Bible Text: Lk. 24:47; Acts 2:38,39; 3:26Series: REMISSION OF SIN

        INTRODUCTION: Last Sunday, we saw that the restoration urgently needed by man is wrapped up in the package of Remission of Sin and the blessings that follow it (Acts 2:38). Having shown Remission of Sin to essentially include forgiveness of sin and cleansing from all unrighteousness, we, in today=s Sunday light, want to show the essential blessing that follows remission of sin, namely: The Gift Of The Holy Spirit.

 

As the year is gradually winding up, it is important for all those who want to achieve their 2018 target to pay great attention as we discuss this theme – The Gifts That Follow Remission of Sin which addresses: 1. The Earnest Of The Spirit   2.   The Baptism With The Holy Spirit   3.   The Fruit Of The Spirit    4.   The Gifts Of The Spirit.

 

The Earnest Of The Spirit (Acts 2:38,39; 2Cor. 5:5; Gal. 4:6; Titus 3:4-7)

As soon as one confesses and renounces one=s sins, having faith in Christ=s work on Calvary, one is forgiven and given the earnest of the Spirit which is the seal of divine ownership (cp. Eph. 1:13,14). This is what makes one a child of God and a new creature (2Cor. 5:17; Gal. 4:6).

 

The Baptism With The Holy Spirit (Matt. 3:11; Lk. 24:49; Acts 1:5)

Baptism with the Holy Ghost is the definite outpouring of the Spirit upon a saved and sanctified believer (cp. 1Jn. 1:9; Acts 1:5). At salvation, the penitent receives the earnest of the Spirit or a small deposit of the Holy Spirit (as a sign of divine ownership), following forgiveness of sin. But at Baptism with the Holy Spirit, the believer receives the Holy Ghost in greater measure, to the point that he (the believer) is said to be immersed in the Holy Spirit. This makes the so baptized to be so overwhelmed that he begins to speak in new tongues and/or prophesy (Acts 2:1-4; 10:44-46; 19:1-6). Baptism with the Holy Spirit is also described as an enduement of power from on high (cp. Lk. 24:49; Acts 4:8; 4:8-13).

 

The Fruit Of The Spirit (Gal. 5:22,23)

The Spirit operating in one is depicted by the manifest fruit (cp. Matt. 7:15-20). The presence of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer at salvation or baptismal measure or both, can be noticed by the manifestation of the 9-fold holiness fruit of love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance (Gal. 5:22,23). The Spirit of God is the Spirit of holiness, God being the embodiment of holiness (1Pt. 1:16).  So, if what is being manifested is the Spirit of God, then this 9-fold holiness fruit must be observed, else it is another spirit altogether. It should be noted that it is these fruits that make for impeccable Christian life: it is these that really show a believer as a part of Christ.

 

The Gifts Of The Spirit (1Cor. 12:1-11)

When a saved and sanctified believer is filled with the Holy Spirit, he is expected to manifest one or more of the 9 gifts of the Holy Spirit, namely: Gifts of Revelation- word of knowledge, word of wisdom and discerning of spirits; Gifts of Power- faith, healing and working of miracles and Gifts of Utterance – prophecy, diverse kinds of tongues and interpretation of tongues (1Cor. 12:7-11). Note, it is the Spirit that divides the gifts severally to every man as He wills. But we are enjoined to desire and covet the best gifts (1Cor. 12:27-31). In coveting, we must observe that the most excellent way is love (1Cor. 13:1-3).

 

These gifts of the Spirit constitute tools for effective Christian service, and so anyone who desires to be effective in his/her service to God needs them.

 

Let as many of us as want to reflect the beauty of Jesus rise as we go to the Lord in prayer to acquire these virtues (the 9-fold fruit) and gifts of the Spirit ( 9 of them).

 

Let us pray.

Fellowship Songs (HSCF: 204 & 201)