Sunday Worship 11 April 2021 : “Begun in the Spirit”

Text: Galatians 3-4
11 April 2021

INTRODUCTION

1. The Special work of the Holy Spirit

a) This is an important doctrine to know
b) This is a vital doctrine to believe in

2. The Spirit of God is involved in our Salvation

a) Right from the beginning
b) He continues to work in believers

THE RECEIVING OF THE SPIRIT

1. How was the Spirit of God received?

a) By the works of the law?   (Galatians 3:2a)
b) Or by the hearing of faith?   (Galatians 3:2b)

2. The word “believed” and the word “trusted”

a) In English they are different
b) It is really a matter of translation
Both words are the same in the Greek text (“to believe”)

3. Recapitulation of our Salvation in the Lord

a) In Him (the Lord Jesus) you trusted   (Ephesians 1:13a)
b) After you heard the word of truth   (Ephesians 1:13b)
c) The gospel of your salvation   (Ephesians 1:13c)
d) In whom also, having believed   (Ephesians 1:13d)
e) You were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise   (Ephesians 1:13e)
f) Who is the Guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession to the praise of His glory   (Ephesians 1:14)

4. Highlighting the Two Functions of the Spirit of God

a) He is our Seal
b) He is our Guarantee

BEGINNING OUR JOURNEY OF FAITH-SALVATION

1. Having begun in the Spirit   (Galatians 3:3a)

2. We must continue with the Spirit

3. We cannot be made perfect
By the flesh   (Galatians 3:3b)

THE SUPPLY OF THE SPIRIT OF GOD

1. It is God who supplied the Spirit by faith   (Galatians 3:5a)

2. It is God who works miracles by faith   (Galatians 3:5b)

THE FAITH-KEY TO RECEIVING THE SPIRIT OF GOD

1. The faith of Abraham cited

a) He believed in God   (Galatians 3:6a)
b) It was accounted to him for righteousness   (Galatians 3:6b)

2. Those who are of faith are sons of Abraham   (Galatians 3:7)

3. Those who are of faith are blessed
With believing Abraham   (Galatians 3:8)

4. That the blessing of Abraham might come
Upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus,
That we might receive the promise of the Spirit
Through faith   (Galatians 3:14)

The promise of the Spirit is received through faith
(For both Jews and Gentiles)

CONCLUSION

1. The Spirit of God plays many significant roles

a) He dwells in every believer   (Romans 8:9)
b) He gives life   (Romans 8:10-11)
c) He leads   (Romans 8:14)
d) He teaches us how
to relate to God the Father in prayer   (Romans 8:15)
e) He bears witness that we are
indeed children of God   (Romans 8:16)
f) He helps us in our weaknesses   (Romans 8:26)

2. The Challenge of Faith

a) Commencement with the Spirit
b) Continue with the Spirit
c) Conclude life in the Spirit