Sunday 05/13/18
Series: Kingdom Work
Message – The Mothering heart of the Holy Spirit
Podcast: Download (69.1MB)
Mothering Heart of the Holy Spirit
I’ve often thought it was apropo for Pentecost to come in the same season as America’s Mother’s day, because as you know I believe strongly that many of the attributes we see in women and mothers, are more an echo of the character and ways of the precious Holy Spirit of God more than any other person of the Godhead.
So today….we are going to look at some of the Spirit’s attributes and therefore learn how to anticipate interaction with Him by faith as we move forward – especially in regard to the work of the ministry.
THE MOST IMPORTANT POINT TODAY is to LEARN and become convinced that EVERYTHING with the Holy Spirit is KOINONIA – EVERYTHING!!!
Point #1: You receive the Spirit WITHIN YOU – all of the SPIRIT – AT THE POINT OF SALVATION. This is found in John 14:23-26,
John 14:22-26,
“(22) Judas (not Iscariot) said to Him, “Lord, how is it that You will manifest Yourself to us, and not to the world?” (23) Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. (24) He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me. (25) “These things I have spoken to you while being present with you. (26) But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. (27) Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
Point #2: The Holy Spirit is our peace! This is found in John 20:19-22,
Peace as it is used here means, “Peace, meaning health, welfare, prosperity, every kind of good.” It was often used in salutations, either at meeting or parting “Peace to you”. So as we will see, the Holy Spirit IS our health, our well-being, our prosperity (spirit, soul & body) and both the manifestor and manifestation of every good from the Father. [As we will see later, the Holy Spirit is a gift God gives us which gives a depth of meaning to Js. 1:17]
John 20:19-22,
“(19) Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you.” (20) When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. (21) So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” (22) And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”
He did not say receive part of the Holy Spirit or a down payment of the My Spirit… He said recieve the Holy Spirit. How precious and valuable beyond telling.
Never alone… A part of eternity… A part of heaven with us…
Within us 24/7/365. We began our journey together on the day we answered that call.
- The eternal Spirit Who was from streetlights past
- The awesome Spirit Who hovered over this water world at its inception infusing it with warmth by his presence.
- The wise all-knowing Spirit Who inspired all scripture and spoke through every Prophet and human mouthpiece.
- The gentle loving Spirit Who hosted and overshadowed a young virgin Mary creating the seed that became the sacrificial body of our Lord.
- The powerful Spirit Who has been the agency of every miracle ever done and caused the bodily resurrection of our Lord.
We play host to that Spirit. We become His home.
We ought never feel alone, never believe profound wisdom and precise direction is elusive to us because of His presence and solicitous care. Worry and sorrow… Loneliness and depression and all struggles over value and being loved should have forever left us having once and for all been answered in His arrival and His promise to stay with us. Oh, what a gift we’ve received in Him and one of the most overlooked and neglected as well.
Point #3: He is the seal of our salvation. This is found in Eph. 1:13,
To seal, close up and make fast with a seal from a signet ring such as was used for letters or books only to be opened by the intended recipient! By use of this house signet ring it serves also as a seal or mark upon a us as a token of our authenticity or approvedness before God.
Eph. 1:13,
“(13) In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,”
Point #4: Subsequent to salvation the Spirit can and SHOULD come upon ALL believers which is evidenced by Tongues and Testifying gifts – This is found in Acts 2 & Acts 19. We will begin in Acts 2:1-18
Lk. 24:45-50,
“45 And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures. 46 Then He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, 47 and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 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 with power from on high.”
50 And He led them out as far as Bethany, and He lifted up His hands and blessed them.”
Acts 2:1-38,
“(1) When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. (2) And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. (3) Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. (4) And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (5) And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. (6) And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language. (7) Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, “Look, are not all these who speak Galileans? (8) And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born? (9) Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, (10) Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, (11) Cretans and Arabs—we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.” (12) So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “Whatever could this mean?” (13) Others mocking said, “They are full of new wine.” (14) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words. (15) For these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. (16) But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: (17) ‘AND IT SHALL COME TO PASS IN THE LAST DAYS, SAYS GOD, THAT I WILL POUR OUT OF MY SPIRIT ON ALL FLESH; YOUR SONS AND YOUR DAUGHTERS SHALL PROPHESY, YOUR YOUNG MEN SHALL SEE VISIONS, YOUR OLD MEN SHALL DREAM DREAMS. (18) AND ON MY MENSERVANTS AND ON MY MAIDSERVANTS I WILL POUR OUT MY SPIRIT IN THOSE DAYS; AND THEY SHALL PROPHESY. (19) I WILL SHOW WONDERS IN HEAVEN ABOVE AND SIGNS IN THE EARTH BENEATH: BLOOD AND FIRE AND VAPOR OF SMOKE. (20) THE SUN SHALL BE TURNED INTO DARKNESS, AND THE MOON INTO BLOOD, BEFORE THE COMING OF THE GREAT AND AWESOME DAY OF THE LORD. (21) AND IT SHALL COME TO PASS THAT WHOEVER CALLS ON THE NAME OF THE LORD SHALL BE SAVED.’ (22) “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know— (23) Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death; (24) whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it. (25) For David says concerning Him: ‘I FORESAW THE LORD ALWAYS BEFORE MY FACE, FOR HE IS AT MY RIGHT HAND, THAT I MAY NOT BE SHAKEN. (26) THEREFORE MY HEART REJOICED, AND MY TONGUE WAS GLAD; MOREOVER MY FLESH ALSO WILL REST IN HOPE. (27) FOR YOU WILL NOT LEAVE MY SOUL IN HADES, NOR WILL YOU ALLOW YOUR HOLY ONE TO SEE CORRUPTION. (28) YOU HAVE MADE KNOWN TO ME THE WAYS OF LIFE; YOU WILL MAKE ME FULL OF JOY IN YOUR PRESENCE.’ (29) “Men and brethren, let me speak freely to you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. (30) Therefore, being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that of the fruit of his body, according to the flesh, He would raise up the Christ to sit on his throne, (31) he, foreseeing this, spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, that His soul was not left in Hades, nor did His flesh see corruption. (32) This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses. (33) Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear. (34) “For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he says himself: ‘THE LORD SAID TO MY LORD, “SIT AT MY RIGHT HAND, (35) TILL I MAKE YOUR ENEMIES YOUR FOOTSTOOL.” ‘ (36) “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” (37) Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (38) Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
Belief without the Spirit : (The difference is within and upon)
Acts 19:1-7, “(1) While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul traveled through the interior regions and came to Ephesus. He found some disciples (2) and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” “No,” they told him, “we haven’t even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” (3) “Then with what baptism were you baptized?” he asked them. “With John’s baptism,” they replied. (4) Paul said, “John baptized with a baptism of repentance, telling the people that they should believe in the One who would come after him, that is, in Jesus.” (5) On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. (6) And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began to speak with tongues and to prophesy. (7) Now there were about 12 men in all.”
Point #5: We are partners together with Him. This is found in 2Cor. 13 & Acts 15. We will begin in 2Cor. 13:14.
2Cor. 13:14,
“(14) The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.”
Acts 15:1-29,
“(1) Some men came down from Judea and began to teach the brothers: “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom prescribed by Moses, you cannot be saved!” (2) But after Paul and Barnabas had engaged them in serious argument and debate, they arranged for Paul and Barnabas and some others of them to go up to the apostles and elders in Jerusalem concerning this controversy. …skip to verse (7) After there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them: “Brothers, you are aware that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles would hear the gospel message and believe. (8) And God, who knows the heart, testified to them by giving the Holy Spirit, just as He also did to us. (9) He made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith. (10) Why, then, are you now testing God by putting on the disciples’ necks a yoke that neither our forefathers nor we have been able to bear? (11) On the contrary, we believe we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same way they are.” …SKIP to verse (22) Then the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, decided to select men from among them and to send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas: Judas, called Barsabbas, and Silas, both leading men among the brothers. (23) They wrote this letter to be delivered by them: From the apostles and the elders, your brothers, To the brothers from among the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia: Greetings. (24) Because we have heard that some to whom we gave no authorization went out from us and troubled you with their words and unsettled your hearts, (25) we have unanimously decided to select men and send them to you along with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, (26) who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (27) Therefore we have sent Judas and Silas, who will personally report the same things by word of mouth. (28) For it was the Holy Spirit’s decision–and ours--to put no greater burden on you than these necessary things: (29) that you abstain from food offered to idols, from blood, from eating anything that has been strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these things, you will do well. Farewell.”
Point #6: He is our helper. This is found in Rom. 8, 2Tim & Acts 10, but we will begin in Rom. 8:18. {This is perhaps the GREATEST example of how Mother’s share in the character of the Holy Spirit.”
How many of you can recall a time when it was the tenderness and care of a woman or mother who aided you in your maturity – whether in walking or talking or homework or preparing for a first date…etc.?
Rom. 8:18-27,
“(18) For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. (19) For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. (20) For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; (21) because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. (22) For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. (23) Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. (24) For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? (25) But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance. (26) Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. (27) Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.”
2Tim. 1:14,
“(14) That good thing which was committed to you, keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.”
Acts 10:34-48,
“(44) While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came down on all those who heard the message. (45) The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astounded, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. (46) For they heard them speaking in other languages and declaring the greatness of God. Then Peter responded, (47) “Can anyone withhold water and prevent these from being baptized, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” (48) And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay for a few days.”
Point #7: He is our Comforter (Paraklesis): This is found in Acts 9:26-31. {Another very Mothering characteristic.}
Techincally, all of Scripture is actually a paráklēsis, an exhortation, admonition or encouragement for the purpose of strengthening and establishing the believer in the faith.
I often turn to the 1828 Webster’s dictionary for a final authority on English words and it has this to say about comfort…listen closely to hear words reminiscent of your experiences with the comforting hand of the Holy Spirit….
Comfort, as a transitive verb
- To strengthen; to invigorate; to cheer or enliven.
- To strengthen the mind when depressed or enfeebled; to console; to give new vigor to the spirits; to cheer, or relieve from depression, or trouble. (Those who truly know the Holy Spirit in experience will have no need for drugs to do what He alone can truly accomplish)
- In law, to comfort is to relieve, assist or encourage
COMFORT, as a noun
- Relief from pain; to ease, or from distress of mind; the ease and quiet which is experienced when pain, trouble, agitation or affliction ceases.
- It also implies some pleasurable sensations derived from hope, and agreeable prospects; consolation. “Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole.” Matthew 9:22.
- Support; consolation under calamity, distress or danger.
“Let thy merciful kindness be for my comfort.” Psalms 119:50.
- That which gives strength or support in distress, difficulty, danger, or infirmity.
- In law, to comfort means to give support; assistance; encouragement
- That which gives security from want and furnishes moderate enjoyment; as the comforts of life.
Acts 9:26-31, “(26) And when Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple. (27) But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. (28) So he was with them at Jerusalem, coming in and going out. (29) And he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus and disputed against the Hellenists, but they attempted to kill him. (30) When the brethren found out, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him out to Tarsus. (31) Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.”
Point #8: He is our source of life our connection with God. This is found in John 7. {Mothering often involves creating a bridge between the children and the fathers, especially in the younger years.}
John 7:37-39, “(37) On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. (38) He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” (39) But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.”
Point #9: The Spirit speaks – to and through us. This is seen in many passages but we will begin in Mark 13.
Mark 13:10-11, “(10) And the gospel must first be preached to all the nations. (11) But when they arrest you and deliver you up, do not worry beforehand, or premeditate what you will speak. But whatever is given you in that hour, speak that; for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit.”
NOTICE: If you will step to one side and trust – not engaging your mind with concern or thought, but wholly trusting Him without worry or anxiety – what comes to you in that hour will be from the Holy Spirit of God.
Point#10: God speaking through His people by the Holy Spirit is NOTHING new:
Acts 1:15-17, “(15) And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples (altogether the number of names was about a hundred and twenty), and said, (16) “Men and brethren, this Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus; (17) for he was numbered with us and obtained a part in this ministry.”
2Peter 1:21, “(21) for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.”
Point#11: He leads us and uses us in the work of the Ministry.
Acts 13:1-12, “(1) In the local church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius the Cyrenian, Manaen, a close friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. (2) As they were ministering to the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work that I have called them to.” (3) Then, after they had fasted, prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them off. (4) Being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they came down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus. …SKIP to verse (9) Then Saul–also called Paul–filled with the Holy Spirit, stared straight at the sorcerer (10) and said, “You son of the Devil, full of all deceit and all fraud, enemy of all righteousness! Won’t you ever stop perverting the straight paths of the Lord? (11) Now, look! The Lord’s hand is against you: you are going to be blind, and will not see the sun for a time.” Suddenly a mist and darkness fell on him, and he went around seeking someone to lead him by the hand. (12) Then the proconsul, seeing what happened, believed and was astonished at the teaching about the Lord.”
Point#12: Hope, Love & Joy are found in and with Him.
Rom. 5:5, “(5) Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit WHO was given to us.”
Rom. 15:13, “(13) Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
1Thess. 1:6, “(6) And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit,”
Rom. 14:15-19, “(15) Yet if your brother is grieved because of your food, you are no longer walking in love. Do not destroy with your food the one for whom Christ died. (16) Therefore do not let your good be spoken of as evil; (17) for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. (18) For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men. (19) Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.”
——
Other things…
Show you things to come:
Luke 2:25,26, “(25) And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.”
Acts 20:21-24, “(21) I testified to both Jews and Greeks about repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus. (22) “And now I am on my way to Jerusalem, bound in my spirit, not knowing what I will encounter there, (23) except that in town after town the Holy Spirit testifies to me that chains and afflictions are waiting for me. (24) But I count my life of no value to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of God’s grace.”
Our relationship will never end….even in the future He will speak through us – as can be seen in Jesus both before He died and after He rose from the dead:
In His Ministry
Acts 10:38, “(38) how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.”
– even through Jesus in glorified body
Acts 1:1-5, “(1) The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, (2) until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen, (3) to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God. (4) 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 baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. 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 Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight.”
This service had content that is NOT written out here, so I would encourage you to listen to it WHILE you read…Blessings!
I hope this teaching will challenge you and encourage you to place your trust in the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
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Blessings!
