Shall We Ask for the Spirit? -- 3/3/13

Sunday, March 3, 2013

SHALL WE ASK FOR THE SPRIT?

Luke 11:1-13

*NOTE:  I will most often be using the phrase "immersed in" rather than "baptized with."  We have talked about this in the past.  The English word "baptize" is a transliteration of the Greek "baptizo," and it does not tell us what the word means.  The Greek word means "to immerse."

            The title of the message last week was "Where's the Fire?"  I hope you listened to it -- not because I want you to listen to my preaching, but because it described where I and many of us are. We have wrapped our minds around some truths about the Holy Spirit, but we are in danger of missing what He has for us.  We have a tendency to be slowly hypnotized by that skillful trio of devil, world, and flesh until we slumber through the current crisis.  Make no mistake about it, we are in a crisis.  We have a few short days on this earth and all of eternity will be influenced by what happens in those days.  As we trust God and the power of His Spirit, we have nothing to fear, but we must understand that we can be deceived about the degree to which we are trusting Him.  The enemy can be devouring us and we not even realize it. 

            Last week we read those well-known words of Jesus from Acts 1:8, "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."  Many of us have long been taught that the Holy Spirit came upon us at our conversion, and now we are His witnesses in this world.  Surely that is good news.  But when we keep reading and see the demonstration of that power through those early disciples, we want to ask, "Where's the power?"  It doesn't seem that we are experienc-ing the power of which Jesus spoke. 

            We know that in fulfillment of this promise the Holy Spirit came upon them ten days later on the Day of Pentecost.  Go back to verse 5 and you see that Jesus described this event in the words, "You shall be immersed in the Holy Spirit not many days from now." 

I.  Scriptures -- Baptism in the Spirit

            I want to take time this morning to briefly read again the passages that speak about being baptized in the Spirit.  We read most of them last Sunday, but the repetition will not hurt us.  It is not difficult to get in our minds the seven times this phrase is used in the New Testament.  The first three are found in the first three gospel writers and are almost identical...

               Matthew 3:11..."I indeed immerse you in water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will immerse you in the Holy Spirit and fire."

               Mark 1:8... "I indeed immersed you in water, but He will immerse you in the Holy Spirit."

               Luke 3:16 "John answered, saying to all, 'I indeed immerse you in water; but One mightier than I is coming, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose. He will immerse you in the Holy Spirit and fire.'"

            In each case John said that while he immersed in water, Jesus would immerse in the Spirit ("and fire" in Matthew and Luke.  It is a little bit different in John's account.  Let's read it...

               John 1:32-33...And John bore witness, saying, "I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and He remained upon Him. I did not know Him, but He who sent me to immerse in water said to me, 'Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who immerses in the Holy Spirit.'"

            So now we see that John got his message that Jesus would immerse in the Spirit directly from God the Father Himself.  He was the One who told John this great truth. 

            Then we come back to Acts 1.  Let's read it again in Acts 1:4-5 "And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, 'which,' He said, 'you have heard from Me; 5 for John truly immersed in water, but you shall be immersed in the Holy Spirit not many days from now.'"

            So we have encountered this idea that Jesus will immerse in the Spirit five times.  While Jesus is not named as the immerser here in Acts 1:5, we know He is because John has told us three times and God the Father has told us once.  For the sixth instance we go to Acts 11.  The actual event took place in Acts 10, as Peter went to Cornelius and a house full of eager seekers and shared with them about Jesus.  Let's read about what happened in Acts 10:44-47...

While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. 45 And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Then Peter answered, 47 "Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be immersed who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?"  

            Though there is nothing mentioned specifically here about being immersed in the Spirit, we do read that the Holy Spirit fell on them and the Jewish believers noted that the Holy Spirit had been poured on those Gentiles.  In chapter 11 Peter gave an account of the event to those leaders back in Jerusalem.  What he said is recorded in...

                  Acts 11:15-17 ...  "And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, as upon us at the beginning. 16 Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said, 'John indeed immersed in water, but you shall be immersed in the Holy Spirit.' 17 If therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God?"

            Now we see again that Jesus Himself spoke about them being immersed in the Spirit.  As a matter of fact, we might translate it more literally as, "Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how He used to say, 'John indeed immersed in water, but you shall be immersed in the Holy Spirit'" (see NASV).  On a number of occasions Jesus talked about this.  And clearly Peter is saying that what happened to Cornelius and the others was nothing less than being immersed in the Spirit.

            The seventh occurrence of this phrase is found in I Corinthians.  The first six are all recorded by the gospel writers, as we know that Acts is just an extension of the book of Luke.  But now we find the phrase in Paul's first letter to the Corinthians.  It is in chapter 12, where Paul speaks of various gifts of the Spirit and then how unity and diversity in the body of Christ.  Now let's read it in...

                  1 Corinthians 12:13... "For by one Spirit we were all immersed into one body--whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free--and have all been made to drink into one Spirit."

            Some of you will notice immediately that here it is "by one Spirit" instead of "in one Spirit" or "with one Spirit."  On the surface it certainly states that this is not Jesus immersing now, but it is the Spirit doing the immersing.  However, you should understand that the word is exactly the same as in the other six occurrences.  It is the Greek word "en," which can be translated "in," "with," of "by," depending on the context.  The ESV translates it "in," but most other translations render it "by one Spirit." 

II.  Two Different Views

            There are two basic viewpoints.  We don't have time to get into the details this morning, but I would be happy to sit down and discuss the details in anyone, or we could do it as a group.  For now, let me just give you the two general views.

1.  We have all been immersed in the Spirit.  That is the same as receiving the Spirit, receiving the gift of the Spirit.  It happened at conversion.  However, we are commanded to be filled with the Spirit, as Paul later states in Eph. 5:18.  That is, we are to allow the Spirit to direct our lives and empower us to do God's will.  There is no baptism in the Spirit subsequent to conversion.  Since we were immersed in the Spirit when we were converted, we need not and cannot be immersed in the Spirit at some later time.  This view finds support in the fact that nowhere is any believer commanded to be immersed in the Spirit.

2.  While all believers have received the Spirit, there is a need for greater fullness of the Spirit.  Yes, we were all baptized into the body of Christ at conversion, but there is still a greater fullness which we as believers can enter into.  We  can refer to it as fullness of the Spirit, but the first experience of that is what John called baptism in the Spirit.  Some would say this can happen at conversion, but not necessarily so. 

            I want to be very up front with you.  I have long been taught and have long embraced the first view, that the only baptism in the Spirit took place at conversion.  I know how to explain that view and defend it.  The key question is simply this:  Is the baptism in I Cor. 12:13 the same as in the other six occurrences?  If it is, then the only baptism in the Spirit occurs at conversion, because Paul emphasizes that all believers have received this baptism.  But if they are not the same, then there is room for another baptism in the Spirit that brings greater power to the believer.  I have viewed them as being the same because the exact same words are used.

            Having said that, I am not convinced of that any more.  There are probably a number of reasons, but let me quickly give you two.  First of all, the fact that the same words are used does not automatically mean they mean the same thing.  Let me give you a biblical example of that.  When Paul uses the word "justify," he does not mean the same thing as when James uses it in chapter two of his letter.  Paul emphasizes that no one is justified by works.  James says that a man is justified by his works. 

            The second reason I am not convinced that there is no baptism in the Spirit beyond conversion is because of what I see in the lives of many servants of God.  Whatever you want to call it, men like Hudson Taylor and D. L. Moody had some kind of permanent, life-changing experience long after their conversion, even after many years of ministry.  Whatever they received at that time, there was unquestionably a new sense of power for holy living and effective service. 

III.  A Key Passage with Regard to the Spirit -- Luke 11:1-13

           

            Now without getting into a debate about those two views this morning, I would like us to settle down and look at a wonderful passage we have examined before, but we will look at it from a different angle this morning.  Consider Luke 11:13, "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him?"  Regardless of how we interpret this verse, it cannot be denied that Jesus spoke of asking for the Holy Spirit.

            This is most difficult for us because our logical minds immediately ask, "Why would I ask for what I already have?"  Yes, that is a perfectly logical question, but it does not explain why Jesus spoke of asking for the Holy Spirit.

            Now let me ask you a question:  "Suppose I prayed this prayer for _______:  'Father, I pray that Christ would dwell in _______'s heart by faith.'"  What do you think of that prayer?  How many of you think that prayer would be more appropriate for a person who isn't yet a Christian?  Why?  Because Christ already dwells in ________'s heart by faith.  When _________ came to the Lord in repentance and faith, Christ came to dwell in him.  Who can argue with that kind of thinking?  Nevertheless, that is exactly what Paul prayed for the believers at Ephesus.  Read Eph. 3:14-17,

"For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, 17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith..."  Do you see?  Though Christ already dwelt in their hearts by faith, that is exactly what Paul prayed for them.  Though Christ was dwelling in them, there must have been the possibility that their experience of the living Christ within could be much deeper and fuller than it was.  And if that was true for them, then the same is true for us.  It is appropriate for me to pray that prayer for _______ or any other believer.

            That brings us back to Luke 11:13.  Do you see the parallel?  Is it appropriate for to pray that God give me the Spirit?  Before you answer, "No," remember that we have just agreed that it is appropriate to pray that Christ dwell in our hearts, though He already dwells there. 

            Let's look again at the context of Luke 11:13.  Read Luke11:1-13...

Now it came to pass, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, that one of His disciples said to Him, "Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples." 2 So He said to them, "When you pray, say: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. 3 Give us day by day our daily bread. 4 And forgive us our sins, For we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one." 5 And He said to them, "Which of you shall have a friend, and go to him at midnight and say to him, 'Friend, lend me three loaves; 6 'for a friend of mine has come to me on his journey, and I have nothing to set before him'; 7 "and he will answer from within and say, 'Do not trouble me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give to you'? 8 "I say to you, though he will not rise and give to him because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence he will rise and give him as many as he needs. 9 "So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 10 "For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. 11 "If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? 12 "Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? 13 "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him.

            Now let's look carefully at how verse 13 fits into the context of this passage.  This asking for the Holy Spirit is in the context of...

1.  Prayer

            Jesus' disciples came to Him with a specific request.  And what was He doing when they made this request?  He was praying.  And what exactly as their request?  "Lord, teach us to pray."  And when Jesus answered, what did He say, "When you pray..."  Then He gave them what we know as the model prayer.  Many of us are more familiar with this prayer from Matthew 6, where the model prayer is a part of His Sermon on the Mount.  These are not parallel passages; Jesus gave us the model prayer on two different occasions.  They are not identical.  The wording is a bit different, but that doesn't concern us, because this isn't a formula, but simply a model.  What is clear is that it is a prayer.

2.  Genuine Need

            Now we see that verse 13 is in the context of genuine need.  When Jesus finished giving them the model prayer in answer to their specific request, He continued.  It would seem that He had sufficiently answered the question, but He had more to say.  Jesus gave them a little illustration about a man who had learned that a friend was about to arrive from a journey.  That presented a problem, because he didn't have sufficient resources to set before his friend.  His friend would need to be refreshed and nourished, but the cupboards were bare.  Apparently, he didn't have much notice.  He didn't want to disappoint his friend, so what could he do?

            Though it might not have been the ideal, the most natural thing was to go to the friend next door and see if he could borrow some supplies.  Of course, he would repay his friend later on, but his need was immediate and urgent.  He didn't have time to wait until everything opened in the morning, go out to the market, etc.  If he was going to be ready for his traveling friend, he had to act and quickly. 

            What I want us to understand is that he had a need.  He wasn't going to knock on the door of this neighbor friend for no reason or with some no-account, trivial request.  Not only did he have a need, but it was an unselfish need.  The supplies he would request were not for himself, but for another.

3.  Persistent Asking

            Now we see that Jesus' reference to asking for the Holy Spirit is in the context of persistent asking.  Follow the story.  Because he has a genuine need, this man goes out on a limb and knocks on the door of his neighbor friend at midnight.  "What do you want."  "It's Bill.  I just found out I have a friend coming in and I need to borrow some bread from you."  But the door doesn't open; instead he hears the voice from inside:  "Don't bother me now.  I have already shut the door; my whole family is bedded down; and I cannot get up and get the bread you need."  You can understand this man's reluctance to grant his request.  Remember that he couldn't just flip a switch and say, "Let there be light."  He would have to get up, get the lamp lit, tiptoe between his sleeping children, and then move one of them out of the way to give room for the door to open.  Then he would have to go and get the bread...   You get the idea.  By the time he had done all of this, everyone would be awake.  He had a hardworking family.  They rose at dawn to work in the fields, etc.  He couldn't disturb his entire family because this neighbor friend didn't have the foresight to keep some extra food on hand.

            At this point, Jesus discontinues the story and simply gives a summary of how it turned out.  That neighbor wouldn't give him his bread just because he was a friend, but because he kept on knocking, he finally got up and gave him the bread.  After a while he must have figured something like this:  "I will probably wake everyone up getting him the bread, but if I don't, he will without question wake everyone up with his persistent knocking.  Might as well get him what he wants, get it over with, and try to get back to sleep."

            Then Jesus moves from illustration to definite principle in verses 9-10, "So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened."  Literally, it is, "Keep on asking... keep on seeking... keep on knocking."  When we really need something, we don't give up after we have made one formal request.  When we really need something, we are persistent.  That's the point Jesus is making.

4.  Father-Child Relationship

            Finally, notice that verse 13 is in the context of a father-child relationship.  Let's read again verses 11-12, "If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish?  Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?"  Notice that the examples of the things a son would ask for are things that he really needs, because they are basic food items -- bread, a fish, an egg.  What parent would give him a rock?  Or slip him a snake instead of a fish?  Or suggest he take a scorpion, when he asks for an egg?  Do you get the point?  Even the worst of parents want to give their children the basic necessities of life.  Even if the father is a murderer, he will do that.  As a matter of fact, we wouldn't be surprised to see a hardened criminal make sacrifices for his own child.  He wouldn't do it for anyone else, but he would for that son or daughter.

            "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!"  These words are vitally connected to Jesus' teaching concerning prayer.  This is a request we can make in response to genuine need.   Our need for the work of the Holy Spirit is not selfish.  We have people all around us who have are without God and without hope.  Except through the work of the Spirit, we have nothing to offer them.  This is so vital that we must not be content to ask one time and forget it.  No, we must ask and keep on asking, seek and keep on seeking, knock and keep on knocking.  Praise God that we are not knocking on the door of a reluctant neighbor; we are sons and daughters of a heavenly Father who is eager to give us what is good for us.  And there is nothing better for us than the Holy Spirit.  Yes, we have the Spirit, but how we need the Spirit to pour the life of Christ through us. 

            You say, "So are we supposed to literally ask the Father for the Holy Spirit?"  Ask Him for the Holy Spirit; ask Him for working of the Spirit; ask Jesus to immerse you in the Spirit; ask the Lord to fill you with the Spirit.  Don't be concerned about your terminology.  Be concerned about your need and then ask and keep on asking.  Don't throw this passage away because you don't approve of Jesus' terminology, because it is a critical passage to help us understand our need for the work of the Spirit and the Father's willingness to make Him available.

Conclusion

            My purpose this morning is to challenge us to long for more of the Spirit.  Some of you won't like those terms.  You have heard people say, "You can't get more of the Spirit, because God gave you all of Him when you were saved.  God doesn't give the Holy Spirit on installments."  If that is your view, that's fine; I have no argument with that.  Do you long for the power of the Spirit in your life?  Are do you think you can get along fine the way things are now?

            As for me, I am content with the Lord Jesus Christ. Yes, He is all I need.  I am complete in Him, but that doesn't change the fact that I am not satisfied to stay where I am.  I am still asking, "Lord, where's the fire?  Where's the power?"  Jesus tells me to keep on asking, keep on seeking, and keep on knocking, and those commands are in the context of the Holy Spirit.

             If you are more comfortable longing for more of Jesus, great.  Jesus said, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink (literally, "keep on coming and keep on drinking").  How who believes on me, as the scripture has said, out of his innermost being will come rivers of living water" (John 7:37-38).  But even then realize that in the very next verse John tells us that Jesus was talking about the work of the Spirit.  Don't be afraid of the Spirit, for He is the Spirit of Christ.

            Brothers and sisters, let's keep on asking, keep on seeking, and keep on knocking, for everyone that asks receives, and everyone who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks the door will be opened.  

Where's the Fire? -- 2/24/13

 Sunday, February 24, 1013

WHERE'S THE FIRE?

*These notes are briefer than usual.

            Please know this morning that I am preaching first of all to me.  I'm not just saying that.  You might suggest, "Ron, if it's for you, why don't you just preach it to yourself?"  I have.  I figure I need to hear it a dozen times; you need to hear it at least once.

            Earlier we read about God on Mount Sinai... Ex. 19:17-19;  20:18-19;  24:15-17; Deut. 5:22-27

           

            Is it any wonder that Moses recorded the words that Jude read earlier:  "The Lord your God is a consuming fire" (Dt. 4:24).

            Understand that this is not an isolated passage...

                        Moses at the burning bush..... Ex. 3:1-6

                        Gideon...   Tell the story........ Judg. 6:19-21

                        David...     Tell the story........ I Chron. 21:23-26

                        Solomon/Temple...................  II Chron. 7:1-2

                        Elijah......   Tell the story......   I Kings 18:30-40

           

            The Lord God is a consuming fire. 

... Talk about fire.  It is the most destructive thing we can imagine, and yet when it is harnessed its power has been beneficial to mankind throughout history.  Our God is a consuming fire.

... "Is the Lord a tame God?  Is He safe?"  (As a lion can never be considered tame, so God is not tame.  No man can put God in a cage, much less control Him with a leash.

            This is the God of the Old Testament.  Now let's come to the New Testament.

            Read Heb. 12:18-29.......................... Our God is a consuming fire.

            The Israelites saw the glory of God on Mount Sinai.  They saw Him as a consuming fire, but that's nothing.

Heb. 12:22 -- But ye are come unto...        Our God is a consuming fire.  He is no safer today than He was at Mount Sinai.  He will not be tamed. 

- - - - - - - - - - - -

            So what do we do with that?  Does it have anything to do with the Holy Spirit?  If it has to do with God, it has to do with the Holy Spirit, for the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God, the Spirit of Christ.

           

            Will this be a study?  Or will it be more?

            Jesus will immerse in the Spirit.  All four gospel writers tell us this (rare for all four to tell us anything).  In Acts 1:4-5 Jesus Himself assures His followers that He will do so.  Furthermore, Matthew and Luke record that John's com-

plete statement about this immersion reads...

                       

Matthew 3:11... "I indeed immerse you in water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will dip you in the Holy Spirit and fire."

Luke 3:16... "John answered, saying to all, "I indeed immerse you in water; but One mightier than I is coming, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose.  He will dip you in the Holy Spirit and fire."

                                                           

            In light of the fact that John said Jesus would immerse in the Holy Spirit and fire, I have this recurring question that I cannot escape:  "Lord, where's the fire?  You said you would dip us in the Holy Spirit and fire.  I have always believed that I was immersed in the Spirit, but where's the fire?"

            Our God is a consuming fire, but where's the fire?

            Jeremiah said:  "'I will not make mention of Him, Nor speak anymore in His name.' But His word was in my heart like a burning fire Shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back, And I could not."  ...  Lord, where's the fire?

            Jer. 23:29...  " Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?" ...  But Lord, where's the fire?

            The Lord answered Elijah by fire...   But Lord, in my life where's the fire?

            Please come back to Acts 1.  Before we read it, let's read Luke 24:48-49, "And you are witnesses of these Things. 49  Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued [clothed] with power from on high."    Now let's read Acts 1:1-5...        Jesus told them He would immerse them in the Holy Spirit.  He said that when He did, they would receive power, power to testify of Him in all the world.  We like to apply that verse to ourselves, and rightly so, but where's the power?  Where's the fire?

            Our God is a consuming fire.  We know this.  Not up for debate.  We claim Him as our God, His Son as our Lord.  We would like to believe that we have been dipped in His Spirit and fire...   But where's the fire?

            I'm 60 years old; I've been a pastor in this church for over 30 years...   But where's the fire?  Where's the power?  I see little of this power in my life?  I cannot say that I have been clothed with power from on high.  I know the forms and formulas.  I can speak the biblical language.  But where's the fire?  I am conditioned by what I see around me.  Do you want to know what I did this week?  I spent my time walking among giants...  Abraham, Moses, Elijah, Paul... and then some giants of more modern times -- Hudson Taylor, D. L. Moody, R. A. Torrey, A. B. Simpson, Amy Carmichael, A. W. Tozer, Leonard Ravenhill, Paul Washer. 

            And the Word of God tells me that they were basically just like I am.  James 5:16b-18...  He was a man like I am, yet this is the man who cried out to the Lord and He answered by fire.  "O Lord, I'm a man like he was, but where's the fire?"

            What was different about these people?  They believed that God is true to His promise.  They cried out to God until He answered.  They weren't satisfied with the religious status quo, but they followed hard after God.  They spent much time alone with God.  Like Jacob, they refused to let Him go until they were blessed with His presence. 

            Blunt:  I'm His child, but I lack the fire.  I say that I believe the promise of John 7:37-39, but where are those rivers of living water? 

            Let's not be deceived.

            Jim Elliot was a young missionary, along with four young friends, to the Waodanis in Ecuador.  To the horror of many, they were all killed by the very people they sought to reach.  But that's not the end of the story.  God used their brief ministry in a powerful way.  Many of those people later came to Christ.  Before Jim Elliot went to Ecuador he wrote these words in his journal...

"He makes His ministers a flame of fire." Am I ignitable? God deliver me from the dread asbestos of 'other things.' Saturate me with the oil of the Spirit that I may be a flame. But flame is transient, often short-lived. Canst thou bear this, my soul-short life? In me there dwells the Spirit of the Great Short-Lived, whose zeal for God's house consumed Him. 'Make me Thy Fuel, Flame of God.'

            Those last words were not original with Jim Elliot.  He took those words from a poem by Amy Carmichael, who was a missionary to China.  The poem goes like this...

Flame of God

Amy Carmichael

From prayer that asks that I may be
Sheltered from winds that beat on Thee,
From fearing when I should aspire,
From faltering when I should climb higher
From silken self, O Captain, free
Thy soldier who would follow Thee.

From subtle love of softening things,
From easy choices, weakenings,
(Not thus are spirits fortified,
Not this way went the Crucified)
From all that dims Thy Calvary
O Lamb of God, deliver me.

Give me the love that leads the way,
The faith that nothing can dismay
The hope no disappointments tire,
The passion that will burn like fire;
Let me not sink to be a clod;
Make me Thy fuel, Flame of God 

            Oh that we might say, "Make me Thy fuel, Flame of God."

 

The Spirit and Assurance -- 2/17/12

Sunday, February 17, 2013

THE SPIRIT AND ASSURANCE

Rom. 8:14-16

            Please allow me to share some thoughts from my heart this morning.  I confess to you that sometimes I don't properly appreciate the gravity of sharing God's Word with His people.  It's not that I don't want to take it seriously, but I am capable of getting comfortable in routine.  Perhaps some of you struggle with the same issue in how seriously you take hearing the Word of God.  But I must say that in these days I am feeling the weight of the responsibility, especially when I consider again that I must give account as an undershepherd for the way I have watched over the souls of this flock.  I trust this is a good thing.  I can honestly say that God gives me joy, but I cannot deny that this is something that must be taken with the utmost seriousness.

            Perhaps the reason I am sensing the weight of my responsibility has something to do with where we have been lately.  Three weeks ago we baptized a new brother.  What a great joy.  Yet who can fail to be reminded that we live among many others who are in danger of having to say, "The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are saved" (Jer. 8:20).  And that is true of people right here in our midst this morning.   In other words, life is not a game for any of us; we are dealing with life and death matters day in and day out. 

            I find that truth to be especially sobering, when preaching the Word of God.  Two weeks ago we looked at those strong words in Galatians 5.  Let me read them again from Gal. 5:19-21...

Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

            We spent some time with that concept that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.  We were forced to acknowledge that this is a very strong message.  However, it is not an isolated truth that is not found throughout the New Testament.  We read a similar statement in 1 Cor. 6:9-10, "Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, 10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God."  We won't take time to read I John 3:4-10, but it is even stronger.  The force of the New Testament message is that those who have been born of the Spirit do not continue in a life of habitual sin.

            While the biblical message is clear, our own experience gives rise to some very difficult questions.  How do we define the term "practice" that we found in the NKJV of Gal. 5:21?  We know it doesn't mean that committing one of these sins on one occasion reveals that the person is not a Christian.  But if that isn't practicing these sins, then what constitutes practice?  What if I commit one of these things a half a dozen times?  And how long can a true Christian persist in committing such sins?  And what if a professing Christian is plagued by one particular sin that he can't seem to shake?  Sometimes it is referred to as "a besetting sin."  Whether it be lust or gossip or cussing or losing one's temper, does its continual presence mean that I am not a true child of God?  Those are real questions that arise in the minds of most believers.

            Having said that, I need to say something else.  I am aware that preaching on such texts as these might cause people to have doubts about their salvation.  We might say, "If unbelievers have doubts, that is good."  Yes, that's true, but what if true believers have doubts?  It is a serious thing to bring doubts into the hearts of those who are genuine children of our heavenly Father.  I can't take that lightly.  This last week I read these lines from Pastor John MacArthur...

Some lack assurance because of being under strong biblical preaching on God's holy standard. Such preaching forces people to see their sinfulness and acknowledge that the holiness of God calls them to a lofty standard of living. Is that bad? No, the pulpit should be the creator of anxious hearts. How else can it unsettle those who have false assurance? However, the consistent call to righteousness may unsettle some Christians, particularly those who are frequently succumbing to temptations.  (Sermon:  A Believer's Assurance:  A Practical Guide to Victory Over Doubt.  Find at http://www.gty.org/resources/positions/P17/a-believers-assurance-a-practical-guide-to-victory-over-doubt)

            We want to be sensitive to our tender consciences, but if we are not careful, we can have such a fear of causing doubt that we shy away from the truth of scripture.  God's Word is not designed to always make us feel good.  Remember that "all scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" (II Tim. 3:16).  An important function of God's Word is to point out sin and bring us to correction.  There are times when the process may cause a person to doubt his salvation.  And remember that the Bible itself leaves room for doubt, because Paul says, "Examine yourself as to whether you are in the faith" (II Cor. 13:5).  Though we don't want to be consumed with self-examination, there is a definite place for it.  Rather than denying doubt, we care called on to deal with doubt.

            So does the Holy Spirit have any role in this process?  Absolutely.  Perhaps that brings to your mind a passage we have looked at before.  Let's read again Rom. 8:14-16, "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, 'Abba, Father.' 16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God."  What a wonderful passage of assurance -- led by the Spirit of God, blessed by the Spirit of adoption, witnessed to by the Spirit Himself.  Add to that those glorious words from later in the chapter -- Rom. 8:28-38...

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. 29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. 31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? 33 Who shall bring a charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written: "For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter." 37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

            This morning let's look at three sources of assurance.  I realize that we are only scratching the surface, but I believe it will help us to think along these lines.  As our thinking is stimulated, we can expand these ideas in personal conversations and perhaps in our Wednesday evening meeting. 

I.  Assurance through Faith

            "For by grace are you saved through _______" (Eph. 2:8).  We know it well -- we are saved by grace through faith.  Paul goes on to say that it isn't by any works on our part.  If that were the case, there would be room for boasting.  In I Corinthians 1 Paul emphasizes the fact that God chooses the weak and the foolish and the base, that no one can ever boast in His presence (I Cor. 1:26-31).  Our part in justification, the initial stage of salvation, is faith, and even that faith is a gift from God. 

            But as you well know, that is only the beginning of salvation.  Though Paul speaks of being saved in the past in Eph. 2:8, other scriptures make it clear that we are being saved in the present (sanctification), and one day will come the ultimate completion of our salvation (glorification).  That presents a question:  If we were initially justified through faith, then how are we sanctified?  To put it another way, if we were saved by faith in the first place, how do we remain saved? 

            Let me pause right here.  We are not going to deal with the issue of whether or not a person can lose his salvation.  We have dealt with it in the past, and we will certainly deal with it in the future, but we don't have time to adequately do so this morning.  We teach without apology that salvation is of God and the God who saves is the God who keeps.  However, we also acknowledge that there are genuine and sincere brothers and sisters who believe that we can lose our salvation, and we can have blessed fellowship with those brothers and sisters.  But understand this morn-ing that I am operating from the conviction that we cannot lose our salvation.  I trust that you will not lump me in with those who say we can trust Christ for salvation and then live any way we want to.  That is a perversion of the truth.  Those who are saved will persevere in faith.          

            And that brings us back to the term "faith."  Please turn to I Peter.  Let's read I Pet. 1:3-9...

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 8 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 receiving the end of your faith--the salvation of your souls.

            What a beautiful picture.  Peter moves from initial salvation in verse 3, when he speaks of us being born again, and then moves to ultimate and final salvation in verse 9.  The life in between is a life of joy, even though it includes some not-so-gentle testing along the way.  But how does a Christian stay the course from conversion to glory?  We are told in verse 5, "Who are kept by the power of God."  Praise God!  There is an incorruptible and undefiled and unfading inheritance laid up for us in heaven.  We can trust God to keep the inheritance for us, but can we trust Him to keep us for the inheritance?  Absolutely.  He who has the power to save us has the power to keep us.  But that isn't the end of the story.  How does He keep us?  "Who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed at the last time."  God doesn't keep us apart from faith, but through our faith.  This idea that a person can confess Christ, totally abandon the faith, and still go to heaven is not the faith of the New Testament.  God keeps us by continuing to stir up faith within us.

            Make no mistake, this continuing faith is the work of the Spirit.  Let's go back up to the opening words of I Peter 1.  I Pet. 1:1-2, "Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied."  The Spirit sanctified us, in that He set us apart unto God, but His work is a continuing work.  The work of setting us apart will not be complete until we meet Jesus face to face.  Sanctification is the Spirit's work, but He does not continually set us apart by pushing some heavenly button.  Rather, He works in us in such a way that our greatest joy is to continue to put our faith in Jesus, to trust our heavenly Father in all circumstances.  God keeps us by His power, which works through our Spirit-initiated faith.

            When we trust our Father, our assurance grows.  If you want to be assured of your salvation, trust God.  Of course, we have a tendency to make faith some mysterious fuzzy thing over which we have no control.  I have heard people say, "I wish I had faith, but I just don't."  Jesus commands faith.  Mark 11:22, "So Jesus answered and said to them, 'Have faith in God.'"  If you have the Spirit, you have the capacity to trust God.  And when you do, you will find assurance growing within you. 

            Surely it isn't a difficult thing to trust God.  You trusted Him to save you; now trust Him to keep you.  Trust Him to direct your steps day by day.  "He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?" (Rom. 8:32). 

            Assurance comes through faith.

II.  Assurance through Obedience

            Come back to Rom. 8:16, "The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God."  So how does the Spirit do that?  How does He bear witness with our Spirit that we are children of God?  Quite a number of people have pointed out that the Spirit accomplishes this task by revealing His work in us.  In other words, the Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God by producing certain marks within us that are characteristic of true believers.  One of those marks is obedience.  To put it bluntly, if you obey God, that is the Spirit bearing witness that you are a child of God.  This is consistent with those simple words of Jesus, "If you love me, keep my commandments" [or, "If you love me, you will keep my commandments"] (John 14:15). 

            We could turn to dozens of scriptures that speak about obedience, but let's turn to I John.  Before we read from chapter 2, let me just remind you that this letter has special relevance to the question of assurance, for it was written for the very purpose of giving assurance to the believer.  I John 5:12-13, "He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. 13 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God."  One commentator entitles his work:  The Tests of Life (Robert Law).  That is an appropriate title because I John is full of tests by which a believer may look at his life and evaluate whether or not he is truly a believer.  It contains marks of the true Christian.

            One of those tests, and the one which in a certain sense embraces all the others, is the test of obedience.  Let's read it in I John 2:3-6...

Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. 4 He who says, "I know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. 6 He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.

            As we think about this test of obedience, we immediately see how appropriate and how necessary it is.  It reinforces the truth we know well:  Not everyone who professes to know God through Jesus Christ is a true Christian.  To say that you know Jesus while disobeying Him is nothing short of a lie.  At the same time, these words can give occasion to some very serious questions.  But I don't always keep His commandments.  Sometimes I disobey.  And I certainly fall short of walking as Jesus walked.  Does this mean that I don't really know Him?  How perfectly do I need to obey Him?  How closely must my lifestyle approach that of Jesus?  These are basically the same questions we asked about the "practice" of the works of the flesh in Gal. 5:21.

            First of all, let me again be clear that this is not talking about a single act of disobedience, or even isolated instances of disobedience.  Rather, it speaks of a lifestyle of disobedience.  Notice the context here in I John.  Let' read 1 John 1:6, "If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth."  That is very much parallel to what we read here in 2:3-6.  Then in verses 8-10 John makes it clear that we are not to deny the presence of sin in our lives.  Rather, we are to confess our sins.  When we do, God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (9). 

            Now come to 2:1, "My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin..."  This construction is different than what we find in 2:3-6.  Here John is exhorting us not to commit a single sin.  That is our goal.  But read the end of the verse:  "And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate [Helper, Comforter, One called alongside; same word that is used of the Holy Spirit in John 14] with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous" (2:1b).  We don't want to sin, but sometimes we mess up and sin against our God.  Praise God that He forgives us because Jesus, the propitiation for our sins, went to the cross and bore the wrath of His Father in our place.  But verses 3-6 then remind us that we must not be deceived.  If we claim to know the Lord while continuing to live a life of disobedience toward Him, we do not belong to Him.

            Looking at this passage helps us to see that obedience and disobedience go deeper than just action; they include attitude.  Has anyone here ever hurt someone else unintentionally?  The last thing in the world you wanted to do was hurt that person, and yet you did it and you can't take it back.  It hurts you to know that you hurt him or her.  That is altogether different that deliberately causing such hurt.  That's kind of the way it is with obedience and disobedience.  What is the attitude of your heart?  When you sin, does it break your heart?  Do you truly desire not to sin against the One who redeemed you? 

            Or look at it another way?  Are you growing in obedience?  Though you still sin, are you overcoming certain sins in your life?  Are you finding greater joy in walking with the Lord?  Do you find an attitude of love flooding you, even when others mistreat you?  These are strong reasons for assurance.

            At this point, let's be clear on the fact that there is a difference between truly being saved and having assurance that you are saved.  This is the fallacy of always looking to past experience for assurance.  Assurance that has nothing to do with the present is false assurance.  I grew up with the attitude that said, "If you ever doubt your salvation, you just take that old devil back to the day when you gave your life to Jesus."  That is not the way we examine ourselves to see if we are in the faith.  Biblical assurance looks to our present relationship with the Lord.  And as we long to obey Him and find that our obedience is increasing, we gain assurance, knowing that it is only because the Spirit of the Lord is working in us.

            So the Spirit bears witness with our Spirit that we are the children of God by giving us a longing to obey our Lord and enabling us to progress in that life of obedience.  Of course, that obedience goes hand in hand with the other tests of I John, such as love for the brethren.  We are to obey the command, "Love one another."

           

III.  Assurance through Worship

            We have seen that Spirit testifies to our adoption as children by producing in us the kind of life that is characteristic of God's children.  However, when I read this passage in Romans 8, that is not the first thing that comes to my mind.  Please read with me again Rom. 8:14-16, "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, 'Abba, Father.' 16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God."   When I read that passage, I get the idea that the Holy Spirit is going to do more than give me an indirect witness through certain characteristics in my life.  I am expecting Him to directly testify with my spirit that I am a child of God.

            Remember that Paul was writing this letter to the church at Rome.  Adoption was very common in Roman society.  When an adoption took place, there was a requirement that seven official witnesses had to be present.  Why?  Think about it.  Suppose the parents die.  Some of the natural born children may not want to share the inheritance with the adopted child.  What is to stop them from claiming that he is not a true son in the family?  Seven witnesses come forth and testify to the fact that he was officially and legally adopted into the family and has the same right to inheritance as the rest of the children.

            In the same way, the Holy Spirit bears witness that the Father has adopted us as His children.  We ourselves may sometimes doubt that this adoption is real.  Our mind may play tricks on us.  But praise God that the Spirit Himself does indeed bear witness with our spirit that we are children of God.  How does He do it?  By raising from deep within us this voice that cries out, "Abba, Father."  That term "Abba" is an Aramaic word that is somewhat kin to our word "Daddy."  While "Father" identifies the official family relationship, "Abba" is a term of affection.  The Holy Spirit works within our spirit in such a way that we cry out, "Abba, Father."

            On the bulletin table we have some copies of a little piece called, "The Exchanged Life."  It is a letter that Hudson Taylor, missionary to China, wrote to his sister.  In that letter he describes how discouraged and desperate he had become.  If you read all of it, you will see how he explains the wonderful victory he found in Christ, but that was only after some desperate times.  In that context, I won't to read a few lines from that letter...

Then came the question, “Is there no rescue? Must it be thus to the end — constant conflict and, instead of victory, too often defeat?”  How, too, could I preach with sincerity that to those who receive Jesus, "to them He gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12) (i.e., to become Godlike) when it was not so in my own experience?  Instead of growing stronger, I seemed to be getting weaker and to have less power against sin; and no wonder, for faith and even hope were getting very low.  I hated myself; I hated my sin; and yet I gained no strength against it.  I felt I was a child of God; His Spirit in my heart would cry, in spite of all, “Abba, Father."

            Praise God for the indirect witness of the Spirit, as He stirs faith within us, leads us to obedience, opens the scriptures to us, but we can also praise Him for the times when He gives direct witness by producing within us the attitude that cries, "Abba, Father."  Such an attitude might rise at any time, but surely there is no better time than when we come to worship the God who has adopted us as His sons and daughters. 

            Jesus said to the woman at the well and Jesus says to us, "But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. 24 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth"  (John 4:23-24).  When we worship the Father in Spirit and in truth, surely the Spirit will cry out with our spirit, "Abba, Father."  "O come, let us worship and bow down.  Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.  For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture and the sheep of His hand" (Ps. 95:6-7).  That's not just a song; it's a song from the very words of scripture.  It is the Lord's invitation to His people, and surely His Spirit within us will answer when we respond to that precious invitation.

            I'm not just talking about our time to worship the Lord together; I'm talking about how we as individual believers have the privilege of worshiping our Father.  Even experiences of worship can be deceiving, but such deception is far less likely when we are alone with the Lord.  Brothers and sisters, He created us for worship.  We have no higher calling than to worship Him who sent His Son to redeem us.  As Mary looked away from even the good things that she could have done and sat at Jesus' feet, may we come humbly to kneel at His feet and give Him glory. 

            Brothers and sisters, if we lack assurance, let us come directly to the throne of God and worship Him who is worthy.  What can dispel doubt more effectively than proclaiming from our hearts, "Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power...  Amen!  Blessing and glory and wisdom; thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever.  Amen!" (Rev. 4:11; 7:12).  If He doesn't answer immediately, then let us linger in His presence.  Perhaps that is what He is waiting for, for us to long for Him more than anything else in this world.  This is who we are -- worshippers of the true and living God.  "One thing have I desired of the Lord -- that will I seek:  That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple" (Ps. 27:4).  One thing is needful.  Like Mary, may we choose that good part , which will not be taken away from us.

Conclusion

            If you read the scripture, and that reading of the Word of God causes you to doubt, makes you wonder if you really belong to Him, don't deny that doubt.  Deal with it.  "Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith" (II Cor. 13:5).  Don't put your stock in a past experience, but look to Him who is the author of all genuine saving experiences.  Our God is big enough to handle our doubts.  Come to Him with an honest heart, and you will never be disappointed.

            If you want to be assured of your salvation, trust God.  You say, "But I can't trust Him."  If you are His child, you can trust Him.  But you don't feel like trusting Him.  Then turn to His precious Word and read His promises.  Ps. 2:12, "Blessed are all they that put their trust in Him."  Ps. 40:4, "Blessed is the man that maketh the Lord his trust..."  Jer. 17:7, "Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord."  Think on those precious promises.  Then let us hear the sweet counsel our Lord gives us:  "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not to your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths" (Prov. 3:5-6).  Read it aloud.  Then talk to the Lord about it.  Ask Him to stir up that faith within you.  As you do, know that the Spirit will undertake that work that you cannot accomplish on your own.

            If you lack assurance, obey what you know to be the will of the Lord.  Don't let the immensity of your past disobedience paralyze you.  Start with what you know to obey, and in the power of His Spirit obey.  As I listened to those sisters sing at the beginning of the service, I sensed a certain assurance in those heart-felt words...

                        I'll say, Yes, Lord, Yes, to your will and to your way.

                        I'll say, Yes, Lord, Yes; I will trust you and obey. 

                        When your Spirit speaks to me, with my whole heart I'll agree,

                        And my answer will be Yes, Lord, Yes.

In the times of deepest confusion and discouragement, let us say, "Yes, Lord, Yes."

            Brother or sister, if you are doubting, if your heart is cold, get away and be alone with your Lord.  I know of nothing more important.  Set aside significant time to just be with Jesus.  Set your heart to worship your Father in Spirit and in truth, because that is what He is seeking.

            With love, I want to simply say this:  You may not be trusting the Lord, obeying the Lord, or worshiping the Lord, and you may still be His child... but don't expect to know true biblical assurance.  Don't rest on the fact that you had some experience in the past, because our God is Lord of the present.  The good news is that we can know we are His children.  Surely He wants us to rejoice in such knowledge.  And when we are praising God that we know Him, we will long to make Him known.