The Spirit of God in the First Century Church

Intro:

Many today do not realize the total impact of the Holy Spirit in the first century Church.

I. The Holy Spirit guided the apostles in their teaching
Jn 16:13, Mk 13:11

II. The Holy Spirit produced the New Testament
1 Tim 4:1

III. The Holy Spirit strengthened the church
1 Cor 12:1-13, 1 Jn 2:26-27, Rom 1:11-12
 
IV. The Holy Spirit confirmed the speaker
Heb 2:2-4
 
V. These functions were unique to the first century.
  1. Other unique things – Jesus’ birth, death, resurrection
  2. When the Spirit finished His work, it ended
    1 Cor 1:4-8, 1 Cor 13:8-13, Jude 3
VI. People today still claim the power of the Holy Spirit
  1. Why do they not claim ALL the spiritual gifts?
    (raise the dead, etc.)

  2. Why are miracles written if we still have them?
    Jn 20:30-31

  3. Is the Holy Spirit providing new revelation
    (Koran, etc.)

  4. Is God the author of confusion?
    1 Cor 14:33 (Would He confirm contradictory teachings?)

  5. Feelings are not a good measure of truth
    1. Can be deceived
      (2 Thes 2:11-12)
    2. Voo Doo claims same powers

  6. When I was young, I prayed for, and never received, the Holy Spirit

  7. When someone “gets the spirit” he leaves the church for liberalism

  8. Does it hurt to believe in the gifts today?
    Yes. It can lead to “the mourner’s bench”, frustration, depression

  9. Those claiming gifts have it backwards
    Heb 2:2-4 (try to use scriptures to prove their supposed gifts)
Conclusion:
Don’t be deceived – be content