Jesus’ Promise of the Holy Ghost – Part V    

To bring our thoughts concerning Jesus’ promise of the Holy Ghost to a conclusion, the last time we were looking at the Spirits impact on giving us His power for true, real and personal outreach…as in true, real and personal evangelism. We understand that it’s not the use of worldly schemes such as missionaries and such like, which are only the instruments of vain minds and imaginations of men. In our last article, we closed with the words of Paul in 1 Corinthians 2:4, “And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power.” And in 1 Thessalonians 1:5, “For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.”

Paul wrote these passages to two of the churches that he had established. And he made it clear that it was NOT by his wisdom or cleverness or ability to craft clever words, but that it WAS only by the Holy Spirit that they had been brought to real and true saving faith in Christ; a salvation NOT to heavens glory world, but one to which would save him as he lived in this time world. In a day of cleverly packaged, methodically dominated, and man-centered missionism, it’s refreshing to be reminded that only by and through the power of the Spirit can true evangelism be accomplished by God’s people as they are a witness to those to whom God will choose as His answer to heart felt prayers of those children of God who are seeking and asking that He reveal Himself to them, as well as asking that He would bring the two of them together in His own particular way.

As in the experience of Philip in Acts 8:26-31, lets look at it, “And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert. And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship, Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet. Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? And he said, how can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.”

Who did the sending? It wasn’t any church or missionary board. It was the “angel of the Lord.” This, dear beloved child of God, is REAL and TRUE EVANGELISM. God sent the man of Ethiopia to the exact place that He had prepared…the exact place that He also sent His servant Philip. And He also…not any man-made institution…sent and equipped him to preach His word. And He, also, prepared the heart of the Ethiopian to hear, and obey. This Ethiopian WAS already a child of God. How do I know that? Because we are told that, he “had come to Jerusalem for to worship.” To worship God! And as you will recall that “the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned,” 1 Cor. 2:14. And I might add that “the wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts,” Psa 10:4. He was definitely a child of God, already born again because he came to Jerusalem to WORSHIP GOD, and the natural man CANNOT do such a thing!

Next, the Spirit gives power to the ministry in the Church. True ministry within the body of the Kingdom Church of Christ is not achieved by human brilliance or skill, but by the work of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit gives special abilities (spiritual gifts) “For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ” (Eph. 4:12; 1 Cor. 14:26; 1 Th. 5:11).

But, what are the “Greater Works” that Jesus Promised in John 14:12? Notice carefully the words of Christ, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto My Father.” The problem is that this verse has been used to validate all kinds of unscriptural activities today simply by calling them “greater works.” The question, that must be carefully examined, is how should the word “greater” be defined? Greater in power? Greater in scope? Greater in effectiveness? What are “greater works?”

I don’t believe that it is reasonable for us to think that we will be enabled to accomplish works of greater power or quality than Jesus did? Do you? No, I do not believe any of us think that. I mean just think of the nature of His miracles; He fed the multitudes with a mere “five loaves and two fishes,” He raised the dead, healed those who were incurable, controlled the forces of nature by the power of His word.

Now consider why He did these things. In John 20:30-31 we find the motive behind the miracles; “And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.”

His purpose was no doubt to reveal to His children the uniqueness of His Person as the Son of God. We certainly do not believe that we will accomplish such a goal; for on what grounds would we make such a claim? No, we are not to do works greater in quality nor in power, for Jesus alone is Christ.

Then what are these “greater works?” I believe that the best way to understand it is to understand that Jesus is not speaking of the quality of the works, but of the scope of the works. Think about it. The “greater works” seems to us to be impossible in light of the character and power of Christ, and yet, it is certain that Jesus spoke the truth when He said that we would do the “greater works.” In addition, we do so through the power of the Spirit whom Jesus sent to us. It was with this power of the Spirit that the influence of the infant Church spread over the Roman world, despite the horrible persecution laid upon it. We should be humbled by the glorious promise of Jesus that by the power of the Spirit we are used of God to perform His work even to the ends of the earth.

Perhaps the verse that captures the implications of these truths is 2 Corinthians 3:18, “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” It is by the work of the Holy Spirit of the Lord that spiritual transformation takes place. This involves every area of our spiritual lives.

It is the Spirit that matures us into the image of Christ so that we can give glory to the Lord Jesus Christ as seen in Gal. 3:1-5, “O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? Have ye suffered so many things in vain? If it be yet in vain. He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?” We are called to be submissive to His control in our lives. That is our duty and responsibility! However, the Holy Spirit is the One who produces the image and likeness of Christ in us!

The Holy Ghost enables us to personally perform various kinds of spiritual ministry, for we to be able to see that “all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as He will, (see 1 Cor. 12:11, also see Rom. 12; Eph 4:7-16; 1 Pet. 4:10-11). Notice that spiritual gifts are not given for our personal edification or glory. These gifts are given for “the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal” (1 Cor. 12:7), specifically for ministry to the body of Christ, His Church.

In Romans 12:3, we read, “For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.” These gifts of the Spirit are not to be exercised in pride, but in spiritual humility.

In 1 Cor 12:4-6, we read again, “Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.” These spiritual gifts have not been given to us so that we will all fall into lock step with one common experience, such as everybody speaking in a so-called unknown tongue. No, and in fact we find that there is diversity in the body of Christ, with its many unique and varied members which each one contributes to the building up of the one body. “For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness,” Rom. 12:4-8.

I think that it’s helpful that we remind ourselves that spiritual gifts are only tools given by the Spirit to be used and worked with, not badges of pride, nor toys to be played with. They are that which the Holy Ghost gives to the church body equipping us to perform our spiritual service, bearing fruit to the glory of the Father.

The authority and guidelines of the Word of God always protect our worship, as we can see in John 4:24, “God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth.” It is by the Spirit that we are able to give true worship to the living God.

In John 15:8, Jesus called His disciples to glorify the Father by bearing much fruit, “Herein is My Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be My disciples.” At the same time, the Lord made it clear saying, “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing,” John 15:5. But how can these two directives be resolved when Jesus has just told His disciples that He was going to go away? Jesus resolved them in the promise of the Holy Spirit!

It is Jesus’ desire that we glorify the Father, so He gave to His followers then, and today, the indwelling Holy Spirit to make it possible. How sad that so often we live our lives being totally oblivious to this wonderful “Comforter” in our lives! We often ignore His enabling by which we give glory to God in our spiritual growth, in our worship, and in our service to Him. How good it is when we submit to the ministry of the One who has come to magnify God in Christ and see His great work among the people of God.

Galatians 3:3 asks the question of the believers at the church at Galatia, “Are ye so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?” Even as the vital work of the Holy Ghost is a necessity to our salvation, so His work is also vital to our Christian living! And so in this light, will you as a child of God, give careful thought to the extent to which we consciously submit to the control of the Spirit as our guide in our lives? For we must remember, that “there is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death,” Prov 14:12.

We must consider what kind of “temple” that we are as He dwells within us, as the body of Christ. As Christ has given us the Holy Spirit, are we willingly submitting to Him to produce in us godliness in our walk? Beloved we can not do this in or of ourselves. This willingness is essential for us as obedient sons and daughters in Christ, if we are to live in the Church Kingdom of Heaven. And, as we experience this wonderful reality, we can know the joy of Christ and have an intimacy of fellowship with Him.

May we pray with the attitude of Paul, “Unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen,” Eph 3:21. In order for us to experience Jesus' promise of the Spirit, we must acknowledge two foundational truths. First, those who are in Christ must submit to the Spirit, and second, that as we do so we will grow in likeness of Christ. May God bless you through the faithful obedience of the Spirit.

Elder Thomas McDonald
 

Notes on Matthew

Chapter 1, Part 5

The genealogy in chapter 1 is divided into three parts: 17 "So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations."

From the time that God appeared unto Abraham and promised to bless the seed of Abraham until the time of David the king were fourteen generations. From that point it took fourteen generations until Israel had so disobeyed God that they were given over unto Babylonian captivity. The final fourteen generations gives the time frame in which Israel continued in captivity until Christ the deliverer came on the scene.

The time of David the king represents the highest point of Israel under the old law covenant. From that point on Israel's path was downward. It continued downward until they went into Babylonian captivity and ceased to have a king reign over them. Israel continued on in captivity first to the Babylonians, then to the Medes and Persians, then to Greece, and finally to Rome until the time that Christ came.

It is no coincidence that the Godhead is three yet one as set forth in 1 John 5:7, "For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one." God has so arranged that this figure of the Godhead is imprinted on all that he has made: Rom. 1:20 "For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead." Examples of this include the following:

1. Noah's ark, which while being one ark, consisted of lower, second, and third stories.
2. The tabernacle, which though only one tabernacle, was divided into the Most Holy Place, the Holy Place, and the Outer Court.
3. Similarly, the temple was divided into three parts.
4. Furthermore, even the scriptures are divided into three parts consisting of the law, the prophets, and the letters.
5. New Testament worship consists of thee parts, singing, prayer, and preaching.
6. Water baptism shows forth the death, the burial, and the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.
7. The communion service consists of unleavened bread, wine, and the washing of the saints feet.
God has so arranged to show us in the genealogy that he was ultimately in control of the final outcome, even though because of sin, things seemed out of control.

Chapter 1 Part 6   The marriage controversy.

I have heard it said often that Joseph and Mary were not married when she conceived Jesus of the Holy Ghost. The argument is that they were simply engaged. This argument arises from the use of the word, espoused. However, the word espoused means to be betrothed. One thing we must do when studying subjects like this is to forget about our modern traditions. When a couple are engaged today, they have promised one another that at some future date they will get married. There is no contractual agreement associated with the word engaged. A couple that is engaged can simply call off the engagement if they choose.

The use of the words, espoused and betrothed, in the scriptures implies a contractual agreement. While a couple that is espoused or betrothed may not have known one another in a biblical sense, yet they are contractually bound to one another. Please notice the following statements in Matthew and Luke concerning the marital status of Joseph and Mary:

1. Matt. 1:18 "Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. 20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost."

2. Lk. 1:26 "And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, 27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. 28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. 29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. 30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. 31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. 32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: 33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. 34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? 35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God."

From the above we make the following observations:

1. In Matthew Joseph is said to be "her husband."
2. Also in Matthew, we read where Joseph was minded to put her away. This raises a question, "How could Joseph put her away if they were not legally married?"
3. It is unquestioned in the above that Joseph is not the biological father of Jesus, but rather that he was conceived of the Holy Ghost. It is also unquestioned that Mary was a virgin at the time that she conceived of the Holy Ghost.

From the above we can conclude that Joseph and Mary were contractually bound to one another as husband and wife through a process known as espousal or betrothal. They, however, had not known one another as husband and wife before that Mary, a virgin, conceived of the Holy Ghost and brought forth her first born son named Jesus.

Chapter 1 Part 7   Joseph's Dilemma.

"Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily."

When Joseph considered that his espoused wife Mary was with child and they had not known one another as husband and wife, he no doubt had much troubling of the mind. Without the knowledge that he would later have he felt it was necessary to "put away" his wife. We are told that Joseph was a just man. This meant that he wanted to follow the law of God in what he did. Joseph saw two possible solutions to his dilemma. He could make Mary a public example or he could put Mary away privately. Joseph's thinking springs from two Old Testament passages of scripture:

1. Put Away Privily - Deu. 24:1 "When a man hath taken a wife, and married her, and it come to pass that she find no favour in his eyes, because he hath found some uncleanness in her: then let him write her a bill of divorcement, and give it in her hand, and send her out of his house. 2 And when she is departed out of his house, she may go and be another man's wife. 3 And if the latter husband hate her, and write her a bill of divorcement, and giveth it in her hand, and sendeth her out of his house; or if the latter husband die, which took her to be his wife; 4 Her former husband, which sent her away, may not take her again to be his wife, after that she is defiled; for that is abomination before the LORD: and thou shalt not cause the land to sin, which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance." To accomplish this Joseph could simply have claimed that he found some uncleanness in Mary and given her a bill of divorcement.

2. Public Example – Deu. 22:13 If any man take a wife, and go in unto her, and hate her, 14 And give occasions of speech against her, and bring up an evil name upon her, and say, I took this woman, and when I came to her, I found her not a maid: 15 Then shall the father of the damsel, and her mother, take and bring forth the tokens of the damsel's virginity unto the elders of the city in the gate: 16 And the damsel's father shall say unto the elders, I gave my daughter unto this man to wife, and he hateth her; 17 And, lo, he hath given occasions of speech against her, saying, I found not thy daughter a maid; and yet these are the tokens of my daughter's virginity. And they shall spread the cloth before the elders of the city.

18 And the elders of that city shall take that man and chastise him; 19 And they shall amerce him in an hundred shekels of silver, and give them unto the father of the damsel, because he hath brought up an evil name upon a virgin of Israel: and she shall be his wife; he may not put her away all his days.
20 But if this thing be true, and the tokens of virginity be not found for the damsel: 21 Then they shall bring out the damsel to the door of her father's house, and the men of her city shall stone her with stones that she die: because she hath wrought folly in Israel, to play the whore in her father's house: so shalt thou put evil away from among you.

22 If a man be found lying with a woman married to an husband, then they shall both of them die, both the man that lay with the woman, and the woman: so shalt thou put away evil from Israel. 23 If a damsel that is a virgin be betrothed unto an husband, and a man find her in the city, and lie with her; 24 Then ye shall bring them both out unto the gate of that city, and ye shall stone them with stones that they die; the damsel, because she cried not, being in the city; and the man, because he hath humbled his neighbour's wife: so thou shalt put away evil from among you. To accomplish making Mary a public example, Joseph would have had to have her stoned to death.

Matt. 1:20 "But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. 21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins." The angels message from God solved Joseph's dilemma and caused him to see the truth of the matter, that the child was the son of God and was conceived of the Holy Ghost.

Elder Vernon Johnson

Matthew Continues