Sanctification A Must

Welcome Holy Spirit (YouTube)

Psalm 150 NIV

1 Praise the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. 2 Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness. 3 Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, 4 praise him with timbrel and dancing, praise him with the strings and pipe, 5 praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals. 6 Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.

Pray

Opening Hymn

Announcements?

Ezekiel 36:25–27 NIV

25 I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. 26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.

Worship Set

Romans 8:1–4 NIV

1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

Prayer Chorus

Prayer

Worship Through the Word

I. Santification A Must, Acts 8:14-25

I am going to do things a little different this morning. We are going to open with communion. Communion is a very solemn occasion. It is a time to be reflective. And Paul warns us to not take it lightly or act in a disgraceful way in regards to reception. Listen to Paul admonition.

1 Corinthians 11:27–32 NIV

27 So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. 28 Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup. 29 For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves. 30 That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep. 31 But if we were more discerning with regard to ourselves, we would not come under such judgment. 32 Nevertheless, when we are judged in this way by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be finally condemned with the world.

Communion

As we prepare to receive communion this morning, I am not going to play any music. I want nothing to distract us. Music sometimes enhances and sometimes distracts. For today, I really want quiet so no one is distracted. Take time to pray, search your heart and speak as well as listen for God’s voice as you come forward to receive your elements as well as wait for others to receive them. I will give a couple moments of silence once all have received their elements before I proceed.

Pray over elements

Distribute

1 Corinthians 11:23–26 NIV

23 For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

Pray

I. Sanctification A Must, Acts 8:14-25

Please stand for the reading of today’s text.

Acts 8:14–25 NIV

14 When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to Samaria. 15 When they arrived, they prayed for the new believers there that they might receive the Holy Spirit, 16 because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. 18 When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money 19 and said, “Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” 20 Peter answered: “May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! 21 You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. 22 Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord in the hope that he may forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. 23 For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin.” 24 Then Simon answered, “Pray to the Lord for me so that nothing you have said may happen to me.” 25 After they had further proclaimed the word of the Lord and testified about Jesus, Peter and John returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many Samaritan villages.

The Word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God!

Last week, we looked at the successful ministry of Philip, a deacon of First Church of Jerusalem, If you will. :-) When persecution of the Christians broke out, people scattered and Philip went as far as Samaria and beyond carrying the good news of Jesus Christ as he went. His efforts were so successful, that word got back to Jerusalem, so Peter and John set out to check things out. And here we learn a very important first lesson.

A. Evangelism always requires follow-up, v 14

George Whitefield and John Wesley were well known evangelists. George Whitefield had the greater number of converts but John Wesley had the greater number of successful converts. You see, George would preach and move on. John Wesley developed small groups for discipleship and accountability. This helped the new converts to quickly mature and therefore, they were more likely to remain in the church.

Billy Graham was also a successful evangelist. He also understood the importance of discipleship and accountability. Whenever he had plans to come to a city, he had an advance group that would call on the churches to pray and to be ready to respond at the altar calls getting contact information for follow up. Billy understood that this was very important to a persons spiritual growth.

Whether we are involved in an evangelistic movement of the church, or we just lead someone to the Lord on our own, it is important that we do not think we are finished when we lead them to the Lord. We have a continued responsibility to see them connected in a church where they can learn and grow.

But that is not the only thing we need to do. There is another important step that must always follow.

B. Sanctification is Imperative, V 15-16

When Peter and John arrived, they did not first ask if they were connected with a church. No! They asked if they had received the Spirit! When they said they had not, Peter and John laid hands on them and prayed that they might receive the Spirit.

It is interesting that today is the day we celebrate Pentecost. And if you think I planned this sermon for this day, I did not. It just worked out this way.

When Jesus ascended, He gave a direct command.

Acts 1:4–8 NIV

4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” 6 Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Why is it so important? Because it is the power of the Spirit that grants us the ability to perform miracles, to witness, and to overcome sin.

Now, there are many denominations that say we are automatically Spirit-filled when we become saved. However, there are other occasions such as this one, where the apostles asked those who had been saved, “But have you been Spirit-filled.” In each case, the apostles instantly laid hands on them and prayed for it before they did anything else.

There are other denominations that will tell you that you are only Spirit-filled if you have spoken in tongues. It is interesting that in each of these occasions, nothing is said about the people speaking in tongues. The only time we see that is at Pentecost and what did they do with those tongues? They went to those who spoke the same language and used the tongues to witness. When tongues were used in the church, Paul made it clear that there must be an interpretation. Without an interpretation, Satan can use it deceptively in our lives.

It is important to understand the speaking in tongues is not unique to Christians. Even pagans do it. There are various accounts in scripture where this happened in pagan temples. For this reason, Paul warns that tongues must be interpreted.

1 Corinthians 14:6–12 NIV

6 Now, brothers and sisters, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction? 7 Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the pipe or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes? 8 Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle? 9 So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air. 10 Undoubtedly there are all sorts of languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning. 11 If then I do not grasp the meaning of what someone is saying, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and the speaker is a foreigner to me. 12 So it is with you. Since you are eager for gifts of the Spirit, try to excel in those that build up the church.

This is also the chapter where Paul calls for the women to be silent in church. One of the reasons was because of the pagan worship that was going on in that time where the women were speaking in tongues as part of worship. This was then coming into the church with no interpretation and was a way for Satan to turn unbelievers off. This was why Paul was calling for these women to be silent.

Too many think too highly of themselves for the ability to speak in tongues. However, this does not bring honor to God but attention to the individual. Peter and John have the same issue here in Samaria with Simon.

Simon had been a magician of some sort before Philip came to Samaria. He was used to lots of acclaim from the people for his deeds. The things that Philip did turned the people to God. Simon himself proclaimed a heart for God and was baptized. However, his heart was not in the right place. He still wanted that attention for himself. He openly professes it.

Acts 8:18–19 NIV

18 When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money 19 and said, “Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”

Peter aggressively rebukes Simon.

Acts 8:20–23 NIV

20 Peter answered: “May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! 21 You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. 22 Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord in the hope that he may forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. 23 For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin.”

It is interesting that Simon does not pray for himself, but requests Peter to pray for him. This can be taken different ways. Either he understood and felt he was unworthy to do so for himself, or he trusted God to answer Peter and not himself. It is difficult to know if Simon worked things out spiritually for himself or not.

However, his desire for the acclaim he desired for laying hands and bringing the Holy Spirit is similar to those who like to advertise or show off their ability to speak in tongues. If there is no interpretation, they only bring attention to themselves. There is no one built up by it but them.

Sanctification as a second act of God’s grace is one of the distinctives of the Nazarene church. The other is that of living Holy lives. We declare that as Christians, we are to conduct our lives according to holiness. That is why we promote no drinking, no swearing, modest dress, as well as other things.

In a day when other denominations are falling to the pressure of allowing immorality into their doors and pulpits, I am thankful that our General Superintendents just put out a statement before our General Assembly the next two weeks, that they plan to hold firm to our statements of conduct.

The days are evil and the pressures on the church are great these days. However, we need to hold firm to God’s Word!

There is another important thing we need to notice here.

C. The laying on of hands for Sanctification, V 17

Acts 8:17 NIV

17 Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

It is possible this was a special action of an apostle. Perhaps like when a priest would lay on hands to anoint another. However, it has been the practice of pastors to do the same. Parents often lay hands on their children while they sleep or sometimes when they are awake, to pray for special things. We lay hands on people to pray for their healing.

I know my parents laid hands on me and my siblings as they prayed for our sanctification. I do not recall ever hearing a pastor speak on this. It doesn’t mean they have not, but more likely, not enough of us do it.

I think we need to start doing so. When a person is saved, we need to talk to them about baptism and sanctification. Then we should lay our hands on them and pray for sanctification.

I believe the days are going to continue to get more difficult. It seems like nearly every person I have spoken to has complained about owing taxes this year, even those who have not owed any in many years. Finances are going to get tough. The church is becoming a target and I believe it is only a matter of time before we get hit with various taxes and fees to try to pull us under. God will protect His people and His church, but He can only help us so far unless we have the power of the Holy Spirit. Sanctification is a must if we are to stand in these final days. However, the Holy Spirit cannot come to a heart that is not willing to yield or to one that has wrong motives, such as Simon. Peter discerned that his heart was not right for the Spirit to take control.

Thanks to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we no longer need a priest to confess to. The only priest now is Jesus. He is the one we confess to. Unlike the priests who direct folks to do penance, Jesus out-rightly forgives us. It is an act of grace on His part. All He says is, “You are forgiven. Go, and sin no more.”

Jesus desire is that we each have the fullness of the Spirit. That is why Jesus commanded them to wait until the Spirit came. It was such a positive experience and made such a difference in their lives, that the apostles continued to preach of the need for this second act of grace, called sanctification. The people they laid hands on seemed to desire more and gladly allowed the apostles to pray for such.

However, today when we preach on it, it is met with arguments why we do not need it, fear, concern, and even anger. I guarantee you this is due to spiritual warfare. The last thing Satan wants is us to have the strength and power that comes through life fully lived in the Spirit. The sin in us pull us back from it. In fact, we pray for revival but I am convinced that at the same time, we are some what fearful of losing control. However in those moments we are in the most control through the Spirit and the tears, confessions, and praise come through genuine worship of God.

This is why I started with Communion today. We needed to cleanse our hearts for what I plan to do today. I have no idea if something wonderful will take place today or in the days to come. But I know this is the first step we need to take.

The second step is that we need to pray more. I plan to have the church open on Monday and Thursday afternoons, as well as Wednesday mornings through this month of June. If I am unavailable, I will try to find someone else who can be here. I would encourage each of you to find time to come and spend time in our church praying. You may also wish to walk around our property or neighborhood and pray.

The third step is I want to meet with each of you at the church. On your notes are a few questions. I want you to take time to think about those. Then on the back bulletin there is a calendar where you can schedule an appointment with me. We will walk through those questions and I will anoint you with oil and pray for you. I can meet with more people in a shorter period of time if you come to meet me here at the church. If you are unable to come to the church due to transportation issues or time constraints, let me know and we will work out a time when I can come to you.

I want us to pray for God’s touch. We will pray for sanctification for all and God’s revival to come to our church and spread into our community. If we yield to God, He will do an incredible work in our hearts, and that always impacts a community.

Let us begin right here and now. Take the time remaining in this service to pray. Pour out your heart to God. Confess to him your fears or concerns in this moment. Do not worry about those around you, just call on God to speak to you.

As we come to the end of our service, I have a song we will close with.

Holy Spirit Come, Patrick Mayberry