The Holy Spirit – Evidence of the Holy Spirit [2]

The Holy Spirit has many purposes in the lives of believers. One of the main purposes of the Holy Spirit, however, is to make the Christian a powerful witness for the Gospel:

But ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you; and ye shall be witnesses unto me...to the uttermost part of the earth.   Acts 1:8

The true evidence of the baptism of the Holy Spirit was visible immediately in the life of the Apostle Peter. Before the Day of Pentecost, he had fearfully denied that he knew Jesus. After his baptism in the Holy Spirit, Peter stood and gave a powerful witness to the Gospel that resulted in the salvation of 3,000 people.

It was the power of the Holy Spirit in the early church that resulted in the spread of the Gospel throughout the world. The book of Acts is a record of this powerful witness which was evidence of baptism in the Holy Spirit.

THE PHYSICAL SIGN

The Holy Spirit is invisible to the natural eye. He was compared to the wind by Jesus:

 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. John 3:8

Although the wind is invisible, the effects it produces can be seen and heard. When the wind blows the dust rises from the ground, the trees all bend in one direction, leaves rustle, the waves of the sea roar, and clouds move across the sky. These are all physical signs of the wind. So, it is with the Holy Spirit. Even though He is invisible, the effects which the Holy Spirit produces can be seen and heard.

There’re three places in the New Testament where we’re told what happened when people were baptized in the Holy Spirit:

v DAY OF PENTECOST:   

Acts 2:2-4 is the record of what happened on the day of Pentecost:

And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.  And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.  And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Acts 2:2-4

   v HOUSE OF CORNELIUS:

Acts 10:44-46 is the record of what happened when Peter preached the Gospel to a man named Cornelius and his family:

While Peter yet spoke these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.  And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.  For[because] they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God...   Acts 10:44-46

   v CONVERTS AT EPHESUS:

Acts 19:1-6 describes what happened to the first group of converts at Ephesus:

And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.  And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.  Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.  When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues and prophesied. Acts 19:6

    ü    A COMMON SIGN: THE TONGUES

As we compare these passages there is one physical sign which is common to all three: Those who received the baptism of the Holy Spirit spoke with other tongues. Other supernatural signs of the Holy Spirit were mentioned, but none of these were evident on all three occasions.

On the day of Pentecost there was the sound of a rushing wind and visible tongues of fire were seen. These were not recorded on the other two occasions. At Ephesus the new converts prophesied. This is not mentioned as having occurred on the day of Pentecost or in the house of Cornelius.

The one outward sign which the apostles observed in the experience of Cornelius and his household was that they spoke with tongues. This physical sign was proof to the disciples that this family had been baptized in the Holy Spirit. From these Biblical records we conclude that the physical sign of speaking in tongues through the power of the Holy Spirit confirms that a person has been baptized in the Holy Spirit.

The sign of "tongues" can be languages known to man. This is what happened on the day of Pentecost:

 . . . And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold are not all these which speak Galilaeans?  And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?    Acts 2:7-8

Tongues can also be a language not known to man. This is called an unknown tongue:

For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.  1 Corinthians 14:2

     ü    PURPOSES FOR TONGUES

The sign of tongues received through baptism in the Holy Spirit has many purposes in the lives of believers. In 1 Corinthians 14 we find many purposes of speaking in tongues:

    ·        Prayer to God: Verse 2

    ·        Self-edification: Building up yourself and increasing spiritual knowledge: Verse 4

    ·        When interpreted they edify the church: Verses 12-13

    ·        Intercession: Verse 14 (See also Romans 8:26-27)

    ·        Sign to unbelievers: Verse 22

    ·        Fulfillment of prophecy: Verse 21 (See also Isaiah 28:11-12)

    ·        Praise: Verses 15, 17

 

    ü    OBJECTIONS TO TONGUES

 Some people object to speaking in tongues. These are some of the objections they raise:

    ·        EVERY CHRISTIAN HAS THE HOLY SPIRIT:   

One of the most common objections is that every Christian receives the Holy Spirit when he is converted...He does not need any further experience to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit. But consider the examples of people in the New Testament who were true believers. The apostles had repented of their sins and believed Jesus was the Messiah. They had witnessed personally and accepted as true the facts of His death, burial, a resurrection. Jesus told His followers:

 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you; but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. Luke 24:49

He also said:

For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. Acts 1:5

The promised experience of being baptized in the Holy Ghost came on the day of Pentecost:

And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Acts 2:4

Although the apostles were already Christians it was not until the day of Pentecost that they were filled with [baptized in] the Holy Spirit. 

The people of Samaria heard the Gospel preached. They believed and were baptized in water, but they had not received the Holy Spirit:

Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:  Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:  (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus).  Then laid they their hands on them and they received the Holy Ghost.  Acts 8:14-17

The people of Samaria received water baptism through the ministry of Philip. They received the Holy Spirit through the ministry of Peter and John. Receiving the Holy Spirit was a separate experience from receiving salvation.

Acts 19:1-6 describes how Paul went to the city of Ephesus and met people described as "disciples". The first question Paul asked was, "Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed?"

If people received the Holy Ghost when they received the word of God it would be foolish for Paul to ask this question. The fact that he asked it makes it clear that people become believers without receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Even if a person receives the baptism of the Holy Spirit at the same time he is converted, it is still a separate experience.

The ministry of the Holy Spirit can be observed from the very creation of the world. The Old Testament speaks of the Holy Spirit coming on Israel's spiritual leaders. The Holy Spirit is also operative in the life of a sinner to bring him to Christ.

But these ministries of the Holy Spirit are different from being baptized with the Holy Spirit. Jesus made that clear when He said:

Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know Him: for He dwelleth with you [presently], and shall be in you [in the future].  John 14:17

The Holy Spirit was with the disciples at that time, but not yet in them. They were filled [baptized] with the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost.

The Holy Spirit is WITH the sinner to draw him to Jesus Christ. But this is not the same as being IN him.

In Old Testament times the power of the Holy Spirit came upon spiritual leaders at special times. In the New Testament this power was given permanently to believers.

The Holy Spirit was WITH the spiritual leaders of Old Testament times. But He was not yet IN them. This is the difference between the Old and New Testament ministries of the Holy Spirit.

·        DO ALL SPEAK WITH TONGUES? 

Another objection to tongues has come through misunderstanding of a question of Apostle Paul. In 1 Corinthians 12:30 he asks, "Do all speak with tongues?" The answer to his question is "No, all do not speak with tongues." But Paul is not speaking here of the experience of being baptized in the Holy Spirit. The discussion concerns gifts of the Holy Spirit.  

Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.  And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. 1 Corinthians 12:27-28

Apostle Paul is speaking of gifts which may be used by members of the church. One of the gifts of the Holy Spirit is "diversities of tongues".   It is an ability to give special messages to the church in tongues through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Although everyone experiences the sign of tongues when baptized in the Holy Spirit, not everyone receives the special gift of diversities of tongues.

    ·        FEAR: 

Some believers won’t seek the baptism of the Holy Spirit because they’re afraid they’ll receive an experience that is not of God. But the Bible says:

 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you; For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.  Or what man is there of you whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?  Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?  If ye then being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask Him?   Matthew 7:7-11

If a believer asks God for something, just like a good earthly Father, God will not let him receive anything that will harm him.

    ·        EMOTIONAL EXPERIENCE: 

Another objection to tongues is that it is an emotional experience. Many believers who receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit emphasize their own emotional reactions to the experience.

Man is an emotional creature. Conversion to Jesus Christ does not eliminate a man's emotions. He will still experience joy and sorrow. Conversion frees man's emotions from the control of sin. It redirects these emotions to worship of God.

The word "joy" in Scripture is closely associated with the Holy Spirit. In Acts 13:52 we read that "the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost." Some people react with great emotion to the joy which comes with the baptism of the Holy Spirit because they are naturally more emotional than others. They may shout, laugh, or experience sensations in their physical bodies.

But these emotional reactions are not the sign of baptism in the Holy Spirit. The confirming sign is speaking in tongues. The evidence is power. There’s nothing wrong in showing great emotion such as laughing, shouting, dancing, etc. in response to being baptized in the Holy Spirit. How one reacts emotionally to the joy this experience brings is often related to his individual emotions.

So, there is no criticism toward those who have joyful, emotional reactions to the Holy Spirit. The Bible records emotional reactions of those who had a powerful experience with God. People trembled, fell prostrate on the ground, shouted, rejoiced, and danced before God.

It is interesting to observe the emotional reaction of people to various athletic events. They will yell, laugh, jump up and down, and express much excitement over a sports game. How much more excited we should be over a gift like the Holy Spirit which accomplishes so many purposes in our lives, brings great joy, and equips us with power to reach the world with the Gospel?

The Psalmist David agreed. He presents a picture of joyful, loud, emotional worship of God:

O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.  Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto Him with psalms.  For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods.   Psalms 95:1-3

Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet; praise Him with the psaltery and harp.  Praise Him with the timbrel and dance; praise Him with stringed instruments and organs.  Praise Him upon the loud cymbals; praise Him upon the high-sounding cymbals.  Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord.   Psalms 150:3-6

You don’t have to fear that baptism in the Holy Spirit will cause you to do something improper or lose control of yourself.

Apostle Paul said there were times to "keep silent" and "hold your peace" in regards to speaking in tongues (I Corinthians 14). He would not make these statements if the Holy Spirit caused people to be out of control.

The Bible says:

 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.   1 Corinthians 14:32

This means that any gift God gives is subject to or under the control of the user. God does nothing improper for...

...God is not the author of confusion, but of peace...  1 Corinthians 14:33

Sermonette

The Holy Spirit – Are You Spirit filled? [1]

 

If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much 

more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? 

Luke 11:13

 Did you know that God’s Spirt is a great and precious commodity – it’s the treasure within us and because it is a treasure, we should diligently strive not to grieve His spirit:

And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Ephesians 4:30

 The bible tells us that we:

. . . shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.  Acts 1:8

So, let’s talk about this precious spirit – it’s purpose and its ministry.  Just a little overview before we delve into it.  The Bible speaks of four different baptisms of which the holy spirit is one.  There is also the:

      ·        The baptism of suffering experienced by Jesus

      ·        The water baptism performed by John the Baptist

      ·        Christian baptism in water and of course the one we’re going to speak on today:

      ·        Baptism of the Holy Spirit.

The word "baptize" means to completely immerse or submerge in something.

After the resurrection and prior to His return to Heaven, Jesus gave important instructions to His followers:

And behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem until ye be endued with power from on high.   Luke 24:49

The promise to which Jesus referred was the Holy Spirit:

And I will pray the Father and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you for ever;  Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him; but ye know Him; for He dwelleth with you and shall be in you.  I will not leave you comfortless. John 14:16-18

This wasn’t a new promise. The gift of the Holy Spirit had been promised since Old Testament times:

 ...for with stammering lips and another tongue will He speak to this people.  To whom He said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest, and this is the refreshing...   Isaiah 28:11-12

And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.  Joel 2:28-29

There are seven passages in the New Testament where the word "baptize" is used in relation to the Holy Spirit. Four of these are the words of John the Baptist recorded in the Gospels:

I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire.  Matthew 3:11

I indeed have baptized you with water: but He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost. Mark 1:8

John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose; He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire.  Luke 3:16

And I knew Him not: but He that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending and remaining on Him, the same is He which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.  John 1:33

Jesus also spoke of the baptism of the Holy Ghost:

For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.  Acts 1:5

When Peter spoke of events which took place in the home of Cornelius, he quoted the words of Jesus:

Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that He said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.   Acts 11:16

Apostle Paul also used the word "baptize" in relation to the Holy Spirit:

For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.  1 Corinthians 12:13

The conclusion here is that we are to be clothed, endowed, submersed – how about this – FILLED with God’s spirit!  The use of the phrase "to baptize into" the Holy Spirit is the same as used to describe Christian baptism in water. In both cases baptism is an outward confirmation of an inward spiritual experience.

God’s Spirit was poured out during a time of Jewish observance called the feast of Pentecost.  His Spirit came down from Heaven and completely immersed [baptized] believers assembled in the upper room of a house in Jerusalem. They had been waiting or "tarrying" for His coming as they had been instructed to do by Jesus. Peter said this experience was the fulfillment of God's promise,

“In the last days...I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh".   Acts 2:17

 This promise was given by the prophet Joel:

 And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions;  And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.  Joel 2:28-29

Male and female, young and old were to be included in this outpouring of the Holy Spirit. They were to prophesy, dream dreams, and see visions. God's Spirit was to empower both servants [men] and handmaidens [women]. On the day the Holy Spirit was poured out, Peter said:

Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.  For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.  Acts 2:38-39

Peter's words revealed that the promise of the Holy Spirit was:

·        A national promise:                          "Unto you" [the Jewish people].

·        A family promise:                            "Your children".

·        A universal promise:                      "To all that are afar off".

It was for everyone; not just a few select people.  Receiving God’s spirit is a wondrous thing but it comes with some suffering.  Peter let us know that following after Jesus would involve suffering. 

Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; 1 Peter 4:1

Jesus had already told the disciples that they would be persecuted for His name sake:

But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake.  Luke 21:12

When you combine that with the everyday situations of life, money, finances, spouses, jobs, children, etc. trying to live a Godly life in accordance to the word of God can indeed be uncomfortable if not downright stressful.  But God, in His infinite love and wisdom, knew that we could not survive this journey without some supernatural assistance.  The children of Israel in their wilderness experience bears witness to this.  When they didn't feel the power of God’s presence, they quickly forgot Him.  They had all types of sacrifices they were to perform to pardon them from sin.  But, with the final blood sacrifice of Jesus, we no longer have to perform this type of ritual.  God provides us with power from on high so that we never forget who we are and to whom we belong.

Jesus made an important promise to His followers regarding spiritual power:

But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:  John 15:26

The power of the Gospel and the power of God’s Spirit are two key principles in understanding the Biblical concept of power. Experiencing both is necessary to receive spiritual power. It’s a vital spiritual experience which we must receive. It’s the power of God’s Spirit promised by Jesus.  Jesus told His followers He would. . .

. . . pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you forever;  Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him; but ye know Him; for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.  John 14:16-17

The Holy Spirit would "endue" or literally "clothe" the disciples in spiritual power:

And behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. Luke 24:49

Note that this great spiritual power was to be experienced AFTER receiving the Holy Spirit:

But yet shall receive power, AFTER that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.  Acts 1:8

The Holy Spirit is power:

But God hath not given us the SPIRIT of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7

And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of Him through all the region round about.  Luke 4:14

That "spirit of power" is the Holy Spirit:

How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with Him. Acts 10:38

When we receive the promise of the comforter, we are filled with power; power to:

            ·        overcome the enemy
      ·        live a Godly life
      ·        to witness the gospel of Jesus
      ·        love the way God loves
      ·        to forgive others and ourselves

This promise was not just for the disciples, it’s for all mankind.  If you’ve given your life to God and not received His Holy Spirit in your life, do as the disciples did, pray for the Holy Spirit to fall on you.

And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.  And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.  And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.  And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.  Acts 2:1-4

As some would have you believe, this was not just an occurrence that was exclusive to the disciples in the upper room.  A great crowd gathered and wanted to know what was going on.  After Peter explained what was happening and the reason for it, the crowd asked what should they do.  Peter said:

. . . Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.   Acts 2:38-39

Be sure to come back next week where we’ll be discussing the evidence of God’s spirit in our life!

Sermonette

The Fruit of True Repentance [6]

 
 
This is the last in the series on a look at the fruit of true repentance.  We discussed the steps the Israelites took in Nehemiah chapters 8-10 as they repented for their wrong doing.  We covered the first 3 in the previous post and now, we’ll cover the last step.  We can use their account of how they repented; the action that they took as evidence of their repentance. 

One of the things they did was hear the word of God, as should we, and commit it to our hearts and then apply it to our lives. 
 
v    a Commitment to God’s Word [knowing & submitting]
And the rest of the people, separated themselves from the people of the lands unto the law of God, their wives, their sons, and their daughters, every one having knowledge, and having understanding;  Nehemiah 10:28
 
v    a commitment to Fearing God [Reverence/respect] and
They clave to their brethren, their nobles, and entered into a curse, and into an oath, to walk in God's law, which was given by Moses the servant of God, and to observe and do all the commandments of the Lord our Lord, and his judgments and his statutes;  Nehemiah 10:29

Not only did they know and undersand God’s word, they committed following God’s Word and to demonstrate how serious they were, they also put themselves under a curse if they failed to follow it.

v    a Commitment to Holiness:  Another focus of the believers’ life and evidence of true repentance is the practice of holiness. Discipline is a major aspect of our sanctification, as we confront temptation and opportunities to sin.  Where do we see this commitment in Israel? Look at what they committed to:  The rest of the people—priests, Levites, gatekeepers, singers, temple servants and all who separated themselves from the neighboring peoples for the sake of the Law of God, together with their wives and all their sons and daughters who are able to understand… We promise not to give our daughters in marriage to the peoples around us or take their daughters for our sons. When the neighboring peoples bring merchandise or grain to sell on the Sabbath, we will not buy from them on the Sabbath or on any holy day. Every seventh year we will forgo working the land and will cancel all debts.   Nehemiah 10:30-31
 
We’re going to continue adding to those fruits today.  Still looking at the children of Israel in the account found in Nehemiah; chapters 8-10, the last one is:

        √         A Commitment to the House of God
Also we made ordinances for us, to charge ourselves yearly with the third part of a shekel for the service of the house of our God; Nehemiah 10:32   

As fruit [evidence] of their repentance, the people of God committed to support the ministry of the temple in four different ways.
            ·     The temple tax:  (Nehemiah 10:32–33). The annual census of the people twenty years of age and older was accompanied by the collecting of a half-shekel tax to be used to support the ministry of the house of God (Ex. 30:11–16).

Israel’s commitment to the house of God reminds us of our need to support the work of the Lord with our finances.  Just as Israel committed to support the work of God, we must consistently strive to make this commitment as well.
            ·     The first fruits:  (Neh. 10:35–37a). The Israelites were taught to give God the first and the best.
Israel’s commitment to the house of God reminds us of our need to give our best to God. Israel committed to give God their first fruits. The first fruits were considered the best and a picture of the future harvest. In what ways can we give God our best?  “Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:”  Proverbs 3:9

            ·       The tithes:   (Nehemiah 10:37b-39). The word tithe means “a tenth.” The Jews were to bring a tenth of their produce to the Lord each year for the support of the Levites (Lev. 27:30–34). The Levites then gave a “tithe of the tithe” to the priests (Num. 18:25–32).

            ·       The wood offering:  (Nehemiah 10:34). Since the fire on the brazen altar was to be kept burning constantly (Lev. 6:12–13), it required a steady supply of wood; which was considered a precious commodity.
Israel’s commitment to the house of God reminds us that we should labor to build up God’s church; the physical building dedicated for our worship to Him.  But, there’s another application we can take from this God doesn’t live in temples built with hands, but He indwells the people of God—the living temple.  Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:5

Similarly, Apostle Paul teaches that we’re the temple of God both corporately Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?  1 Corinthians 3:16

and individually What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 1 Cor.  6:19

Therefore, one of the ways we build God’s house is by being committed to the church and being unspotted by the world and serving His people there.
God uniquely gives each believer a spiritual gift for the purpose of building up the body of Christ.  But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.  1 Cor. 12:7

Just as each person brought wood, first fruits, etc., to build up the house of God, we must use our gifts and our time to build up God’s church & his people as well. This is a true fruit of repentance: serving the house of God.  John said this: “We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who doesn’t love remains in death”  1 John 3:14

Love always results in service. If anybody doesn’t serve the church—Christ’s body—he has not passed from life to death. They lac.k the evidence of true repentance. As we look at the covenant Israel renewed with God in the book of Nehemiah, we can learn a lot about our spiritual commitments and how we should continually practice them.

©        We should not hesitate to make or renew biblical commitments to God. It doesn’t matter if we failed in the past; with the grace and mercy of God, we can start over at any time through our repentance.  Personal Reflection:  What commitments is God calling you to make or renew with him today? 

©        We should practice sharing our commitments with others in order to have accountability.

Eighty-four leaders signed the covenant; the leaders were not only committing themselves but committing to help Israel keep their commitments. They were the nation’s representatives, and the contract was an accountability system for Israel. We need accountability, just as they did; to help us remain steadfast in our commitment to God and His word. 

©        We should practice writing down our commitments.The Israelites wrote down their commitments to God and had the leaders signed and sealed it (Nehemiah 9:38-10:1). There is something powerful about both verbalizing our commitments and writing them down.  Writing them down helps us clarify them and make sure they are attainable. This is another form of accountability for us. This helps increase our faith as we watch God’s faithfulness in helping us fulfill these commitments.  

Israel followed up their repentance in chapter 9 with a renewal of the Mosaic covenant. They made many commitments to God, and, in many ways, these should be our commitments today in that:

ü    We must be committed and submitted to the Word of God.
ü    We must be committed to the fear of the Lord.

Israel put themselves under the curse of the Mosaic law it they broke the covenant. They essentially committed to recognizing and allowing it to motivate them to faithfulness.

ü    We must be committed to holiness. Israel separated from the neighboring nations and their ways of life.

ü    People of God must be committed to building the house of God.

The house of God is not exclusive of the building but it’s also our bodies (1 Corinthians 6:19) and the people of God (1 Peter 2:5). We should be committed to serving and seeing God’s kingdom come in our own lives and the lives of others as well as the maintenance and upkeep of the building.

 Sermonette

Steps To True Repentance [5]

 

Godly sorrow [for sin] worketh repentance to salvation.  

2 Corinthians 7:10

Hebrews 6:1-3 lists principles of the doctrine of Christ on which a believer is to build his spiritual life. These principles are called the "foundations" of the Christian faith. They’re the basic doctrines on which the Christian faith rests. The first of these principles is "repentance from dead works.”  Therefore, leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.  And this will we do, if God permit.  Hebrews 6:1-3

It’s a foundational principle that we must know and live.  Just a little recap – we’ve covered the basic meaning of the word "repentance" as a change in mind which results in a change in outward actions.  Examples given were the account of King David and the parable of the prodigal son.  There’s 2 traps we don’t want to get caught in:

First, we covered how some people associate repentance with emotions, like shedding tears and feeling sorry for wrong actions and thoughts. But repentance is not an emotion. It’s a decision.   Emotion sometimes accompanies true repentance. But it’s possible for a person to feel great emotion and to shed many tears and yet never truly repent. 

Secondly, other people associate repentance with meeting special religious requirements. For instance, in some denominations, this is sometimes called "doing penance.” There again, it’s possible to fulfill many such religious requirements and yet never repent in the true Biblical sense.  True repentance is a change of mind that results in a change in outward actions. Outward change is the act of turning away from sin towards God and righteousness. This "turning away" shows the inward change of mind which has occurred.

To summarize: Biblical repentance is an inner change of heart and mind resulting in an outward turning away from sin to move towards God and righteousness.

There are some passages in the Bible where the word "repent" is used in a way to demonstrate Ineffective Repentance.  For example:

JUDAS:  Judas Iscariot realized Jesus had been condemned to death. He repented of his part in betraying Christ:  Then Judas, which had betrayed Him, when he saw that He was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, Saying I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood...  Matthew 27:3-4

Judas experienced sorrow over what he had done but he did not experience true biblical repentance. He did not make a decision which resulted in change in his actions.  He confessed before man but never confessed before God; never asked God’s forgiveness and in the end, hung himself.

ESAU:  Esau was another man who made this tragic error. Esau sinned by selling his God-given birthright for a bowl of soup. The Bible records:

. . .ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears. Hebrews 12:17

Esau exchanged his birthright for a bowl of soup. In doing so, he rejected all the blessings and promises of God associated with the birthright.  Later, Esau regretted what he had done. He cried aloud and shed bitter tears. But strong emotion is not proof of repentance. Esau did not truly repent. He was just regretted he had lost the birthright and wished he could have it back. His "repentance" was not acceptable because there’s a difference between regret and true repentance.

If we’re to fully understand the meaning of repentance, we must understand what it is from which we are to repent. We have to understand "dead works.” "Dead works" are the actions of a life lived apart from God. These works may be wrong deeds or acts of self-righteousness.  They’re called "sin" in the Bible. The basic thing that causes sin is selfishness. It’s the love of self as opposed to the love of God. This love of self results in man going "his own way":

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way. . . Isaiah 53:6

But all is not lost.  Jesus died for the sins of men in order that...

. . .they should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto Him which died for them and rose again. 2 Corinthians 5:15

When we repent from these dead works of selfishness it means we acknowledge the existence of the one true God, realize we are a sinner, we ask forgiveness of our sin, and accept God's plan of salvation through Jesus.

We have to understand that Satan is responsible for all evil in the world. His rebellion towards God still continues as he tempts man to sin. There is a constant battle in the spirit world for the hearts, minds, and souls of men.  Each person has inherited the basic sin nature. Each person sins individually when he is drawn by this sinful nature to rebel against God:

Every man is tempted when he is drawn away of his own lust and enticed.  Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it’s finished, bringeth forth death.  James 1:14-15

The bible says . . . all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; [Romans 3:23] but God has provided a way to escape the penalties of sin. Through repentance from dead works and accepting Jesus as our personal Savior we can be "saved" from the penalties of sin.

Beloved, we must know and believe that willful sin is NEVER, under any circumstance, acceptable to God.  Apostle Paul wanted his audience in Roman to understand this.  He starts by asking the question:

"Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?"  He answered his own question with "God forbid! "  Romans 6:1-2

So, what do we do? Keep on sinning so God can keep extending grace? I should hope not! We don’t know when grace will be cut off!  If we’ve left the kingdom where sin is sovereign, how can we still live in our old house there?  

Let’s look at it this way, this is what happens in baptism. When we’re submerged in the water, we leave the old kingdom of sin behind; when we came up out of the water, we entered into the new kingdom of righteousness — a new life in a new land!

That’s what baptism into the life of Jesus means. When we’re lowered into the water, it’s like the burial of Jesus; when we’re raised up out of the water, it’s like the resurrection of Jesus. Each of us is raised into a light-filled world by our heavenly Father so that we can see where we’re going in our new grace-sovereign country.  The deed to our old habitat should have been released as we were submerged and then re-emerged as a new creature.  Unfortunately, some hang onto the deed and go back to visit the old place.  

I’m reminded of Lot’s wife who had to have one last look and that last look cost her her life; just couldn’t resist one last look at her old life – the one that God had saved her from.  [Genesis 19]

As believers in God who have accepted Jesus into our life, when we sin, we must repent. There are many examples in the bible of this.  The believers in Corinth had to repent:  

Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.  2 Corinthians 7:9

What was it that the Corinthian Christians had to repent of? Take your pick! It could have been any number of things, but no doubt it also included this:   There were probably some “anti-Paul” people who criticized the absent apostle severely and unfairly, and the Corinthians did not defend their godly spiritual father before these detractors.  

For I am afraid that when I come, I won’t like what I find, and you won’t like my response. I am afraid that I will find quarreling, jealousy, anger, selfishness, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorderly behavior. Yes, I am afraid that when I come again, God will humble me in your presence. And I will be grieved because many of you have not given up your old sins. You have not repented of your impurity, sexual immorality, and eagerness for lustful pleasure. 2 Corinthians 12:20-21

ü   The believers at Ephesus were told to repent:

Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen and repent and do the first works. Revelation 2:5

ü Christians in Pergamos were told to repent:

Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.  Revelation 2:16

ü The Christians in Sardis were told: 

Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. Revelation 3:3

ü This is what the Christians in Laodicea were told: 

As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten; Be zealous therefore, and repent.  Revelation 3:19

God had something with all of these churches and this despite any good they were doing.  Is there unconfessed sin in your life? Just know that wherever there is sin, there must be repentance:  

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.  If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:8-9

Because repentance is necessary for salvation, God made a special plan to enable the message of repentance to reach everyone. The call to repentance in the New Testament began with the ministry of John the Baptist:  

The voice of one crying in the wilderness, prepare ye the way the Lord, make His path straight.  John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.  Mark 1:3-4

Repentance was the first message Jesus preached:  

Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom of God, And saying, the time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the Gospel.  Mark 1:14-15

Repentance was preached by believers in the early Church:

And they went out and preached that men should repent.   Mark 6:12

Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.  Acts 20:21

Today, believers still have the responsibility to spread the message of repentance throughout the world. Jesus gave final instructions to His followers that...

And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. Luke 24:47

When we preach the message of repentance, we’re actually calling others to enlist in God's army.  Are you willing to make a commitment to start drafting others into this great spiritual army?

If we have accepted and are committed to the harvest, then we must know how men are persuaded to repent. Men repent because of:

v   The goodness of God:  

The blessings of God in the life of an ungodly person are not to be mistaken as God's approval of their life style. The goodness of God is one way the Lord appeals to men to turn to Him.  We can’t get this thing twisted; His kindness is intended to turn us from our sin?

Despisest thou the riches of His goodness and forbearance and long suffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?   Romans 2:4

v   Men repent because of:  Preaching/Teaching:  

The preaching of the Word of God causes men to repent. The preaching of Jonah resulted in the whole city of Nineveh repenting:

The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas.    Matthew 12:41

v   Men repent because of:  God the son; Jesus:   

As the Word of God is preached/taught, people hear and respond to the call of Jesus which leads to repentance:

I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.   Matthew 9:13

v   Men repent because of:  God, the father:  

Jesus said no one could come to Him except the Father draw him. God draws men to repentance:

No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.  John 6:44

v   Men repent because of:  Rebuke:  

Rebuke causes men to repent. Rebuke is correction given from the Word of God:

Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. Luke 17:3

v   Men repent because of:  Godly sorrow:  

Repentance may be accompanied by emotion. Natural emotion alone is not true repentance, but Godly sorrow leads to true repentance.  Repentance is not just something we do for the sake of doing it.  In the first act of repentance, sinful men turn from wrong to right, accept the Gospel message, and become true believers in Jesus Christ. In the process of going on to perfection, a believer sometimes falls back into the old patterns of sinful behavior. According to the Biblical record, whenever believers sin, they must also repent.  The Bible identifies several things associated with repentance:

Faith towards God is associated with repentance. It’s listed in Hebrews 6 as the second foundational principle of the Christian faith. Repentance from dead works must be combined with faith towards God which is the 2nd foundational principle found in Hebrews 6:1-3.

. . .Repent ye, and believe the Gospel. Mark 1:15
. . .Repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.  Acts 20:21

Secondly, The works of man, which the Bible also calls fruit, testify as to whether or 

not there has been true repentance:

The Gentiles should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance. Acts 26:20

Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance.  Matthew 3:8

"Works" and "fruits" both refer to outward behavior which should change after true repentance.

So, I ask you today at the close of this lesson, what type of fruit are you exhibiting that demonstrates true repentance?  I pray this word helped someone today . . .

Sermonette