The Holy Spirit: Sustainer of Grace and Order
Summary
In our exploration of the doctrine of the Holy Spirit, we delved into the profound implications of Peter's sermon on the day of Pentecost, as described in Acts 2. This pivotal moment in history marked the arrival of the Holy Spirit, fulfilling the prophecy of Joel. However, the Holy Spirit's activity did not begin at Pentecost; it has been present and active since the creation of the world. The Spirit of God moved upon the waters, playing a crucial role in creation and sustaining the universe. The Holy Spirit's work extends beyond the church, manifesting in what we call "common grace," which includes the general blessings and moral influences bestowed upon all humanity.
Common grace is evident in the natural light of conscience, the establishment of governments, and the sense of morality and public opinion that restrains sin and promotes order. This grace is not redemptive but serves to maintain a semblance of righteousness and order in a fallen world. The Holy Spirit's influence is also seen in culture, art, and science, where human creativity and intellect are gifts from God, meant to glorify Him. Unfortunately, humanity often misdirects this glory towards individuals rather than acknowledging the divine source.
The Holy Spirit's role in common grace also involves the postponement of judgment, allowing humanity time for repentance. This patience and long-suffering nature of God is a testament to His desire for all to come to salvation. The Spirit strives with humanity, restraining sin and maintaining a general sense of morality and religion, even among those who do not know Christ. This operation of the Holy Spirit ensures that the world does not descend into chaos and oblivion.
As we continue to explore the Holy Spirit's work, we are reminded of the vastness of God's grace and the intricate ways in which He sustains and governs the world. Let us remain open to the Spirit's leading, seeking deeper understanding and appreciation for His work in our lives and the world around us.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Holy Spirit has been active since creation, playing a vital role in the formation and sustenance of the universe. This activity is a testament to the collaborative work of the Trinity, where the Spirit operates alongside the Father and the Son. Understanding this helps us appreciate the Spirit's ongoing presence and influence in the world. [02:44]
2. Common grace is the Holy Spirit's non-redemptive influence that restrains sin and promotes order in society. This grace manifests in conscience, government, and public opinion, ensuring that humanity does not spiral into chaos. Recognizing this influence encourages us to see God's hand in the moral and social structures around us. [06:01]
3. Culture, art, and science are expressions of common grace, where human creativity is a gift from God. These gifts are meant to glorify God, yet humanity often misdirects this glory towards individuals. Acknowledging the Spirit's role in these areas can lead us to a deeper appreciation of God's generosity and creativity. [11:19]
4. The Holy Spirit's work in common grace includes the postponement of judgment, allowing time for repentance. This patience reflects God's desire for all to come to salvation, highlighting His long-suffering nature. Understanding this aspect of grace can inspire us to be patient and hopeful in our interactions with others. [15:38]
5. The Spirit strives with humanity, restraining sin and maintaining a general sense of morality and religion. This operation ensures that the world remains within bounds, preventing total moral decay. Recognizing this influence can lead us to a greater appreciation of God's sustaining power and His desire for order and righteousness. [19:16]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:09] - Introduction to the Holy Spirit's Activity
- [00:58] - The Day of Pentecost and Its Significance
- [01:46] - Methodology in Understanding the Holy Spirit
- [02:27] - The Holy Spirit in Creation
- [03:16] - Sustaining Creation
- [04:51] - Understanding Common Grace
- [06:30] - The Light of Conscience
- [07:51] - Government and Public Opinion
- [09:25] - Culture as a Manifestation of Grace
- [12:20] - Misplaced Glory in Human Achievement
- [13:24] - God's Control Over Consequences
- [14:35] - Postponement of Judgment
- [16:10] - The Spirit's Striving with Humanity
- [19:34] - Restraining Sin and Promoting Morality
- [21:35] - Common Blessings and God's Generosity
- [23:27] - Conclusion and Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Acts 2:1-4
2. Genesis 1:2
3. Romans 13:1-2
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Observation Questions:
1. According to Acts 2, what significant event marked the arrival of the Holy Spirit, and how did Peter explain this event to the people? [00:58]
2. In Genesis 1:2, what role did the Holy Spirit play in the creation of the world, and how does this relate to the sermon’s discussion on the Spirit's activity before Pentecost? [02:27]
3. How does Romans 13:1-2 describe the establishment of governments, and what connection does this have with the concept of common grace as discussed in the sermon? [08:09]
4. What examples of common grace were mentioned in the sermon, and how do they manifest in society today? [06:01]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the understanding of the Holy Spirit's role in creation and sustaining the universe deepen our appreciation of the Trinity's collaborative work? [02:44]
2. In what ways does the concept of common grace challenge the notion that God is only involved with the lives of believers? [08:55]
3. How can recognizing the Holy Spirit's influence in culture, art, and science lead to a greater appreciation of God's creativity and generosity? [11:19]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the Holy Spirit's role in postponing judgment, and how does this reflect God's desire for humanity's repentance? [15:38]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced the Holy Spirit's sustaining power in your life. How did this experience shape your understanding of God's presence? [02:44]
2. How can you become more aware of the Holy Spirit's influence in the moral and social structures around you, such as government and public opinion? [06:01]
3. In what ways can you redirect the glory of human achievements in culture, art, and science back to God, acknowledging His role in these gifts? [11:19]
4. How does the Holy Spirit's patience and long-suffering nature inspire you to be more patient and hopeful in your interactions with others? [15:38]
5. Consider the ways in which the Holy Spirit restrains sin in the world. How can this understanding influence your perspective on current societal issues? [19:16]
6. Identify an area in your life where you might be resisting the Holy Spirit's striving. What steps can you take to be more open to His guidance? [17:10]
7. How can you actively seek a deeper understanding and appreciation for the Holy Spirit's work in your life and the world around you? [25:45]
Devotional
Day 1: The Holy Spirit's Eternal Presence and Role in Creation
The Holy Spirit has been active since the beginning of time, playing a crucial role in the creation and sustenance of the universe. This activity is a testament to the collaborative work of the Trinity, where the Spirit operates alongside the Father and the Son. The Spirit of God moved upon the waters, bringing order and life to the cosmos. This ongoing presence and influence of the Holy Spirit in the world remind us of the divine orchestration behind the natural order and the sustaining power that upholds all things. Understanding this helps us appreciate the Spirit's ongoing presence and influence in the world. [02:44]
Genesis 1:2 (ESV): "The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters."
Reflection: How can you become more aware of the Holy Spirit's presence in your daily life, recognizing His role in sustaining the world around you?
Day 2: Common Grace as a Divine Restraint
Common grace is the Holy Spirit's non-redemptive influence that restrains sin and promotes order in society. This grace manifests in conscience, government, and public opinion, ensuring that humanity does not spiral into chaos. It is a testament to God's mercy and His desire to maintain a semblance of righteousness in a fallen world. Recognizing this influence encourages us to see God's hand in the moral and social structures around us, acknowledging the ways in which He works to preserve order and justice. [06:01]
Romans 2:14-15 (ESV): "For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them."
Reflection: In what ways can you see the influence of common grace in your community, and how can you participate in promoting order and justice?
Day 3: Human Creativity as a Reflection of Divine Generosity
Culture, art, and science are expressions of common grace, where human creativity is a gift from God. These gifts are meant to glorify God, yet humanity often misdirects this glory towards individuals. Acknowledging the Spirit's role in these areas can lead us to a deeper appreciation of God's generosity and creativity. By recognizing the divine source of our talents and achievements, we can redirect the glory to God and use our gifts to honor Him. [11:19]
Exodus 31:2-5 (ESV): "See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with ability and intelligence, with knowledge and all craftsmanship, to devise artistic designs, to work in gold, silver, and bronze, in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, to work in every craft."
Reflection: How can you use your unique talents and creativity to glorify God today, acknowledging Him as the source of your gifts?
Day 4: The Patience of God in Postponing Judgment
The Holy Spirit's work in common grace includes the postponement of judgment, allowing time for repentance. This patience reflects God's desire for all to come to salvation, highlighting His long-suffering nature. Understanding this aspect of grace can inspire us to be patient and hopeful in our interactions with others, recognizing the opportunity for transformation and redemption in every person. [15:38]
2 Peter 3:9 (ESV): "The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance."
Reflection: Who in your life needs to experience God's patience and grace through you, and how can you extend that to them today?
Day 5: The Spirit's Striving to Maintain Moral Order
The Spirit strives with humanity, restraining sin and maintaining a general sense of morality and religion. This operation ensures that the world remains within bounds, preventing total moral decay. Recognizing this influence can lead us to a greater appreciation of God's sustaining power and His desire for order and righteousness. By aligning ourselves with the Spirit's work, we can contribute to the moral and spiritual health of our communities. [19:16]
Genesis 6:3 (ESV): "Then the Lord said, 'My Spirit shall not abide in man forever, for he is flesh: his days shall be 120 years.'"
Reflection: In what ways can you actively participate in the Spirit's work of maintaining moral order in your community, and how can you encourage others to do the same?
Quotes
The Holy Spirit has been operative in this world from the very commencement and he has had his influence and his effect upon men who are not saved and who have gone to perdition while they were in this life and in this world they came under these General operations non-saving operations of the Holy Spirit. [00:06:04]
Common Grace is the term applied to those General blessings which God imparts to all men indiscriminately as he pleases. That's common Grace General blessings which God gives are imparts to all men indiscriminately not only his own people but all men according to his own will. [00:04:56]
The Holy Spirit strives with men. Take that statement in Genesis 6:3. This doesn't exhaust the meaning of that statement, but it at any rate does mean that God there announced that there was a time coming when instead of keeping men alive and going in this way in spite of his sin he'd stop doing so. [00:16:06]
The Holy Spirit has been active from the commencement in sustaining and maintaining the universe. [00:04:32]
Culture as such is a good thing. It's not saving, it's not Redemptive, but culture is a good thing. It improves people, it makes them live better lives. It doesn't save them, but it has an effect upon them. Now where does culture come from? [00:10:23]
The Holy Spirit's work in common grace includes the postponement of judgment, allowing time for repentance. This patience reflects God's desire for all to come to salvation, highlighting His long-suffering nature. [00:14:39]
The Holy Spirit restrains the worst and the foulest manifestations of sin, but there are times when he gives them up to them. Are you and I, I wonder, living in such an age? [00:18:12]
The Holy Spirit is responsible for what is commonly called common Grace. Now what do you mean by Common Grace as someone? Well, let me give you some definitions. [00:04:56]
The Holy Spirit has been operative in this world from the very commencement and he has had his influence and his effect upon men who are not saved and who have gone to perdition while they were in this life and in this world they came under these General operations non-saving operations of the Holy Spirit. [00:06:04]
The Holy Spirit restrains the worst and the foulest manifestations of sin, but there are times when he gives them up to them. Are you and I, I wonder, living in such an age? [00:18:12]
The Holy Spirit's work in common grace includes the postponement of judgment, allowing time for repentance. This patience reflects God's desire for all to come to salvation, highlighting His long-suffering nature. [00:14:39]
The Holy Spirit strives with men. Take that statement in Genesis 6:3. This doesn't exhaust the meaning of that statement, but it at any rate does mean that God there announced that there was a time coming when instead of keeping men alive and going in this way in spite of his sin he'd stop doing so. [00:16:06]
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