Sermon Tone Analysis

Meditate on these things

We started this series a few weeks ago, we have

Considered the Bible

Pondered on God

We have considered Jesus “He’s my King”

Our scripture reference for this series:

We have discussed it briefly, but have not defined it.

Med-i-tate (verb) - to think deeply or focus one’s mind for a period of time, in silence or with aid of chanting, for religious or spiritual purposes - to plan mentally; consider; to think deeply or carefully about (something).

Now according to Php4:8-9 what are we to meditate on?

OK, this morning our focus is on the 3rd person of the God head, the Holy Spirit.

Mentioned 88 times in O.T.

Mentioned 60 times in the Gospels

Mentioned 57 times in Acts

Mentioned 132 times in the Epistles

All those mentions it must be important for us to ponder, consider, dwell on these things and meditate upon the things about the Holy Spirit.

I. Importance of Holy Spirit

He was there in the beginning

So let me ask the question, He has always been.

What do you consider when you consider the Holy Spirit?

Through the work of the Holy Spirit we have God’s Word (2Tim3:16-17)

The Holy Spirit intercedes for us, knowing the heart of God and our heart (Rom8:16, 26-27)

The Holy Spirit Helps us

In looking at (8:26-27) how does the Spirit help us?

helps our weaknesses

intercedes for us

searches our hearts

intercedes knowing the will of God

Holy Spirit gives life (Gen2:7)

Holy Spirit gives proof of forgiveness of sins.

(Act2:38)

Holy Spirit is a heavenly guard for us (2Tim1:14)

In his book entitled “The Office of the Holy Spirit” the author, Richardson says this.

“There is a no subject more important in religion that that of the Holy Spirit.

Unless this be properly understood, a large portion of the Bible, and especially the N.T. must remain unintelligible.”

Think about that for must a minute.

How much time is spent speaking of the 3rd person of the Trinity.

The Holy Spirit, mentioned over 250 times in the N.T. alone.

Richardson also states:

“On the other hand, a just view of it will do more than a knowledge of any other particular topic to give harmony, clearness, and consistency to what may be learned to all other matters presented in the Word of God.”

So understanding the importance of the Holy Spirit is important, and to understand the works of the Holy Spirit maybe we spend a few minutes pondering the character of the Holy Spirit.

II.

Ponder: Character of Holy Spirit.

You are used to a lot of scripture so tonight is not going to be any different.

The character of the Holy Spirit possesses Personality

The Holy Spirit is a He (Jn14:16-17, 15:26-27)

So that is what Jesus has to say about the Holy Spirit, He is a person not an it.

The Holy Spirit guides, hears and warns as well as speaks and tells (Jn16:12-13)

He has spoken to Philip and to Peter as well as the brethren in Antioch (Act8:29, 10:19-20, 13:1-4)

He says He intercedes for us (there was Rom8:26 mentioned before) or there is (1Tim4:1)

He can be grieved so that means He has feelings and affection.

(Rom15:30; Eph4:30)

This Holy Spirit is deity (1Cor2:10-11)

He is omniscient, knowing the mind of God

He is omnipresent, you cannot get out of his presence (Ps139:7-10)

He is eternal (Heb9:14)

As the Father and the Son are great blessings to us, the Holy Spirit is a great blessing to.

So let’s reflect on some of blessings

III.

Ponder the blessings of the Holy Spirit

He is promised to those who believe (Jn7:37-39)

These promises by Christ Himself, but according to Peter he tells us when

Blessing of the Spirit to those who believe to be born again (Jn3:3-5)

To wash, to regenerate (Tit3:4-6)

To those who believe and obey the word of God (1Pt1:22-23)

He indwells the church of God (Eph2:22)

He indwells the people of God (1Cor6:19)

He seals the people of God (Eph1:13)

He gives guarantee to the people of God (Rom8:15-17)

We are guaranteed by the spirit we are children of God, heirs and fellow heirs with Christ!

He leads people to God, through the inspired Word of God (Jn17:17) so they may bear fruit (Gal5:22-23)

So that they may bear the fruit of the Spirit

And if that were not enough

He empowers the people of God (Rom8:5-8)

So set your mind on the things of God, and the Spirit will give you the mindset of life and peace

We need the empowering of the Spirit to put the things of the flesh to death I could give you the scriptures but I want you to consider what things.

What things of the flesh need to be put to death?

For your scripture reference later you can look up Rom8:11-13

Holy Spirit, God’s active agent to empower the people of God to accomplish the will of God (Eph3:16, 20, 2:10)

Whew, that is a lot to ponder, consider, dwell on, meditate on, but in closing out the Spirit fills us with joy, peace, hope and love

(Other scriptures used, referenced Rom15:13, Gal4:6 on top of all the others listed above)

Because you are sons and because of that you can cry out Abba Father and say thank you for the understanding, the work, and the blessings of the Holy Spirit !

(Invitation slide- Abba Father) (song) (prayer)