EFFECTS OF THE PRESENCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT


A. WHEN WE THINK OF THE EFFECTS OF THE PRESENCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN OUR LIVES, WE MUST CONSIDER A NUMBER OF FACTORS WHICH ENTER INTO THAT EXPERIENCE
  1. Satan has counterfeited most all heavenly blessings:
    1. Seeming phenomena witnessed in the life of a certain person claiming the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
    2. Such outward manifestations, purporting to be the work of the Holy Ghost, were predicted by our Lord, by Paul, and by John - Matt. 24:24; 2 Thess. 2:9-11; Rev. 13:13, 14
    3. Satan will assume the likeness of our Lord before Christ comes - 2 Cor. 11:13-16
  2. These Satanic manifestations will be most effective:
    1. Because the vast majority are uninformed about the truth that would keep them from being deceived.
    2. The natural inclination of people is to fall for the demonstrative or spectacular, and not for that which leans on the world of obedience.
B. SEVEN SPECIFIC MARKS OF THE PRESENCE AND INDWELLING OF THE HOLY GHOST
  1. "Self" will be crucified and Christ will be glorified:
    1. Paul's testimony - Gal. 2:20
    2. The early disciples - Acts 2:7, 8
    3. "Not I, but Christ be loved, honored, and exalted."
  2. We are transformed into the likeness of the meek and lowly Saviour: Matt. 11:28-30; Gal. 1:15, 16; 2 Cor. 3:18
    1. That makes us new creatures - 2 Cor. 5:17; Eph. 2:10
    2. That removes the sinful "self" out of the picture.
  3. We will be turned into a new man:
    1. The old man of sin has died, and he has been buried - Rom. 6:1-14
    2. It is Christ in us, the hope of glory - Col. 1:27; Eph. 3:17; 1 John 2:5
  4. Our lives will be devoted to do effective witnessing for Christ: 1 Pet. 2:9-11
  5. We will reveal the beauty of true Bible holiness:
    1. That means that we will reveal Christ in our thoughts, words, and actions.
    2. It means that we will no longer live unto ourselves, but unto Him that loved us and gave Himself for us - Gal. 2:20
  6. Victory over every evil inclination in our lives will be assured. We will gain strength to subdue all human and sinful tendencies:
  7. Finally, the indwelling Spirit of God will take out of our lives the enmity toward the law of God:
    1. Christ will slay that enmity - Eph. 2:14-16; Rom. 8:1-7
    2. We will delight in the law of God after the inward man - Rom. 7:22; Ps. 40:8
    3. The Ten Commandments will become a part of our renewed nature - Heb. 10:15, 16; Ezek. 36:26-28
C. ALL THESE BLESSINGS OF THE INDWELLING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT MAKE US DOUBLY RESPONSIBLE TO GOD NOT TO USE THIS HEAVENLY GIFT IN VAIN
  1. Paul warns us in very strong words:
    1. "For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins." - Heb. 10:26-29
    2. "For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, . . . to renew them again unto repentance" - Heb. 6:4-8
  2. Blessings bring responsibility which we must use to the glory of God:


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