Sealed by the Spirit: Identity and Empowerment in Christ

 

Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound concept of being "sealed" by God, as illustrated in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. This sealing is a divine authentication, a confirmation of identity and purpose, as seen in the life of Jesus, who was sealed by God through the Holy Spirit. This sealing was evident in the miraculous works and authoritative teachings of Jesus, which were signs of His divine mission and identity as the Son of God and the Messiah. The Holy Spirit's descent upon Jesus at His baptism and the voice from heaven declaring Him as God's beloved Son were pivotal moments of this divine sealing.

We then transitioned to consider what this sealing means for us as believers. Just as Jesus was authenticated by God, we too are sealed by the Holy Spirit, marking us as children of God and co-heirs with Christ. This sealing is not merely a theological concept but a transformative experience that confirms our identity in Christ and empowers us for service. However, a critical distinction was made between the act of believing and the experience of being sealed by the Spirit. While belief is the initial step in our Christian journey, the sealing of the Spirit is a subsequent experience that may not occur immediately upon belief. This distinction is crucial for understanding the depth of our spiritual experience and the empowerment that comes from the Holy Spirit.

The message challenges the prevailing notion that sealing with the Spirit is automatic upon belief, suggesting instead that it is a distinct and often subsequent experience. This understanding invites us to seek a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit, moving beyond mere belief to a fuller experience of His presence and power in our lives. As we continue to explore this theme, we are encouraged to reflect on the ways the Holy Spirit authenticates our identity as God's children through intelligible signs and transformative experiences.

Key Takeaways:

1. Divine Authentication: Just as Jesus was authenticated by God through the Holy Spirit, believers are also sealed by the Spirit, marking them as God's children and co-heirs with Christ. This sealing is a divine confirmation of our identity and purpose, empowering us for service and ministry. [19:38]

2. The Role of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the life of a believer, not only in the act of believing but also in the subsequent sealing that empowers and authenticates our faith. This sealing is a transformative experience that confirms our identity in Christ. [20:44]

3. Distinction Between Belief and Sealing: There is a significant distinction between the act of believing and the experience of being sealed by the Spirit. While belief is the initial step, the sealing of the Spirit is a subsequent experience that may not occur immediately, inviting us to seek a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit. [26:46]

4. Empowerment for Ministry: The sealing of the Spirit empowers believers for ministry, just as it did for Jesus and the early disciples. This empowerment is evident in the miraculous works and authoritative teachings that flow from a life sealed by the Spirit. [33:40]

5. Seeking the Fullness of the Spirit: Believers are encouraged to seek the fullness of the Holy Spirit, moving beyond mere belief to a fuller experience of His presence and power. This pursuit leads to a richer spiritual experience and a more profound understanding of our identity in Christ. [36:06]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [18:37] - The Works of God
- [19:06] - Jesus Authenticated by God
- [19:57] - The Holy Spirit's Role
- [20:27] - The Fullness of the Spirit
- [21:01] - The Voice from Heaven
- [21:32] - Jesus' Words and Works
- [22:15] - Miraculous Signs
- [23:04] - Sealing and Authentication
- [24:14] - Believers Sealed by the Spirit
- [25:06] - Timing of the Sealing
- [26:14] - Belief and Sealing Distinction
- [27:18] - Historical Perspectives
- [31:22] - Sealing as a Subsequent Experience
- [36:06] - Seeking the Fullness of the Spirit

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Sealed by the Spirit

Bible Reading:
1. John 6:27 - "Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval."
2. John 1:32-34 - "Then John gave this testimony: 'I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, "The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit." I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.'"
3. Ephesians 1:13-14 - "And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory."

Observation Questions:
1. What does it mean that Jesus was "sealed" by God, and how was this sealing demonstrated in His life and ministry? [19:22]
2. How does the sermon describe the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer, particularly in relation to the concept of sealing? [20:44]
3. What distinction does the sermon make between the act of believing and the experience of being sealed by the Spirit? [26:14]
4. According to the sermon, what are some signs or evidences of being sealed by the Holy Spirit? [23:04]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of being "sealed" by the Holy Spirit provide assurance of our identity and purpose as believers? [23:38]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the sealing of the Spirit empowers believers for ministry and service? [33:40]
3. Why is it important to understand the distinction between belief and sealing, and how might this affect one's spiritual journey? [27:18]
4. How does the sermon challenge the notion that sealing with the Spirit is automatic upon belief, and what implications does this have for our relationship with the Holy Spirit? [30:15]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt a strong sense of your identity in Christ. How did the Holy Spirit play a role in that experience? [23:38]
2. The sermon emphasizes seeking a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit. What practical steps can you take this week to pursue this deeper relationship? [36:06]
3. Consider the distinction between belief and sealing. How might this understanding change the way you approach your spiritual growth and experiences? [27:18]
4. In what ways can you be more open to the transformative experiences that come from being sealed by the Holy Spirit? [20:44]
5. How can you actively seek the empowerment of the Holy Spirit in your ministry or service to others? What specific actions can you take to invite this empowerment? [33:40]
6. Identify an area in your life where you feel you need divine authentication or confirmation. How can you seek the Holy Spirit's guidance and sealing in this area? [23:04]
7. The sermon suggests that the sealing of the Spirit is a subsequent experience to belief. How can you remain patient and open to this experience if it hasn't happened for you yet? [26:14]

Devotional

Day 1: Divine Authentication and Identity in Christ
Believers are sealed by the Holy Spirit, marking them as God's children and co-heirs with Christ. This sealing is a divine confirmation of our identity and purpose, empowering us for service and ministry. Just as Jesus was authenticated by God through the Holy Spirit, we too are given a divine stamp of approval that affirms our place in God's family. This authentication is not just a label but a transformative reality that shapes how we live and serve. The Holy Spirit's presence in our lives is a constant reminder of our identity and the mission we are called to fulfill. [19:38]

Ephesians 1:13-14 (ESV): "In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory."

Reflection: How does knowing you are sealed by the Holy Spirit change the way you view your identity and purpose today?


Day 2: The Transformative Role of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the life of a believer, not only in the act of believing but also in the subsequent sealing that empowers and authenticates our faith. This sealing is a transformative experience that confirms our identity in Christ. The Holy Spirit's work goes beyond the initial moment of belief, leading us into a deeper understanding and experience of God's presence. This transformation is evident in the way we live, love, and serve, reflecting the character of Christ in our daily lives. [20:44]

2 Corinthians 1:21-22 (ESV): "And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee."

Reflection: In what ways have you experienced the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in your life recently?


Day 3: Distinction Between Belief and Sealing
There is a significant distinction between the act of believing and the experience of being sealed by the Spirit. While belief is the initial step, the sealing of the Spirit is a subsequent experience that may not occur immediately, inviting us to seek a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit. This understanding challenges the notion that sealing is automatic upon belief, encouraging believers to pursue a fuller experience of the Spirit's presence and power. It is an invitation to move beyond mere intellectual assent to a vibrant, Spirit-filled life. [26:46]

Acts 19:2 (ESV): "And he said to them, 'Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?' And they said, 'No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.'"

Reflection: How can you actively seek a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit this week?


Day 4: Empowerment for Ministry
The sealing of the Spirit empowers believers for ministry, just as it did for Jesus and the early disciples. This empowerment is evident in the miraculous works and authoritative teachings that flow from a life sealed by the Spirit. The Holy Spirit equips us with the gifts and strength needed to fulfill our God-given mission, enabling us to impact the world around us. This empowerment is not just for personal edification but for the building up of the body of Christ and the advancement of God's kingdom. [33:40]

1 Corinthians 12:4-7 (ESV): "Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good."

Reflection: What specific gifts or abilities has the Holy Spirit given you for ministry, and how can you use them to serve others today?


Day 5: Seeking the Fullness of the Spirit
Believers are encouraged to seek the fullness of the Holy Spirit, moving beyond mere belief to a fuller experience of His presence and power. This pursuit leads to a richer spiritual experience and a more profound understanding of our identity in Christ. Seeking the fullness of the Spirit involves a continual surrender to God's will and an openness to His leading. It is a journey of faith that transforms our hearts and minds, enabling us to live out our calling with passion and purpose. [36:06]

Ephesians 5:18-20 (ESV): "And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Reflection: What steps can you take today to seek a fuller experience of the Holy Spirit's presence and power in your life?

Quotes

"Well now they said if you say that God has sent you what sign do you give us what proof have you got of the fact that you are indeed the Son of God and the Savior and the Messiah they said for Moses after all when he was leading our nation and our people he gave us a sign because he gave us Mana he gave us bread from him what are you giving now our Lord in a sense has already answered the question by saying to them that he has been sealed by God." [00:18:45]

"God has sealed his son at his baptism, he sealed him by sending the Holy Ghost upon him the Holy Ghost you remember descended upon him in the form of a dove and as we are reminded again in the third chapter of this Gospel According to St John he giveth not the Holy Spirit by measure unto him the Holy Ghost was sent upon Him in all his fullness." [00:19:57]

"Though he is the Son of God Eternal and equal and co-equal with god he has limited himself he has come in the form of a servant and before he can do his work as the son of man and as the savior he needs the Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit was given to him not in measure but in all his fullness he giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him no no in all his fullness and thereby he sets his seal upon him." [00:20:55]

"Now this is is surely therefore very helpful to us as we come to consider the meaning of this term with respect to ourselves it obviously carries the same auth the same meaning and therefore we must say at this preliminary stage that it obviously must mean with us what it meant with the Lord himself it means that in this way we have been authenticated we have been established by intelligible signs that we are indeed the children of God and hes of God and Joint hes with our blessed Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." [00:23:28]

"And here we have a most interesting question which is to many people a problem you notice that the authorized version which I read in this Pulpit puts it like this in whom also after that he believed after that he believed he were sealed with that Holy Spirit of Promise the revised version and the revised Standard Version and the others put it like this in whom also having believed having believed and therefore the question arises is this authorized translation correct when does this healing with the Holy Spirit take place." [00:25:29]

"Now the authorized translation definitely is not only a translation but it is also an exposition clearly indicates that it is something that follows believing that it isn't the same as believing but that it is different from separated from distinct from believing and not a part of believing now that's the question is this seiling with the Holy Spirit a distinct and a separate experience in the Christian Life or is it something that happens inevitably to all who are Christians and that you cannot be a Christian at all apart from this ceiling." [00:26:47]

"And yet I want to suggest to you that that is not the real meaning of this scripture for myself I can't accept that but I rather want to put to you the teaching which is so clearly stated by the great Puritan Thomas Goodwin and to a lesser extent by his contemporary John Owen the teaching also of Dr Charles hjj of Princeton Fame in the last century the teaching also of Charles Simeon of Cambridge at the end of the 18th century in the beginning of the 19th for these draw a sharp distinction between believing the Act of Faith and the sealing with the spirit." [00:27:42]

"And in this sense that they teach and assert that the scripture teaches that while it is absolutely right and true to say that uh no man can believe without the holy spirit that that is not nevertheless the sealing with the spirit and that the sealing with the spirit does not always follow immediately when a man believes that it may not follow that there may be a great interval and that it is possible for one to be a believer and therefore to have the Holy Spirit and still not know the healing of the spirit." [00:28:37]

"Now it is obvious that the good men who translated this authorized version held that view because they've deliberately put it after that he believed he were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise and indeed everybody has to agree that it is a reference to something that has happened in the past it doesn't say in whom also believing ye are sealed with the Holy Spirit no no it's in the past it is as you believed or when you it isn't as you believed or when you believed it is at the very least having believed you see the revised has to put it like that is that's putting it in the past having believed you were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise." [00:29:49]

"Now this is obviously therefore a very important question and as I've already indicated I would even go so far as to suggest that the poverty of spiritual experience today is very largely to be attributed to the fact that people have not drawn this distinction it is just here I say that the error comes in because the teaching is that the sealing with the spirit is the same thing as the baptism with the spirit and that that is something that every Christian of necessity must have experienced that it isn't something that enters into the Consciousness or into the realm of experience it's something that happens to us all unconsciously and therefore it is something that people do not seek and because they don't seek it they don't experience it." [00:30:12]

"Now they were Believers before this it is monstrous to suggest that the disciples were not Believers before the day of Pentecost of course they were they were full Believers in the Lord Jesus Christ he had even expounded the doctrine of the atonement to them and they'd understood it after his resurrection had breathed the spirit upon they knew he was the son of God even Thomas had made his confession my Lord and my God yet they still haven't received this it was there they were sealed it was there the authentication was given to them and it's there their glorious Ministry begins now this is therefore a most important matter." [00:34:14]

"Now then they say that settles the whole matter they say it's a Pity that the authorized ever went wrong there and said have you received the Holy Ghost since he believed they said that translation has led everybody astray and it's made people think that you can believe and afterwards since you can receive the Holy Spirit they said if it had only been the right translation people would have seen it at once did you receive the Holy Ghost when you believed but surely that doesn't solve the problem it doesn't answer the question indeed I want to try to show you that far from supporting the idea that receiving the Holy Ghost always follows immediately upon believing this correct translation of Acts 19:2 does the exact opposite." [00:39:00]

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Transcript
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