Sermon Central
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The Revelation Of Christ Series
Contributed by Ron Freeman, Evangelist on Oct 18, 2017 (message contributor)
Summary: To establish that one work of the Holy Spirit was to make known through revelation, the “mystery of Christ to the world.” This mystery was given to the holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit.
INTRODUCTION
Outline.
Revelation of Christ
Remarks.
1. We will consider the Holy Spirit’s work in the revelation of the Mystery of Christ. Jesus promises in our text of discussion, that the Holy Spirit: “would guide the apostles into all truth,” John 16:13.
2. Paul would speak of this revelation later as the “mystery of Christ,” Ephesians 3:1-7.
3. We know of Jesus; His work of redemption and Sonship because of the revelation of the Holy Spirit. Paul writes: “Great is the mystery of godliness,” 1 Timothy 3:16.
BODY OF LESSON
REVELATION OF CHRIST
A. Revelation of Christ. In our scripture lesson, Jesus stated that, all truth was not yet revealed, and this would be the work of the Holy Spirit. Notice: “I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth is come, he will guide you into all truth... and he will shew you all things,” John 16:12-15.
1. Revelation means to: reveal, uncover, or to make known.
2. God has purposed that it would be the Holy Spirit that would reveal Jesus Christ unto the world.
3. Jesus would send the Holy Spirit from the Father to guide these men and others in their understanding of the truth.
B. Pentecost. All this occurred on Pentecost, Acts 1:1-8; Acts 2:1-4.
1. He shall dwell in you: “Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you,” John 14:17.
2. Promise of John the Baptist, Matthew 3:11; Acts 1:8.
3. Filled with the Holy Spirit: “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place...And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance,” Acts 2:1-4. Who received the “baptism of the Holy Ghost on Pentecost?”
a. Was it the 12 apostles; the 120 disciples; or the multitude? Read the text for yourself, Acts 2:1-14.
b. I know there is some disagreement on this point. So let’s look at the text together, regarding the day of Pentecost. Before we consider this, we will notice some events that lead us to that day. Notice:
1) The Upper Room: Acts 1:13-26.
a) Apostles congregated in the upper room.
b) They continued with one accord in prayer and supplication with the women.
c) Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples (about 120), and spoke regarding a replacement for Judas.
d) Selection of another apostle – qualifications outlined.
e) Joseph called Barsabas; and Matthias.
f) Lots casted – lot fell on Matthias.
g) Matthias numbered with the eleven – total of 12, Acts 1:26.
2) In the House: Acts 2:1-4.
a) They were all with one accord, in one place.
b) They were all in the house sitting.
c) There appear unto them cloven tongues – that sat upon each of them.
d) They were all filled with the Holy Ghost.
e) They began to speak with other tongues – as the Spirit gave them utterance.
3) The Multitude: Acts 2:5-13.
a) There was dwelling at Jerusalem, Jews and devout men from every nation under the heavens.
b) When this noised abroad – the multitude came together.
c) They were confounded.
d) They heard every man speak in his own language.
e) They were all amazed and marveled.
f) All nations numbered.
g) They asked: What meaneth this?
h) Others mocked saying: these men are full of new wine.
4) Peter Standing Up: Acts 2:14-18.
a) Peter standing up with the eleven (total of 12).
b) Lifted up his voice.
c) Peter answer charges, and speaks to Joel’s prophecy, Joel 2:28-29.
d) Peter declares this was the “last days” and God had “poured out His Spirit on all flesh” as it was promised by the prophet Joel.
5) Conclusion: The Holy Spirit with power was not given to the multitude, the 120 disciples; but to the 12 apostles alone as promised by John and Jesus, Matthew 3:11; Luke 24:49; Acts 1:5-8.
a) This promise was never meant for all the people; but for the apostles chosen by Jesus Christ. Their work was to spread the gospel of Christ, using signs and wonders to confirm the word of God, Mark 16:20; Acts 2:42-43; 2 Corinthians 12:12; 1 Thessalonians 1:5; Hebrews 2:1-4.
b) I might add; no one today can claim this promise, regardless of how sincere they might be in their claims. The Holy Ghost baptism with power was given to the 12 apostles alone. No one else on Pentecost received it as did the apostles.
c) Peter promised that believers that: “repent and are baptized in the name of Jesus Christ shall receive the remission of sins and the gift of the Holy Ghost,” Acts 2:38; Acts 5:32; Acts 19:1-7. Illustrate: Have your received the Holy Ghost, since ye believed?
