The work of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament 1
The work of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament is available for all mankind and this is awesome. The Spirit is now poured out on all flesh, that is, both Israel and the Gentiles. This was clearly foretold by the Old Testament prophets (Joel 2:28-29; Ezekiel 11:19; 36:26,27; Isaiah 44:3; Zechariah 10:1). This has become possible because of the death, resurrection, ascension and glorification of the Messiah.
As a perfect man, Jesus Christ received the fullness of the Holy Spirit, and poured out the same ministry of the spirit upon all flesh and upon souls that believe in Him unto everlasting life. The believer now has the gift of the Holy Spirit after accepting the finished work on the cross. From here the believer is regenerated unto glorification (Matthew 3:11; John 1:30-33; Romans 8:25-32).
The ministry of the Holy Spirit in the life of Jesus Christ is the pattern for all flesh and believers to learn from. We must follow the pattern of Christ in order to enjoy the same workings of the Holy Spirit (1 Peter 2:21; Romans 8:29). The preceding sentences discuss the operations of the Spirit in the life of Jesus Christ (head of the church) and the church (body of Christ).
The work of the Holy Spirit in the life of Jesus:
1. Jesus proceeded from the Spirit (Luke 1:35; Matthew 1:18:20)
2. He experienced the fullness of the Spirit (John 3:34)
3. He was led by the Spirit (Matthew 4:1; Luke 4:1)
4. He received anointing and power from the Spirit (Luke 4:14; Luke 4:18)
5. He spoke and taught through the inspiration of the Spirit (Luke 4:18)
6. The sick were healed by the Spirit (Luke 4:18)
7. He cast out evil spirits by the power of the Spirit (Matthew 12:28)
8. He was justified by the Spirit (1 Timothy 3:16)
9. His death on the cross was by the Spirit (Hebrews 9:14)
10. He resurrected by the power of the Spirit (Romans 8:11; 1 Peter 3:18)
11. His work with the disciples was by the Spirit (Acts 1:2)
12. He empowered the Church by the Spirit (Acts 1:5, 8)
13. He governs the Church by the Spirit (Revelation 2: 7, 11)
If Jesus Christ depended entirely on the Holy Spirit, how much more should the believer depend on the ministry of the Holy Spirit for progress. Everything God has for us is only possible through the ministry of the Holy Spirit in our lives. It is our responsibility as individuals and as a Church to yield our hearts to the fullness and operation of the Spirit.
