Eph 2:19-22
The Temple – The Human Body – The Bride
The Holy Spirit is Christ’s Representative in the Church. The Church is indwelt by the Spirit. The Spirit controls the church.
This statement may seem in conflict with the doctrine of the Headship of Christ.
Both statements are true.
Christ is the Head of the Church, but He was delegated the Holy Spirit to be His Agent or Representative on earth.
This being so every local church must know experimentally this fact and then give Him His rightful place.
When the Lord ascended to heaven, He sent the Holy Spirit to represent Him. John 14:16.
“And I will pray the Father and he shall give you another Comforter that He may abide with you forever – He shall be in you.
Describe Pentecost.
Pentecost was the birthday of the Church.
The Spirit, at Pentecost unified the individuals, and welded them into one corporate whole.
One Body – One Baptism.
Paul writing to the Ephesians exhorted them to keep the unity of the Spirit.
Born – Sanctified – Led – Access – Pray – Worship
Those who don’t are guilty of a grievous sin against the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit became the Leader and Contender. He made the Church His dwelling.
He wants to lead believers in their worship.
Phil 3:3 “We worship God in the Spirit and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.”
Gerazim – Samaritan
Jerusalem – Jews
Believers – In spirit and in truth
There can be no acceptable worship if any of these three things are absent. John was in the Spirit. Gideon was clothed.
Definition of worship
See Col 1 – Prayer – thanksgiving – worship
1. A soul occupied with its need
2. A soul occupied with its blessings
3. A soul occupied with Christ alone
So worship in its highest form is to speak to God about the excellencies of His Son.
Might I suggest priorities in the assembly?
1. Worship – seeketh such
2. Edification – Eph 4
3. Outreach – The great commission
When and Where do we worship?
Each day … then in Assembly gatherings.
The Father seeketh such to worship Him.
Thomas “My Lord and my God”
The Patriarch “He leaned on his staff and worshipped.
Abraham’s servant bowed his head and worshipped the Lord, Blessed be the Lord God.
Mary did not come to hear a sermon.
She did not come to meet fellow believers.
Mary did not come to be refreshed by Him
Mary came to give her precious gift to the Lord.
Her gift:
Was costly
Was reserved for the Lord
Was brought to the feet of the Lord
Was accompanied with contriteness of heart
The whole house was filled with its fragrance.
Gazing on the Lord in glory
While our hearts in worship bow
There we read the wondrous story
Of the cross, its shame and woe.
Gazing on it we adore Thee
Blessed, precious holy Lord
Thou, the Lamb, alone art worthy
This be heaven’s and earths accord.
Praying in the Spirit
Definition: A believer earnestly entreating God as Father, in the name of the Lord Jesus, in the power of an ungrieved Holy Spirit … unconfessed sin, Romans 8:26
He guides in all assembly activities. Acts 13
Separate – Saul – Barnabas – He sent them out.
He raises elders for the Church. Acts 20:28
Over which the Holy Spirit has made you overseer.
A scriptural assembly should seek His guidance in all things.
Godly elders under His direction should discern the human instruments to be used in ministering the Word or preaching the Gospel.
Eph to Titus – godly elders – shepherds – sound faith – doctrine – speech – good works.
Disbursement of funds
All discipline should be exercised under the Spirit’s direction.
Where does the Holy Spirit dwell today?
1. In individuals – 1 Cor 6
2. In local churches – 1 Cor 3 – local conditions
His work is not effective if His authority is not recognized.
We as individuals and as local churches must be absolutely surrendered to Him. To do as He pleases in us – for us – thru us.
What would an assembly be like if it were controlled by the Holy Spirit?
1. We would not complain about dull meetings
2. We would have no intrusion of the flesh. Great earnestness, simplicity, “Self-assertion; self confidence.
3. There would be no mechanical prayers.
4. Each gifted vessel would be fitted-filled and used to the glory of the Lord
5. He would be the center of our gathering.
6. Each heart would be occupied and filled with Jesus Christ.
7. Our hymns of praise would be a real Hallelujah Chorus.
8. We would feel the very Presence of God, and enjoy a foretaste of heaven.
A church controlled by the Spirit will be a holy Church.
Acts Ch 5 – Annanias and Sapphira
It will also be a prosperous church. Acts 11; Antioch
They preached the Lord Jesus.
The hand of the Lord was with them.
A great number believed.
They turned to the Lord = They gave themselves to the Lord.
They gave liberally of their substance.
Ch. 13
True greatness or Humility
A new Commitment
Ch 16
His second advent
His oneness with the Father
The coming of the Spirit
Ch 15
Unison of the Vine and Branches
The new relationship: No longer servants but friends
Ch 16
The work of the Holy Spirit – to the world – to believers
Ch 17
Christ’s high priestly or intercessory prayer