Chapter 31
OUR SPOKESMAN … THE HOLY SPIRIT
(Matthew 10:16-20)
Before we begin this study let us come before our God and pray.
Dear Heavenly Father,
We come before You in the Name of Your only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Holy Father please open our ears, our eyes and our hearts so we can truly hear, see and comprehend what You are telling us. Father, please help us to not only understand Your Word but help us to do it. Help us, all Mighty God, to trust and rely upon You in all situations that we may find ourselves.
Amen
INTRODUCTION
We begin our study by reading an excerpt of what Jesus said to His disciples at the time He sent them to cast out unclean spirits, heal the sick and preach the Gospel. The portion of His command that is of interest for this study is found in,
Matthew 10:16-20
"[16] I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. [17] "Be on your guard against men; they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues. [18] On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. [19] But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, [20] for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you."
Within the above Scriptures there are two main topics we will explore in this study: (1) On His account His disciples will be brought before the unbelieving world and (2) The Holy Spirit will do the speaking for them.
With this short introduction in mind let us now explore the fact that,
JESUS CALLED HIS DISCIPLES TO BE WITNESSES FOR HIS NAME'S SAKE
To see this let us read again the following Scripture,
Matthew 10:17-18
[17] Be on your guard against men; they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues. [18] On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles."
Specifically, Jesus told His disciples that they would be brought before the Jewish synagogue, governors, kings and the Gentiles for His sake. In other words, in addition to the Jewish ruling powers and authorities of their day, His disciples were also going to bear witness of Jesus Christ and His Gospel to the Gentile world.
In thinking about what Jesus said one can not help but wonder how could this be? How could Jesus' disciples, most of whom were uneducated and did not belong to either the Jewish or Gentile authorities and powers of their day, fulfill Jesus' prophecy?
Throughout the Bible we read of instance after instance of how God fulfilled what He said would happen even though, in the natural course of things, it appeared to be an impossible task. For example there was the time when God used Gideon and only 300 men to defeat a huge Midianite army. Another example is the time when God used Joshua to lead the people of Israel in a march around the magnificent fortified walls of Jericho. To successfully breach the city and capture it, God told Joshua and the people to march around the city for seven days. On the seventh day they were to march around the city seven times and then blow trumpets and shout as loud as they could. God said if they would do this the city walls would fall down flat. In the book of Joshua chapter 6 verses 6-21 we read that Joshua and the people of Israel obeyed God and the walls did indeed fall down flat and consequently they were able to capture the city. In other words as the Angel Gabriel told Mary: "Nothing is impossible with God (Luke 1:37)".
To see how Jesus' fulfilled His Words that His disciples will be witnesses for His Name's sake, we will read five examples of how God brought them before the authorities and powers of their day.
The first example is when,
THE APOSTLES WERE BROUGHT BEFORE THE SANHIDRIN
To do this let us read from,
Acts 5:12-28
"[12] The apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon's Colonnade. [13] No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people. [14] Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number. [15] As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter's shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by. [16] Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by evil spirits, and all of them were healed. [17] Then the high priest and all his associates, who were members of the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy. [18] They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail. [19] But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out. [20] "Go, stand in the temple courts," he said, "and tell the people the full message of this new life." [21] At daybreak they entered the temple courts, as they had been told, and began to teach the people. When the high priest and his associates arrived, they called together the Sanhedrin--the full assembly of the elders of Israel--and sent to the jail for the apostles. [22] But on arriving at the jail, the officers did not find them there. So they went back and reported, [23] "We found the jail securely locked, with the guards standing at the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside." [24] On hearing this report, the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests were puzzled, wondering what would come of this. [25] Then someone came and said, "Look! The men you put in jail are standing in the temple courts teaching the people." [26] At that, the captain went with his officers and brought the apostles. They did not use force, because they feared that the people would stone them. [27] Having brought the apostles, they made them appear before the Sanhedrin to be questioned by the high priest. [28] "We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name," he said. "Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man's blood.""
Let us notice the following verses,
12-16 ... Through the Apostles God performed many miraculous signs and wonders. As a consequence of these signs and their preaching of the Gospel many people became believers in Jesus Christ.
17-18 … Because of jealousy the high priest took the Apostles into custody and placed them in prison.
19-20 … An angel of the Lord released the Apostles and told them to return to the Temple and bear witness to the good news of Jesus Christ.
21b … The high priest called for a gathering of the Sanhedrin. The Sanhedrin was the ruling council of the Jewish people. The members of Sanhedrin was basically the elders of Israel. In other words, the high priest brought together all the Jewish political and religious leaders and authorities. In today's terms these people would be those who are the noted scholars of the day. They would be the doctors of theology, political science and law. The high priest's intent was to bring the Apostles before this prestigious group to justify their actions.
22-24 … It is interesting to note that when the temple guards came to the prison the jail was securely locked and the guards were still guarding the doors. However, the Apostles were not in their jail cells and no where to be found. In other words, the Apostles were miraculously transported from the jail to somewhere else in the city.
25-27 … After finding out that the Apostles were again preaching and teaching in the Temple, the guards went and brought them before the high priest and the council.
28 … It is interesting to observe that the Sanhedrin did not ask the Apostles as to how they got out of jail. Instead, their main concern was that they were preaching and teaching the people about Jesus Christ.
In verses 29-32 Jesus' Words were fulfilled when the Apostle Peter and the other Apostles gave witness to the Jewish rulers and authorities about the good news of Jesus Christ.
Our second example is when,
THE APOSTLE PETER WENT TO CORNELIUS' HOUSEHOLD
Before we read an excerpt of this encounter it is noted that Cornelius was a Gentile. In addition, as a centurion, Cornelius was a non-commissioned officer in the Roman army. He was in command of approximately 100 soldiers. To read what happened between Peter and Cornelius let us begin by reading from,
Acts 10:1-8
"[1] At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment. [2] He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly. [3] One day at about three in the afternoon he had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God, who came to him and said, "Cornelius!" [4] Cornelius stared at him in fear. "What is it, Lord?" he asked. The angel answered, "Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God. [5] Now send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon who is called Peter. [6] He is staying with Simon the tanner, whose house is by the sea." [7] When the angel who spoke to him had gone, Cornelius called two of his servants and a devout soldier who was one of his attendants. [8] He told them everything that had happened and sent them to Joppa."
Let us notice the following verses,
2 … Even through Cornelius was a Gentile centurion in the Roman army he feared God, prayed to Him and helped the poor.
3-5 … As a result of Cornelius' prayers and charity towards the poor, God, through a vision, sent an angel to Cornelius who told him to send for Peter.
7-8 … Cornelius obeyed the angel's command and sent two men to bring Peter from the city of Joppa.
In Acts 10:9-22 we read how, through a vision of clean and unclean foods, God prepared Peter to accept Cornelius' invitation.
With this background, let us now read what happened when Peter arrived at Cornelius' household.
Acts 10:23b-29
"[23]… The next day Peter started out with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa went along. [24] The following day he arrived in Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. [25] As Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet in reverence. [26] But Peter made him get up. "Stand up," he said, "I am only a man myself." [27] Talking with him, Peter went inside and found a large gathering of people. [28] He said to them: "You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with a Gentile or visit him. But God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean. [29] So when I was sent for, I came without raising any objection. May I ask why you sent for me?""
Let us notice the following verses,
24 … In preparation for Peter, Cornelius gathered his relatives and friends.
25-26 … Peter did not accept worship or praise. Instead, Peter pointed out that he too was just a man.
28 … The reason God had earlier prepared Peter to accept Cornelius' invitation was because at this time in human history it was unlawful for a Jewish person to enter into a Gentile's home.
29 … Peter asked Cornelius, "Why did he send for him?"
In verses 30-33 we read that Cornelius explained to the Apostle Peter about the vision and the command to send for him. In verses 34-43 we read how the Apostle Peter bore witness to Jesus Christ and the Good News. Let us now read what happened while Peter was preaching the Gospel.
Acts 10:44-48
"[44] While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. [45] The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. [46] For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Then Peter said, [47] "Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have." [48] So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days."
Thus we find another example of how Jesus fulfilled His Words through His disciples.
It is noted that the above two examples centered around the original twelve Apostles. However, as we read the New Testament we discover that Jesus' prophecy was not limited to His original twelve Apostles.
To see this, our third example will reveal how Phillip, a deacon, was used to fulfill Jesus' Words that His disciples would bear witness to rulers and authorities of Him and His Gospel.
To see this let us read about the time when,
PHILLIP SPOKE TO THE ETHOPIAN EUNUCH
This encounter is recorded in,
Acts 8:26-39
"[26] Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, "Go south to the road--the desert road--that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza." [27] So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship, [28] and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the book of Isaiah the prophet. [29] The Spirit told Philip, "Go to that chariot and stay near it." [30] Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. "Do you understand what you are reading?" Philip asked. [31] "How can I," he said, "unless someone explains it to me?" So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. [32] The eunuch was reading this passage of Scripture: "He was led like a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb before the shearer is silent, so he did not open his mouth. [33] In his humiliation he was deprived of justice. Who can speak of his descendants? For his life was taken from the earth." [34] The eunuch asked Philip, "Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?" [35] Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. [36] As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, "Look, here is water. Why shouldn't I be baptized?" [37] [38] And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. [39] When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing."
Let us notice the following verses,
26 … An angel of the Lord spoke to Phillip, one of the original deacons in the church (Acts 6:2-6), and told him to go to the road that leads from Jerusalem to Gaza. Also note that Phillip had no idea of why he was to go there. Phillip only knew that an angel of the Lord told him to go.
27 … Phillip obeyed the angel. It was here where Phillip saw the Ethiopian eunuch. This eunuch had great authority and was in charge of Queen Candace's treasury.
28-31 … After a brief conversation, the eunuch invited Phillip to sit with him in his chariot to explain the meaning of a passage in the book of Isaiah.
32-35 … Using this passage, which was Isaiah 53:7-8, Phillip explained to the eunuch about the good news of Jesus Christ.
36-38 … Upon hearing the Gospel the Ethiopian eunuch became a born again believer in Jesus Christ and was baptized in His name.
39 … Again we read how God miraculously transported someone to another place.
Our fourth example centers around the time when,
PAUL SPOKE TO GOVERNOR FELIX
In Acts 21:26-24:9 we read that as a consequence of Paul's preaching and teaching in the Temple at Jerusalem, the Jewish people of the city dragged him out of the Temple to put him to death. Upon hearing that the city was in an uproar and ready to kill Paul, the Roman Commander took several regiments, that is several hundred soldiers, to the Temple area. His intent was to restore order and prevent Paul's death. After being placed in protective custody Paul requested permission to speak to the crowd. While speaking, the crowd could no longer stand listening to his words and again went into an uproar. This time the Roman Commander ordered Paul to be taken to the Roman barracks and be interrogated. This interrogation with scourging, that is whipping, was intended to ascertain the truth of why Paul was infuriating the Jewish population. It was at this time Paul identified himself as a Roman citizen. He also pointed out to the centurion in charge of the scourging that it was not lawful for them to scourge and uncondemned Roman citizen. Perplexed about what was going on and being afraid of the consequences for his rough treatment of Paul, the Roman Commander ordered the chief priest and the Sanhedrin to come and listen to Paul's defense. However, this also led to confusion, heated arguments and bitter dissension among the members of the Jewish ruling council. To save Paul from harm the commander again ordered Paul to be taken back to the Roman barracks. While in the Roman barracks about forty Jewish people launched a plot to kill Paul. This plot was brought to the attention of the centurion in charge of Paul's captivity. Not wanting Paul to be murdered, the centurion told the commander about the plot. To protect Paul from harm the commander sent Paul to Felix, the governor over the region of Judea. It was when Paul was brought before Felix to defend himself concerning the charges levied against him that he again bore witness to the good news of Jesus Christ. An excerpt of what Paul said is recorded in,
Acts 24:10-14
"[10] When the governor motioned for him to speak, Paul replied: "I know that for a number of years you have been a judge over this nation; so I gladly make my defense. [11] You can easily verify that no more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship. [12] My accusers did not find me arguing with anyone at the temple, or stirring up a crowd in the synagogues or anywhere else in the city. [13] And they cannot prove to you the charges they are now making against me. [14] However, I admit that I worship the God of our fathers as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that agrees with the Law and that is written in the Prophets,"
As a side note the phrase "a follower of the Way" meant that a person was a follower of Jesus Christ and His teachings, that is a true born again believer in Jesus Christ.
It is interesting to observe how through this ordeal God used the Apostle Paul to bear witness to the good news of Jesus Christ to: (1) Jews living in Jerusalem, (2) the Roman Commander, (3) several Roman Centurions, (4) many Roman soldiers, (5) the High Priest, (6) the members of the Jewish ruling council and (7) the Roman governor Felix.
As we continue reading the New Testament we find that Paul was also brought before King Agrippa. Hence, our fifth and last example for this portion of our study,
PAUL BEFORE KING AGRIPPA AND HIS COMPANION BERNICE
Before we read what happened the following background will be helpful. According to the Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia of the Bible
1 King Agrippa was the fourth generation of Herod the Great. He was also known as Herod Agrippa II. Bernice was actually his sister. However, after the death of her first husband she moved in with her brother Agrippa. King Agrippa was in control of the Temple treasury and was able to appoint priests. He was also used by the Romans officials as a consultant for Jewish religious matters. When King Agrippa and Bernice came to visit Festus, the new governor who replaced Felix, Agrippa became interested in the charges levied against the Apostle Paul. Consequently, Festus had Paul brought before them. With this in mind, let us now read from,Acts 25:23-26:1
"[23] The next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp and entered the audience room with the high ranking officers and the leading men of the city. At the command of Festus, Paul was brought in. [24] Festus said: "King Agrippa, and all who are present with us, you see this man! The whole Jewish community has petitioned me about him in Jerusalem and here in Caesarea, shouting that he ought not to live any longer. [25] I found he had done nothing deserving of death, but because he made his appeal to the Emperor I decided to send him to Rome. [26] But I have nothing definite to write to His Majesty about him. Therefore I have brought him before all of you, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that as a result of this investigation I may have something to write. [27] For I think it is unreasonable to send on a prisoner without specifying the charges against him.""
"[26:1]Then Agrippa said to Paul, "You have permission to speak for yourself." So Paul motioned with his hand and began his defense:"
Let us notice the following verses,
25 … Prior to the arrival of King Agrippa and Bernice, Governor Festus had Paul explain his actions before himself and some of the Jews from Jerusalem. Wanting to placate the Jews, Festus offered Paul the opportunity to return to Jerusalem and be judged there. Not wanting to go back to Jerusalem, Paul exercised his right as a citizen of Rome to be tried by the Roman court. Specifically he appealed to the authority of Cesar Augustus. In the United States, this was like making an appeal in to be heard by the Supreme Court.
26-27 … Up until this time all the Roman authorities could not find anything Paul did that was worthy of the death sentence. Since Festus had to send Paul to Rome for trial and had nothing of substance to write about, Festus was happy to have King Agrippa as a consultant.
29:1 … This time God fulfilled His Words by having the Apostle Paul bear witness to the good news of Jesus Christ to not only King Agrippa and Bernice but also to all the high ranking officers and leading men of the city.
This now brings us to the question of,
WHAT ABOUT US … THE DISCIPLES OF TODAY?
To answer this question let us first read the following summary from Jesus' sermon on the mountain,
Matthew 5:14-16
""[14] You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. [15] Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. [16] In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."
In other words, since we are born again believers in Jesus Christ, every day we should live our life under the control of the Holy Spirit. In doing so His actions and fruits coming from within us will not only bear witness to the fact that we are true born again Christians and but will also give glory and honor to God the Father.
With the above instruction in mind let us now read from,
1 Peter 3:15-16
"[15] But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, [16] keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander."
So we should not be worried or concerned about what we are to say when asked for the reason of our hope, our Lord Jesus Christ gave us this promise,
THE HOLY SPIRIT WILL BE OUR SPOKESMAN
To see this let us return to the theme of this study and read from,
Matthew 10:19-20
"[19] But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, [20] for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you."
To be sure that we correctly understand what Jesus has promised, let us read this same promise as recorded in the Gospel according to Mark,
Mark 13:11
"[11] Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit."
As we did with the first portion of this study let us now read some examples of how Jesus' words were fulfilled through His disciples. For this portion we will examine the following two incidents: (1) Peter before the Sanhedrin and (2) Stephen before the Sanhedrin.
We begin with the account of when,
THE APOSTLE PETER WAS BEFORE THE SANHEDRIN
This incident occurred after Peter and John were placed into custody for healing a lame man and bearing witness to the good news of Jesus Christ. The account of what happened when Peter and John were taken from prison and set before the ruling council of the Jewish people is recorded in,
Acts 4:5-14
"[5] The next day the rulers, elders and teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. [6] Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and the other men of the high priest's family. [7] They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: "By what power or what name did you do this?" [8] Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: "Rulers and elders of the people! [9] If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a cripple and are asked how he was healed, [10] then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. [11] He is "'the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone.' [12] Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." [13] When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. [14] But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say."
Let us notice the following verses,
5-6 … The rulers, elders, teachers of the Law and the High Priest and his family was gathered to interrogate Peter and John. Please note that these were very learned men of the Scriptures, Jewish Law and the customs and practices in and around the Temple. In other words they were a pretty intimidating group of people.
8 … When the Apostle Peter spoke he was filled with the Holy Spirit.
9-12 … Please notice that throughout Peter's discourse he gave glory, honor and praise to Jesus Christ. In other words, Peter did not glorify himself or make any excuses. His defense was all about the good news of Jesus Christ.
13-14 … The Sanhedrin realized that both Peter and John were uneducated. In fact we know that they were fishermen. However, their message and the fact that a lame man was healed and walking was too compelling for the Sanhedrin to argue against. Isn't this exactly what is recorded in the Gospel according to Luke of what would happen in circumstances such as this? To refresh our memories let us read from,
Luke 21:14-15
"[14] But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. [15] For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict."
Our second example is the account of,
STEPHEN BEFORE THE SANHEDRIN
In the church at Jerusalem Stephen, as Phillip, was one of the seven original deacons. Let us read the following excerpt of what happened to Stephen,
Acts 6:8-10
"[8] Now Stephen, a man full of God's grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people. [9] Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called)--Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia and Asia. These men began to argue with Stephen, [10] but they could not stand up against his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke."
Notice that in verse ten we are told that the members of the Jewish ruling council could not compete or successfully argue against the wisdom of the Holy Spirit speaking through Stephen.
In verses 11-14 we read that some members were induced or persuaded to say that Stephen spoke blasphemous words about God. Chapter 7 of the Book of Acts, verses 1-53, records Stephen's defense of what he taught and preached. He did this by presenting to the Sanhedrin the good news of Jesus Christ. Unfortunately for them Stephen's message was not well received. In fact Stephen's discourse so infuriated the Sanhedrin that they had him stoned to death. To see this let us read from,
Acts 7:54-60
"[54] When they heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. [55] But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. [56] "Look," he said, "I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God." [57] At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, [58] dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. [59] While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." [60] Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he fell asleep."
Let us notice the following verses,
55-56 … Stephen was full of the Holy Spirit and actually saw Jesus Christ and the glory of God.
57-58 … The ruling council could no longer cope with Stephen and what he said. Consequently, they took him outside the city and stoned him.
60 … Stephen, still full of the Holy Spirit, did not cry out to God for revenge. He did not ask God to strike or kill his accusers and those who were stoning him. No, instead, the Holy Spirit through Stephen asked God to forgive them. This is certainly something for each one of us to ponder and pray about.
This now brings us to the question of,
WHAT ABOUT US … THE DISCIPLES OF TODAY?
First of all let us not forget that,
We are Temples of God the Holy Spirit
To refresh our memories let us read from,
1 Corinthians 3:16
"[16] Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you?"
and again,
1 Corinthians 6:19
"[19] Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;"
Secondly, the Bible teaches us that,
The Holy Spirit will remind you of what Jesus said
This promise was given when Jesus was preparing His disciples for His return to Heaven. It is recorded for us in,
John 14:26
"[26] But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you."
Please remember that for us to be reminded of all what Jesus said and did we must prayerfully read and continue to read His Word, that is the Bible. In other words, as Jesus taught His disciples by talking with them, now we must be taught by the Holy Spirit through the reading of God's Word, the Bible. Then, the Holy Spirit will be able to remind us of all what Jesus said and did.
Third, the Bible also teaches us that,
The Holy Spirit will bear witness of Him
This promise was also given when Jesus was preparing His disciples for His return to Heaven and is recorded for us to read in,
John 15:26-27
""[26] When the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me. [27] And you also must testify, for you have been with me from the beginning."
In other words, the Holy Spirit living within us will prompt us to speak His Words to testify about the good news of Jesus Christ.
THE MESSAGE
What is the message of this study? Or perhaps put another way, how can we summarize all we have covered?
First of all,
THE TRUE BORN AGAIN BELIEVER IS A DISCIPLE OF JESUS CHRIST
We find this by reading what Jesus once told the believing Jews of what they are who hold to His teaching. What He said to them is recorded in,
John 8:31
"[31] To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples."
Holding to Jesus' teaching means that we not only believe in Him and what He said but we act upon that belief and do it.
Since the early church age up through today the disciples of Jesus Christ are commonly called or identified as Christians. To see this let us read from,
Acts 11:26b
"[26] … The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch."
For the next point to be made let us recall that in each and every example it was God who moved His disciples to whom and where He wanted them. In addition, it was God the Holy Spirit who spoke through them. In other words, Jesus' disciples did not plan, go or speak in their own natural power. No, instead it was God the Holy Spirit moving upon them and working through them.
Thus, the second message of this study is that,
YOUR FAITH RESTS IN GOD, NOT IN YOURSELF OR SOMEONE ELSE
To see this let us read what the Apostle Paul wrote concerning the authority of his Apostleship. It is recorded in,
1 Corinthians 2:1-5
"[1] When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. [2] For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. [3] I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. [4] My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, [5] so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power."
Let us notice the following verses,
1 … Paul did not speak eloquently or tried to impress his listeners with earthly secular intellectual wisdom and knowledge.
2 … Paul's preaching and teaching was centered and focused around Jesus Christ and what He did for you and I.
3 … Paul did not speak to his listeners in a proud or abrasive manner. He came before them trembling and in weakness. In other words, he knew the awesome task he was given to preach and teach the words of Almighty God.
4 … When Paul preached or taught he totally relied upon the power of God. This power not only manifested itself in miracles but more importantly, it manifested itself in the ability of his listeners to hear, see, understand and accept God's Holy Word.
5 … Paul's objective in all his preaching and teaching was that the faith of those who listened to him would not be in his eloquence or vast learning but in God Almighty and His power. This must be the objective of all preachers and teachers.
Is this all there is? Do we just sit around and trust God the Holy Spirit? (or) Is there something we must do?
The answer to these questions brings us to the third and final point for this study, which is,
OUR TASKS OR ACTIONS
Even though the tasks that God wants us to do has been sprinkled throughout this study they are beautifully summarized in,
2 Timothy 2:22-26
"[22] Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. [23] Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. [24] And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. [25] Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, [26] and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will."
Shall We Pray?