THE EPISTLE OF JUDE
CANONICITY
For centuries the place of Jude in the canon of scriptures has been secure. Its genuineness and authenticity are universally endorsed; but the epistle has not always been universally received. One of the main objections in centuries past has been the reference in Jude 1:9 to the contention of Michael the archangel with the devil about the body of Moses. It is claimed that Jude copied this from the uninspired Assumption of Moses (A.D. 44, ISBE, page 1768), or from the apocryphal Book of Enoch. The reference to Michael the archangel is not necessarily anti-scriptural, however. (Note: 1 Thessalonians 4:16; Daniel 12:1; and Revelation 12:7). The difficulty is that no Old Testament scripture is found that refers to the dispute about the body of Moses. Thus it is assumed that (1) the original reference is lost, or (2) the meaning is figurative (a rather naive approach to the problem), or that (3) the passage itself, or the book, should be disputed as authoritative, or that (4) Jude, by the leading of the Holy Spirit, quoted a portion of oral tradition that was true, as was evident by the fact that the Holy Spirit permitted its usage.
REASON FOR QUOTE FROM A HEATHEN SOURCE
The fact of the possible quotation from a heathen source should not compel us to accept the writing as uninspired. If this were so, then the writings of Paul would present the same difficulty because of such passages as Acts 17:28; 1 Corinthians 15:33; and Titus 1:12. A similar problem may also be noted in Acts 20:35; 2 Timothy 3:8; Acts 7:22; Galatians 3:19; Hebrews 11:35; Hebrews 11:37; etc.
To prove a point of what man finds acceptable, and of man's recognition of a basic truth, it would be quite proper to quote a current tradition, even if that tradition were itself baseless in truth. The fact that man generally accepts a certain tradition shows that man finds the points of the tradition plausible. The Jude passage, however, seems to more definitely quote from some inspired source; or at least some feel the reference to the book of Enoch (Jude 1:14) so indicates. If Jude 1:9 refers to some inspired writing, then we do not have that writing. If it refers to a then current tradition (which is possible) the point is still clear that man should recognize God's right to approve or disapprove, as stated in Jude 1:5.
RELATION BETWEEN JUDE AND SECOND PETER
Commentaries through the centuries have expressed much concern about the relationship between Jude and II Peter. There is a distinct similarity seen in at least twelve verses. In some instances this similarity appears almost verbatim. Charges concerning the relationship between these two epistles have even gone so far as to include plagiarism. Which one copied from the other? Which author worked over the writings of the other?
The inspired writings of the scripture have a supernatural relationship that is not found in secular writings. Inspiration of the Holy Spirit gives each book of the Bible a common source and a common planner. The fact that the sixty six books of the Bible make one book is no accident; nor it is a case of each successive writer studying the former writings that he might of his own logic build a theology thereon. The plan for the revelation was in the mind of God from the beginning, and the Holy Spirit caused the prophets to give God's revelation progressively according to His own plan.
Thus quotations and imitations of the different writers in the planned revelation of God are not to be judged on the same basis as the writings of uninspired authors. There is even a certain affinity and agreement of interpretation among those sincere students who would give diligence to divide aright the Word of God. The Bible is not of private interpretation, and the intended meaning in nearly all cases can be clearly and accurately determined if one studies with this intention.
No intention of concealment was present with the sacred writers. No claim of originality was made, for the Holy Spirit was the common inspiration and Revealor that prompted the writing. It is no fault if the same biblical expression is used in more than one place or by more than one earthly writer. Nor is any blame involved if one writer found the revealed truth so adequately expressed by a former writer that he preferred (at the Spirit's approval) to use the former writing verbatim.
The general consensus about who wrote first seems to be that II Peter was the earlier writing. The false teachers predicted by Peter seem to have already appeared on the scene at the time of Jude's writing, The verses that show a distinct similarity follow:
THE PREVAILING APOSTASY IN THE EARLY CHURCH
The prevailing problem in the church at the time Jude wrote the epistle was apostasy. Several of the epistles were written to combat a particular type of apostasy that was becoming more prevalent at the time. This apostasy later became known as Gnosticism. Several of Paul's epistles possibly make reference to this heresy. I John; II Peter and Jude make an especially strong attack against Gnosticismwith perhaps the strongest language being used in the epistle of Jude.
Gnosticism was a mixture of oriental and Greek Philosophies with Christian teaching. It really amounted to a perversion of the Christian system. The purpose seemed to be to make a philosophical system out of the teaching of Christianity. The perversion was evident at the time Jude wrote his epistle, but it steadily increased in strength until it reached a peak that seemed to almost destroy the Church in the second century.
In order to make the Christian approach really philosophical, the question, what must I do to be saved from sin? was changed to What is the origin of evil? Evil was identified with material existence. Anything involving matter was inherently evil, this included not only the rocks and the trees of this earth, but also the flesh of both animal and man; thus man lived in an evil world within an evil body. He was completely helpless. What he did in the flesh made no difference for flesh was evil. Some Gnostics became ascetic, torturing and punishing their bodies. Other Gnostics were indulgent, revelling in the most vile practices. Since the flesh was evil it really made no difference what one did with it. Against this background, John, in the first Epistle of John, strongly declares it does make a difference how man acts.
Another common teaching of the Gnostic group was that flesh was so evil that Godeven a lower God like Jehovahcould not possibly occupy the flesh. They claimed that God only appeared to occupy flesh. A great number of them claimed that God was not incarnate in flesh, but He only came to work in the flesh of the man Jesus for a short period of time during his life. It was a common teaching among the Gnostics that Christ came to be with the man Jesus at his baptism, then the Christ departed from the man Jesus before he was crucified. Birth and death were so closely connected to the evil nature of the flesh that God could never consent to go through these processes.
The word Gnostic means knowledge. One became a member of the Gnostic group by a special rite, or initiation. To be a member of this group meant that he would have a secret insight to knowledge that surpassed the knowledge of the Old Testament prophets. These Christian Gnostics were the Christians who were in the know.
The Gnostics viewed the world of people as being divided into three groups. The first and largest group by far were the -Hylics-'. A Hylic was hopelessly subject to matter and completely lost in his involvement with human flesh. The second class of people were those who were psychicthese were the ones who had faith in the nearest God (Jehovah) but were limited by their faith to knowing only one lesser God. The third group was composed of a select few who had Gnosis. This group had the private access to truth, they knew that the ultimate God was far above Jehovah and could never have anything to do with the flesh and this earth.
AN OUTLINE
With the roots of this apostasy already busy in the church Jude writes to warn the brethren. His style is like a gem. In five steps he leads the Christian from his security in Christ Jesus to the horrible state of woe because of this apostasy. The very heart of the epistle is a trilogy of woe-' found in Jude 1:11. Then Jude leaves the state of apostasy and takes the believer back out through the same five steps to his security in Christ Jesus.
The epistle could probably best be outlined by drawing these five steps as a series, with the -trilogy of woe-' being the center. A diagram follows:
THE HOLY SPIRIT
SPECIAL STUDY
PART ONE: INTRODUCTION
(1)
WHAT IS THE HOLY SPIRIT?
He is God.
The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are all ONE GOD!
(Deuteronomy 4:4). (1 Corinthians 2:1-2) Matthew 28:19; 1 John 5:6-12; 2 Corinthians 13:14; John 1:1; John 1:16.
To blaspheme the Holy Spirit is to blaspheme God! Matthew 12:31-32, Acts 5:4
He had a part in the creation. Genesis 1:2; Job 26:13; Psalms 104:30
(2)
He is a person.
Personal Characteristics:
(a)
a mind. Romans 8:27
(b)
affection Romans 15:30
(c)
a will. 1 Corinthians 12:11
(d)
can be vexed. Isaiah 63:10
(e)
can be resisted. Acts 7:51
The work of a Person:
(a)
He Speaks. John 16:13
(b)
He teaches. John 14:26
The suffering of a Person:
(a)
Grieves. Ephesians 4:30
(b)
can be blasphemed Matthew 12:31-32
(c)
can be lied to. Acts 5:3
He is. .
a person..
a part of the Godhead. .
a Divine Being!
II. WHAT IS THE WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT?
(1)
Primary task: The Revealer.
(a)
Revealed God's will in Old Test. Acts 4:24-36; 2 Peter 1:21
(b)
Revealed truth of New Testament. John 16:12-15; John 14:26
(c)
Revealed God's will by guidance. Acts 8:29; Acts 16:6
(d)
Revealed by bearing witness to God's truth. John 15:26 Acts 5:32; Romans 8:16-17.
(2)
To help the Christian.
(a)
By comforting: The Apostles John 14:16; The Church: Acts 9:31
(b)
By helping in prayer. Romans 8:26-27.
(Note He dwells in the Christian: Acts 5:32; Acts 2:38; 1 Corinthians 3:16; John 14:17; 2 Timothy 1:14; Romans 8:9).
(3)
To convict the world.
(a)
of sin.
(b)
of righteousness
(c)
of judgment
}
John 16:8-11 (Note: this conviction is done through God's Word, the MIRROR OF THE SOUL!)
(4)
To invite the world to Christ.
Through the Word of God, the spirit invites.
By preaching the Word of God, the Church offers the same invitation. Revelation 22:17.
III.
WHAT FOUR THINGS DID THE HOLY SPIRIT USE TO ACCOMPLISH THIS WORK?
Ans.:
(1) Baptism of Holy Spirit. Purpose: Credential to open the door.
(2)
Special Spiritual Gifts. Purpose: Temporary guidance for church.
(3)
Sword of the Spirit. Purpose: Permanent guidance for church.
(4)
Gift of the Spirit. Purpose: Indwelling presence for saved. It is the same Spirit that works in each of these
four ways! 1 Corinthians 12:4
There is one Spirit of God!. the Holy Spirit.
Christians are ONE with that spirit1 Corinthians 6:17; Romans 8:14. ARE THERE OTHER SPIRITS? Yes!
Spirit of antichrist. 1 John 4:3
Spirit of Bondage. Romans 8:15
Unclean Spirits. Matthew 12:43; Luke 11:24; Mark 1:23; Mark 5:2.
Seducing Spirits. 1 Timothy 4:1
Spirit of Devils. Revelation 16:14
Spirit of whoredoms. Hosea 4:12; Hosea 5:4
Perverse Spirit. Isaiah 19:14
Fool Spirit. Mark 4:25; Revelation 18:2
Spirit of error. 1 John 4:6
Spirit of devination. Acts 16:16 etc. etc.
We must try the spirits! 1 John 4:1
IV.
HOW WERE THESE FOUR THINGS RECEIVED?
(1)
Baptism of Holy Spirit. Luke 24:49; Acts 2:2-4
(Given by promise to Apostles)
(2)
Special Spiritual Gifts. Acts 6:6-8; Acts 8:14-18; Romans 1:11.
(By laying on of Apostles hands)
(3)
Sword of the Spirit. Revelation 1:16.
(By those having gifts of prophesy).
(4)
Gift of the Spirit. Acts 2:38; Acts 5:32.
(By promise after repentance and baptism).
V.
WHY WERE THESE FOUR THINGS GIVEN BY THE SPIRIT?
(1)
Baptism of the Holy Spirit. to furnish a credential for unlocking the door of salvation to both Jews and Gentiles. Matthew 16:18-19; Acts 2:14 a, Acts 10:44-48; 14:29.
(2)
Special Spiritual Gifts. to guide the church until the perfect New Testament had come. 1 Corinthians 13:8-10.
(3)
Sword of the Spirit. to permanently guide the Church! 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
To overcome the enemy of God! Hebrews 4:12. Revelation 2:16. John 16:7.
(4)
Gift of the Spirit. To dwell in the Christian (thus strengthening the saint, helping him to pray, proving he belongs to God, and giving him a down payment upon heaven). Acts 5:32; Acts 2:38.
BAPTISM OF THE SPIRIT
1.
Where was the outpouring of the spirit first promised? Joel 2:28-30.
2.
When was the promise fulfilled? Acts 2:17-18, and Acts 10:45.
3.
How does all flesh receive the spiritual result of this out-pouring of the spirit? Acts 2:38, 1 Corinthians 12:13.
(Note: Pour forth my spirit upon all flesh does not say every individual Christian will be baptized with the Holy Spirit)
4.
Who promised to send the Holy Spirit? Matthew 3:11; Luke 24:36
5.
To whom was the Baptism of the Holy Spirit promised? Luke 24:33; Luke 24:49
6.
When was this promise fulfilled? Acts 1:4-5; Acts 2.
(Note: Once a promise is fulfilled, the promise is finished. A promise does not need to be fulfilled again and again, or then Christ would have need to die for us again and again).
7.
In Acts 2:1, who were with one accord in one place? Acts 1:26
8.
Since only the apostles were assembled awaiting the baptism of the Holy Spirit, when did the vast multitude assemble? Acts 2:6
9.
List seven reasons why it is apparent that only the Apostles were baptized with the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost.
(1)
They, in Acts 2:1, who were baptized with the Holy Spirit, refers to the Apostles in Acts 1:26.
(2)
The promise was only to the Apostles. Luke 24:33; Luke 24:49.
(3) Only the Apostles were told to wait for it in Jerusalem. Acts 1:1-5
(4)
Peter stood up -with the eleven-' Acts 2:14
(5)
All the audience was not gathered when the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles. Acts 2:6
(6)
The multitude also were amazed and marveled at what they saw. Acts 2:6-7
(7)
The multitude did not know and had to ask the apostles what they must do to be saved. Acts 2:37
10.
Who was appointed to unlock the door of salvation? Matthew 16:18-19.
11.
Who preached the first sermon, thus using the key? Acts 2:14 a.
12.
To whom was the sermon preached? Acts 2:5
13.
When did Peter unlock a door to another people? Acts 10:44-48.
14.
Why was the baptism of the Holy Spirit given? for credentials (a sign from God): (a) for opening the door to the Jews (Acts 2:21-22 a) (b) for opening the door also to the Gentiles. (Acts 11:15-18; Acts 14:27).
(Note: Once a door is unlocked and standing open, the keys do not have to be used every time someone goes in or out of the doorway.)
15.
What were the immediate signs (credentials) to be seen by the Jews? Acts 2:2-4. Soundlike tornado; speechother languages; sightlike fire.
16.
What was the reaction of the multitude to these signs? Acts 2:6-7.
17.
What are the five Baptisms in the New Testament?
Baptism
Whence
Executor
Medium
Subject
Purpose
John
A commandment before the cross
John Acts 1:5 a
Water Acts 1:5 a
Believing Jews.
Prepare for Christ. John 1:23
of Holy Spirit
A promise at Pentecost
Christ John 16:7
Holy Spirit Acts 2:4 Acts 10:45
Apostles Acts 1:26; Acts 2:1, and Cornelius Acts 10:1
Credentials to opening of door to Jews
Acts 2:21-22 a and to Gentiles Acts 11:15-18
Of Commission
A command to believers
child of God Matthew 28:19
Water Acts 8:36
Penitent Believers
Remission of past sins. Acts 2:38
of fire
A thirst at judgment
Christ Luke 3:16-17
Fire Revelation 20:15
Unbelievers Revelation 20:15
Punishment Revelation 20:10
of Death Mark 10:38
Possible in this life
Persecutors
Death
Christ and some Christians
Martyrdom
18.
Who was the first Gentile to hear the New Testament invitation into Christ. Acts 10:1
19.
What convinced Peter that he should preach to the Gentiles. Acts 10:9-13
20.
What was to convince Peter that he should also unlock this door by baptizing these Gentiles with water into Christ? Acts 10:44; Acts 11:17-18.
21.
Was Peter convinced to go ahead with the water baptism? Acts 10:47-48.
(Note:
At Cornelius-' house was the second time Peter had used the keys, but now that the door was open to Jews and Gentiles alike, there was no more need to unlock doors, as Jew and Gentile includes all people. Thus the only two cases of baptism of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament come when the Gospel door was first opened to the Jews, and first opened to the Gentiles).
22.
How many baptisms are mentioned in the New Testament?
a.
Fire (for sinnerschaff) Matthew 3:11-12.
b.
Suffering (for martyrs, such as Jesus and some Apostles) Mark 10:38-39.
c.
John's (for John's disciples, before Jesus-' baptism) Acts 19:1-5
d.
Holy Spirit (As a credential for opening the door of salvation to the Jew and Gentile peoples.) Acts 2:10. (see also Matthew 3:16).
e.
By water into Christ. (for Christians) Acts 2:38; Acts 8:38.
23.
How many baptisms are there for God's people today? Ephesians 4:5
24.
Which one of the above baptisms is this one baptism? Romans 6:3-6
SPECIAL SPIRITUAL GIFTS
The condition: From 30 A.D. to approx. 150 A.D. the churches grew to be many. Churches were everywhere. There were 7 in Asia Minor alone!
The Need; The many churches needed divine guidance. They needed instruction from God as to how to organize, how to refute error, how to combat false teachers and preachers who would destroy the church.
God ordained that this need be met in three different ways.
Each way filled a need at the time it was used.
THEY ARE AS FOLLOWS:
(1)
Inspired Apostles, This is the way God guided the church when it was first started. There were only 12 apostles, so when the churches grew to be many more than 12, there had to be another means of guiding the church. There were not enough apostles to go around!
(2)
Special Spiritual Gifts, Men in different congregations were chosen and endowed with special miraculous qualifications from God so that the Gospel could be preached in each church without mistake, and so that false teachers could be recognized, Thus the church was perfectly guided until the N.T. was completed. This system, planned by God, is called SPIRITUAL GIFTS in 1 Corinthians 12:1.
(3)
The New Testament, As the New Testament was written, copies were distributed to the churches. But the last book of the New Testament was not written until nearly 100 A.D. By 150 A.D., the N.T. had been complete long enough that churches had opportunity to obtain copies of the books, and thus have in their possession that which is perfect, the perfect law of liberty.
SUMMARY: Thus, we might summarize God's guidance for the church;
(1)
The beginning, the Holy Spirit guided the church through the Apostles.
(2)
Temporary guidance, the Holy Spirit guided through Spiritual Gifts.
(3)
Permanent guidance, the Holy Spirit guides the church through the New Testament, which is the love way, the perfect law of liberty way, (1 Corinthians 13).
Scriptural reference about special spiritual gifts:
I Cor. Chapter 12: The gifts are listed. They are the Holy Spirit's own. All men cannot expect to have them, for a more excellent way of guidance is ordained by God.
I Cor. Chapter 13: The more excellent way (gift) is described (love). As this more excellent way became clear, the spiritual gifts would cease.
I Cor. Chapter 14: To a church where everyone wanted to use the showey gifts, and even the women wanted to speak, Paul gives kind but firm instructions for governing these more showey gifts until they should cease. He points out that the main purpose of the gifts was so the church could preach and teach to be understood and the word obeyed.
Acts 6:5-8 The Apostles endow spiritual gifts upon some deacons.
Acts 8:14-24 Simon tries to buy the Apostolic power to endow these spiritual gifts on others. This was not transferable, and not for sale!
Romans 1:11 Paul desires to give spiritual gifts to Rome. (Note: We had to do this in person. He could not send them).
(These gifts were given by the laying on of the apostles hands. Only an apostle could impart them! See Acts 6:6-8; Acts 8:14-24; Romans 1:11).
How long did the Spiritual Gifts last?
(1)
The purpose was to guide the church until the N.T. was complete.
(2)
When the Apostles died, no one was left to impart these spiritual gifts!
(3)
Paul said the spiritual gifts would cease. (1 Corinthians 13:8)
(4)
The guidance through the Spiritual Gifts was called when I was a child, and that which is in part, and seeing in a mirror darkly, and knowing in part. (See 1 Corinthians 13:9-13).
The temporary plan of God called Spiritual Gifts, was fourfold in purpose. These gifts (1) qualified the church with wisdom, knowledge and faith, they furnished a means (2) to prove their qualification, they enabled the church to do the job of (3) preaching and teaching, and they enabled the church to (4) to reach people whose languages they had not learned.
THE PURPOSE
THE GIFT
HOW THE TASK IS DONE TODAY:
QUALIFIED the church.
1.
Wisdom; The ability to reveal divine truth.
2.
Knowledge: The ability to know what to teach and how.
3.
Faith: A conviction that brought forth divine energy.
PROVE QUALIFICATION of church
4.
Healing: Divine healing of the sick. Miraculous & instantaneous.
5.
Miracles: Wonders performed other than healing.
MAIN JOB OF PREACHING AND TEACHING
6.
Prophecy: The ability to preach and teach with no mistake.
7.
Discerning of Spirits; Ability to recognize false teachers & preachers.
REACH PEOPLE
(Unto All the World.)
8.
Tongues: The ability to speak in languages they had not learned.
9.
Interpretation of Tongues: Ability to understand languages they had not learned.
*
*
*
(The Bible has been translated into over 1,000 tongues and dialects, On the average of every six weeks the Bible is translated into a new tongue or dialect. Thus, on the day of Pentecost, the Word of God was understood in 15 different languages, but today the Spirit through the New Testament speaks in over 1,000 different languages).
1 Corinthians 13:10 But when that which is perfect (2 Timothy 3:17, James 1:25) is come, then that which is in part (1 Corinthians 12:1; 1 Corinthians 12:31) shall be done away.
... and then shall I know even as I am known. (See 1 John 2:21; 1 John 2:27).
The Sword of the Spirit: God's Word
The Holy Spirit works through the Word of God!
To the disobedient, the Word of God is the sword of the Spirit, fighting your sins!
To the obedient, the Word of God promises the GIFT OF THE SPIRIT, making your life fruitful.
XThe sun is an attacker to clay, hardening and breaking it in pieces. The sun is a blessing to wax, softening it so it can be moulded.
Likewise:
God's Word is a sword fighting the sinful, hardening heart of clay.
God's Word has promised a blessing of the gift of the Spirit to the softened obedient heart.
The Sword of the Spirit (Christian's only weapon) is the Word of God! Ephesians 6:11-17.
This sword is the best possible weapon. Hebrews 4:12
It comes from the mouth of God. Revelation 1:16.
It is used against those who do not repent. Revelation 2:16
It contains the fierceness and wrath of King of Kings. Revelation 19:21
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT?
A sword is used to fight an enemy.
The enemy of God is sin.
Sin has reached the heart of every person!
Therefore the Sword must cut sin out of the heart of sinful man, convince him of Jesus, and warn him of the devil's hell.
The task of the Sword: To convict (convince) the world:
(1)
of sin (unbelief which leads to disobedience).
(2)
of righteousness (Jesus Christ, the perfect savior)
(3)
of judgment (Eternal destruction reserved for the Devil and his angels).
In other words, the Holy Spirit, through the Sword of the Spirit (God's Word) converts sinners (convicts them of sin) in order that they may accept Jesus Christ (convince them of His righteousness) and be saved from Judgment (convicts them of the judgment).
Obey the Swordlet it cut the sin from your lifeand receive the gift of the Spirit.
THE GIFT OF THE SPIRIT
Blessed promise to all Christians. Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Acts 2:38.
Truly the Joel promise: And I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh is fulfilled. It was promised to Joel, Peter received and promised it on the day of Pentecost, and it is still true today: All who repent and are baptized shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
WHAT IS THIS GIFT? The scripture answers. the Spirit itself, that dwells within the Christian. 1 Corinthians 3:16.
WHEN IS HE RECEIVED? When we obey God's Word, which says: Repent, and be baptized! Acts 2:38; Acts 5:32.
(Note: He is not promised after praying through nor after begging God for Him. but only is he promised when we obey God's Word!)
WHY IS HE GIVEN TO US?
(1)
To strengthen us. Ephesians 3:16-19.
(2)
To give us an earnest (down payment) 2 Corinthians 1:21-22, Romans 8:11
(3)
To help us pray. Romans 8:26-27.
(4)
Proves we are God'S. Romans 8:9.
How does he do this? By assuring us of salvation Romans 8:12-17. i.e. How can I tell He is in me?
SWORD OF THE SPIRIT
THE SPIRIT IN OUR HEARTS
AGREEMENT
(When these two agree, we know we are God'S)
1 Corinthians 6:17; Romans 8:14
There is one Spirit Ephesians 4:4, The Spirit dwells in us I Cor. FSVT
(He does not just come to us for a moment in Church service, but is with all Saints constantly!)
HOW CAN OTHER MEN TELL WHEN HE IS IN ME? Ye shall know them by their fruits Matthew 7:16
WHAT ARE THE FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT? Galatians 5:22-24
Love
Goodness
Joy
Faith
Peace
Meekness
Longsuffering
Temperance (Self-control)
Gentleness
(Note: The first gift listed is Love, that which Paul said in 1 Corinthians 13 would out-last all the special gifts listed in Chap. 12. Only one of the special spiritual gifts listed in 1 Corinthians 12 are listed here! Also notice that the last gift is Self-control. One with God's spirit will control himself, and not jump around out of control).
HOW WILL I ACT WHEN I AM FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT? Ephesians 5:15-21.
SIN AGAINST THE SPIRIT
The promise to all flesh: Joel 2:23; Ezekiel 36:27
The fulfillment of the promise: Acts 2:16-17.
How we receive the Spirit: Acts 2:38
Where the Spirit dwells (fulfillment of Ezekiel 36:27): Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 3:16 and John 14:7) 1 Corinthians 6:19; 2 Timothy 1:14. What the Spirit does within us:
1.
Strengthens us. Ephesians 3:16-19
2.
Gives us the down payment on heaven. 2 Corinthians 1:21-22; Romans 8:11
3.
Helps us to pray. Romans 8:26-27
4.
Proves we are God'S. Romans 8:9
(By assuring us of salvation. Romans 8:12-17)
Thus: We would harm the Spirit which dwells within us, we would lose the strength He gives us; we would lose the joy we have as an earnest (down payment), our prayer life would be hindered, and we would even lose our certainty of salvation!
HOW CAN WE HARM THE HOLY SPIRIT WHICH DWELLS WITHIN US?
1.
Grieving the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 4:30-32 (see also Isaiah 63:10)
A.
Bitterness
B.
Wrath and anger
C.
Clamour
D.
Evil Speaking
E.
Malice
F.
Unkindness
G.
Hard-hearted H. Unforgiving
2.
Quenching the Holy Spirit. 1 Thessalonians 5:19.
A. Doing despite unto the Spirit of grace. Hebrews 10:29
3.
Lying to the Holy Ghost. Acts 7:51
4.
Blasphemy. Matthew 12:31; Mark 3:29
A.
The spirit can give up Genesis 6:3, as He did with Ephraim (Hosea 4:17)
B.
When the Spirit gives up, a man cannot believe (John 12:39)
C.
This sin grows gradually not a sudden slip of the lip! (i.e. the Pharisees of Matthew 12:22-31) (A condition of the heart)
D.
It is attributing the works of God to the Devil. thus we would never be saved, since we accept not the works of God.
E.
It is also attributing the works of the Devil to God. thus we would, as Christians, enter into a life of willful sinning. (see Hebrews 10:26 ff)
F.
Resisting the invitation of the Spirit and the Bride can lead to the unpardonable sin! Such a one would eventually view his sinful state as a condition of righteousness, and he would no longer see his need of a Savior!
BIBLIOGRAPHY
BOOKS CONSULTED DURING THIS STUDY INCLUDED THE FOLLOWING:
W. E. Vine: Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words (Revell).
Mayor: The Epistle of Jude and 2 Peter (Baker)
Hoven: The New Testament Epistles (Baker)
Johnson: The People's New Testament with Notes, Vol. 2 (Gospel Advocate)
Tyndale: The General Epistle of James (Eerdmans)
Davidson, Stibbs, & Kevan: The New Bible Commentary (Inter-Varsity Fellowship)
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Vol. 2 (Eerdmans)
J. W. Roberts: A Commentary on the New Testament Epistle of James (R. B. Sweet Co.)
Wm. Barclay: The Letters of John and Jude (St. Audrew Press)
C. R. Erdman: The General Epistles (Westminster Press)
A. T. Robertson: Studies in the Epistle of James (Broadman Press)
Ropes: International Critical Commentary on James (T. & T. Clark)
Alexander Ross: A Commentary on the Epistles of James and John (Eerdmans)
Mayor: The Epistle of St. James (Zondervan)