Confession, Faith, and the Role of the Holy Spirit

 

Summary

In our study of Luke 12:8-12, we delve into the profound teachings of Jesus regarding the relationship between our words and our hearts. Jesus emphasizes the importance of confessing Him before others, promising that those who do so will be acknowledged before the angels of God. Conversely, those who deny Him will face denial in the heavenly realm. This underscores the critical nature of genuine faith, which must be both professed with our lips and believed in our hearts. The authenticity of our confession is paramount, as mere lip service without heartfelt belief is insufficient for salvation.

Jesus also addresses the grave matter of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, a sin He declares unforgivable. This teaching has perplexed many, but it is crucial to understand that it involves a willful and knowledgeable rejection of the Spirit's testimony about Christ. The Pharisees, who accused Jesus of casting out demons by Satan's power, were warned of this sin. Their accusation was a profound rejection of the Spirit's revelation of Jesus' true identity. For believers, this serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness of our words and the state of our hearts.

The assurance for Christians is that while we are capable of sin, the Holy Spirit preserves us from committing the unforgivable sin. Our perseverance in faith is not solely our doing but is sustained by God's grace and the Spirit's work within us. This should lead us to examine our hearts continually, ensuring that our confession of faith is genuine and not merely superficial.

Finally, Jesus reassures His followers that when they face trials and persecution, the Holy Spirit will guide them in what to say. This promise alleviates anxiety, reminding us that the Spirit is our helper and advocate, especially in times of need. Our role is to trust in His guidance and remain faithful in our confession and belief.

Key Takeaways:

- The relationship between our words and hearts is crucial. Confessing Christ with our lips must be accompanied by genuine belief in our hearts. This duality is essential for salvation, as mere verbal acknowledgment without heartfelt faith is insufficient. [05:11]

- Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is a grave sin involving the willful rejection of the Spirit's testimony about Christ. It is unforgivable because it represents a hardened heart that refuses to acknowledge the truth revealed by the Spirit. [13:32]

- Christians are preserved by the Holy Spirit from committing the unforgivable sin. While we are capable of sin, God's grace and the Spirit's work ensure our perseverance in faith, highlighting the importance of examining our hearts to ensure genuine belief. [23:32]

- In times of trial, the Holy Spirit provides guidance and words to speak. This promise alleviates anxiety, reminding us of the Spirit's role as our helper and advocate, especially when we face persecution or difficult situations. [24:49]

- Our presence and empathy often speak louder than words in times of grief or hardship. Being there for others, offering comfort and support, reflects the love of Christ and the Spirit's work in our lives. [25:34]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:12] - Confessing Christ Before Others
- [00:31] - Denial and Its Consequences
- [00:45] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
- [01:15] - The Unforgivable Sin
- [02:20] - Words and Hearts Connection
- [03:46] - Confession and Salvation
- [05:11] - Genuine Faith vs. Lip Service
- [06:08] - The Mixed Body of the Church
- [09:06] - The Duty to Confess Christ
- [11:42] - Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit
- [13:32] - Understanding the Unforgivable Sin
- [20:57] - The Spirit's Role in Revealing Christ
- [23:32] - Preservation by the Holy Spirit
- [24:49] - Guidance in Times of Trial

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Luke 12:8-12
- Romans 10:8-10

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Observation Questions:

1. What does Jesus promise to those who confess Him before others, according to Luke 12:8-12? [00:12]
2. How does Jesus describe the consequences of denying Him before others? [00:31]
3. What distinction does Jesus make between blasphemy against the Son of Man and blasphemy against the Holy Spirit? [11:42]
4. According to Romans 10:8-10, what two actions are necessary for salvation?

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Interpretation Questions:

1. Why might Jesus emphasize the importance of confessing Him before others? How does this relate to the authenticity of one's faith? [09:06]
2. What might be the significance of Jesus stating that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is unforgivable? How does this reflect on the role of the Holy Spirit in revealing Christ? [13:32]
3. How does the promise of the Holy Spirit's guidance during trials provide comfort to believers? What does this suggest about the relationship between faith and anxiety? [24:49]
4. In what ways does the relationship between our words and our hearts impact our spiritual life, according to the sermon? [02:20]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a recent situation where you had the opportunity to confess your faith. How did you respond, and what might you do differently in the future? [09:06]
2. Have you ever struggled with doubts about the authenticity of your faith? What steps can you take to ensure that your confession of faith is genuine and heartfelt? [24:18]
3. Consider a time when you felt anxious about sharing your faith or facing a difficult situation. How can you rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance and support in similar future scenarios? [24:49]
4. How do you ensure that your words align with the beliefs in your heart? What practices can help maintain this alignment in your daily life? [02:20]
5. Have you ever worried about committing an unforgivable sin? How does understanding the role of the Holy Spirit in preserving believers provide reassurance? [23:32]
6. Think of someone in your life who may not know Christ. How can you be a witness to them through both your words and actions this week? [09:06]
7. In moments of grief or hardship, how can you be present for others in a way that reflects the love of Christ, even when words fail? [25:34]

Devotional

Day 1: The Heart's Confession

The relationship between our words and hearts is crucial. Jesus teaches that confessing Him before others is not just a matter of words but a reflection of genuine belief in our hearts. This duality is essential for salvation, as mere verbal acknowledgment without heartfelt faith is insufficient. The authenticity of our confession is paramount, as it reflects the true state of our faith. We are called to examine our hearts continually, ensuring that our confession of faith is genuine and not merely superficial. This is a call to live out our faith authentically, both in word and deed. [05:11]



"For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil." (Matthew 12:34b-35, ESV)



Reflection: Is there an area in your life where your words do not align with your heart's beliefs? How can you bring them into alignment today?





Day 2: The Gravity of Blasphemy

Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is a grave sin involving the willful rejection of the Spirit's testimony about Christ. It is unforgivable because it represents a hardened heart that refuses to acknowledge the truth revealed by the Spirit. This teaching serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness of our words and the state of our hearts. The Pharisees, who accused Jesus of casting out demons by Satan's power, were warned of this sin. Their accusation was a profound rejection of the Spirit's revelation of Jesus' true identity. For believers, this underscores the importance of being open to the Spirit's work and revelation in our lives. [13:32]



"Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven." (Matthew 12:31, ESV)



Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you might be resisting the Holy Spirit's work? How can you open your heart to His guidance today?





Day 3: Preserved by the Spirit

Christians are preserved by the Holy Spirit from committing the unforgivable sin. While we are capable of sin, God's grace and the Spirit's work ensure our perseverance in faith. This highlights the importance of examining our hearts to ensure genuine belief. The assurance for Christians is that the Holy Spirit preserves us, and our perseverance in faith is not solely our doing but is sustained by God's grace and the Spirit's work within us. This should lead us to a deeper reliance on the Spirit and a commitment to nurturing our faith. [23:32]



"And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." (Philippians 1:6, ESV)



Reflection: In what ways can you actively rely on the Holy Spirit to preserve your faith today?





Day 4: Guided in Trials

In times of trial, the Holy Spirit provides guidance and words to speak. This promise alleviates anxiety, reminding us of the Spirit's role as our helper and advocate, especially when we face persecution or difficult situations. Jesus reassures His followers that when they face trials and persecution, the Holy Spirit will guide them in what to say. Our role is to trust in His guidance and remain faithful in our confession and belief. This assurance should bring comfort and confidence as we navigate life's challenges. [24:49]



"When they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say." (Luke 12:11-12, ESV)



Reflection: What is a current trial you are facing where you need the Holy Spirit's guidance? How can you actively seek His help today?





Day 5: Presence in Empathy

Our presence and empathy often speak louder than words in times of grief or hardship. Being there for others, offering comfort and support, reflects the love of Christ and the Spirit's work in our lives. This is a call to embody the love and compassion of Christ in our interactions with others. In moments of difficulty, our empathetic presence can be a powerful testimony of God's love and care. This is an invitation to be attentive to the needs of those around us and to offer genuine support and encouragement. [25:34]



"Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight." (Romans 12:15-16, ESV)



Reflection: Who in your life is in need of your empathetic presence today? How can you offer them support and comfort in a tangible way?

Quotes


In recent weeks in these passages that Luke has given to us from the discourse of Jesus we've encountered what I call some hard sayings there's probably no more hard saying in the New Testament than that one in which our Lord warns against committing a sin they cannot be forgiven in this world or in the next. [00:58:48]

There has been much concern in the teaching of Jesus about the relationship of people's mouths to their hearts. We see that he gave a vehement denunciation against the Pharisees and the scribes for their unparalleled hypocrisy because they said one thing with their lips and did something else with their lives they confessed one thing with their mouths but believe something else in their hearts. [00:137:52]

The word that is the word of God is near you, in your mouth, and in your heart, that is the word of faith that we preach that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised them from the dead you will be saved for with the heart One Believes unto righteousness and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. [00:258:84]

We must confess with our mouths our faith in Christ and we must believe in our hearts in order to be saved those are the conditions if you believe in your heart and confess with your mouth you'll be saved well what if you don't do either one of those well then you perish. [00:306:30]

Not everyone who says Lord Lord will enter into the kingdom of God this is the scariest warning that Jesus ever gives when he says that on the last day there will be many who will come confessing him with their mouths saying Lord Lord and he will say please leave I don't know who you are you workers of lawlessness. [00:364:80]

If you are a Christian, if you have confessed your sin before God and have come to Christ, than it is your solemn sacred Duty to confess your savior before men and with that Duty Comes The Promise that Jesus said if you confess me before men, then I will confess you before my father and before the angels in heaven. [00:559:80]

Whoever denies me before men will be denied before the angels of God you come joyfully across the veil into heaven expecting a great reward only to be met by the son of man who says no father not her not him they said they believed in me but their hearts were far from me and so I have to deny that their members of our sacred family. [00:643:68]

The immediate context in which Jesus first gave this warning was when the Pharisees accused him of casting out demons by the power of Satan and they had given every conceivable insult to Jesus and laid just about every conceivable false charge against him which he took in humiliation and then sometimes in great sadness at the fallenness of the people that were attacking him. [00:1091:22]

The heart of Fallen man is so depraved the mind is so darkened by sin that unless God the holy spirit opens our minds to the true understanding of Jesus Christ we will never understand who he is that's why the link here between the Holy Spirit and blasphemy is so crucial. [00:1243:98]

I don't believe any Christian ever does or ever will commit the unforgivable sin not because we're not capable of it in and of ourselves but because the father preserves Those whom he has given his son and promised that he will not let any of them be snatched away and our perseverance is based upon his preservation of us and the sweetness of the holy spirit is to keep us from committing such an unforgivable sin. [00:1403:28]

I frequently have people say to me who are Christians I'm afraid I've committed the unforgivable sin but if I tell them if they really are believers I don't believe for a moment that they've committed the unforgivable sin nor ever will they but that's another reason why we need to be so careful in examining our hearts to know that we are indeed in Christ. [00:1440:42]

When they bring you to the synagogues the magistrates the authorities don't worry about how you or what you should answer what you should say for the holy spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say he's not meaning that we should not do our homework or make preparations but he's saying leave your anxiety behind you. [00:1479:24]

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