The Ministry of the Holy Spirit Series.

1st Sunday
Who promised the Holy Spirit?
Jesus Christ promised the coming of the Holy Spirit, the counselor and comforter. The scripture
supports this in several portions;
1. Acts 1: 4 8. The chapter begins with the writer stating that the Jesus Christ has given
his commandments to the apostles through the blessed Holy Spirit. But while still with
them he tells them not to leave Jerusalem until they are baptized by the Holy Spirit. He
also states that when baptized by the baptism of the Holy Spirit, they will receive power
and will testify about him even to the utter most parts of the world.
We ought to recall the words of John the Baptist when he spoke concerning the Christ,
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, Mark 1:8 and Luke 3:16).
Luke and Mark do seem to include in their account the addition, and with fire. This is
clearly seen on the day of Pentecost:
And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire and it sat upon each of
them Acts 2:3
2. John 15:15-17, 26. Prior to his death upon the cross, Christ tells his disciples that he will
not leave them comfortless but he will pray to the father to give them the Holy Spirit. He
also continues to speak of who the Holy Spirit and what he will do.
3. John 15:26. After Christ comforts them about what will happen to them and exhorting
them to love one another and to remain in him, he speaks yet again about the Spirit of
Truth who proceeds from the father and who will testify concerning Christ.
To whom is he given?
1. To those who know God, who believe in Jesus Christ. Those who obey his
commandments, If yea love me, yea will obey me and I will pray the Father and he will
send thee the comforter.
2. The world cannot receive him. The world means those who do not believe in Jesus
Christ. They are under the influence of another spirit as noted by Paul in his letter to the
Ephesians 2:2 ,

Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the
prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of
disobedience
Jesus speaks of this in the record of John 14:17. The world cannot receive him. There is
no way he will come and dwell in those that have chosen to consider as rubbish the
propitiation, the free gift of God to the unregenerate world by virtue of his inconceivable
love. He comes to them who have surrendered their selves unto divine control and in
them he gives new life, he regenerates them.
What is his work?
So what will he do?
1. John 16: 08: He will convict the world of sin. What is the sin of the world of which John
the Baptist has spoken, Behold the lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world.
What is the sin of the world?
And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness
rather than light, because their deeds were evil. John 3:19. Eventually the sin that every
man is guilty of on the final day is refusing to believe in the word made flesh, he who is
the light of men. It is entirely impossible to evangelize any one without showing them the
perfect law of God which they have violated. It the work of the spirit to show the sinner
their need for the savior. He takes them yet again to Golgotha and shows them the
beloved of his father bleeding for their crimes. Before the grace can be given, the law
must be preached.
2. John 16:10. Of righteousness because he goes to the father and we behold him no more.
Jesus Christ comes down from heaven, the very image of perfect humanity. He has come
to redeem Adams helpless race from damnation unto eternal life. He knew no sin while
he leaved in this world,
But be yea of good cheer, I have overcome the world. John adds and states, that the
darkness cannot overcome it!
For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the
righteousness of God in him. 2 Corinthians 5:21.
What do you mean him sin?
Jesus Christ hanging on the cross had no sin at all. He is innocent of any crime in fact he
is the beloved of the eternal God. But God treats him as if he had lived my life and did all
the terrible things I have done then he turns around and treats me like I lived Christs
blameless life. The amazing grace of God!
So the Spirit reproves the world of righteousness.

3. John 16: 11. Of Judgment because the prince of this world is judged. The power that for a
time governs this world has come under judgment and all those who are controlled by
him are judged as well.
Thus Christ exhorts us even today, Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my
word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into
condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. John 5:24.
Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness
by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in
that he hath raised him from the dead.Acts 17: 31
4. John 16:14.He will glorify Christ. Is this what we see in our Churches? Is it Christ that is
glorified or ministers? Is it Christ who is glorified in bearing of fruit in the church? Is it
Christ glorified in the use of Spiritual gifts? If then a man claims to be under the
influence or leading f the blessed Holy Spirit, whatever he does should ultimately glorify
Jesus Christ and no one else.
5. John 16:13.He will guide you in all truth. Which truth?
John 17:17. But the Psalmist has also spoken thus 119:89,160,142. He is even referred to
by our Lord as the Spirit of Truth.
6. He will show you things to come. He have evidence this in Acts 11:26 with Agabus. Acts
21:10.