How the Holy Spirit Operates in Conversion
(Holy Spirit Series
Pt. 4 of 7)
FILING INFORMATION:
1999041
Subject: Holy Spirit
Preached Originally: 07/11/99 – Rapid City, SD
Introduction
A. series on the Holy Spirit continues.
1. spent time discussing who is the Holy Spirit.
2. Discussed the Indwelling of the Holy Spirit
3. Discussed how the Holy Spirit Words Through the Word.
B. Wish to discuss the operation of the HS in conversion.
1. the subject of the operation of the HS has been confusing & mysterious – by many in the religious world.
2. Satan has blinded the minds of those who religion beliefs are based on the creeds of men – rather than the word of God.
C. What does the Holy Spirit do in regards to conversion of sinners?
1. How does the HS influence the alien sinner?
2. In what way does He work?
D. It is a fact that the HS operates on men today in their conversion.
1. We will attempt to answer this question later in the lesson.
2. Will say: the HS converts men today with the word.
I. How may one prove this matter?
A. Some seek to prove things using their feelings.
1. emotionalism is creeping into religion today – most definitely.
2. Emotionalism thought more highly than reason – often b/c it “feels right.”
a) song/singing in church w/o spirit – as expressed by internet person this week.
3. feelings often not based on Scripture –if they are – Scripture are used out of Scripture. All feelings to be guide: opens one up to anything in religion.
B. Conscience – some appeal to their conscience as a guide or to condone their religious practice.
1. Acts 23:1; 26:9
2. But…according to 1 Tim. 4:2 – one’s conscience can be seared…so conscience can’t be a reliable guide all the time – especially in religious practice.
C. Using the Bible.
1. 2 Tim. 3:16-17
2. 2 Pet. 1:3
3. Jhn. 20:30-31
4. The Bible tells what has been written; what to believe; & for what purpose the Scriptures are given.
5. Scriptures must be our guide. Must apply them in all we do.
II. How the Holy Spirit Does NOT operate in Conversion.
A. Some believe that the sinner must receive a direct operation of the Sprit before he can be converted – and to enable him to be converted.
1. by direct operation we mean an operation separate from the Word of God.
2. A special/mystical/personal influence which changes the heart & makes it susceptible to the Word.
3. This doctrine based on the denominational idea of the nature of man.
a) teach that man born in sin – total depravity.
b) For this to be true…god must force His grace upon man – whether he wants it or not.
B. Problems w/the direct operation theory.
1. makes God responsible for man – instead of man being responsible for Himself.
a) contrary to plain bible teaching
b) 2 Cor. 5:9-10; Rom. 14:12
2. Makes God a respecter of persons – Acts 10:34-35; Rom. 2:11
3. Sets aside the mission of Christ, apostles, gospel, accountability of man.
a) the spirit says come.
b) The bride says come. See Rev. 22:!7
c) Yet this theory says man can’t do this until the Spirit tells him to do so.
C. Acts: every act here where man saved….accomplished by words. See Acts 8:31-39.
III. How doe the Holy Spirit Operate in Conversion?
A. he bears witness of Christ.
1. 1 Jhn. 5:6 – How does He do this?
a) by personally/directly speaking into a persons heart?
b) Where the passage?
2. bears witness by revealing Christ through inspired men.
a) Acts 2:4 - NT times – apostles/prophets preached Christ.
b) Today we have the message left to us by the apostles/prophets in the word of God.
1) spirit bears witness through their word
2) Jhn. 20:31
B. HS also reproves/convicts sinners.
1. Jhn. 16:7-8 – states His mission. Know for a fact that He does – b/c the Bible says He does.
2. How does He do it? Eph. 6:17 – through the Word. Which is the Spirit’s sword.
3. Pricks the heart – Acts 2:37 – discern the thoughts/intents of the heart – Heb. 4:12-13
C. HS begets sinners.
1. Jhn. 3:3-5 – Jesus says that one must be born of the Spirit.
a) this happens when the word of God gets into the heart.
2. 1 Pet. 1:23 – Christians born by the word w/incorruptible seed.
D. HS renews sinners.
1. See Titus 3:5 – this he does by washing, sanctifying, & justifying the sinner.
a) 1 Cor. 6:9-11 – notice words – esp. in v. 11
2. This again, is accomplished through the agency of the Word.
a) Jhn. 15:3
b) Jhn. 17:7
c) Js. 1:23
d) Rom. 1:16
e) Notice the importance of the Word here!
IV. Observe the conversions that took place in Acts.
A. All cases of conversions recorded in Acts show how the HS operated through the Word.
1. Acts 2:37-38
a) people heard preaching/words of the Apostles – inspired by the HS.
b) Pricked them in the heart
c) When they obeyed the Spirits instructions (repentance/baptism) they received HS’s gift of salvation or remission of sins.
2. Acts 8:29-39
a) Eunuch reading the Word – Isaiah.
b) Philip began where Eunuch reading & preached Jesus to Him!
c) Responded through his obedience.
3. Acts 16:14
a) Lydia responded to the personal preaching of Paul.
b) No miracle/mystery in the opening of lydia’s heart.
c) She simply heard; she was convinced; she accepted the teaching.
d) Yet the Spirit most assuredly brought this about through the teaching/preaching of Paul.
B. But what about Cornelius?
1. Cornelius received the HS before his conversion.
a) this case exceptional.
b) But…HS did not come on him to enable him to hear.
c) Rather he was already able and willing to hear the gospel & in fact had sent for Peter to come preach to Him.
2. Acts 11:14
a) peter to tell Cornelius words by which he would be saved.
b) Cornelius – first Gentile convert.
1) up till now – gospel not preached to Gentiles.
2) To Jews only
3) But God promised gospel to the whole world – miracles in Acts 10 signaled the fulfillment of this promise.
c) spirit’s direct operation here was:
1) not to bring about the conversion of the man
2) but to confirm the right of hall the Gentiles to the gospel
3) Acts 11:1-18 – Peter explained these events to Brethren in Jerusalem & they rejoiced.
Conclusion.
A. Jhn. 6:44-45
1. it is the message of truth – as taught by those in the Bible times who were directly guided by the Holy Spirit – which serves as the agent through which the spirit draws men to Christ.
2. Acts 7:51 – Jews rejected the Spirit by rejecting the message of God. Many do the same today!
B. Respond to the Bible plan of salvation & the Spirit will work on you – through the Word.
C. I N V I T A T I O N