WHAT GOD HAS DONE THROUGH THE HOLY SPIRIT

There is a great deal of discussion today regarding the Holy Spirit. For many years there have been false doctrines taught concerning this person of Deity. Some of these false ideas have been taught by those who are in Christ. When this happens, there is sometimes the tendency to go too far in the other direction, and even to leave out or forget or deny (although without meaning to) some of what Scripture does teach concerning the subject.

In this lesson we will study a few verses in Ephesians on what God has done through the Holy Spirit. By taking only the Word of God, in its context and setting, we can be assured that we will not say something that is wrong on this subject -either by saying more than God has said, or by saying less than He has revealed.

The Holy Spirit has played a part in our salvation. He will play a part in the future in our redemption. Let us see what Paul says on this subject.

Body

I. WHAT THE SPIRIT HAS ALREADY DONE IN THE PAST: REVEALED THE PURPOSE OF GOD IN THE GOSPEL (1: 9-12).

   A. The "Mystery" (God's plan and purpose for man) was formerly hidden, but now is revealed. That is why it is called a "mystery."

   B. Part of God's purpose was that His will be revealed at this time in history. Various ages or "times" have been used by God for different acts. For example, at one "time" He delivered Israel from Egypt. At another "time" He gave the Law. At another He raised up prophets to call the people back to God's laws. At another He sent John the Baptist. In this "time" (from the resurrection and Pentecost until the end of the world) He saw fit to make known His will.

        1. The "revealing" of it was the work of the Spirit (John 14:26; 15:26; 16:13; Eph. 3:5).

        2. The "proclaiming" of it is the work of the church (Eph. 3:5-8; Matt. 28:18-20).

   C. The mystery is that all things are to be "summed up" in Christ.

        1. "Summed up." (See Outline One, I-B-2).

        2. In heaven and on earth.

        3. As a result Christians share with Christ in His glory (1:11).

II. THE WORK OF THE SPIRIT NOW: KEEPING THE CHRISTIAN (1:12-14).

   A. The order of events given.

        1. Heard the gospel.

        2. Believed (or trusted).

        3. "Sealed" with the Holy Spirit of promise (see Acts 2:38; 5:32).

   B. The Holy Spirit is a "Seal."

        1. "Seal" designates ownership. We belong to God.

        2. "Seal" designates protection. God cares for us now (see 1 Peter 1:3-5).

   C. The Holy Spirit is an "Earnest."

        1. "Earnest" = down payment, guarantee.

        2. Guarantee of our "inheritance."

            a. Until the day of redemption.

            b. To the final end that God be praised and glorified.

III. THE WORK OF THE SPIRIT IN THE FUTURE: RAISING OUR BODIES.

   A. The Day of redemption is implied here, and the exact phrase used is "the redemption of the purchased possesion" (1:14).

   B. Paul, in other places, tells more of what is meant here. Specifically, that the Holy Spirit will redeem our bodies by raising them from the dead, just as His power was instrumental in raising Christ (see Rom. 8:11, 23; 2 Cor. 4:14; 2 Cor. 1:22).

Conclusion

God works for our good through Christ and the Holy Spirit. So far as the Spirit is concerned, we have seen at least part of His work: that He (past) revealed the will of God, (present) Is a seal and earnest regarding our redemption, and (future) will act in our resurrection from the dead.

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