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The Holy Spirit Of God

Text: Isaiah 11; Matthew 1-2; Luke 1-2
23 December 2018

THE INVOLVEMENT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

The Christmas story was told by two Gospel writers, Matthew and Luke. What is remarkable in their narratives is the mention of the Holy Spirit.

  1. The conception of Mary involved the Holy Spirit

a) There was an ancient prophecy of a virgin conceiving and giving birth to the Messiah (Isaiah 7:14)

b) This was fulfilled when the Spirit of God caused this conception to take place in Mary’s womb (Matthew 1:18, 21-23)

  1. The specific mention of the work of the Holy Spirit

a) In the life of Baby John the baptizer Luke 1:15

b) In the life of Mary Luke 1:35

c) In the life of Elizabeth Luke 1:41

d) In the life of Zacharias Luke 1:67

e) In the life of Simeon Luke 2:25-26

THE FULLNESS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT UPON THE MESSIAH

There was another ancient prophecy concerning the Holy Spirit with reference to the life and ministry of the Messiah.

The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him,

The Spirit of wisdom and understanding,

The Spirit of counsel and might,

The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD.  Isaiah 11:2

Several things may be noted as we read this text with reference to the Lord Jesus Christ.

  1. A special anointing from God

a) The Messiah would have to be anointed

b) This was a special anointing for the Lord Jesus

  1. The significance of this special anointing

a) This would be God’s special seal on Jesus to confirm Him as the Son of God

b) This anointing would have permanent and positive consequences

c) This anointing would result in special empowerment for life and ministry

SEEKING TO BE FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT

Our reading of the Christmas narratives in the gospels of Matthew and Luke should cause us to desire the following:

  1. To experience the anointing of the Spirit of God
  1. To seek the filling of the Spirit of God
  1. To find that special filling of the Spirit of God for life and ministry.