“How Does The Holy Spirit, Convict, Convert, & Sanctify?”

#4 – The Holy Spirit Works Through The Word

Introduction:

1. The rise of mysticism and emotionalism has played a large role in attributing to the Holy Spirit things that we can be certain should not be.

a. Professed Divine revelation

b. Professed miracles –

c. Professed spiritual contacts and direct faith

d. Professed direct leading

2. True spirituality is – Fearing God, and keeping His commandments as defined by His word.

3. The Holy Spirit Organized The Church By:

a. Revealing God’s Word –

b. Confirming That Which He Revealed -

4. Spiritual gifts were important in the establishment and organization of the New Testament church.

* Provided a full and final revelation of God’s word

* Confirmed Both Messenger & Message!

* Spiritual gifts were a means to an end, and ended when God’s revelation was completed . . . (i.e. the scriptures)

5. In this lesson we are going to focus on the work of the Holy Spirit in the redemption of man

I. How Was The Holy Spirit To Convict The World:

A. Jesus Said That He Would Send Him For That Purpose - John 16:7-11

1. He would offer proof so compelling as to prick the conscience of the world and give it reason to move upon His claims. - (And did so in Acts 2)

* Of Sin: “because they do not believe in Me” – cf. Acts 2:22,23

* Of Righteousness: “because I go to My Father” – cf. Acts 2:32,33

* Of Judgment: - “because the ruler of this world is judged” (14:30) – cf. Acts 2:34-37

2. He did so by testifying of the death, resurrection, and glorification of Jesus Christ!

a. What if we reject His testimony?

B. The Word of God Sufficient to convict! - Hebrews 4:12;

a. Reason Not Emotion! Acts 24:25; Acts 17:2

b. Compliance does Not Always Follow Conviction

c. Whether or not those so stricken to act was a matter of their own free will! (Acts 2:40)

II. How Did/Does The Holy Spirit Convert People To Christ -

A. Through the New Birth - John 3:5-8

1. The Word of God Sufficient to convert! - Psalm 19:7; James 1:18-25; 1 Peter 1:22-23;

a. Reason – Not Emotion! - Romans 12:2

b. Compliance Always Follows Conversion!

c. Genuine Faith is produced Only One Way - Rom. 10:13-17

2. Examples of Conversions By The Word

* The 3,000 in Acts 2:37-42

* The 5,000 in Acts 4:4

* The Samaritans in Acts 8:12

* The eunuch in Acts 8:35-38 –

* Cornelius in Acts 10:6,22,33; 11:14

* Lydia in Acts 16:14

* The Corinthians in Acts 18:8

* The Bereans in Acts 17:11,12

* The twelve in Ephesus in Acts 19:5

III. How Does The Holy Spirit Sanctify People -

A. Brings them to obedience and the blood of Christ - 1 Peter 1:2

1. Many teach that sanctification by the Spirit occurs prior to hearing the gospel and faith – (The Sovereignty of God the Holy Spirit in Salvation - Arthur W. Pink)

2. We do not deny that the Holy Spirit Sanctifies – but how and when does He do it? 2 Thes. 2:13-15

3. The Bible teaches that we are sanctified by the following things –

* By God – Jude 1; 1 Thes. 5:23

* By Christ – Heb. 13:12; 10:10,29

* BY the Holy Spirit – Rom. 15:16; 1 Cor 6:11

* By The Truth – John 17:17,19; Heb. 10:10; Eph. 5:26

* By Belief in The Truth – Acts 26:18

* By Repentance – 2 Tim. 2:21

* By Baptism – 1 Cor 6:11; Eph. 5:25-27; Acts 22:16

(None of these things will sanctify separate and apart from the other things listed!)

Conclusion

1. The Holy Spirit Convicts, Converts, & Sanctifies – HOW?

2. ONLY through that which has been revealed and confirmed – i.e. the Word of God.

3. The Holy Spirit continues to work

* Through the Revealed New Covenant:

* Through the Confirmed New Covenant:

* By Convicting Men Through The New Covenant:

* By Converting Men through The New Covenant:

* By Sanctifying Men Through The New Covenant:

Will you believe His Testimony?