Family in the Holy Spirit

The text exists to let us know what happened to the people who were given the Spirit. Because of the fallen nature of people. Israel couldn’t live out the great society that God had called them to be. With the giving of the Spirit to Jesus who by their participation with him also had the Spirit, Israel Could love God and love people with all their heart and all their soul, and all their body. This was a foretaste of the fulfilled Kingdom we would all enjoy. complete with a way to be restored.

Genesis 12:1–3 ESV

1 Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. 2 And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”

Joel 2:28 ESV

28 “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions.

Isaiah 44:3 ESV

3 For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants.

Ezekiel 11:19 ESV

19 And I will give them one heart, and a new spirit I will put within them. I will remove the heart of stone from their flesh and give them a heart of flesh,

Ezekiel 36:26 ESV

26 And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.

ONE OF THE GOALS OF GOD GIVING HIS LAW WAS THAT ISRAEL WOULD BE IN GOOD RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM AND WITH EACH OTHER.

Exodus 19:4–7 ESV

4 ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. 5 Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; 6 and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you shall speak to the people of Israel.” 7 So Moses came and called the elders of the people and set before them all these words that the Lord had commanded him.

THE SCRIPTURES PROVE TO US THAT TIME AND TIME AGAIN PEOPLE’S ATTEMPT TO BE IN RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD THROUGH HIS HOLY LAW FAILS.

God’s Heart (Spirit) is Needed but they can’t even come close to him.

Messiah Jesus blood ATONES for NEW Israel’s Unrighteousness and purifies New Israel so that by faith in him He shares the Spirit of God with THEM

The NEW FAMILY OF GOD EMPOWERED BY THE SPIRIT SHOW WHAT IT MEANS TO LOVE GOD AND LOVE THEIR NEIGHBOR TO A WORLD THAT WILL SOON BE THEIRS.

Acts 2:42–47 ESV

42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

The evidence of the Spirit’s Work in our lives is that are a

(1) Listening Church

(2) A Lifting Church

(3) A Life-Sharing Church

(4) And a Launching Church

Application:

Let’s Listen to the Spirit as He BRINGS US CLOSER TO JESUS AND EACH OTHER.

Dedicate ourselves hearing God speak through his word and through our prayers.

Figure out the needs of the people and the family of God you belong to.

Share what the Lord is doing with you.