate Church, May 24, 1738 he had received his newperception of the Bible that, while Jesus Christ justifies us infaith the Holy Spirit also justifies us in faith.


7/87

-5-

When we read Bible verses we are to view them as are theyrelating to our spiritual being, physical being or both, and arediscussing the past, present, future, or parts thereof.

He preached his "new perception" of Christian

Righteousness: That Christ died to fulfill the Old TestamentLaw; but not destroy it; Release us from the claim of Satan;with his death provide us Forgiveness of Sin; and with hisResurrection we have the Holy Spirit available to us.

This allows the Holy Spirit to work through us toaccomplish his work. We are not doing the Holy Spirit work;

it is the Holy Spirit working through us, his instrument,Acts 9:21. John did insist on the leaders, within his church, tohave received some of the "extraordinary gifts of the Spirit."He interviewed the potential leaders to determine what giftsthey had received, and placed them where those gifts would beused to the fullest.

Charles Wesley was very much the charismatic. He was an

itinerant preacher who assisted John, but spoke from the heart,as lead by the Holy Spirit. In his preaching he did not use aprepared manuscript. This is why only twelve of his writtensermons were in existence at the time of his death. He alsopreached this same "new perception of the Bible," he receivedMay 21, 1738, while reading the 2

ndChapter of Galatians,

especially verses 20-21.


8/87

-6-

John and Charles were a team, and they each did the workof their calling. John was the organizer, and the controller oftheir ministry. Charles traveled where he was instructed, byboth John and the Holy Spirit, and delivered their message.

All the income, from theirs and other member's writings, washeld in a common fund for the furtherance of Methodism.

The early Methodist used all the extraordinary gifts, exceptthe "speaking in tongues." Maybe they would be bestdescribed as neocharismatic. Today in many our churches wedo not find even the attempt of attaining any of the

extra-ordinary gifts.This is the division of Scholastic Theology referred to asSecular Theology. Secular Theology is following up to andincluding being justified in faith by Jesus Christ, but they denybeing justified in faith by the Holy Spirit. This does notprovide answers to our questions. It only provides morequestions!

From the Book of John we find the Holy Spirit comesfrom the Father, 15:26, at the request of the Son, 14:16, andcomes in his name, 14:26. Jesus also says he will send theComforter.

The Holy Spirit resides in every believers heart, 14:16,17,teaches all things, 14:26, leads us to truth, 16:13, speaks

directed by Jesus, 16:13-15, bears witness to him, 15:26,glorifies him, 16:14, reminds Christs disciples what Jesus


9/87

-7-

taught, 14:26, and tells the disciples about the future, 16:13.He also convinces the world of sin, righteousness, and

judgment, 16:8-11.By using the above the Holy Spirit is able to work through

us the gifts listed in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10. And we find in 1Corinthians 12:31 states: "try your best to have the moreimportant of these gifts." Wesley's Explanatory Notes uponthe New Testament says of this verse: "These gifts are worthyour pursuit, even though only a few of you will attain them.There is a far more excellent gift than all of these [Love] ; and

one which all may, yes, must, attain or perish."This greater gift is that which leads to "helping people tolove one another, andserving their fellow human beings."This is the main preceptof Christianity and Methodism.

We will begin this study with Bible verses from The LivingBible that relate to the Holy Spirit, and what they mean to us;how we are to use the Spirit in our religious and daily life.

The verse numbers have been deleted, so that the verses readlike a story, and become easier for the young person tounderstand.

Following the verses is the explanation for those versestaken from Wesley's Explanatory Notes upon the NewTestament written by John Wesley in 1754. That part of the

verse that he wants to discuss is underlined. I have onlyparaphrased the words for easier reading. The content and


10/87

-8-

meaning has not been changed. Before we can begin a Biblestudy we need to know what, when, where, and how the Biblewas put together. I have attempted to explain this under thetitle of INTRODUCTION.

May the Holy Spirit open your eyes and lead you to theglorious understanding of the Bible made real. That it waswritten just for you!

INTRODUCTION

To read or begin a study of the Bible it is necessary tounderstand how it is arranged. Like any other book it startswith the title page, publishers and copyrights page, contentspage, and the preface page. It is divided into two sections TheOld Testament, and the New Testament. Each section isdivided into various books, the books into numbered chapters,

and the chapters into numbered verses.


11/87

-9-

The Old Testament covers the time period from theforming of the earth to the prophet, John the Baptist, and isbasically a history of the Hebrew or Jewish people.

Genesis 1:27. So God made man like His Maker.

Like God did God make man;Man and maid did he make them.

God made the Spiritual man; male and female. Wheneverwe read in the Bible the word man it means both male andfemale. At the time it was not fashionable to use the word"humankind." It is not until the second chapter that the

physical man and physical female were made. Spiritually bothmen and women are equal, and women have the same right tobe pastors as men. Jesus mentions this verse in Matthew 19:4.

The New Testament is the message of Jesus Christ, theHoly Spirit, and the apostles of Christ. To make the bookseasier to study and discuss Biblical scholars have divided eachbook into chapters, and each chapter is divided into numbered

verses. They were not originally written in this manner.Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John give an individual's view ofthe message of Christ, while he was here on earth.

They are called the four gospels; actually it would be moreaccurate to think of them as four accounts of the one truegospel. "Thegospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God," Mark

1:1. John is the fourth gospel and is an abridgment ofMatthew, Mark, and Luke. In Chapter 20:31, John tells why


12/87

-10-

he wrote this gospel account: "...these are recorded soat youwill believe that he is the Messiah, the Son of God, and thatbelieving in him you will have life." John is also creditedwith writing three epistles, and Book of Revelation.

An epistle is an elegant letter to a person or group ofpersons, and there is twenty-one in the New Testament. Theyappear to be the work of five or six men. Thirteen bear Paul'sname, three are attributed to John, two to Peter, and one eachto James and Jude; the author of the epistle to the Hebrews isunknown, but many believe to be by Apollos. The books of

Acts and Romans begin the explanation of the message ofChrist by the apostles.The books of Mark, Acts, and Romans are the easiest for

the new Christian to understand and not become confused.This is where they should begin to best comprehend the Lord'smessage. The remaining epistles or books are to specificchurches that had

been formed, except for 1 John and 2 John, which is again theessence of the other books.

The Book of Revelation is God's explanation of things tocome. It is written so we cannot understand all that is beingsaid. As the future unfolds we begin to understand more and

more.


13/87


14/87

-11-

While we are on this "Christian Walk" of Sanctificationthere are two distinct approaches to CHRISTIANRIGHTEOUSNESS, Scholastic Theology is of two types:Secular Theology and Evangelical Theology.

Secular Theology is following the Righteousness of the OldTestament (Covenant), which is Gods STERN MANNER ORNATURE towards us. In lay terms if we do not do what hesays he will hit up beside the head with a 2x4 board.

Evangelical Theology is New Testament (Covenant)Righteousness, which is Gods GOODNESS toward us. They

both may be correct as we do not want to "Limit God."John and Charles Wesley refer to their method ofunderstanding the New Testament as the use of REASON. Intheir writings this reasoning takes two distinct forms.

In one form REASON is used as noun, and today weunderstand this as LOGIC. They were successful becausethey removed Christian Theology from some nebulous

concept, and placed it in a form following a logical pattern.The second form of REASON they used was as a verb,

which is to justify or support with reasons. We nowunderstand this as cause and effect, or the reason it happen andthe result of that happening.

An example of this is the Reasons that Christ died on the

cross: Fulfill the Old Testament Law, but not destroy it;Release us from the claim of Satan; Provide forgiveness of


15/87

-12-

sin; and with his Resurrection we have the Holy Spiritavailable. The Result of this is the works done within us byallowing the Holy Spirit to work through us. This isevangelical theology.

Those practicing Scholastic Secular Theology just useREASON as a noun or as an explanation or conclusion thatexplains a fact. By using this method they feel they are ableto use Bible verses to explain or reach any conclusion theywish to justify, particularly, Old Testament Righteousness. Indoing this they are using only using half truths.

CONTENTS

PageCover Page: 1


16/87

-13-

Acknowledgment: 2Preface: 3-7Introduction: 8-11Contents: 12-14

Apollos: Acts 18:24-28, 19:1-6; 1 Cor 3:4-9 15-19Explanation of Holy Spirit: 20-21

Isaiah 11:2; Gal 5:22-23; 1 Cor 12:28Five steps to giving up "Free-will:" 22-24

Luke 12:10, Godhead DiagramHoly SpiritHis Presence: 25

Luke 1:35, 41, 67, 3:22; John 14:16-17;Acts 2:1-4; 1 Cor 12:13-14How the Holy Spirit works today: 26-31

John 7:37-38, Acts 2:28-29, 5:30-32;Rom 8:9; I Cor 3:1-2, 6:19-20; Eph 1:13-14

Holy SpiritHis Work: 31-44John 16:7-13; 1 Cor 2:14; 2 Cor 4:3-4;

Eph 3:1-21; Rev 1:4, 20:10; Acts 2:22-24,29-33, 37-39, 24:24-25, 7:51-58

In what areas do we find the Holy Spirit?Brings the new age: 2 Cor 3:10 44Holy Spirit is a person: 44-46

Matt 28:16-20; 2 Cor 13:14; John 14:15,

28:16-20Holy Spirit baptizes the Church 46-48


17/87

-14-

Matt 3:11-17; 1 Cor 12:12-13Holy Spirit makes us new: 49-50

John 3:5-13; Titus 3:1-7Holy Spirit is God's seal on his people: 50-52

2 Cor 5:1-5; Eph 1:9-14, 4:30Holy Spirit lives within us: 52-55

Rom 8:9-17; 1 Cor 6:12-20Holy Spirit gives us power: 55

Gal 3:1-5; Col 1:8-10; Acts 1:6-11,1 Thess 4:1-8; John 12:24, 27,

Phil 1:22-24; Matt 6:31-32, 26:39;Heb Chapter 4.Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin: 55

John 16:7-12Holy Spirit consoles the Church: 56

John 14:15-17, 25-31, 15:18-27, 16:4-11Holy Spirit helps us understand God's wisdom 56

1 Cor 2:6-16Holy Spirit gives gifts of helpful service: 56

Rom 12:6-10

Holy Spirit gives gifts to equip the Church: 56Eph 4:3-7

Holy Spirits gives gifts of special power: 561 Cor 12:4-11


18/87

-15-

Holy Spirit grows special fruit: 56Galatians 5:13-26

Holy Spirit fills us with power to worship and serve: 57-58Ephesians 5:14-20

Charles Wesleys special verses: 57-58Eph 5:14-20

The Nature of Being Charismatic: 59-79(The Nature of Enthusiasm)

Sermon #32, John Wesley, Delivered December 1740.Our Relationship with God: 80-84

APOLLOS

Acts 18:24-28, 19:1-6, 1 Cor 3:4-9.

As it happened, a Jew named Apollos, a wonderful Bibleteacher and preacher, had just arrived in Ephesus from


19/87

-16-

Alexandria in Egypt. While he was in Egypt someone had

told him about John the Baptist and what John had said

about Jesus, but that is all he knew. He had never heard the

rest of the story! So he was preaching boldly and

enthusiastically in the synagogue, "The Messiah is coming!Get ready to receive him!" Priscilla and Aquila were there

and heard him-and it was a powerful sermon. Afterwards

they met with him and explained what had happened to

Jesus since the time of John, and all that it meant!

Apollos had been thinking about going to Greece and the

believers encouraged him in this. They wrote to theirfellow--believers there, telling them to welcome him. And

upon his arrival in Greece, he was greatly used of God to

strengthen the church, for he powerfully refuted all the

Jewish arguments in public debate, showing by the

Scriptures that Jesus is indeed the Messiah. While Apollos

was in Corinth, Paul traveled through Turkey and arrived in

Ephesus, where he found several disciples.

"Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" he

asked them. "No," they replied, "we don't know what you

mean. What is the Holy Spirit?" "Then what beliefs did you

acknowledge at you baptism?" he asked. And they replied,

"What John the Baptist taught."


20/87

-17-

Then Paul pointed out to them that John's baptism was

to demonstrate a desire to turn from sin to God and that

those receiving his baptism must then go on to believe in

Jesus, the one John said would come later.

As soon as they heard this, they were baptized in thename of the Lord Jesus. Then, when Paul laid his hands

upon their heads, the Holy Spirit came on them and they

spoke in other languages and prophesied. The men involved

were about twelve in number. "There you are quarreling

about whether I am greater than Apollos, and dividing the

church. Doesn't this show how little you have grown in theLord?"

"Who am I, and who is Apollos, that we should be the

cause of a quarrel? Why, we're just God servants, each of us

with certain special abilities, and with our help you believed.

My work was to plant the seed in your hearts, and Apolloswork was to water it, but it was God, not we, who made the

garden grow in your hearts.The person who does the planting or watering isn't very

important, but God is important because he is the one who

makes things grow. Apollos and I are working as a team,

with the same aim, though each of us will be rewarded for

his own

hard work. We are only God's co-workers. You are God'sgarden, not ours; you are God's building, not ours."


21/87

-18-

A wonderful Bible teacher and preacherof the OldTestament. Every talent may be of use in the kingdom ofGod, if joined with knowledge of the scriptures, and fervor(enthusiasm) of spirit. Someone had told himthough not

perfectly. About Jesusin the doctrine of Christ. AboutJohn the Baptistonly what John taught those whom hebaptized, namely, to repent, and believe in a Messiah shortlyto appear.

He was preaching boldly and enthusiastically in the

synagoguepublicly. Probably, he returned to live at

Alexandria soon after he had been baptized by John; and sohad no opportunity of being fully acquainted with thedoctrines of the gospel, as delivered by Christ and his apostles.

Afterwards they met with him and explained what had

happened to Jesus since the time of John, and all that it

meantPeople who know Christ are able to instruct eventhose that are mighty in the scriptures. He was greatly used

by God to strengthen the churchit is only through grace thatany gift of anyone is profitable to another. Apollos did notplant, but watered. This was the special gift, which he hadreceived. He was better able to convince the Jews than toconvert the Gentiles.

Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believedthe

extraordinary gifts of the Spirit, as well as his sanctifyinggraces? We do not know what you meanwhether there be


22/87

-19-

any such gifts. Then what beliefs did you acknowledge atyour baptisminto what dispensation? (A system ofprinciples, promises, and rules ordained and administered as,the Christian dispensation.) To the sealing of what doctrine?

What John the Baptist taughthe was baptized by John,and we believed what he taught. That is, the whole baptismand preaching of John pointed to Christ. After this John is notmentioned any more in the New Testament, and he gives wayto Christ altogether.

They were baptizedby some other. Paul only laid his

hands upon themthey were baptized twice, but not with thesame baptism. John did not administer the baptism, whichChrist afterward commanded, that is, in the name of theFather, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Doesn't this show how little you have grown in the Lord?Paul named himself and Apollos, to show that he wouldcondemn any division among them, even if it was in his favor,

or in favor of the dearest friend he had in the world. For theSpirit of God does not allow division within the church.

We're just God's servantsGod is the Master of thoseservants, by grace given to every person. God is importantbecause he is the one who makes things growHe is all in all,without him neither planting nor watering would be necessary.


23/87

-20-

Apollos and I are working as a teamwhich is anotherargument against division. Though their labors are different,they are all employed in one general work, the saving of souls.Paul takes occasion to speak of the reward of those who labor

faithfully and the awful account to be given to everyone.Each of us will be rewarded for their own hard worknotaccording to their success; but those who work hard, thoughwith small success, shall have a great reward.

This same reasoning has the same force and meaningtoday. Ministers are still merely instruments in God's hand,

and depend entirely, as ever, on His blessing, to give theincrease of their labors. Without this, they are nothing:without it, their part is so small, that they hardly deserve to bementioned. May their hearts and hands be more united; and,retaining a due sense of the honor God gives them inemploying them.

They faithfully labor, not for themselves, but for the

greatest Proprietor of all, till the day come when he willreward them in full proportion to their fidelity or faithfulness,and diligence. We are only God's co-workersGod'slaborers, and fellow- laborers with each other. You are God'sgardenthis is the sum of what went before; and it is acomprehensive plan, taking in a field, a garden, and a

vineyard. You are God's buildingthis is the sum of thefollowing verses.


24/87

-21-

Following this section is a diagram of the God Head, andspecifically the operation of the Holy Spirit. In the OldTestament, with the exception of David, the Holy Spirit wasgiven to a specific individual for a specific purpose. When

that purpose was completed the Holy Spirit returned to be withGod.

The Spirit did not indwell the individuals from the time oftheir acceptance of God, as the Supreme Being in their life. InIsaiah 11:2 we find the Holy Spirit provided Wisdom,Understanding, Counsel and Might, Knowledge, Fear of the

Lord, Righteousness, and Faithfulness.In Revelations 1:4, we find the seven spirits of the HolySpirit standing before God. It is best to think of these spiritsas the manifold (many) operation of the Holy Spirit. Theseare the same as mentioned in Isaiah. The working of thesedifferent spirits is the sum total of the work of the Holy Spirit.

In Galatians 5:22-23 we find very similar mentioning of

these spirits:Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness,Gentleness, Faithfulness, and Self-control. We call these the"Fruits of the Spirit." These are received by the "NewChristians" upon their acceptance of the graces of God. Toreceive the graces of God we must ask for forgiveness, confessour sins, and repent of our sins. This is referred to as the

First Step of First Grace.


25/87

-22-

We do not consider this to be the "indwelling" of the HolySpirit. This happens when we give up our free will, and askfor God's Will in our life. Read to understand John 14:15-17page 35-36. This is referred to as the Second Step of First

Grace. Some do receive the First and Second Step at thesame time, but for most of us it is a long Christian Walk.

We will next come in our study to the "Gifts of the Spirit."In 1 Corinthians 12:28 they are listed as:Apostles, Prophetsthose who preach God's Word, Teachers, Those who do

miracles, Those who have the gift of healing, Those who can

help others, Those who can get others to work together, andThose who speak in languages they have never learned.From 1 Cor. 12:12 we learn to call these the "bodyof Christ.

In the epistle of John, we find the functions attributed to theHoly Spirit as the Comforter: Teaching, 14:26; Bringing toremembrance, 14:26; Source of all truth, 15:26; Guide you

into truth, 16:13; Tell you about the future, 16:13; and,

Show you my glory, 16:14. Since the death and resurrectionof Jesus Christ, his mission has been passed to the HolySpirit, John 14:16, 26, 15:26, 16:7.

Much like Paul and Apollos, the Holy Spirit "waters" whatJesus Christ "planted." The Spirit serves not only ascomforter, but also asconvictor. He convicts the world of

unbelief, exposing all claims of righteousness outside Christ:he bears witness to and glorifies Christ by proclaiming the


26/87

-23-

truly Righteous One has returned to his Father in heaven; andthrough proclamation of the resurrection. He announces the

judgment that has been passed on Satan, John 16:8-11.

We must view Jesus from inside of us looking out, as thisis where our gifts and the operation of the Holy Spirit are. Atbirth, God gave each of us our own free will. Through theoperation of the "Fruits of the Spirit" we still maintain the freewill. Once we receive the Spirit, he is in us forever, unless weblaspheme against him. He fills us so we can share our faith,

(First Step of First Grace).To receive the "Gifts of the Spirit" we must give up thefree-will we each have, and ask for our "Gift or Gifts"according to "God's Will;" not our will. In most cases thegiving up of free-will requires us to be put on our knees, in asituation that we can no longer handle, and having to surrenderour whole being over to God, (Second Step of First Grace).

But, then the Bible was written for sinners, those withproblems, and with the Spirit's help, to provide our answers.We receive these gifts because there is some essentialChristian work for us to do, or, the need for the good Christianlife to live.

Receiving these gifts does not mean we are a better

Christians than those who do not receive them are. God has


27/87

-24-

some special work for us that require improvement of ournatural abilities.

There are five basic steps we go through in giving up free-will:

1. Desireto give up our material nature.2. Cleansingthe genuine repentance for our sins.

3. Yieldinggiving up control of our life: Body, Soul, andSpirit. This gives up the right to make final decisions in ourlife.

4. Askingthat what we do will be according to God's Will.5. Believingthe truth and not some great feeling of feelinggood.

God gives us a supernatural life because, due to the devil,we need supernatural power. Think of the Holy Spirit as asuper computer operator. Our mind is a super computerlethim operate it.

Luke 12:10. Yet those who speak against me may beforgivenwhile those who speak against the Holy Spirit can

never be forgiven.Yet those who speak against meas if he had said, upon

true repentance, for denying me to some degree you may be

forgiven. Those who speak against the Holy Spiritwho


28/87

-25-

rises so high as to blaspheme against the Holy Spirit can neverbe forgiven, nor is there a place for repentance.


29/87

-24-


30/87

-25-

Numbers 11:16-17 70 leaders of Israel

Judges 6:34 Gideon

1 Samuel 16:13 David (forever)

Isaiah 61:1-2 Isaiah

Ezekiel 2:1-4 Ezekiel

1 Samuel 16:14 Saul

NEW TESTAMENTIn us foreverfills us to share our faith.

Luke 1:35 Mary

Luke 1:41 Elizabeth

Luke 1:67 Zacheriah

Luke 3:22 Jesus (was never missing any of God

Head--but was also man)John 14:16-17 Jesus (Ready to begin min

had Holy Spirit)

Acts 2:1-4 Pentecost means 50 days after Passover

this particular day

1 Corinthians 12:13-14 ChurchThe Body of Christ

HOW THE SPIRIT WORKS TODAY

John 7:37-38. On the last day, the climax of the holidays, J

crowds, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink.

declare that rivers of living water shall flow from the inmost b

believes in me."

On the last day, the climax of the holidayson this day thnumber of people, as they were there to get water from the foun

priests poured out the water on the great altar, singing one to


31/87

-26-

others. For the scriptures declarenot expressly, in any one

here is a general reference to all those scriptures that speak o

Spirit by the Messiah, under the similitude of pouring out water

Acts 2:38-39. And Peter replied, "Each one of you must turn

God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgi

then you also shall receive this gift, the Holy Spirit. For Chreach one of you who has been called by the Lord our God, a

and even to those in distant lands!"Turn from sinand thereby return to God. Be baptized beli

Jesus Christ ...shall receive this gift, the Holy Spiritsee

clearly proved. See Acts 26:20. This gift, the Holy Spirit do

place, the power of speaking with tongues, for the promise of t"all that were far off," in distant ages and nations; but rather t

faith, even righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.

Called by the Lord(Whether they are Jews or gentiles),

Spirit, and who are not disobedient to the heavenly calling. Bu

Peter did not yet understand the very words he spoke.

Acts 5:30-32. The God of our ancestors brought Jesus bac

you had killed him by hanging him on a cross. Then, with

exalted him to be a Prince and Savior, so the people of Isr

opportunity for repentance, and for their sins to be forgiven. A

witnesses of these things, so is the Holy Spirit, who is given

obey him.


32/87

-27-

alone forgives sins. So is the Holy Spirita much greater witne

Romans 8:9. But you are not like that. You are controlled by

you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember tha

have the Spirit of Christ living in him, he is not a Christian at Controlled by your new natureunder his discipline. T

dwelling and governing in us. He is not a Christian at allheChrist, not a Christian, and not in a state of salvation.

declaration, for which there are no exceptions. He that has

hear!

1 Corinthians 3:1-3. Dear Brothers, I have been talking to

were still just babies in the Christian life, who are not folloyour own desires; I cannot talk to you as I would to healthy

filled with the Spirit. I have had to feed you with milk and

because you couldn't digest anything stronger.

And even now you still have to be fed on milk. For you

Christians, controlled by your own desires, not God's. When

one another and divide up into quarreling groups, doesn't tha

babies, wanting you own way? In fact, you are acting lik

belong to the Lord at all.Dear BrothersHe spoke before, 1 Cor. 2:1, of his en

progress, among them. Talking to you as though you were jus

or experienced Christians. You are still in a great measure,

grace, though eminent in gifts, 1 Cor. 1:5. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Haven't you yet learned that your body is the home of the Hyou, and that he lives within you? You own body does not belo


33/87

-28-

God, 2 Cor. 5:16, he here styles the home of the Holy Spirit;

the Holy Spirit is the living God.

Use every part of your body to give glory back to GodY

all their members, as well as your souls and all their facultie

righteousness to God. Devote and employ all you have, and

unreservedly, and forever, to his glory.

Ephesians 1:13-14. And because of what Christ did, all y

heard the Good News about how to be saved, and trusted Chr

belonging to Christ by the Holy Spirit, who long ago had bee

us Christians.

His presence within us is God's guarantee that he really wipromised; and the Spirit's seal upon us means that God has a

and that he guarantees to bring us to himself. This is just one

to praise our glorious God.All you othersGentiles. Who heard the Good Newsw

means of your salvation. Were marked as belonging to Christ

probably sometime after their first believing. Who long ago h

all of us ChristiansHoly both in his nature and in his operatioall the children of God. The sealing seems to imply: 1. A fu

image of God on their souls. 2. A full

assurance of receiving all the promises, whether relating to time

His presence, thus sealing us, is God's guaranteeBoth a p

of our inheritance. God has already purchased us and that he

us to himselfUntil the church, which he has purchased with hbe fully delivered from all sin and sorrow, and advanced to eve


34/87

-29-

for if I don't, the Comforter wont come. If I do, he will--fo

you. And when he has come he will convince the world of

availability of God's goodness, and of deliverance from judgm

The world's sin is unbelief in me; there is righteousness av

to the Father and you shall see me no more; there is delivera

because the prince of this world has already been judged. O

more I want to tell you, but you cant understand it now.When the Holy Spirit, who is truth, comes, he shall guide y

he will not be presenting his own ideas, but will be passing

had heard. He will tell you about the future.It is best for youin respect of the Comforter, verse 7, and

of the Father, verse 23. Hesees his twofold office: toward the

toward believers, verse 12. Will convincethe entire wobstinately resist, by your preaching and miracles. Of sin, of r

judgmenthe, who is convinced of sin, either accepts the righ

or is judged with Satan. An abundant accomplishment of this w

the Apostles. Of sinparticularly of unbelief, which is the gre

binds them all down upon us?

There is righteousness available because I go to the Father

testify, though you do not then see me. But I could not go trighteous. The prince of this world has already been judged

therefore, dethroned, deprived of the power he had seized so lo

right, to have control over people. Yet those who reject the

them would remain slaves of Satan still.

So much more I want to tell youconcerning my passion,

and the consequences of it. These things we have, not in uncertthe Acts, the Epistles, and the Revelations. You can't under


35/87

-30-

1 Corinthians 2:14. But the man who isn't a Christian ca

can't accept these thoughts from God, which the Holy Spirit te

But the man who isn't a Christianthat is, every person wh

Holy Spirit; who does not have the way of obtaining knowled

senses and natural understanding. Can't understand and can

understand or conceive. These thoughts from Godthe thi

Spirit of God, whether relating to his nature or his kingdom. Tunderstanding, that they utterly despise those thoughts. Becau

the will, they do not have the power.

Which the Holy Spirit teaches usthe things revealed by

whether relating to his nature or his kingdom. They can only

aid of that Spirit, and by those spiritual senses, which those of u

2 Corinthians 4:3-4. If the Good News we preach is hidd

hidden from the one who is on the road to eternal death. Sata

this evil world, has made him blind, unable to see the glorious

that is shining upon him, or to understand the amazing messa

the glory of Christ, who is God.If the Good News we preach is hiddenas well as the Law

of this evil worldwhat a sublime and horrible description of the god of all that do not believe, and he works in them with in

Made him blindis properly the reflection or eye of their und

the glorious light of the Gospelis properly the reflection or p

from those who are already enlightened, show to others.

The glory of Christ, who is Godwe may understand how

Christ. He that sees the Son sees the Father in the face of Chriexhibits the Father to us.


36/87

-31-

I say this to explain to you how I know about these things.

did not share this plan with his people, but now he has reve

Spirit to his apostles and prophets.

And this is the secret: that the Gentiles will have their

Jews in all the riches inherited by God's sons; both are invi

church, and all of God's promises of mighty blessings throu

them both when they accept the Good News about Chrisdone for them. God has given me the wonderful privilege

about this plan of his; and he has given me his power and s

it well.

Just think! Though I did nothing to deserve it, and tho

useless Christian there is, yet I was the one chosen for this s

the Gentiles the Glad News of the endless treasures availableand to explain to everyone that God is the Savior of the Gen

who made all things had secretly planned for the very begin

And his reason? To show to all the rulers in heaven how

when all his family-Jews and Gentiles alike-are seen to be

His church, in just the way he had always planned it throug

Lord.

Now we can come fearlessly right into God's presence,

welcome when we come with Christ and trust in him.

So please don't lose heart at what they are doing to me here

suffering, and you should feel honored and encouraged. W

wisdom and scope of his plan I fall down on my knees and pr

all the great family of God--some of them already in heaven a

on earth--that out of his glorious, unlimited resources He willinner strengthening of His Holy Spirit. And I pray that Chr


37/87

-32-

God himself.

Now glory be to God who by His mighty power at work wit

far more than we would dare to ask or even dream of--inf

highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes. May He be give

ever through endless ages because of His master plan of salvathrough Jesus Christ.

Now glory be to Godthis doxology is admirably adaptefaith that we may not stagger at the great things the apostle has

if they were too much for God to give, or for us to expect fro

power at work within us is ablehere is the most beautifu

When he has given us more than we would ever dare to ask,

more, and he will do it. But we may think of more than we hav

to do this also. Yes, and above all this. Even dream ofaboNo, exceedingly abundantly above all that we can either ask or t

Revelation 1:4.From: John To: The seven churches in Turkey

Dear Friends:

May you have grace and peace from God who is, and was, a

from the seven-fold Spirit before his throne:

Johnthe dedication of this book is contained in the fouverses; but the whole Revelation is a kind of letter. The

Turkeythat part of Lesser Asia, which was then a Roman p

been several churches planted there. It seems these were the mo

was among these that St. John labored during most of his pre

these cities were many Jews. Many of them believed and wer

believers in one church.


38/87

-33-

seven spirits of God."

Sevenwas a sacred number in the Jewish church: but it did

precise number. It sometimes is to be taken figuratively, to den

perfection. By these seven spirits, not seven created angels, b

understood. The angels are never termed spirits in this book.

stand up, while the four living creatures and the four and twe

him that sits on the throne, and the Lamb, the seven spirits nworship.

To these "seven spirits of God," the seven churches, to whi

so many things, are subordinate, as are also their angels, yes, an

which stand before God." He is called the seven spirits, no

essence, which is one, but with regard to his manifold operation


39/87

-34-

Revelation 20:10. Then the devil who had betrayed themwill again be thrown into the Lake of Fire burning with

sulphur where the Creature and False Prophet are, and they

will be tormented day and night forever and ever.

And theyall these. Shall be tormented day and nightthat is, without any intermission, or any hope.

Acts 2:22-24. O men of Israel, listen! God publiclyendorsed Jesus of Nazareth by doing tremendous miracles

through him, as you well know. But God, following his

prearranged plan, let you use the Roman government to nailhim to the cross and murder him. Then God released him

from the horrors of death and brought him back to life

again, for death could not keep this man within its grip.

But God, following his prearranged plan--The apostle

anticipates an objection. Why did God allow such a person

to be treated this way? Didn't he know what the wicked men

intended to do? Didn't he have the power to prevent it?Yes, he knew all the things the wicked men intended to

do. And he had power to blast all their designs in a moment.

But he did not use that power, because he "so loved the

world". It was the determinate counsel of his love, to redeem

all people from eternal death, by the death of his only

begotten Son.


40/87

-35-

Then God released him from the horrors of death--the

word properly means the pains of a woman in childbirth.

And brought him back to life again--because the scriptures

must be fulfilled.

Acts 2:29-33. "Dear Brothers, think! David wasntreferring to himself when he spoke these words I have

quoted, for he died and was buried, and his tomb is still here

among us. But he was a prophet, and knew God had

promised with an unbreakable oath that one of David's

descendants would (be the Messiah and) sit on David'sthrone. David was looking far into the future and predicting

the Messiahs resurrection, and saying that the Messiah's

soul would not be left in hell and his body would not decay.

He was speaking of Jesus, and we all are witnesses that

Jesus rose from the dead. And now he sits on the throne of

highest honor in heaven, next to God. And just as promised,

the Father gave him the authority to send the HolySpirit--with the results you areseeing and hearing today.

The Messiah's soul would not be left in hell, and would not

decaySt. Peter argues: It is plain David was not speaking ofhimself; therefore, he spoke of Christ's rising. But how didthat promise of a kingdom imply his resurrection? Because he

did not receive it before he died, and because his kingdom wasto endure forever, 2 Sam 7:13. He sits on the throne of


41/87

-36-

highest honor in heaven, next to God--By the right hand, thatis, the mighty power of God; our Lord was exalted at thisascension to God's right hand in heaven.

In the following two verses is an allusion to two ancient

customs. One of the highest honor that used to be paid person,by placing them on the right hand, as Solomon did Bathshebawhen sitting on his throne, 1 Kings 2:19. And the other to thecustom of conquerors, who used to tread on the necks of there

vanquished enemies, as a token of their entire victory and

triumph over them.

Acts 2:37-39. These words of Peter's moved them deeply,and they said to him and to the other apostles, "Brothers,

what should we do?" And Peter replied, "Each one of you

must turn from sin, return to God, and be baptized in the

name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; then

you also shall receive this gift, the Holy Spirit. For Christpromised him to each one of you who have been called by

the Lord our God, and to your children and even to those

in distant lands!"

Acts 24:24-25. A few days later Felix came with Drusilla,

his legal wife, a Jewess. Sending for Paul, they listened ashe told them about faith in Christ Jesus. And as he reasoned


42/87

-37-

with them about righteousness and self-control and the

judgment to come, Felix was terrified. "Go away for now,"

he replied, and when I have a more convenient time, I'll call

you again."

Felix came with DrusillaFelix, who had been absent fora short time, returned with his wife, the daughter of HerodAgrippa, one of the beautiful women of that age. Felix hadpersuaded her to forsake her husband, Azizus, king of Emessa,and to be married to him, even though he was a heathen. Sheand

her son later died in an eruption of Mt. Vesuvius. Paul hadbeen kept some days in this gentle confinement at Cesarea.

He reasoned with them about righteousness and self-

control and the judgment to comethat is, the doctrine ofChrist. This was the only effectual way of preaching Christ toan unjust, lewd judge. Felix was terrifiedhow happily

might his conviction have ended, had he been careful topursue the views, which were then opening upon his mind!But, like thousands, he deferred the consideration of thesethings to a more convenient time, a time, which never comes.For though he heard from Paul again, he was not afraid again.

In the meantime, we do not find Drusilla, though a Jewess

was thus alarmed. She had been used to hearing of a futurejudgment; perhaps, too, she trusted to being a daughter of


43/87

-38-

Abraham, or to the deliverance by the law, and so was proofagainst the convictions, which seized on her husband, though aheathen.

Let this teach us to guard against all such false

dependencies that tend to elude those convictions that mightotherwise be produced in us by the faithful preaching of theword of God. Do not listen to those messengers of Satan, whoappear as angels of light, who would teach us to reconcile thehope of salvation with a corrupt heart, or an unholy life. I'llcall you againO how will every damned soul one day

lament their having neglected such a time as this!

Acts 7:51-58. You stiff-necked heathen! Must you foreverresist the Holy Spirit? But your fathers did, and so do you!

Name one prophet your ancestors didn't persecute! They

even killed the ones who predicted the coming of the

Righteous One-the Messiah whom you betrayed and

murdered. Yes, and you deliberately destroyed God's Laws,though you received them from the hands of angels.

The Jewish leaders were stung to fury by Stephens

accusation, and ground their teeth in rage. But Stephen, full

of the Holy Spirit, gazed steadily upward into heaven and

saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at God's right hand.

And he told them, "Look, I see the heaven opened and Jesusthe Messiah standing beside God, at his right hand."


44/87

-39-

Then they mobbed him, putting their hands over their

ears, and drowning out his voice with their shouts, and

dragged him out of the city to stone him. The official

witnesses--the executioners--took off their coats and laid

them at the feet of a young man named Paul.Took off their coats and laid them at the feet of a young

man name PaulPaul and Saul are one in the same. Saulbecomes Paul after his experience on the Damascus road. OSaul, would you have believed, if someone had told you?That you would be stoned in a similar manner. That you

would triumph by committing your soul to Jesus, whom youare now blaspheming! Stephen's dying prayer reached you, aswell as many others. And the martyr Stephen, and Saul thepersecutor, (afterwards his brother both in faith andmartyrdom,) are now joined in everlasting friendship, anddwell together in the happy company of those who "havemade their robes white in the blood of the Lamb."

IN WHAT AREAS DO WE FIND THE HOLY SPIRIT?

The Spirit brings the new age.

2 Corinthians 3:18. But we Christians have no veil over our

faces; we can be mirrors that brightly reflect the glory of the


45/87

-40-

Lord. And as the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we

become more and more like him.

The Spirit is a person.

Matthew 28:16-20. Then the eleven disciples left forGalilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had said they

would find him. There they met him and worshipped him,

but some of them weren't sure it really was Jesus! He told

his disciples, I have been given all authority in heaven and

earth. Therefore go and make disciples in all the nations,baptizing them into the name of the Father, and of the Son

and of the Holy Spirit, and then teach these new disciples to

obey all the commands I have given you; and be sure of

this--that I am with you always, even to the end of the world.

2 Corinthians 13:14. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ

be with you all. May God's love and the Holy Spiritsfriendship be yours.

John 14:15-17. If you love me, obey me; and I will ask theFather and he will give you another comforter, and he will

never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, the Spirit who leads

into all truth. The world at large cannot receive him, for it


46/87

-41-

isn't looking for him and doesn't recognize him. But you do,

for he lives with you now and some day in you.If you love me, obey meimmediately after faith he

encourages us to love and good works. And I will ask the

Fatherthe twenty-first verse shows the connection betweenthis and the preceding verses. And he will give you anotherComforterthe Greek word signifies also an advocate,instructor, or intercessor. Anotherfor Christ himself wasone. He will never leave youwith you and your followers infaith to the end of the world. He is the Holy Spirit, the Spirit

who leads into all truthwho has, reveals, testifies, anddefends the truth as it is in Jesus. The world at large cannotreceive himall who do not love or fear God. For it isn'tlooking for him and doesn't recognize himthey have nospiritual senses, no internal eye, to discern him; orconsequently, recognize him. He lives with you nowassisting you in his work. Some day shall be in youas a

constant guest. The "indwelling of the Holy Spirit." Yourbodies and souls shall be temples of the Holy Spirit dwellingin you.

The Spirit Baptizes the Church.

Matthew 3:11-17. With water I baptize those who repent oftheir sins; but someone else is coming, far greater than I am,


47/87

-42-

so great that I am not worthy to carry his shoes! He shall

baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. He will

separate the chaff from the grain, burning the chaff with

never-ending fire, and storing away the grain.

Then Jesus went from Galilee to the Jordan River to bebaptized there by John. John didn't want to do it.

"This isn't proper," he said, "I am the one who needs to

be baptized by you."

But Jesus said, "Please do it, for I must do all that is

right." So then John baptized him.

After his baptism, as soon as Jesus came up out of thewater, the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit

of God coming down in the form a dove. And a voice from

heaven said, "This is my beloved Son, and I am wonderfully

pleased with him.He shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with firehe

shall fill you with the Holy Spirit, inflaming your hearts with

that fire of love, which many waters cannot quench. And thiswas done, even with a visible appearance of fire, on the day ofPentecost. He will separate the chaff from the grainthat is,with the word of the gospel, as his church is now covered witha mixture of wheat and chaff. Storing away the grainwilllay up those who are truly good in heaven.

I must do all that is rightit becomes every messenger ofGod to observe all his righteous ordinances. But the particular


48/87

-43-

meaning of our Lord seems to be, that it becomes us to (me toreceive baptism, and you to administer it) in order to fulfill allrighteousness. I should perform every part of the righteouslaw of God, and the commission God has given me. John

baptized Jesuslet our Lord's submitting to baptism teach usa holy exactness in the observance of those institutions whichowe their obligation to a divine command. Surely it becomesus to fulfill all righteousness.

Jesus had no sin to wash away, and yet he was baptized.God followed his own ordinance, and established the

precedent of the pouring forth of the Holy Spirit, by beingfirst. And where can we expect this sacred effusion, but in ahumble attendance to divine appointments? He saw the Spiritof GodSt. Luke adds, "in a bodily form"probably in aglorious appearance of fire,

perhaps in the shape of a dove, descending, with a hovering

motion, till it rested upon him.This was a visible token of those secret operations of the

blessed Spirit, by which Jesus was anointed (consecrated) in apeculiar manner, and abundantly fitted for his public work.

A voice from heavenhere is a glorious manifestation ofthe ever-blessed Trinity: the Father speaking from heaven, the

Son spoken to, and the Holy Spirit descending upon him. Thisis my beloved Son, and I am wonderfully pleased with him


49/87

-44-

what an encomium (high praise or tribute) this is! Whatwarmth in this to all other kinds of praise! To be the pleasure,the delight of God, this is praise indeed! This is true glory;this is the highest, the brightest light that virtue can appear in.

Also see Mark 1:9, and Luke 3:21.

1 Corinthians 12:12-13. Our bodies have many parts, but themany parts make up only one body when they are all put

together. So it is with the "body" of Christ. Each of us is a

part of the one body of Christ. Some of us are Jews, some

are Gentiles, some are slaves and some are free. But theHoly Spirit has fitted us all together into one body. We have

been baptized into Christ's body by the one Spirit, and haveall been given that same Holy Spirit.

The Spirit makes us new.

John 3:5-13. Jesus replied, "What I am telling you soearnestly is this: Unless one is born of water and the Spirit,

he cannot enter the Kingdom of God. Men can only

reproduce human life, but the Holy Spirit gives new life from

heaven; so don't be surprised at my statement that you must

be born again! Just as you can hear the wind but can't tellwhere it comes from or where it will go next, so it is with the


50/87

-45-

Spirit. We do not know on whom he will next bestow this life

from heaven." "What do you mean?" Nicodemus asked.

Jesus replied, "You a respected Jewish teacher, and yet you

dont understand these things? I am telling you what I know

and have seen--and yet you won't believe me. But if youdont even believe me when I tell you about such things as

these that happen here among men, how can you possibly

believe if I tell you what is going on in heaven? For only I,

the Messiah, have come to earth and will return to heaven

again.

Titus 3:1-7. Remind your people to obey the governmentand its officers, and always to be obedient andready for any

honest work. They must not speak evil of anyone, nor

quarrel, but be gentle and truly courteous to all.

Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient; we were

misled by others and became slaves to many evil pleasures

and wicked desires. Our lives were full of resentment andenvy. We hated others and they hated us.

But when the time came for the kindness and love of God

our Savior to appear, then he saved us--not because we were

good enough to be saved, but because of his kindness and

pity--by washing away our sins and giving us the new joy of

the indwelling Holy Spirit whom he poured out upon us withwonderful fullness--and all because of what Jesus Christ our


51/87

-46-

Savior did so that he could declare us good in God's eyes--

all because of his great kindness; and now we can share in

the wealth of the eternal life he gives us, and we are eagerly

looking forward to receiving it.

The Spirit is God's seal on his people.

2 Corinthians 5:1-5. For we know that when this tent we livein now is taken downwhen we die and leave these

bodies--we will have wonderful new bodies in heaven, homes

that will be ours forevermore, made for us by God himself,and not by human hands. How weary we grow of our

present bodies. That is why we look forward eagerly to the

day when we shall have heavenly bodies which we shall put

on like new clothes. For we shall not be merely spirits

without bodies. These earthly bodies make us groan and

sigh, but we wouldnt like to think of dying and having no

bodies at all. We want to slip intoour new bodies so thatthese dying bodies will, as it were, be swallowed up by

everlasting life. This is what God has prepared for us and,

as a guarantee he has given us his Holy Spirit.

Ephesians 1:9-14, 4:30. God has told us his secret reason

for sending Christ, a plan he decided on in mercy long ago;and this was his purpose: that when the time is ripe he will


52/87

-47-

gather us all together from wherever we are--in heaven or on

earth--to be with him in Christ, forever.

Moreover, because of what Christ has done we have

become gifts to God that he delights in, for as part of God's

sovereign plan we were chosen from the beginning to be his,and all things happen just as he decided long ago. God's

purpose in this was that we should praise God and give glory

to him for doing these mighty things for us, who were the

first to trust in Christ.

And because of what Christ did, all you others too, who

heard the Good News about how to be saved, and trustedChrist, were marked as belonging to Christ by the Holy

Spirit, who long ago had been promised to all of us

Christians.

His presence within us is God's guarantee that he really

will give us all that he promised; and the Spirit's seal upon

us means that God has already purchased us and that

heguarantees to bring us to himself. This is just one more

reason for us to praise our glorious God.

Don't cause the Holy Spirit sorrow by the way you live.

Remember, he is the one who marks you to be present on

that day when salvation from sin will be complete.

The Spirit lives within us.


53/87

-48-

Romans 8:9-17. [This is the basis of the "ScripturalChristianity" taught by John and Charles Wesley, founders ofMethodism.] But you are not like that. You are controlled

by your new nature if you have the Spirit of God living inyou. (And remember that if anyone doesn't have the Spirit

of Christ living in him, he is not a Christian at all.) Yet, even

though Christ lives within you, your body will die because of

sin; but your spirit will live, for Christ has pardoned it. And

if the Spirit of God, who raised up Jesus from the dead, lives

in you, he will make your dying bodies live again after youdie, by means of this same Holy Spirit living within you.

So, dear brothers, you have no obligations whatever to

your old sinful nature to do what it begs you to do. For if

you keep on following it you are lost and will perish, but if

through the power of the Holy Spirit you crush it and its evil

deeds, you shall live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God

are sons of God.And so we should not be like cringing, fearful slaves, but

we should behave like God's very own children, adopted into

the bosom of his family, and calling to him, "Father,

Father." For his Holy Spirit speaks to us deep in our hearts,

and tells us that we really are God's children. And since we

are his children, we will share his treasures--for all God


54/87

-49-

gives to his Son Jesus is now ours too. But if we are to share

his glory, we must also share his suffering.Spirit of GodUnder his governance (direction or

discipline). Spirit of Christ living within himDwelling and

governing in him. He is not a Christian at allhe is not amember of Christ, not a Christian, and not in a state ofsalvation. A plain, express declaration, which advises thereare no exceptions. He that has ears to hear let him hear!Though Christ lives within youwhere the Spirit of Christ is,there is Christ.

Your body will diedevoted to death. Because of sinyyou have already committed. But your spirit will livealready truly alive. For Christ has pardoned itforrighteousness now attained. From verse 13, St. Paul, hasfinished what he had begun, Romans 5:1, describing purelythe state of believers. You have no obligations whatever toyour old sinful natureso we should not follow it. To do

what it begs you to donot only evil actions, but also evildesires, tempers thoughts. If you keep on following it you arelost and will perishyou must get rid of these, before theykill or destroy you.

Though the power of the Holy Spirit you will crush itthelife of faith will be lived more abundantly on earth, and with a

full life of glory in heaven. All who are led by the Spirit ofGodin all the ways of righteousness. Are sons of God


55/87

-50-

here St. Paul enters upon the description of those blessings. Inverse 30, when he uses the word glorified, he does notdescribe just mere glory, but that which is still mingled withthe cross. The sum is, through suffering comes glory.

And so wewho are real Christians. Should not be likecringing, fearful slavesthe Holy Spirit was not properly aspirit of bondage, even in the time of the Old Testament.Yet, there was something of bondage remaining even in thosewho have received the Spirit. It seems to directly mean, thoseoperations of the Holy Spirit by which the soul, on it first

conviction, feels itself in bondage to Satan, and oblivious tothe wrath of God. This, therefore, and the Spirit of Adoption,(adopted into the bosom of his family), are one and the sameSpirit, only manifesting itself in various operations, accordingto the various circumstances of the person.

Weall and every believer. Calling to himthe worddenotes a vehement speaking, with desire, confidence,

constancy. Father, Fatherthe latter word explains theformer. By using both the Syriac (Abba), and the Greek word(Father), St. Paul seems to point out the joint cry both of theJewish and Gentile believers. His Holy Spirit speaks to uswith the spirit of every true believer, by a testimony distinctfrom that of his own spirit, or the testimony of a good

conscience. Happy are they who enjoy this clear and constantsounding.


56/87

-51-

We will share his treasures--That we may know it is a greatinheritance, which God will give us for he has given a greatone to his Son. We must also share his suffering-- Willinglyand cheerfully, for righteousness' sake. This is a new

proposition, referring to what follows.Now is the time for you to read the Bible, and do your own

study of the Holy Spirit. For guidelines in this I am listingseveral more areas and the verses to go along with them.1 Corinthians 6:12-20. This continues "The Spirit liveswithin us."

Write down your thoughts on the following verses:

The Spirit gives us power.Galatians 3:1-5, Colossians 1:8- 10; Acts 1:6-11; 1Thessalonians 4:1-8; John 12:24, 27; Philippians 1:22-24;Matthew 6:31-32, 26:39; and Hebrews Chapter 4.

The Spirit convicts the world of sin.John 16:7-12.

The Spirit consoles the church.

John 14:15-17, 25-31, 15:18-27, 16:4-11.


57/87

-52-

The Spirit helps us understands God's wisdom.1 Corinthians 2:6-16.

The Spirit gives gifts of helpful service.

Romans 12:6-10.

The Spirit gives gifts to equip the church.Ephesians 4:3-7.

The Spirit gives gifts of special power.

1 Corinthians 12:4- 11.

The Spirit grows his special fruit.Galatians 5:13-26.

The Spirit fills us with power to worship and serve.Ephesians 5:14-20.

The following are special verses as they are the basis of thepreaching of Charles Wesley. They do a lot to explain theman and his charismatic nature. We will be closing this bookwith these Bible verses followed by John Wesley's explanationof their meaning. Christianity is an individual process. We

each work getting to the same goal, but only with differentmeans, or talents, or better said "Gifts". That is God's plan.


58/87

-53-

Ask the Holy Spirit for direction and guidance in all aspects ofyour life, including reading of the Bible, and the Bible willcome alive for you.

Ephesians 5:14-20. That is why God says in the Scriptures,"Awake, O sleeper, and rise up from the dead; and Christ

shall give you light." So be careful how you act; these are

difficult days. Don't be fools; be wise: make the most of

every opportunity you have for doing good. Don't act

thoughtlessly, but try to find out and do whatever the Lord

wants you to. Don't drink too much wine, for many evils liealong that path; be filled instead with the Holy Spirit, and

controlled by him.

Talk with each other much about the Lord, quoting

psalms and hymns and singing sacred songs, making music

in your hearts to the Lord. Always give thanks for

everything to our God and Father in the name of our Lord

Jesus Christ.

Why God saysin the general tenor or the course of hisword, to all whom is still in darkness. Awake, O sleeperinignorance of God and yourself in stupid insensibility. Rise upfrom the deadf from the death of sin. And Christ shall give

you light Knowledge, holiness, happiness. So be carefulhow you actexactly, with the utmost accuracy, getting to the


59/87

-54-

highest pitch of every point of holiness. Don't be foolswhodon't where they are going, or don't try to do their very best ingetting there.

Make the most of every opportunitysaving all you can for

the best purposes. Buying every possible moment out of thehands of sin and Satan, out of the hands of sloth, ease,pleasure, and worldly business. The most you can be, becausethe present time is evil days, days of the grossest ignorance,immorality, and profaneness. Do whatever the Lord wants

you to doin every time, place, and circumstance. Too

muchthat is, this leads to corruption of every kind.Be filled instead with the Holy Spiritin all his graces,who gives a more noble pleasure than wine can do. Talk witheach otherby the Spirit. In the PsalmsOf David. AndhymnsOf praise. And sacred songsSpiritual songs on anydivine subject. In the Jewish Church there were inspiredsongs, but there none peculiarly adapted to the Christian

dispensation. It is evident that the promise of the Holy Spiritto believers, in the last days, was by his larger effusion tosupply the lack of it.

Making music in your heartsas well as your voice. Tothe LordJesus, who searches the heart. Always givethanksat all times and places for all things; prosperous or

adverse, as all things work together for good. In the name ofour Lord Jesus Christby whom we receive all.


60/87

-59-

THE NATURE OF BEING CHARISMATICSermon #32, John Wesley, December 1740

"Suddenly Festus shouted, Paul, you are insane.Your studying has broken your mind!" Acts 26:24.

1. And so say the entire world, or the people who notknow God, and even some people who profess to be Christian.If you are a committed follower of Christ as Paul was, you are

insane. It is true, there is a sort of religion that is sometimescalled Christianity, which may be practiced without anyimplication of one's self, and which is considered to beconsistent with common sense.

A religion of form, a form of outward duties, performed ina decent regular manner. You may add orthodoxy to this. Asystem of right opinions with some quantity of heathen

morality, and they will not say "that religion has made youmad." But, if you strive for religion of the heart, if you talk of"goodness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit," Rom 14:17,then it will not be long before your sentence is passed. "Youare insane."

2. This is not a compliment that the people of the world

pay you. They mean what they say. They not only declare,


61/87

-60-

but also politely believe, that every person is insane who say,that thelove of God is shed abroad in their heart by the Holy Spirit

given to them." That God has enabled them to rejoice inChrist "with joy unspeakable and full of glory."

This happens when we are indeed alive to God and dead toall things here on earth and below. If we continually see himthat is invisible, and accordingly walk by faith, and not bysight, then their reasoning is a clear case. Beyond all dispute

"that too much religion has made them mad or insane."3. It is easy to observe, that the determinate things, whichthe world accounts madness is: the utter contempt of allworldly things, the steady pursuit of things eternal, the divineassurance of salvation, the rejoicing in the favor of God, thehappy, holy love of God, the testimony of his Spirit with ourspirit, and that we are the children of God. This is, in truth,

the whole spirit, life, and power of the religion of JesusChrist!4. They will acknowledge that in some respects, Spirit filledChristians act and talk like people in their senses. In manythings they are reasonable people: it is only in instances ofreligion that they are "touched" in the head. They feel they are

justified in this by calling the madness a particular kind; andaccordingly they distinguish it by giving it a particular name,


62/87

-61-

"Enthusiasm."[Webster's Dictionary defines Enthusiasm as Charisma,

Charismatic, fanaticism, excessive enthusiasm or unreasoningzeal on any subject, such as religion. Today we call this being

charismatic. Future references to Enthusiasm will be stated asCharisma or being Charismatic.]

5. Charisma or charismatic is a term, which is frequentlyused by some, and seldom by others; and even those whoseldom use it do not understand its meaning. It may be

acceptable to faithful people, and to all who desire tounderstand what they speak or hear if I endeavor to explain themeaning of this termto show what being charismatic is.

It may be an encouragement to those who are unjustlycharged with it, and may possibly be of help to those who are

justly charged with it. And, to others who might practice thatbelief if they were not cautioned against it.

6. As to the word itself, it is generally considered to be ofGreek extraction. But, where the Greek word is derived, noone seems to know. Some have endeavored to derive it fromthe Greek word meaningin God, gifts because all charismahas reference to God. This is quite forced, as there is littleresemblance between the word derived, and the words they

attempt to derive it from.


63/87

-62-

Others would derive it from the Greek word meaninginsacrifice, because many of the charismatics of old wereaffected in the most violent manner during the time ofsacrifice. Perhaps it is a fictitious word; invented from the

noise some of those made who were so affected.

7. It is probable, that one reason why this uncouth wordhas been retained in so many languages is people are not anybetter agreed on the meaning of the word than the derivationof it. They adopted the Greek word, because they did not

understand it. They did not translate it into their own tongues,because they did not know how to translate it. It has alwaysbeen a word of loose, uncertain sense, to which no exactmeaning was affixed.

8. It is not surprising, that it is so differently taken to thisday, different people understanding it in a different sense.Charisma is a divine impulse or impression, superior to all the

natural aptitudes, and suspending, for a period of time, eitherin whole or in part, both our reasoning and our outwardsenses.

In this meaning of the word, both the Prophets of old, andthe Apostles, were proper charismatics; being, at differenttimes, so filled with the Spirit, and so influenced by him who

dwelt in their hearts, that the exercise of their own reason,their senses, and all their natural gifts were suspended. They


64/87

-63-

were wholly actuated or moved by the power of God, and"spoke only "as they were moved by the Holy Spirit."

9. Others take the word in an indifferent sense, that it isneither morally good nor evil. Thus they speak of the

charisma of the poets, of Homer and Virgil in particular. Ithas been stated that "any person who is excellent in theirprofession, whatever it may be, has in their nature a strongpretense of charisma."

By "charisma" these people appear to understand it as an

uncommon openness of thought; a peculiar zeal of spirit, avigor and strength not be found in common people, and theelevating of the soul to greater and higher things than coolreason could have attained.

10. But, neither of these is the sense that the word"charisma" is most usually understood. In general mostpeople, if they do not further agree, at least agree so far

concerning its meaning.They feel that it is something evil; and this is plainly the

sentiment of all those who call the religion of the heart"charisma." Accordingly, I shall take it in the followingpages, as an evil, a misfortune, if not a fault in theirpersonality.

11. The nature of charisma is undoubtedly a disorder of themind, and a disorder, which greatly hinders the exercise of


65/87

-64-

reason. Sometimes it wholly sets reason a side, and not onlydims but shuts the eyes of understanding. It may well beaccounted an order of madness, of madness rather thanfoolishness.

A fool is properly one who draws wrong conclusions fromright premises. A madman draws right conclusions, but fromwrong premises. So does a charismatic. Suppose theirpremises are true, and their conclusions would necessarilyfollow. But here lies their mistake; their premises are false.They imagine themselves to be what they are not; and

therefore, setting out wrong, the farther they go, the more theywander out of the way.12. Every charismatic, then is properly a lunatic. Yet, this

is not an ordinary, but a religious madness. By "religious," Ido not mean that it is any part of religion, quite the reverse.Religion is the spirit of a sound mind; and consequently,stands in direct opposition to madness of every kind.

But I mean they have religion as their object, and they areknowledgeable about religion. The charismatic generally talksof religion, of God, or of the things of God; but talking in sucha manner that reasonable Christians can discern the disorder oftheir mind.

Charisma in general may be described as this: a religious

madness arising from some falsely imagined influence orinspiration of God; at least, from imputing something to God


66/87

-65-

which ought not to be imputed to him, or expecting somethingfrom God which ought not to be expected from him.

13. There are innumerable sorts of charismatics. Thosewhich are the most common, and for that reason the most

dangerous, I shall endeavor to explain under a few generalheadings, so they may be more easily understood and avoided.

The first form of charismatics I shall discuss, are those whoimagine they have the grace when they do not have it. Theymight imagine, when it is not so, that they have redemptionthrough Christ, "even the forgiveness of sins."

They are usually those who "have no principles of religionin themselves;" no deep repentance, or a thorough conviction."Therefore, they receive the word with you." And, becausethey have no deepness of nature," no deep work in their hearts,the seed "immediately springs up."

There is immediately a superficial change, resulting in a

small amount of joy in their heart, caused by the pride ofthemselves, and their inordinate self-love. They are easilypersuaded that they have already "tasted the good word ofGod, and the powers of the world to come."

14. This is properly an instance of the first sort ofcharisma: it is a kind of madness, arising from the imagination

that they have that grace, when in truth, they do not. Thiscauses them to deceive their own souls.


67/87

-66-

Madness it may be justly termed: for the reasons of thesepoor people are right, if their premises were good, but as theyare a mere creature of their own imagination, and so all that isbuilt on them falls to the ground.

The foundation of their unrealistic view is this: theyimagine themselves to have faith in Christ. If they had it, theywould be "kings and priests to God", and possess "akingdom which cannot be moved." But, they do not have it,and consequently, all their following behavior is as far fromtruth and soberness as that of the ordinary lunatic, who fancies

himself as an earthly king, and speaks and acts in thatcharacter.15. There are many other charismatics of this sort. Such,

for instance is the fiery zealot for religion; or, more properly,for the opinions and modes of worship which they dignifywith that name. These people strongly imagine themselves tobe believers in Jesus; yes, that they are the champions for the

faith which was once delivered by the saints.Accordingly, all their conduct is formed upon that vain

imagination. And, allowing their supposition to be just, theywould have some tolerable pleas for their behavior. It is quiteapparent the effects of a deranged mind, as well as of anirrational heart.

16. But, the most common of all the charismatics of thiskind are those who imagine themselves Christians and they are


68/87

-67-

not. These abound, not only in all parts of our land, but inmost parts of the inhabitable earth. That they are notChristians is clear and undeniable, if we believe the scripturesof God.

For Christians are holy, and these people are unholy.Christians love God, and these people love the world.Christians are humble, and these are proud. Christians aregentle and they are intense. Christians have the mind, whichis in Christ, and they are the utmost distance from it.

Consequently, they are no more Christians, that they are

archangels. Yet, they imagine themselves to be so, and cangive several reasons for it. They have been called so eversince they can remember. They were christened many yearsago. They embrace the Christians opinions commonly termedthe Christian or catholic faith. They use the Christian modesof worship as their fathers did before them.

They live what is called a good Christian life as the rest of

their neighbors do. And, who shall presume to think or saythat these people are not Christians?

They do not have one grain of true faith in Christ, or anyreal inward holiness. They have not tasted the love of God, orbeen "made partakers of the Holy Spirit."

17. Ah, poor self-deceivers! Christians you are not. But,

you are charismatic to a high degree. Physicians, healyourselves! But first know your disease: your whole life is


69/87

-68-

charismatic, as being all-suitable to the imagination that youhave received that grace of God when you have not.

In consequence of this grand mistake, you blunder on, dayby day, speaking and acting under a character which does in

no way belong to you.Here arises that obvious, glaring inconsistency that runs

through your whole behavior; which is an awkward mixture ofreal heathenism and imaginary Christianity.

Yet still, as you have so vast a majority on your side, youwill always carry it by the mere power of numbers. "That you

are the only people in their senses, and all are lunatics who arenot as your are."

But, this does not alter the nature of things. In the sight ofGod, and his holy angels, yes, and all the children of Godupon the earth, you are mere lunatics, and mere charismaticall! Are you not? Are you not "walking a vain shadow," a

shadow of religion, a shadow of happiness?Are you not "uncomfortable in vein" with misfortunes as

imaginary as your happiness or religion? Do you not fancyyourselves great or goodvery well knowing otherwise?How long? Perhaps until death brings you back to your senses,and bemoan your foolishness forever and ever!

18. A second sort of charisma is those who imagine theyhave gifts from God and they do not have them. Thus, some


70/87

-69-

have imagined themselves to be endowed with the power ofworking miracles, of healing the sick by a word or touch, ofrestoring sight to the blind.

Yes, even, the raising of the deada notorious instance

that is still fresh in our own history. Others have undertakento prophesy, to foretell things to come, and with the utmostcertainty and exactness.

But, a little time usually convinces these charismatics whenthe plain facts run counter to their predictions. Experienceperforms what reason could not, and brings them down to their

senses.19. To the same class belongs those who, in preaching orprayer, imagine themselves to be influenced by the Spirit ofGod, when in fact, they are not. I am sensible, indeed, thatwithout him we can do nothing, and more especially in ourpublic ministry.

All of our preaching will be utterly in vein, unless his

power and all our prayer attend it, unless his Spirit helps us inour personal failings or feebleness. I know if we do not bothpreach and pray by the Spirit, all but lost labor. God sees thehelp that is needed upon the earth and he will do it himself, ashe is the one that works all in all.

But, this does not affect the case before us. Though there is

a real influence of the Spirit of God, there is also an imaginaryone. Many times there are those who mistake the one for the


71/87

-70-

other. Many suppose themselves to be under that influence,when they are not, when it is far from them.

And, many others suppose they are more under thatinfluence than they really are. Of this number, I fear, are all

who imagine that God dictates the very words they write andsay, consequently, it is impossible they should speak or writeanything amiss, either in the matter or manner of it.

It is very well known how many charismatic of this sortalso have appeared during the past century. Some of whospeak in a far more authoritative manner than either St. Paul or

any of the other Apostles.20. The same sort of charismatic, though in a lowerdegree, is frequently found in people of private character.They may likewise imagine themselves to be influenced ordirected by the Spirit when they are not. I allow, "if anyperson does not have the Spirit of Christ, they are none ofhis;" and that if ever we think, speak, or act right, it is through

the assistance of that blessed Spirit.But, how many impute things to him, or expect things from

him, without any rational or scriptural grounds! Such as thosewho imagine that they either do or shall receive particulardirections from God, not only in points of importance, but inthings of no importance, and in the trifling circumstances of

life. In these cases God has given us our own reason for a


72/87

-71-

guide. Though he never excludes the secret assistance of theHoly Spirit.

21. To this kind of charisma they are peculiarly exposed,they expect to be directed by God, either in spiritual things or

in the common things of life, and in what is justly called anextraordinary manner

Documents

The Holy Spirit John Wesley