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Jesus on the Holy Spirit

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The Spirit of the Lord is central to the work of God, as revealed through the ministry of Jesus Christ. In Luke 4:18, Jesus declares that the Spirit of the Lord is upon Him, fulfilling the prophecy from Isaiah 61. This Spirit empowers Him to preach good tidings to the poor, heal the brokenhearted, proclaim liberty to the captives, give sight to the blind, and set at liberty those who are oppressed. It is the Lord's Spirit, not an independent entity, but the very power by which the Lord accomplishes His work, both in prophecy and in the fulfillment through Jesus' ministry. These actions, known from Old Testament times, demonstrate the Spirit's role in bringing about God's purpose, guiding and transforming lives through divine strength and inspiration.

What the Holy Spirit Does (2005)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The Spirit of the Lord is a profound and dynamic force that belongs to God, possessing an intimate connection to Him. It is not a separate entity but rather an extension of His essence, used by Him to accomplish His will. In its earliest depiction, the Spirit is seen hovering over the waters, fluttering like a bird, in constant movement and eager readiness to act at God's command, demonstrating a vibrant and active presence that is never static or passive. The Spirit of the Lord operates as the means through which God's spoken word brings about creation, acting only when He speaks, revealing His will and directing the Spirit to fulfill it. This illustrates that the Spirit is constantly active and prepared to execute God's desires, serving as a powerful instrument of His purpose. In the life of Joseph, the Spirit of the Lord sets a person apart, endowing them with discernment and wisdom, enabling deep understanding and sound judgment to interpret obscure matters and make godly decisions. Similarly, in Jesus Christ, the Spirit imparts not only wisdom and discernment but also counsel, might, knowledge, and the fear of the Lord, enhancing His qualities throughout His life. The Spirit of the Lord also enhances physical and mental talents, as seen in Bezaleel, who was filled with abilities to craft the Tabernacle with excellence, raising his skills to meet God's standards for His work. This shows that the Spirit inspires excellence and directs talents toward fulfilling God's purposes. Moreover, the Spirit of the Lord reveals truth and opens eyes to reality, as with Balaam, allowing a person to see as God sees, even if the truth is not fully accepted. It removes the blinders of deception, broadening understanding and granting a godly vision of what is real, a process that grows over time in a believer's life. In moments of danger, the Spirit of the Lord provides strength, as exemplified by Samson, who was empowered to overcome a lion, symbolizing the spiritual strength given to resist and prevail over enemies like satan. This same empowerment enabled Jesus Christ to do good and serve others, showing that the Spirit's power is not only for defense but also for acts of kindness and service. The Spirit of the Lord also inspires fitting words at critical times, as with Jahaziel, who spoke encouragement to Judah, and as promised by Jesus Christ, who assured that the Spirit would provide words to speak in times of trial. This inspiration extends to the prophets and apostles, who wrote and preached God's words, revealing truths even angels did not know. Additionally, the Spirit of the Lord facilitates fellowship, linking believers to the Father, to Christ, and to one another, creating a shared understanding and unity across distances and differences. It is the conduit through which God's love is poured into hearts, ensuring that every inspired act, thought, or word is rooted in love, never leading to foolishness or harm but always promoting courage, strength, and sound judgment. Finally, the Spirit of the Lord plays a vital role in setting individuals apart for special purposes, whether through ordination, as with Joshua, or through baptism, marking believers as children of God, justified and sanctified to inherit His glory alongside Christ.

What the Holy Spirit Does

Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The Spirit of the Lord is a vital force that operates under God's command, always ready to act according to His will. As seen in Genesis 1:1-3, the Spirit of God hovered over the waters, poised for action, and when God spoke, it immediately brought forth light, demonstrating its role as a tool directed solely by Him. This Spirit is not a separate entity but is possessed by God, used by Him to accomplish His purposes. In Isaiah 11:1-2, the Spirit of the Lord rests upon the prophesied Branch from Jesse, endowing Him with wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, and the fear of the Lord. These qualities highlight how the Spirit works to produce profound character and insight in those it touches, setting them apart as exceptional in their discernment and actions. Judges 14:5-6 illustrates the Spirit of the Lord coming mightily upon Samson, granting him extraordinary strength to tear apart a lion with his bare hands. This physical empowerment serves as a vivid example of how the Spirit energizes and strengthens individuals to overcome sudden challenges and enemies, equipping them to meet attacks with divine power. In II Chronicles 20:13-14, the Spirit of the Lord comes upon Jahaziel, inspiring him to deliver words of hope and encouragement to Judah during a time of crisis. This shows the Spirit's role in providing timely and fitting messages that uplift and guide God's people, reinforcing their faith and resolve in the face of overwhelming odds. Finally, in Ezekiel 11:5, the Spirit of the Lord falls upon Ezekiel, compelling him to speak God's words. This instance underscores the Spirit's function in inspiring individuals to communicate divine truth, serving as a conduit for God's message to be conveyed with clarity and authority. Through these examples, the Spirit of the Lord is revealed as a dynamic force that empowers, inspires, and connects God's people to His will and purpose.

Christ's Mission Statement

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Luke 4:16-21 and Mark 1:14-15, statements from Christ made at approximately the same time, constitute the composite mission statement directed at His disciples.