This is the manuscript of the third in the Christ Church's four sermon series "God's Incredible Gift of The Holy Spirit".
There are a lot of religious dropouts” in our churches today. They become dropouts because they have never established a pattern of spiritual growth. These “religious dropouts” are more than mere “statistics,” they have become spiritual casualties. Here’s what can happen to these people
They may experience a loss of faith or a weakening of their spiritual connection.
They may become more susceptible to negative influences or temptations.
They may struggle with feelings of remorse or regret over their past choices.
Often the fault lies with the church, because we fail to follow up with spiritual care and nurturing and we leave people floundering to take care of themselves!
Scripture Reading:
John 16:1-11 NIV [1] “All this I have told you so that you will not fall away. [2] They will put you out of the synagogue; in fact, the time is coming when anyone who kills you will think they are offering a service to God. [3] They will do such things because they have not known the Father or me. [4] I have told you this, so that when their time comes you will remember that I warned you about them. I did not tell you this from the beginning because I was with you, [5] but now I am going to him who sent me. None of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ [6] Rather, you are filled with grief because I have said these things. [7] But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. [8] When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: [9] about sin, because people do not believe in me; [10] about righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; [11] and about judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.
Introduction
Text:
John 16:8–11 NIV “When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me; in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned”
One of the subtle insinuations about God that Satan has whispered in the ears of men and women from the beginning of time is not that God does not exist but that he is so great, so majestic, so powerful, and thus so removed from lowly humans that there is no way he can be personally concerned and involved with us.
Satan is not challenged or bothered when we believe there is “a great God somewhere” who created everything and set life in motion with all of these natural laws that govern us. No, Satan's tactic is to slowly but surely convince people that God is not personally involved with them, that people are the masters of their own fate and the captains of their own souls, and that ultimately people will be able to manipulate and control their destiny based on their own standard of what is right and wrong.
Satan knows that when people cooperate with the Holy Spirit, there is established between them and God a permanent relationship that transcends all other human relationships and experiences.
Remember something we said when we started this series. We said that there are a lot of religious dropouts” in our churches today. They become dropouts because they have never established a pattern of spiritual growth. And we said that often the fault lies with the church, because we fail to follow up with spiritual care and nurturing and we leave people floundering to take care of themselves!
As we continue our series and The Holy Spirit's role in growing quality Christians,” we are going to explore what happens when a person cooperates with the Holy Spirit.
The world is not moved by the love or actions that we create, and the church is not empowered to live differently from any other gathering of people without the Holy Spirit. But when believers live in the power of the Spirit, the evidence in their lives is supernatural. When that happens the church cannot help but be different, and the world notices.
To experience the fullness of God's love and power, believers are called to cooperate with the Holy Spirit. This cooperation is a conscious effort to align our hearts and minds with His divine will.
Cooperating with the Holy Spirit is essential for a fulfilling and fruitful Christian life. It's like partnering with a wise and powerful guide.
I. The first thing we have to consider is the ministry of the Holy Spirit to unbelievers.
If you remember in the first sermon of this series I said that the Holy Spirit has a ministry to unbelievers. It is amazing that God, in the person of the Holy Spirit, willingly lowered Himself to the human level, so that He can approach human beings as individuals in order to reveal His love and mercy to us and show us His desire to save us from our sins.
B. Jesus said three things about the Holy Spirit’s ministry to unbelievers.
John 16:8 [8] When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment:
1. He convinces unbelievers of sin.
Notice that the word “sin” is singular. The primary sin of unbelievers that concerns God is the sin of unbelief.
To believe in the Lord Jesus doesn't only mean to agree intellectually with the Scripture that Jesus lived, died, and rose again; it means to accept the “cure” that Jesus provided for our sin in his death on the cross. Jesus' death is often described as a "ransom" paid to God for the sins of humanity. His blood is seen as a sacrifice that satisfies God's justice.
Romans 5:8 NIV But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Through His death, Jesus bridges the gap between God and humanity, making reconciliation possible. Jesus' death is seen as an act of propitiation, satisfying God's wrath and appeasing His anger towards sin.
1 John 2:2 NIV He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.
By believing in Jesus and His sacrifice, individuals are declared righteous before God, their sins forgiven. Jesus' resurrection promises eternal life to all who believe in Him.
Colossians 1:21-22 NIV [21] Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. [22] But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation—
2. The Holy Spirit reveals to unbelievers what true righteousness is.
The Holy Spirit works through nature, human conscience, and history to reveal God's nature to all people.
Romans 1:20 NIV [20] For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.
This conviction often involves a sense of guilt or unworthiness, and it can be a powerful catalyst for spiritual transformation.
It is natural for people to believe they can make themselves good by doing good deeds, by being lawful, by being kind to their neighbors, and so forth. But as commendable as these acts are, they are not good enough for God. God wants to give his own righteousness to humans—the righteousness of his Son, Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:21 NIV God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Even for those who don't yet believe, the Holy Spirit can illuminate the truth of God's Word. He can open their hearts and minds to understand the message of the gospel and the beauty of God's righteousness.
Romans 2:13-15 NIV [13] For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God’s sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous. [14] (Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law. [15] They show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts sometimes accusing them and at other times even defending them.)
The thing we must remember though is that while the Holy Spirit can reveal truth to unbelievers, salvation ultimately comes through faith in Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit's work is to draw people to Christ, not to save them apart from Jesus.
3. The Holy Spirit declares to unbelievers the truth about judgment.
The Holy Spirit can also help unbelievers understand the reality of God's justice and the consequences of sin.
Romans 6:23 NIV. [23] For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
This understanding can lead to a fear of judgment and a desire to seek forgiveness.
It is not necessary for unbelievers to “beg” God to forgive them, but to accept the fact that God has already forgiven them by accepting the death of his Son on the cross as full payment for their sin debt.
II. The ministry of the Holy Spirit to believers.
When an unbeliever cooperates with ministry of the Holy Spirit, to them then the experience of salvation takes place and the unbeliever becomes a believer in other words they are “born again”
John 3:3-8 NIV [3] Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” [4] “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!” [5] Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. [6] Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. [7] You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ [8] The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”
Up to this point the Holy Spirit has been on the outside but the most miraculous transformation in the universe takes place as one is born into the divine family of God. A new nature is implanted within the believer.
2 Corinthians 5:16-17 NIV [16] So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. [17] Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
Because the now believer has “cooperated” with the Holy Spirit in his ministry of convicting of sin and bringing to pass the new birth, three other ministries simultaneously take place; the Holy Spirit baptizes, The Holy Spirit seals, and The Holy Spirit fills.
A. The Holy Spirit baptizes.
The baptism of the Holy Spirit happens at the moment of their conversion, the former unbeliever now believer is spiritually fused, into the family of God, where believers are connected to each other and to Jesus as the head of the body.
1 Corinthians 12:12-14 NIV [12] Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. [13] For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. [14] Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.
Colossians 1:15-18 NIV [15] The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. [16] For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. [17] He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. [18] And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.
B. The Holy Spirit baptizes and at the same time seals.
Not only is the believer fused into, or baptized into his family immediately upon our salvation, but he also “seals” us with his Holy Spirit. His presence within us is the divine mark of ownership. It is the “heavenly brand” stamped indelibly on every Christian. And this seal will hold , it will not be broken until the “day of redemption.”
Ephesians 4:30 NIV And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
The “day of redemption" is the time when Christians will receive their resurrected bodies. The “day of redemption" is often associated with the Second Coming of Jesus Christ and the final judgment.
C. The Holy Spirit baptizes, He seals and He fills.
Being filled with the Holy Spirit is the experience of being controlled and empowered by the third person of the Trinity. It's a state of spiritual fullness where God's Spirit guides, influences, and empowers a believer's life.
When you are filled, The Holy Spirit takes control of your life, guiding your thoughts, words, and actions. The Spirit provides strength, wisdom, and supernatural abilities to fulfill God's purpose. The fruit of the Spirit becomes evident and produces qualities like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in the believer's life.
The experience of being filled with the Holy Spirit is accompanied by feelings of joy, peace, and a sense of God's presence. It's a continual process, not a one-time event, and requires ongoing submission to the Spirit's guidance.
Ephesians 5:15-20 NIV [15] Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, [16] making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. [17] Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. [18] Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, [19] speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, [20] always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Literally, Paul is saying, “Keep being filled” with the Spirit. It should be a daily experience for believers.
Conclusion
Cooperation with the Holy Spirit involves surrendering to His guidance, wisdom, and power.
Here are some ways to surrender:
1. Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to fill and lead you
Luke 11:13 NIV If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
2. Read and meditate on Scripture: Allow God's Word to transform your mind and heart
2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV [16] All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, [17] so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Psalms 119:105 NIV Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
3. Listen and obey: Pay attention to the Spirit's promptings and follow His leading
Romans 8:14 NIV For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.
4. Yield to His fruit and cultivate love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control
Galatians 5:22-23 NIV [22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
5. Seek spiritual gifts Desire and develop gifts like wisdom, prophecy, or service to build up others.
The Bible encourages believers to earnestly desire and pursue spiritual gifts for the edification of the church and the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 14:1 NIV Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy.
Romans 12:6-8 NIV [6] We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; [7] if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; [8] if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
6. Pursue holiness Cooperate with the Spirit's work in making you more like Christ
Romans 8:28-29 NIV [28] And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. [29] For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.
2 Corinthians 3:18 NIV [18] And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
1 Peter 1:15-16 NIV But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; [16] for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”
7. Trust and rest: Depend on the Spirit's power and guidance in all circumstances
Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV [5] Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; [6] in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Remember, cooperation with the Holy Spirit is a lifelong journey. When you surrender fully to the Spirit, Christ will be magnified, not you. Here's what Jesus said.
John 16:14-15 NIV [14] He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you. [15] All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from me what he will make known to you.”
A Prayer for Cooperation with the Holy Spirit
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your Word and for the opportunity to gather together as Your people. We praise You for the message that has been shared today, and we ask that You would help us to apply it to our lives.
Holy Spirit, we invite You to fill our hearts and minds with Your truth. Guide us as we seek to follow Your will and to live according to Your ways. Help us to overcome the temptations and obstacles that we may face.
We pray that You would strengthen our faith and deepen our relationship with You. May we be filled with Your love and peace. We ask for Your blessing upon our families, friends, and communities.
Thank You for Your faithfulness and Your love. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen
