Glorifying Christ: The Holy Spirit's True Role

 

Summary

In today's reflection, we delve into the profound role of the Holy Spirit and its primary purpose: to glorify Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit, often symbolized by a dove, embodies a certain shyness and delicacy, not drawing attention to itself but rather pointing towards Christ. This is a crucial understanding, as there is a tendency among some believers to focus excessively on the Spirit itself, rather than on the work and person of Jesus. The Spirit's role is not to highlight its own works or gifts but to testify to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Throughout the scriptures, we see this pattern clearly. Jesus himself did not speak of his own accord but always pointed to the Father. Similarly, the Spirit points to the Son. This is evident in the Acts of the Apostles, where the Spirit's descent at Pentecost led to the apostles proclaiming the works of Jesus, not their own spiritual experiences. Peter, filled with the Spirit, preached about Jesus of Nazareth, emphasizing His miracles, crucifixion, and resurrection. This focus on Christ is consistent throughout the New Testament and is a model for us today.

Moreover, the history of the church and its hymns reflect this truth. Great hymns and revivals have always centered on Christ's person and work. The Spirit's witness is often manifested in revivals, where the power of God descends upon people, transforming lives and communities. These revivals are not orchestrated by human effort but are sovereign acts of God, emphasizing the need for us to pray for such movements of the Spirit.

In conclusion, our greatest need today is for the Spirit to bear witness to Christ through us, transforming our witness into one of power and effectiveness. We must remain scriptural, ensuring that our focus is on glorifying Jesus, as the Spirit does.

Key Takeaways:

- The Holy Spirit's primary role is to glorify Jesus Christ, not to draw attention to itself or its works. This understanding is crucial for maintaining a scriptural balance in our spiritual lives. [35:33]

- The true sign of being filled with the Spirit is not in speaking about the Spirit or our experiences but in glorifying Jesus Christ and His works. This is evident in the apostles' actions and teachings. [39:45]

- Revivals throughout history have been marked by a powerful descent of the Holy Spirit, leading to a renewed focus on Christ and His saving work. These are sovereign acts of God, not orchestrated by human effort. [58:01]

- The hymns and teachings of Spirit-filled individuals, like Charles Wesley, consistently focus on the person and work of Jesus Christ, reflecting the Spirit's role in glorifying the Son. [49:39]

- Our greatest need today is for the Spirit to bear witness to Christ through us, transforming our witness into one of power and effectiveness. We must pray for the Spirit's power to accompany our proclamation of the Word. [12:24]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [34:27] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
- [35:33] - Glorifying Christ, Not the Spirit
- [36:34] - Misunderstandings About the Spirit
- [37:40] - Peter's Witness to Christ
- [39:27] - The True Sign of the Spirit
- [40:20] - The Day of Pentecost
- [43:00] - Miracles in Jesus' Name
- [45:25] - Peter's Boldness in the Spirit
- [47:23] - Hymns and the Spirit's Focus
- [50:17] - The Need for Revival
- [54:28] - The Spirit's Witness in Revivals
- [58:01] - Historical Revivals
- [01:05:29] - The Power of God in Revival
- [01:12:24] - Our Greatest Need Today

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. John 16:13-14 - "When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you."
2. Acts 2:22-24 - "Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know—this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it."
3. Acts 4:31 - "And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness."

#### Observation Questions
1. According to John 16:13-14, what is the primary role of the Holy Spirit? How does this align with the sermon’s emphasis on the Spirit's purpose? [34:53]
2. In Acts 2:22-24, what does Peter focus on in his sermon at Pentecost? How does this reflect the Spirit's role as described in the sermon? [42:00]
3. What was the reaction of the people when the Holy Spirit descended at Pentecost, and how did Peter respond to their amazement? [40:53]
4. How does the event in Acts 4:31 demonstrate the power of the Holy Spirit in the early church? What was the result of the Spirit's presence? [01:06:38]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that the Holy Spirit does not speak on his own authority but glorifies Jesus instead? How does this understanding affect our view of the Spirit's work in our lives? [34:53]
2. How does Peter’s sermon in Acts 2 serve as a model for Spirit-filled preaching today? What elements should be present in our proclamation of the gospel? [42:00]
3. In what ways do historical revivals, as mentioned in the sermon, illustrate the Spirit's role in glorifying Christ? How can these examples inspire our prayers for revival today? [58:01]
4. How does the shaking of the place in Acts 4:31 serve as a testament to the Spirit's power? What does this event teach us about the nature of true spiritual revival? [01:06:38]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your personal focus in your spiritual life. Are there areas where you might be emphasizing the Holy Spirit's gifts or experiences over glorifying Jesus? How can you realign your focus to be more Christ-centered? [35:33]
2. Consider the last time you shared your faith. Did your conversation focus more on personal experiences or on the person and work of Jesus? How can you ensure that your witness is centered on Christ? [39:45]
3. The sermon highlights the importance of praying for revival. What specific steps can you take to incorporate prayers for revival into your daily routine? How can you encourage others to join you in this prayer? [58:01]
4. Think about a hymn or worship song that has impacted you deeply. Does it focus on the person and work of Jesus? How can you use music to keep your focus on Christ in your daily worship? [49:39]
5. Identify a specific area in your life where you need the Spirit's power to bear witness to Christ. What practical steps can you take this week to invite the Spirit's transformative work in that area? [12:24]
6. How can you cultivate a scriptural balance in your spiritual life, ensuring that both the Word and the Spirit are given their rightful place? What changes might you need to make in your study or prayer habits? [50:39]
7. Reflect on a time when you felt the presence of God in a powerful way. How did it change you? How can you seek more of these experiences while ensuring they lead you to glorify Jesus? [01:12:24]

Devotional

Day 1: The Holy Spirit's Role in Glorifying Christ
The Holy Spirit's primary role is to glorify Jesus Christ, not to draw attention to itself or its works. This understanding is crucial for maintaining a scriptural balance in our spiritual lives. The Spirit, often symbolized by a dove, embodies a certain shyness and delicacy, not drawing attention to itself but rather pointing towards Christ. This is a crucial understanding, as there is a tendency among some believers to focus excessively on the Spirit itself, rather than on the work and person of Jesus. The Spirit's role is not to highlight its own works or gifts but to testify to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. [35:33]

John 16:13-14 (ESV): "When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you."

Reflection: In what ways can you shift your focus from seeking spiritual experiences to glorifying Jesus in your daily life?


Day 2: True Signs of Being Filled with the Spirit
The true sign of being filled with the Spirit is not in speaking about the Spirit or our experiences but in glorifying Jesus Christ and His works. This is evident in the apostles' actions and teachings. Throughout the scriptures, we see this pattern clearly. Jesus himself did not speak of his own accord but always pointed to the Father. Similarly, the Spirit points to the Son. This is evident in the Acts of the Apostles, where the Spirit's descent at Pentecost led to the apostles proclaiming the works of Jesus, not their own spiritual experiences. Peter, filled with the Spirit, preached about Jesus of Nazareth, emphasizing His miracles, crucifixion, and resurrection. [39:45]

Acts 4:31 (ESV): "And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness."

Reflection: How can you ensure that your conversations and actions today reflect the works and teachings of Jesus rather than your own experiences?


Day 3: Revivals as Sovereign Acts of God
Revivals throughout history have been marked by a powerful descent of the Holy Spirit, leading to a renewed focus on Christ and His saving work. These are sovereign acts of God, not orchestrated by human effort. The history of the church and its hymns reflect this truth. Great hymns and revivals have always centered on Christ's person and work. The Spirit's witness is often manifested in revivals, where the power of God descends upon people, transforming lives and communities. These revivals are not orchestrated by human effort but are sovereign acts of God, emphasizing the need for us to pray for such movements of the Spirit. [58:01]

Habakkuk 3:2 (ESV): "O Lord, I have heard the report of you, and your work, O Lord, do I fear. In the midst of the years revive it; in the midst of the years make it known; in wrath remember mercy."

Reflection: What specific prayer can you offer today for a revival in your community that focuses on Christ's saving work?


Day 4: Hymns and Teachings Focused on Christ
The hymns and teachings of Spirit-filled individuals, like Charles Wesley, consistently focus on the person and work of Jesus Christ, reflecting the Spirit's role in glorifying the Son. This focus on Christ is consistent throughout the New Testament and is a model for us today. The Spirit's witness is often manifested in revivals, where the power of God descends upon people, transforming lives and communities. These revivals are not orchestrated by human effort but are sovereign acts of God, emphasizing the need for us to pray for such movements of the Spirit. [49:39]

Colossians 3:16 (ESV): "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God."

Reflection: How can you incorporate hymns or spiritual songs into your daily routine to keep your focus on Christ?


Day 5: The Spirit's Power in Our Witness
Our greatest need today is for the Spirit to bear witness to Christ through us, transforming our witness into one of power and effectiveness. We must remain scriptural, ensuring that our focus is on glorifying Jesus, as the Spirit does. The Spirit's witness is often manifested in revivals, where the power of God descends upon people, transforming lives and communities. These revivals are not orchestrated by human effort but are sovereign acts of God, emphasizing the need for us to pray for such movements of the Spirit. [12:24]

1 Thessalonians 1:5 (ESV): "Because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake."

Reflection: What is one specific way you can rely on the Holy Spirit today to make your witness for Christ more powerful and effective?

Quotes


The Holy Spirit came in the form of a dove I believe that was very deliberate to suggest the shyness the fact that he doesn't demonstrate himself as it were a delicacy a shyness and the Holy Spirit has been specifically sent for one great purpose what's that to testify to the Lord Jesus Christ to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ not himself nor anything that he does he does marvelous things to us all right but he doesn't call attention to that he calls attention to the Lord Jesus Christ and to his person and to his his Works. [00:35:33]

There seems to be a tendency today among certain good honest sincere friends to think that the sign that you're filled with the spirit is that you're always talking about the spirit I've noticed that some of them even have conferences and I've made a careful point of observing what their ad to do in their conferences I had a letter only last week telling me a friend had been to a certain conference even last Good Friday Good Friday of all days and he said the Lord Jesus Christ and his death were literally not mentioned throughout the day conference all the talk was about the Holy Spirit. [00:36:34]

The real proof of the fact that a man is filled or baptized with the spirit is that he glorifies the Lord Jesus Christ not the spirit still less himself or his experiences or his gifts now let me demonstrate this to you look at Acts 2 with its marvelous account of the day of Pentecost and The Descent of the spirit upon the apostles and the others that were with them in the upper room you remember what happened this was an amazing event and strange things happened to the these people and it became known throughout all Jerusalem and the crowd came rushing together from everywhere. [00:39:45]

Here's a man whose just been filled to overflowing with the spirit bursting as it were with the energy of the spirit thrilling with the power of the spirit what does he preach about does he preach about the experience he's just had does he preach about the Holy Spirit this is the answer you men of Israel hear these words Jesus of Nazareth that's what the spirit always does he always calls attention to the Lord Jesus Christ not to himself Jesus of Nazareth and he goes on to tell them a man approved of God among you by Miracles and wonders and signs which God did by him in the midst of you as you yourselves also know. [00:40:20]

The great hymns of these men filled with the spirit are always hymns to the Lord Jesus Christ and to his glory it's not surprising the spirit is sent to glorify him and he does so through these men with whom he fills himself and this power and not only this if you go through the the history of the church in the matter of great preaching you will find it's always the same thing the theme of The Great revivals of History that's always been the person of Christ is atoning death and his glorious Resurrection. [00:49:39]

A Revival is a falling of the Holy Spirit upon us that's the term that is used if you like I would say that a Revival is a kind of repetition of what happened on the day of Pentecost I've shown you already how Peter and others receive this several times over it can happen many many times to people it's a falling of the spirit upon us it's a coming of the spirit Upon Us in great power and it is a most amazing thing. [00:58:01]

The spirit throughout the centuries has brought his witness to the Lord Jesus Christ it is what we call Revival now this is a term that we've got to be careful with our friends in America of the habit of referring to a Revival when we would mean an Evangelistic campaign they talk about holding a Revival and they prepare for it now that's not what I mean by Revival at all and that is not what we mean traditionally in this country by Revival. [00:58:01]

When a Revival comes more can happen in one day than in 50 days of our work without him it's often happened Jonathan Edwards used to say that God had kept his church going throughout the Centuries by means of revivals and there's a great deal to be said for that but certainly our greatest need today is this we are Orthodox thank God I wouldn't be here but for that I know your reputation I thank God for you you're men of God you're men of the word right and I'm with you and we've been trying to preach and to propagate this message for years we must go on doing so but we must never forget to pray for this Almighty power for this Descent of the spirit upon us and upon others. [01:12:24]

The greatest need of the hour is this witness of the spirit confirming attesting supporting making you use of our witness we are his Witnesses of these things and so is also the Holy Ghost whom God has given to them that obey him I close by one further illustration of what all this means and what I mean by Revival if you get a copy of John Wesley's journals and I commend you to read them most instructive in these matters and if you turn up John Wesley's journal for January the 1st 1739 this is what you'll read he says there that the night before he and some 60 people had met together for a kind of watch Night Service a love Feast at a time of Fellowship together in feter Lan here in London. [01:12:24]

The power of God suddenly descended upon us he says some fell to the ground others gave Praises unto God and then he goes on to say that after we had recovered a little from our all at the presence of His Majesty we broke up out together in one Accord we praise thee Oh God we acknowledge thee to be the Lord now John Wesley as you all probably know was a most unemotional man he was almost a pedantic man he'd been a fellow of his college at Oxford not an excitable Kil like some of us but a typical stolid solid common sense Englishman not emotional quiet calm he is the man who talks about that the power of God falling upon us people falling to the ground people crying out praising God John Wesley of course that's Revival. [01:12:24]

In Revival you and I can do nothing except to cry for it it is God who sends it and he sends it in his own time and in his own way and what's the effect of his coming it is to Humble people when the spirit comes upon people they're not glib and superficial and light and always talking about themselves no no there's an a as John Wesley describes it there is an all at the presence of his majesty have you ever felt the presence of the Living God I'm not asking whether you believe the message I'm asking have you felt the touch of his power this is our greatest need. [01:12:24]

Let us pray that the power of the spirit may come upon it and upon us so that we may witness with this holy Apostolic boldness and we shall see large numbers of people in many land translated from the kingdom of Satan into the kingdom of God's dear son and from Darkness to light may God bless you in all your efforts and may He keep us all to the balance of the scripture not either or the both and of the spirit and the word. [01:12:24]

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Transcript
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