Receive the Spirit

Good morning, church family! Today, we're going to dive into an incredible passage from the book of John, where we'll explore The Power of the Holy Spirit, The Encouragement of Jesus, and The Promise of Faith. As we embark on this journey, let's remember the words of the well-respected Christian author, A.W. Tozer, who once said:

"The world is perishing for lack of the knowledge of God and the church is famishing for want of His presence." - A.W. Tozer

We want and need Jesus. We need the ministry of the Holy Spirit in our lives and in our churches. With that in mind, let's open with a word of prayer:

“Heavenly Father, we thank You for this beautiful day and the opportunity to come together as a church family to learn from You. We ask that You would open our hearts and minds to the truths found in this passage, and help us to fully grasp the power of the Holy Spirit, the encouragement we receive from Jesus, and the promise of faith that You have given us. Let Your presence be felt in this place today, as we grow closer to You. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.”

Now, let's dive into the richness of this passage and discover the life-changing truths that await us!

John 20:19–23 ESV

On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”

As some of you may know, today marks an event in the Church known as Pentecost. Pentecost is the holiday that celebrates the coming of the Holy Spirit to the world. So withnthat in mind, it is only appropriate that we spend some time talking about the Holy Spirit and the relevance in our daily lives and in our church. The first thing I weant us to look at this morning is this.

The Power of the Holy Spirit

The Power of the Holy Spirit is a central theme in the New Testament and a foundational aspect of the Christian faith. In this passage from John, we see Jesus breathing on His disciples and telling them to receive the Holy Spirit. This act of Jesus breathing on them is symbolic of the same life-giving breath that God gave to Adam in Genesis 2:7. Just as it took the breath of God upon Adam to make him what he needed to be, it takes the breath of God own us in the form of the Holy Spirit to be what we are called to be.

We can experience the fullness of life and faith through the power and ministry of the Holy Spirit. Now the role of the Holy Spirit is one that is sometimes divisive from denomination to denomination and can be a source of debate, so I want to mention briefly a few things that the Sprit does for believers.

The Holy Spirit guides believers into all truth

In John 16:13, Jesus says,

John 16:13 ESV

When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.

The Holy Spirit helps us to understand God's Word and apply it to our lives. He reveals the deep things of God and illuminates our minds to grasp the truths of Scripture. This guidance is essential for spiritual growth and maturity, as it enables us to discern God's will and make wise decisions in our daily lives.

The Holy Spirit also produces spiritual fruit in the lives of believers. In Galatians 5:22-23, we read,

Galatians 5:22–23 ESV

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

These qualities are not produced by human effort but are the result of the Holy Spirit working in and through our lives. As we yield to the Holy Spirit and allow Him to transform us, we begin to exhibit these Christ-like characteristics, which ultimately bring glory to God.

The Holy Spirit intercedes for believers in prayer

In Romans 8:26-27, Paul writes,

Romans 8:26–27 ESV

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

The Holy Spirit helps us to pray effectively, even when we do not know what to pray for or how to express our deepest needs and desires. He intercedes on our behalf, ensuring that our prayers align with God's will.

The Holy Spirit helps believers to live holy and sanctified lives

In 1 Peter 1:2, we read that we are

1 Peter 1:2 (ESV)

…chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood:

May grace and peace be multiplied to you.

The Holy Spirit works in our lives to bring about sanctification, which is the process of becoming more like Jesus in our thoughts, words, and actions. As we submit to the Holy Spirit's work in our lives, we experience ongoing transformation and growth in holiness.

The Holy Spirit empowers believers for ministry and service

In Acts 1:8, Jesus tells His disciples,

Acts 1:8 ESV

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

The Holy Spirit provides the necessary power and boldness for believers to share the Gospel and serve others in the name of Jesus. This power is not limited to the original disciples but is available to all who believe in Jesus and receive the Holy Spirit.

The Power of the Holy Spirit is truly remarkable. As we reflect on the various aspects of the Holy Spirit's work in our lives, we should be filled with gratitude and awe at the incredible gift that God has given us. The Holy Spirit is not a mere concept or force but a personal, powerful, and life-changing presence in the lives of those who believe in Jesus Christ.

Now I would be doing a dis-service to our Lord and savior if I mentioned only the coming of the Holy Spirit and failed to note what Christ did:

The Encouragement of Jesus

I notice back in our key text that Christ spent time encouragoing His disciples. The Encouragement of Jesus is a vital aspect of our Christian walk, as it serves as a reminder of the love, support, and guidance that our Savior provides. In the passage from John 20:19-23, we see Jesus appearing to His disciples after His resurrection, offering them peace and encouragement in the midst of their fear and uncertainty. This is a powerful example of how Jesus continues to encourage and strengthen us in our own lives, even when we face challenges and difficulties. He does this through His faithful presence.

Jesus appears to His disciples when they are gathered together, locked away in fear of the Jewish leaders. Despite their fear, Jesus comes to them and stands in their midst, offering them peace and reassurance. This demonstrates that Jesus is always with us, even in our darkest moments, providing comfort and encouragement when we need it most. As the well-known Christian author, Corrie ten Boom, once said, "There is no pit so deep that God's love is not deeper still."

A. One aspect of Jesus' encouragement is the affirmation of His identity. In John 20:20, Jesus shows His disciples the wounds in His hands and side, proving that He is indeed the risen Lord. This act not only confirms the truth of His resurrection but also serves as a reminder of the sacrifice He made on our behalf. By showing His wounds, Jesus encourages His disciples to trust in His victory over sin and death and to find hope and strength in the knowledge that He has conquered the grave.

B. Furthermore, Jesus' encouragement extends to His commissioning of the disciples. In verse 21, He tells them,

John 20:21 ESV

Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.”

This statement empowers the disciples to continue Jesus' mission on earth and reminds them that they are not alone in their endeavors. Jesus is sending them out with His authority and support, ensuring that they have the resources and guidance they need to fulfill their calling. This commissioning serves as a reminder to all believers that we are called to share the good news of Jesus Christ with the world, and that we have His encouragement and backing as we do so.

C. Lastly, Jesus' encouragement is also evident in His gift of the Holy Spirit. In verse 22, Jesus breathes on His disciples and tells them to receive the Holy Spirit. This act signifies the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers, equipping them with the necessary gifts and abilities to carry out their mission. The Holy Spirit serves as a constant source of encouragement, providing guidance, wisdom, and strength as we navigate our Christian journey.

The Promise of Faith

The Promise of Faith is evident in this passage from John 20, where Jesus appears to His disciples after His resurrection. This fulfilled the promise of return not only for the disciples but also for all believers who put their trust in Jesus Christ. It is important to understand that faith is not merely a mental assent to a set of doctrines or beliefs; rather, it is a living, active relationship with Jesus, the Son of God, who has conquered death and sin.

A. When Jesus appears to them, He brings peace and assurance, showing them His hands and side as evidence of His victory over death. This encounter with the risen Lord ignites their faith and transforms them from a group of frightened individuals into bold witnesses for Christ.

B. Furthermore, Jesus commissions the disciples to continue His mission on earth. He says,

John 20:21 ESV

Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.”

This statement reveals that the disciples are not only recipients of the promise of faith but also active participants in God's redemptive plan for humanity. They are entrusted with the responsibility of sharing the good news of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection with others, so that they too may experience the power of faith and the forgiveness of sins.

C. The promise also includes the gift of the Holy Spirit, which Jesus imparts to the disciples in this passage. The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity and serves as a helper, counselor, and guide for believers in their walk with Christ. The Holy Spirit empowers the disciples to carry out their mission, equipping them with spiritual gifts and providing them with the wisdom and discernment needed to navigate the challenges of life. The presence of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers is a testament to the reality of the promise of faith, as it confirms that Jesus is indeed alive and actively involved in the lives of His followers.

This promise is not only a source of comfort and hope for believers but also a call to action, as it invites us all to participate in God's redemptive plan for the world. As followers of Christ, we are called to embrace the reality and commission of Christ, so that we may experience the fullness of God's presence and power as He works through us.

Receive the Spirit

As we come to a close today, I want to take a moment to reflect together on the moment described in our John 20 passage. Jesus entered into a scene of fear and confusion, as the disciples were still likely reeling from and processing the events of the crucifixion. Jesus came bearing peace. He came with encouragement. And maybe most important of all, He came to offer help and a path forward.

He breathed new life in the Spirit over the disciples… At the same time that the Jewish authorities were breathing threats of death and condemnation.

Jesus offers life, hope, forgiveness, and salvation.

He offered it then, and it’s available now.

So, if you happen to be standing in the midst of a difficult, confusing, or scary season in your own life, then receive the Spirit today. Receive the power, promise, and purpose of your salvation. You’re not alone.

Altar Call

Now, may the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. And may the love of God, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all, now and forevermore. Amen.