The Work of the Holy Spirit in the World
Luke 15:8-10
Introduction
The parable is as follows: A woman loses a small coin. She lights a candle and seeks diligently until she finds it. The coin is a picture of a lost sinner. The woman is a type of the Holy Spirit seeking and reclaiming men and women for Christ. So then, the parable presents a picture of God, the Spirit, working through the Church to reach the lost. In the whole parable we see the Godhead at work saving the lost. See Luke 15:2, “This man […]” In the elder son, we see a picture of the Pharisees and scribes.
The Age of the Spirit
During the times of the Old Testament, God, the Father, was the central focus. Then, the Trinity was revealed at Christ’s baptism. Then, for thirty-three years, Christ was the central focus. The times of the New Testament (also known as the Church Age) are known as the age of the Spirit. The Spirit’s work is primarily in two distinct spheres: (1) to exalt the person of Christ, and (2) to bring men and women to Christ.
John 16:13-14 explains the Spirit’s work relative to the Christian and to Christ. John 16:8 explains His work as it relates to unbelievers - “When He is come he will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.” There can be no conversion apart from the work and conviction of the Holy Spirit. John 6:63 says, “It is the Spirit that quickeneth.” [Describe His work as He convicts of sin, righteousness, and judgment, bringing men to Christ.]
The Parable of the Great Supper/the Lost Coin
See Luke 14:15-24. The servant in the parable is the Holy Spirit.
1. He invites graciously, “Come, for all things are now ready” (see Luke 14:17).
2. He brings people to Christ (see Luke 14:21).
3. He compels people to come to Christ (see Luke 14:23).
The woman in the parable of the lost coin personifies this truth regarding perseverance, for she never gave up seeking for the lost piece of silver until she found it.
Conviction
Psalm 32:3-4, “When I would not confess my sin, I grew old because of the anguish in my heart. Day and night your hand of conviction was heavy upon me, until I was brought to the point of death.”
Blessed is the man whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. There is no escaping God the Spirit.
Psalm 139:7-10, “Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in Hades, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and they right hand shall hold me.”
[See how the Spirit worked in apostolic days. See also the Christ who is portrayed in prophecy - the Lord and Messiah - His resurrection proves this.]
Acts 2:37 - [Describe briefly Peter’s sermon.] “When they heard this, they were pricked in their heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, ‘Brothers, what shall we do?’”
See Acts 16 and the conversion of the Philippian jailor - “What must I do to be saved?” “Believe.”
In Acts 7:51, just before laying down his life, Stephen said, “You stubborn sinners, you do always resist the Holy Spirit.” [Discuss resisting the Holy Spirit - A warning and a charge]
The Lord, in Genesis 6:3 says, “My Spirit shall not always strive with man.”
The Climax of the Parable
When the shepherd found the lost sheep and the woman found the lost coin, they called their neighbors together to rejoice. When the lost son repented and returned to the father, he forgave him, clothed him, and celebrated his return by killing the “fattened calf.” Luke 15:2 says, “This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.” Luke 15:10 says, “Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.”