The Holy Spirit - Session 12 - The Holy Spirit Will Empower the Messiah

The Church of Divine Guidance (CDG) Sunday morning adult bible study group is doing a study of The Holy Spirit. The study will look at who the Holy Spirit is, His role in the Trinity, His interaction with man, His role in and after man's salvation. This is an intense study of the Holy Spirit in scripture. We are using the bible as our primary reference resource. These posts are my notes for each session. Please study with us. You can participate by asking your questions or making comments below. We welcome your thoughts, questions, comments, and prayers. 

Last week we ended our discussion of the prophets and others who were empowered by or who the
Holy Spirit came upon or fell upon in the Old Testament.

We ended our discussion of those people with Zachariah who Jesus talked about when He told the people they would be held responsible for the murder of all God's prophets from Abel to Zechariah.

Luke 11:50-51 (NLT)50 “As a result, this generation will be held responsible for the murder of all God’s prophets from the creation of the world—51 from the murder of Abel to the murder of Zechariah, who was killed between the altar and the sanctuary. Yes, it will certainly be charged against this generation.

What He was saying is that although they built monuments to to the prophets their forefathers built they, like them, rejected God's messengers, including Him who even though He was their Messiah, they rejected Him.

We then moved to a discussion of the Holy Spirit in Prophecies Concerning Israel’s Future. We looked at

Isaiah 59:20-21 (NLT)20 “The Redeemer will come to Jerusalem to buy back those in Israel who have turned from their sins,” says the LORD.21 “And this is my covenant with them,” says the LORD. “My Spirit will not leave them, and neither will these words I have given you. They will be on your lips and on the lips of your children and your children’s children forever. I, the LORD, have spoken!

Ezekiel 37:1-14, which was the vision of the valley of dry bones.

Ezekiel 37:9 (NLT) Then he said to me, “Speak a prophetic message to the winds, son of man. Speak a prophetic message and say, ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Come, O breath, from the four winds! Breathe into these dead bodies so they may live again.’”


The breath of life was breathed into the nation of Israel restoring them after their captivity was ensed. The four winds of heaven is a symbol of the Holy Spirit.


Speaking of symbols of the Holy Spirit what are they?

• Dove
• Fire, 
• Wind 
• Water.
• Oil
• Cloud

What are the names for the Holy Spirit?

• Author of Scripture
• Comforter / Counselor / Advocate
• Convictor of Sin
• Deposit / Seal / Earnest/Guarantee
• Guide
• Indweller of Believers
• Intercessor
• Spirit of Truth
• Spirit of God
• Spirit of the Lord
• Spirit of Christ
• Spirit of Life
• Teacher
• Witness

The attributes of the Holy Spirit being a person are what?

He has;

•  intelligence
• feelings
• a will
• He prays
• He does miracles (humans can’t 
• do this)
• He can be lied to
• He can be insulted
• He teaches
• He directs. 

The attributes that He is also God are what?

• Omnipotent - All powerful
• Omnipresent - Present everywhere
• Omniscient - All knowing

Even with all this the Holy Spirit is not apart from God. He’s not separate but He is a member of the Trinity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Now back to our review of last week and the Holy Spirit in Prophecies Concerning Israel’s Future. We looked at the scripture in Joel 2:28-32, where Joel prophesied that the Holy Spirit would be poured out on all people no matter their age, or station in life.

Then we looked at passages in Haggai and Zechariah where God was telling the people who had come back to the land from captivity that His Spirit would be with them so they shouldn’t be afraid to rebuild the temple, the city of Jerusalem and the nation.

The Holy Spirit will Empower the Messiah

The Old Testament prophets also tell us that the Holy Spirit will empower Israel's Messiah, who just happens to be our Savior Jesus Christ.

Isaiah 11:1-5 (NLT)1 Out of the stump of David’s family will grow a shoot— yes, a new Branch bearing fruit from the old root.2 And the Spirit of the LORD will rest on him— the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD.3 He will delight in obeying the LORD. He will not judge by appearance nor make a decision based on hearsay.4 He will give justice to the poor and make fair decisions for the exploited. The earth will shake at the force of his word, and one breath from his mouth will destroy the wicked.5 He will wear righteousness like a belt and truth like an undergarment.

Isaiah is talking about the Messiah here. He is telling the people what the Holy Spirit has revealed to Him.

The Messiah will be a descendant of David. Some people interpret this passage as that the Messiah will be supernaturally endowed by the sevenfold Holy Spirit of God (verse 1) Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the 2) Spirit of wisdom and 3)understanding, the 4)Spirit of counsel and 5) might, the 6) Spirit of knowledge and of the 7) fear of the LORD ).

The 7 spirits are mentioned in Revelations but not specifically identified.

Revelation 1:4 (NLT) This letter is from John to the seven churches in the province of Asia. Grace and peace to you from the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come; from the sevenfold Spirit before his throne;

Revelation 3:1 (NLT) “Write this letter to the angel of the church in Sardis. This is the message from the one who has the sevenfold Spirit of God and the seven stars: “I know all the things you do, and that you have a reputation for being alive—but you are dead.

Revelation 4:5 (NLT) From the throne came flashes of lightning and the rumble of thunder. And in front of the throne were seven torches with burning flames. This is the sevenfold Spirit of God.

Revelation 5:6 (NLT) Then I saw a Lamb that looked as if it had been slaughtered, but it was now standing between the throne and the four living beings and among the twenty-four elders. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which represent the sevenfold Spirit of God that is sent out into every part of the earth.

The Bible doesn’t tell us specifically who/what the seven spirits are, but that they are the Holy Spirit, seems the most likely.

The Bible, and especially the book of Revelation, uses the number 7 to refer to perfection and completion. If that is the meaning of the “seven” in the "seven spirits," then it is not referring to seven different spirits of God, but rather the perfect and complete Holy Spirit.

Another view is that the seven spirits of God refer to seven angelic beings, possibly the seraphim or the cherubim. This would fit with the numerous others angelic beings that are described in the book of Revelation (Revelation 4:6-9; 5:6-14; 19:4-5).

Isaiah 42:1-4 (NLT)1 “Look at my servant, whom I strengthen. He is my chosen one, who pleases me. I have put my Spirit upon him. He will bring justice to the nations.2 He will not shout or raise his voice in public.3 He will not crush the weakest reed or put out a flickering candle. He will bring justice to all who have been wronged.4 He will not falter or lose heart until justice prevails throughout the earth. Even distant lands beyond the sea will wait for his instruction.”

The ministry of the Holy Spirit in relation to Messiah would accomplish the atonement for the sin of the world and thus inaugurate the new covenant, on which the kingdom of God was based.

Hebrews 9:14 (NLT) Just think how much more the blood of Christ will purify our consciences from sinful deeds so that we can worship the living God. For by the power of the eternal Spirit, Christ offered himself to God as a perfect sacrifice for our sins.

The Messiah as the Chosen One, will be the Head of God's elect people. He would be especially empowered by the Holy Spirit. He would carry on a quiet and unassuming ministry (even though multitudes, as we now know, would flock to him out in the fields and hills). He would have a ministry to all nations, bringing to them judgment. The implication is that He will bring standards or principles of divine holiness and truth—the true faith of the Gospel). And this message and standard would happen throughout the world. - The Wycliffe Bible Commentary.

Isaiah 61:1-3 (NLT)1 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is upon me, for the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed.2 He has sent me to tell those who mourn that the time of the LORD’s favor has come, and with it, the day of God’s anger against their enemies.3 To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the LORD has planted for his own glory.

Christ, or the Messiah is here represented as empowered by the Spirit to preach the liberating and life-transforming Gospel. The Gospel is especially intended for the meek (i.e., the humble, who recognize their own sin and need of a Saviour) and the brokenhearted (who repent of their sins). It is a message of deliverance from bondage, of consolation for sorrow, and of power from God for a new holiness of life—trees of righteousness, the planting of Jehovah (v. 3, asv). This Gospel also promises God's righteous judgment upon all the forces of unrepentant evil—the day of vengeance of our God (v. 2). - The Wycliffe Bible Commentary.

This is the text which our Jesus Himself cited at the outset of His public ministry and which He said was fulfilled in the hearing of His audience

Luke 4:16-21 (NLT)16 When he came to the village of Nazareth, his boyhood home, he went as usual to the synagogue on the Sabbath and stood up to read the Scriptures.17 The scroll of Isaiah the
prophet was handed to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where this was written:18 “The Spirit of the LORD is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free,19 and that the time of the LORD’s favor has come.”20 He rolled up the scroll, handed it back to the attendant, and sat down. All eyes in the synagogue looked at him intently.21 Then he began to speak to them. “The Scripture you’ve just heard has been fulfilled this very day!”

The Work of the Holy Spirit in Regard to Man's Salvation

This is a good place for us to start talking about the Holy Spirit and our relationship and interaction with Him today in the lives of the believer. Remember this is the same Holy Spirit that gave, power and ability to all those people we have talked about the last two months, who now dwells in us.

1 Corinthians 3:16 (NLT) Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you?

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NLT)19 Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, 20 for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.

2 Timothy 1:14 (NLT) Through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, carefully guard the precious truth that has been entrusted to you.

Romans 8:11 (NLT) The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.

The Holy Spirit only indwells believers but He is active and interacting with nonbelievers. In fact, the Spirit is indispensable for anyone to be saved. His work can be divided into three general categories of activity: his pre-conversion work, conversion work and post-conversion work.

The Pre-Conversion Work of the Holy Spirit

Prior to anyone placing his or her faith in Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit is involved in setting the conditions that allow for someone’s faith response to the gospel. One of these roles is the convicting of sin and truth.

John 16:8-10 (NLT)8 And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment.9 The world’s sin is that it refuses to believe in me.
10 Righteousness is available because I go to the Father, and you will see me no more.

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The Holy Spirit - Session 11 - The Holy Spirit and Prophecies about Israel

The Church of Divine Guidance (CDG) Sunday morning adult bible study group is doing a study of The Holy Spirit. The study will look at who the Holy Spirit is, His role in the Trinity, His interaction with man, His role in and after man's salvation. This is an intense study of the Holy Spirit in scripture. We are using the bible as our primary reference resource. These posts are my notes for each session. Please study with us. You can participate by asking your questions or making comments below. We welcome your thoughts, questions, comments, and prayers. 

We’re going to continue talking about prophets and others who were empowered by or who the Holy Spirit came upon or fell upon in the Old Testament. I think we will be able to complete this study in two to three weeks but we’ll see. We are going to have to talk about how the Holy Spirit interacts with those of us under the new covenant when after Jesus ascended back to God the Father and the Holy Spirit was sent to indwell believers. We’ll do that in the next couple of weeks I hope.

Zechariah

2 Chronicles 24:20-22 (NLT)20 Then the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah son of Jehoiada the priest. He stood before the people and said, “This is what God says: Why do you disobey the LORD’s commands and keep yourselves from prospering? You have abandoned the LORD, and now he has abandoned you!”21 Then the leaders plotted to kill Zechariah, and King Joash ordered that they stone him to death in the courtyard of the LORD’s Temple.22 That was how King Joash repaid Jehoiada for his loyalty—by killing his son. Zechariah’s last words as he died were, “May the LORD see what they are doing and avenge my death!”

Zechariah was a prophet and he told king Joash what was going to happen because of the his and the nation’s disobedience. Some background is necessary and interesting here since after giving the king this message Joash ordered Zechariah killed.

The background story is this there was a king of Judah named Ahaziah. He did the same kinds of things that the kings of Israel did worshiping idols, he did evil in the Lord’s sight and he was killed, after reigning only one year. You can read about him in 2 Chronicles chapter 22 and 2 Kings chapter 8. . His mother Athaliah, when she found out that he had been killed started killing the rest of the royal family killed. Ahaziah’s sister however took his infant son, Joash, and hid him. Jehoiada (yeh-ho-yaw-daw'), who was the high priest and his wife along with Ahaziah’s sister hid him in the temple for six years. In the seventh year Jehoiada the priest led a revolt and Athaliah was killed and Joash was crowned the king of Judah. He became king at seven and he reigned for 40 years. He did he right thing for many years until his counselor Jehoiada died. His new advisors caused him to turn away from worshiping God. That’s when the Holy Spirit came upon Zechariah the son of his long time adviser, Jehoiada, the one who was instrumental in saving his life and leading the revolt to make him king. After hearing what Zechariah said he had him killed because of his speaking speaking what the Lord had to him to tell Joash. So he repaid the kindness shown to him but Jehoiada by killing his son.

Jesus talked about Zechariah

Luke 11:50-51 (NLT)50 “As a result, this generation will be held responsible for the murder of all God’s prophets from the creation of the world—51 from the murder of Abel to the murder of Zechariah, who was killed between the altar and the sanctuary. Yes, it will certainly be charged against this generation.

Abel was the first martyr of OT history. Zechariah, was the last, according to the order of books in the Hebrew Bible, which, unlike the English Bible, ends with Chronicles. - The Wycliffe Bible Commentary.

The Holy Spirit in Prophecies Concerning Israel’s Future

Isaiah

Isaiah 59:20-21 (NLT)20 “The Redeemer will come to Jerusalem to buy back those in Israel who have turned from their sins,” says the LORD.21 “And this is my covenant with them,” says the LORD. “My Spirit will not leave them, and neither will these words I have given you. They will be on your lips and on the lips of your children and your children’s children forever. I, the LORD, have spoken!

While the prophecy is addressed to Israel by Isaiah who is being talked about here?

Redeemer here is gôʾēl, "kinsman-redeemer," (The Messiah) which involves a blood relationship (into which God could not enter except through the incarnation of Christ).The true people of God will ever be a witnessing people, faithfully proclaiming the truth of the Gospel in the power of the Holy Spirit. - The Wycliffe Bible Commentary.

Remember the story of Ruth and Boaz. You will need to study the law of land ownership in Israel completely understand this but the short explanation is that when the Israelites entered and displaced the inhabitants of Canaan each family was given land. That land was to always remain the in hands of that family. If for some reason the family had to sell the land the nearest of kin could redeem, or buy it back and there was a formula of what the sale price could be. Naomi and her husband left Israel during a famine, he died, and when Naomi and Ruth came back she no longer owned the land but, Boaz was able to redeem Naomi’s land and in doing so, married Ruth, because he was relative. He wasn’t the nearest relative who had the first right of refusal in redeeming the land but when that relative declined then Boaz redeemed it.

Ezekiel

Ezekiel 37:1-14 (NLT)1 The LORD took hold of me, and I was carried away by the Spirit of the LORD to a valley filled with bones.2 He led me all around among the bones that covered the valley floor. They were scattered everywhere across the ground and were completely dried out.3 Then he asked me, “Son of man, can these bones become living people again?” “O Sovereign LORD,” I replied, “you alone know the answer to that.”4 Then he said to me, “Speak a prophetic message to these bones and say, ‘Dry bones, listen to the word of the LORD!5 This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Look! I am going to put breath into you and make you live again!6 I will put flesh and muscles on you and cover you with skin. I will put breath into you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the LORD.’”7 So I spoke this message, just as he told me. Suddenly as I spoke, there was a rattling noise all across the valley. The bones of each body came together and attached themselves as complete skeletons.8 Then as I watched, muscles and flesh formed over the bones. Then skin formed to cover their bodies, but they still had no breath in them.9 Then he said to me, “Speak a prophetic message to the winds, son of man. Speak a prophetic message and say, ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Come, O breath, from the four winds! Breathe into these dead bodies so they may live again.’”10 So I spoke the message as he commanded me, and breath came into their bodies. They all came to life and stood up on their feet—a great army.11 Then he said to me, “Son of man, these bones represent the people of Israel. They are saying, ‘We have become old, dry bones—all hope is gone. Our nation is finished.’12 Therefore, prophesy to them and say, ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: O my people, I will open your graves of exile and cause you to rise again. Then I will bring you back to the land of Israel.13 When this happens, O my people, you will know that I am the LORD.14 I will put my Spirit in you, and you will live again and return home to your own land. Then you will know that I, the LORD, have spoken, and I have done what I said. Yes, the LORD has spoken!’”

In verse 9 The breath of life is breathed from the four winds of heaven, a symbol of the universal life-giving Spirit of God. - The Wycliffe Bible Commentary.
Explanation of the Vision.

These bones are the whole house of Israel (both Israel and Judah,), whose survivors say, Our hope is lost. 12. The figure is altered from those slain on the battlefield to those dead in the grave. I will... raise you from your graves... and bring you back, out of the dark places of captivity, home into the land of Israel (rsv). And shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live. The Spirit of the Lord gives life. He is the regenerating Spirit. The prophet is not here speaking of the bodily resurrection. - The Wycliffe Bible Commentary.

Ezekiel 39:25-29 (NLT)25 “So now, this is what the Sovereign LORD says: I will end the captivity of my people; I will have mercy on all Israel, for I jealously guard my holy reputation!26 They will accept responsibility for their past shame and unfaithfulness after they come home to live in peace in their own land, with no one to bother them.27 When I bring them home from the lands of their enemies, I will display my holiness among them for all the nations to see.28 Then my people will know that I am the LORD their God, because I sent them away to exile and brought them home again. I will leave none of my people behind.29 And I will never again turn my face from them, for I will pour out my Spirit upon the people of Israel. I, the Sovereign LORD, have spoken!”

God speaking through Ezekiel is telling the people that when He brings them back from captivity He will pour out his Spirit on them.

Joel

Joel 2:28-32 (NLT)28 “Then, after doing all those things, I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your old men will dream dreams, and your young men will see visions.29 In those days I will pour out my Spirit even on servants—men and women alike.30 And I will cause wonders in the heavens and on the earth— blood and fire and columns of smoke.31 The sun will become dark, and the moon will turn blood red before that great and terrible day of the LORD arrives.32 But everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved, for some on Mount Zion in Jerusalem will escape, just as the LORD has said. These will be among the survivors whom the LORD has called.

Remember Peter says that what started on the day of Pentecost when those in the upper room were filled with the Holy Spirit was fulfillment of this prophecy from Joel.

In this coming manifestation of the Spirit, no distinction will be made on grounds of sex, age, or position; but a distinction will be made in the different methods by which the revelation is received and the prophetic gift exercised. That is, their sons, daughters, old persons, and youths will receive the Spirit of the Lord with all his various gifts. They will become "organs of Divine revelation" to all nations!

In the Messianic Age no distinction will be made between the bond and the free. It doesn’t matter what you social or economic status is.

Haggai

Haggai 2:3-9 (NLT)3 ‘Does anyone remember this house—this Temple—in its former splendor? How, in comparison, does it look to you now? It must seem like nothing at all!4 But now the LORD says: Be strong, Zerubbabel. Be strong, Jeshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people still left in the land. And now get to work, for I am with you, says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies.5 My Spirit remains among you, just as I promised when you came out of Egypt. So do not be afraid.’6 “For this is what the LORD of Heaven’s Armies says: In just a little while I will again shake the heavens and the earth, the oceans and the dry land.7 I will shake all the nations, and the treasures of all the nations will be brought to this Temple. I will fill this place with glory, says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies.8 The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies.9 The future glory of this Temple will be greater than its past glory, says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies. And in this place I will bring peace. I, the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, have spoken!”

When Cyrus the Persian destroyed the Babylonian power, he favored and promoted the Jews' return to the land of promise to rebuild the sanctuary in Jerusalem. The foundation of the new Temple was laid and the work was begun with high hopes. Soon hostile neighbors employed their devices to stop the work. The work was brought to a halt, but outward opposition to tine task was only part of the problem. A state of indifference had seized upon the fifty thousand exiles who had returned with resolve to rebuild the house of God. When Darius Hystaspes came to the Persian throne, the Temple had been untouched for some sixteen years. Haggai (and later Zechariah) was sent by God to awaken the people and bestir them from their lethargy to undertake the work of restoration. - The Wycliffe Bible Commentary.

God was telling the people, through Haggai, to get on with rebuilding the temple and to not be afraid because His Spirit was with them.

God had not forsaken them, though he had been highly displeased with their indifference to his love and his commands. They had nothing to fear. - The Wycliffe Bible Commentary.

Zechariah

Zechariah 4:6-9 (NLT)6 Then he said to me, “This is what the LORD says to Zerubbabel: It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies.7 Nothing, not even a mighty mountain, will stand in Zerubbabel’s way; it will become a level plain before him! And when Zerubbabel sets the final stone of the Temple in place, the people will shout: ‘May God bless it! May God bless it!’”8 Then another message came to me from the LORD: 9 “Zerubbabel is the one who laid the foundation of this Temple, and he will complete it. Then you will know that the LORD of Heaven’s Armies has sent me.

The revelation from God to Zerubbabel was that all his work for God depended not on human strength, power, or prowess, but upon God's Spirit for fruition. By this passage it is known that oil in Scripture is a symbol of the Holy Spirit. - The Wycliffe Bible Commentary.

Next week 

Next week we will look at indications in the Old Testament that the Holy Spirit will empower the Messiah and the Holy Spirit's ministry and the salvation of the Gentiles.

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Do As Thou Hast Said - CDG Tuesday Night Bible Study 8-4-15

These are the notes from Tuesday Night Bible Study at The Church of Divine Guidance.

After David had united all of the tribes of Israel under him as king and he had moved to Jerusalem from Hebron, and after he built his palace and there was peace in the land. He moved the ark of the covenant, after some difficulty, which is the subject of another bible study, to Jerusalem. The ark was however still in a tent as it had been from the time that the nation of Israel was freed from Egypt. David now that there was peace wanted to build a permanent place for the ark which, during those days, represented the presence of the Lord with the nation. That's also another study. Anyway lets go to;

Nathan and David

2 Samuel 7:1-17 (NLT)1  When King David was settled in his palace and the LORD had given him rest from all the surrounding enemies,2  the king summoned Nathan the prophet. “Look,” David said, “I am living in a beautiful cedar palace, but the Ark of God is out there in a tent!”3  Nathan replied to the king, “Go ahead and do whatever you have in mind, for the LORD is with you.”4  But that same night the LORD said to Nathan,5  “Go and tell my servant David, ‘This is what the LORD has declared: Are you the one to build a house for me to live in?6  I have never lived in a house, from the day I brought the Israelites out of Egypt until this very day. I have always moved from one place to another with a tent and a Tabernacle as my dwelling.7  Yet no matter where I have gone with the Israelites, I have never once complained to Israel’s tribal leaders, the shepherds of my people Israel. I have never asked them, “Why haven’t you built me a beautiful cedar house?”’8  “Now go and say to my servant David, ‘This is what the LORD of Heaven’s Armies has declared: I took you from tending sheep in the pasture and selected you to be the leader of my people Israel.9  I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have destroyed all your enemies before your eyes. Now I will make your name as famous as anyone who has ever lived on the earth!10  And I will provide a homeland for my people Israel, planting them in a secure place where they will never be disturbed. Evil nations won’t oppress them as they’ve done in the past,11  starting from the time I appointed judges to rule my people Israel. And I will give you rest from all your enemies. “‘Furthermore, the LORD declares that he will make a house for you—a dynasty of kings!12  For when you die and are buried with your ancestors, I will raise up one of your descendants, your own offspring, and I will make his kingdom strong.13  He is the one who will build a house—a temple—for my name. And I will secure his royal throne forever.14  I will be his father, and he will be my son. If he sins, I will correct and discipline him with the rod, like any father would do.15  But my favor will not be taken from him as I took it from Saul, whom I removed from your sight.16  Your house and your kingdom will continue before me for all time, and your throne will be secure forever.’”17  So Nathan went back to David and told him everything the LORD had said in this vision.  

After Nathan told David what God had told him to tell him, David went and prayed.  

2 Samuel 7:18-29 (NKJV) 18  Then King David went in and sat before the LORD; and he said: "Who am I, O Lord GOD? And what is my house, that You have brought me this far? 19  And yet this was a small thing in Your sight, O Lord GOD; and You have also spoken of Your servant's house for a great while to come. Is this the manner of man, O Lord GOD? 20  Now what more can David say to You? For You, Lord GOD, know Your servant. 21  For Your word's sake, and according to Your own heart, You have done all these great things, to make Your servant know them. 22  Therefore You are great, O Lord GOD. For there is none like You, nor is there any God besides You, according to all that we have heard with our ears.

23  And who is like Your people, like Israel, the one nation on the earth whom God went to redeem for Himself as a people, to make for Himself a name--and to do for Yourself great and awesome deeds for Your land--before Your people whom You redeemed for Yourself from Egypt, the nations, and their gods? 24  For You have made Your people Israel Your very own people forever; and You, LORD, have become their God. 25  Now, O LORD God, the word which You have spoken concerning Your servant and concerning his house, establish it forever and do as You have said. 26  So let Your name be magnified forever, saying, 'The LORD of hosts is the God over Israel.' And let the house of Your servant David be established before You. 27  For You, O LORD of hosts, God of Israel, have revealed this to Your servant, saying, 'I will build you a house.' Therefore Your servant has found it in his heart to pray this prayer to You. 28  And now, O Lord GOD, You are God, and Your words are true, and You have promised this goodness to Your servant. 29  Now therefore, let it please You to bless the house of Your servant, that it may continue forever before You; for You, O Lord GOD, have spoken it, and with Your blessing let the house of Your servant be blessed forever."

Do as Thou Hast Said

This is essentially what we are saying when we make requests of God in prayer and we quote scripture.  We believe that the bible is the word of God and so when we quote those verses where it says that God is speaking either directly, or through an angel, or other intermediary, and every time that Jesus speaks, God is speaking or saying something to and for us.  So it is very important that we know what God has really said, meaning in what context did He say it.

David knew what God had said so he could then ask God to do exactly as He had said.  When we ask God to do what He has said do we really know what He has said?  The only way to be sure of that is go to the place that God said what He hast said ….. the bible.   

The Bible is God’s Word

Here are some of the things that the bible itself says about God’s word.   One of the things I love about God’s word is that it defines and explains itself.  If you want to know what something that Jesus, or one of his apostles meant by a particular statement you’ll find it in the Old Testament.  

Here are some of the things the Bible, which is God's word says about itself:

Isaiah 40:8 The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever."

Isaiah 55:11 so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

Psalm 33:4 For the word of the LORD is right, and all His work is trustworthy.

Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path.

2 Timothy 3:16  Every scripture inspired of God is also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness.

2 Timothy 3:16  Every scripture inspired of God is also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness.

Here’s whnt the word says happens when we ask, or quote the word incorrectly, often because we haven’t read it or studied it to really know what it means.  

James 4:3  You make your request but you do not get it, because your request has been wrongly made, desiring the thing only so that you may make use of it for your pleasure.

When we Pray We Can Remind God of “What Thou Hast Said”

God didn’t say things just to be saying them.  He meant that we should use His promises. That’s why He made them.   If we don’t use the promise then it is of no effect.  You have all heard the comment about having a luxury car in your garage and never driving or riding in it.  What good is it?  If you don’t use the promise that God gives then you could say that we are frustrating God’s intentions.

What Hast God Said to You

Only you can answer that question.  To find out what He’s said to you all you have to do is open your bible.  Here are a few things that He just might be saying or has said to you:

Isaiah 40:29-31 29  He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength. 30  Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall, 31  But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.

Matthew 5:3-12 3  "Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4  Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted. 5  Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth. 6  Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled. 7  Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy. 8  Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God. 9  Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God. 10  Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11  "Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12  Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Philippians 4:19 And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

2 Corinthians 12:9 But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me.

Romans 8:28 We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose.

Isaiah 41:10 Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with My righteous right hand.

Matthew 6:25-32 “This is why I tell you: Don’t worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; or about your body, what you will wear.  Isn’t life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the sky: They don’t sow or reap or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them.  Aren’t you worth more than they? Can any of you add a single cubit to his height by worrying? And why do you worry about clothes? Learn how the wildflowers of the field grow: they don’t labor or spin thread. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was adorned like one of these!  If that’s how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and thrown into the furnace tomorrow, won’t He do much more for you—you of little faith? So don’t worry, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ For the idolaters eagerly seek all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.

1 John 5:14-15 Now this is the confidence we have before Him: Whenever we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.  And if we know that He hears whatever we ask, we know that we have what we have asked Him for.

Philippians 4:6-7 Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

There are hundreds of things that God is saying to you.  If you have a concordance, your bible has a concordance, or if you have a book of promises of the bible, find the specific promise or promises that speak to your situation and then remind God of what He hast said.  He doesn’t need to be reminded of them but we do.

A Final Word

As those of you know, who follow my blogs and Facebook pages, one of my favorite Christian personalities is Charles Spurgeon.  He was a British preacher who died in 1892.  He was a prolific author of many types of works including sermons, an autobiography, commentaries, books on prayer, devotionals, magazines, poetry, hymns and more.  This is from one of his devotionals and is what inspired this study.

"Do as thou hast said."-2 Samuel 7:25

God's promises were never meant to be thrown aside as waste paper; He intended that they should be used. God's gold is not miser's money, but is minted to be traded with. Nothing pleases our Lord better than to see His promises put in circulation; He loves to see His children bring them up to Him, and say, "Lord, do as Thou hast said." We glorify God when we plead His promises. Do you think that God will be any the poorer for giving you the riches He has promised? Do you dream that He will be any the less holy for giving holiness to you? Do you imagine He will be any the less pure for washing you from your sins? He has said "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." Faith lays hold upon the promise of pardon, and it does not delay, saying, "This is a precious promise, I wonder if it be true?" but it goes straight to the throne with it, and pleads, "Lord, here is the promise, 'Do as Thou hast said.'" Our Lord replies, "Be it unto thee even as thou wilt." When a Christian grasps a promise, if he do not take it to God, he dishonours Him; but when he hastens to the throne of grace, and cries, "Lord, I have nothing to recommend me but this, 'Thou hast said it;'" then his desire shall be granted. Our heavenly Banker delights to cash His own notes. Never let the promise rust. Draw the word of promise out of its scabbard, and use it with holy violence. Think not that God will be troubled by your importunately reminding Him of His promises. He loves to hear the loud outcries of needy souls. It is His delight to bestow favours. He is more ready to hear than you are to ask. The sun is not weary of shining, nor the fountain of flowing. It is God's nature to keep His promises; therefore go at once to the throne with "Do as Thou hast said.

Bible Study Audio

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The Holy Spirit - Session 10 - Prophets and Others

The Church of Divine Guidance (CDG) Sunday morning adult bible study group is doing a study of The Holy Spirit. The study will look at who the Holy Spirit is, His role in the Trinity, His interaction with man, His role in and after man's salvation. This is an intense study of the Holy Spirit in scripture. We are using the bible as our primary reference resource. These posts are my notes for each session. Please study with us. You can participate by asking your questions or making comments below. We welcome your thoughts, questions, comments, and prayers

Today we’re going to continue talking about prophets in the Old Testament who were empowered and used by the Holy Spirit. Last week we talked about Elijah and Elisha, Isaiah, and Ezekiel

Daniel

Remember in our study of Daniel, the dreams that Nebuchadnezzar and later his son, Belshazzar, that they wanted Daniel to interpret them?

Daniel 4:8-9 (NLT)8 At last Daniel came in before me, and I told him the dream. (He was named Belteshazzar after my god, and the spirit of the holy gods is in him.)9 “I said to him, ‘Belteshazzar, chief of the magicians, I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in you and that no mystery is too great for you to solve. Now tell me what my dream means.

We are not going to read the description of the dream because we should remember it from our study. After he told him the dream he again said that he knows that Daniel can do it because to spirit of the holy gods was in him.

Daniel 4:18 (NLT) “‘Belteshazzar, that was the dream that I, King Nebuchadnezzar, had. Now tell me what it means, for none of the wise men of my kingdom can do so. But you can tell me because the spirit of the holy gods is in you.’


He was talking here about the dream of this great tree which was him, Nebuchadnezzar, which was later cut down to a stump but left living. The dream was to warn him that if he didn’t give God the glory for his success he would be cut down and become a mad man forging around for food until he realized that he had been successful because God made him successful.


You notice that Nebuchadnezzar recognized that Daniel had the Holy Spirit in him just as Pharaoh recognized the Holy Spirit in Joseph that’s why he appointed him to take over the administration of the country before and after the famine years. This doesn’t mean that either Pharaoh or Nebuchadnezzar worship God Almighty as He wants to be worshiped. We know that there is no other God but Jehovah. but these guys not only acknowledged Jehovah but a bunch of other gods. However in Nebuchadnezzar’s case he may have changed and realized that the God the Daniel worshiped was only one who could tell you what He was going to do and then do it. After he crawled around for seven years he looked up to heaven and acknowleded God and his kingdom was restored back to him.


Daniel 4:34 (NLT) “After this time had passed, I, Nebuchadnezzar, looked up to heaven. My sanity returned, and I praised and worshiped the Most High and honored the one who lives forever. His rule is everlasting, and his kingdom is eternal.

Nebuchadnezzar’s son King Belshazzar had a dream too but his dream, which had tragic consequences also, predicted his death.

Daniel 5:11-12 (NLT)11 There is a man in your kingdom who has within him the spirit of the holy gods. During Nebuchadnezzar’s reign, this man was found to have insight, understanding, and wisdom like that of the gods. Your predecessor, the king—your predecessor King Nebuchadnezzar—made him chief over all the magicians, enchanters, astrologers, and fortune-tellers of Babylon.12 This man Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar, has exceptional ability and is filled with divine knowledge and understanding. He can interpret dreams, explain riddles, and solve difficult problems. Call for Daniel, and he will tell you what the writing means.”

At this big party Belshazzar sent for the gold and silver cups taken from the from the temple when the Babylonians ransacked Jerusalem and they used them to drink from while they were praising their idols. Then there was the writing on the wall. Well Daniel, empowered by the Holy Spirit told Belshazzar that the writing essentially said that it’s all over for you and that night he was killed.

Daniel 5:25-30 (NLT)25 “This is the message that was written: MENE, MENE, TEKEL, and PARSIN.26 This is what these words mean: Mene means ‘numbered’—God has numbered the days of your reign and has brought it to an end.27 Tekel means ‘weighed’—you have been weighed on the balances and have not measured up.28 Parsin means ‘divided’—your kingdom has been divided and given to the Medes and Persians.”29 Then at Belshazzar’s command, Daniel was dressed in purple robes, a gold chain was hung around his neck, and he was proclaimed the third highest ruler in the kingdom.30 That very night Belshazzar, the Babylonian king, was killed.

Micah

Micah 2:6-7 (NLT)6 “Don’t say such things,” the people respond. “Don’t prophesy like that. Such disasters will never come our way!”7 Should you talk that way, O family of Israel? Will the LORD’s Spirit have patience with such behavior? If you would do what is right, you would find my words comforting.

Micah was prophesying judgement on the wealthy who were oppressing the poor in Israel. This was before the exile and they wanted him to stop.

In chapter 3 he told them why he was telling them what he was telling them.

Micah 3:8 (NLT) But as for me, I am filled with power— with the Spirit of the LORD. I am filled with justice and strength to boldly declare Israel’s sin and rebellion.

He was contrasting himself to false prophets.

Micah 3:5-7 (NLT)5 This is what the LORD says: “You false prophets are leading my people astray! You promise peace for those who give you food, but you declare war on those who refuse to feed you.6 Now the night will close around you, cutting off all your visions. Darkness will cover you, putting an end to your predictions. The sun will set for you prophets, and your day will come to an end.7 Then you seers will be put to shame, and you fortune-tellers will be disgraced. And you will cover your faces because there is no answer from God.”

Others who were empowered by the Holy Spirit

Now we are going to look at some others who spoke to men for God who were empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Azariah

2 Chronicles 15:1-8 (NLT)1 Then the Spirit of God came upon Azariah son of Oded,2 and he went out to meet King Asa as he was returning from the battle. “Listen to me, Asa!” he shouted. “Listen, all you people of Judah and Benjamin! The LORD will stay with you as long as you stay with him! Whenever you seek him, you will find him. But if you abandon him, he will abandon you.3 For a long time Israel was without the true God, without a priest to teach them, and without the Law to instruct them.4 But whenever they were in trouble and turned to the LORD, the God of Israel, and sought him out, they found him.5 “During those dark times, it was not safe to travel. Problems troubled the people of every land.6 Nation fought against nation, and city against city, for God was troubling them with every kind of problem.7 But as for you, be strong and courageous, for your work will be rewarded.”8 When Asa heard this message from Azariah the prophet, he took courage and removed all the detestable idols from the land of Judah and Benjamin and in the towns he had captured in the hill country of Ephraim. And he repaired the altar of the LORD, which stood in front of the entry room of the LORD’s Temple.

Azariah was a prophet he and Obed are only in this one place in the bible and nothing else is known about him. The Holy Spirit came upon and empowered him to go to the Asa who was a king of Judah with this illustration from Israel’s past during the time of the Judges when they turned away from God then after turning back to Him and He raised up a Judge. Asa took heed and removed the idols from Judah and the nation gathered in Jerusalem at what may have been the Feast of Weeks, which is Pentecost, one of the annual festivals required under the Mosaic law and they again entered into a covenant to seek the Lord God of their fathers.

Jehaziel

There was a time when Judah was under attack by neighboring nations. Jehoshaphat was the king at that time. He was pretty shook up and called for everybody to fast.

2 Chronicles 20:13-17 (NLT)13 As all the men of Judah stood before the LORD with their little ones, wives, and children,14 the Spirit of the LORD came upon one of the men standing there. His name was Jahaziel son of Zechariah, son of Benaiah, son of Jeiel, son of Mattaniah, a Levite who was a descendant of Asaph.15 He said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the LORD says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.16 Tomorrow, march out against them. You will find them coming up through the ascent of Ziz at the end of the valley that opens into the wilderness of Jeruel.17 But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the LORD’s victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the LORD is with you!”

Jehaziel is not described as a prophet here or anywhere else in the bible. It appears that he was just a man who the Spirit of the Lord came upon and who prophesied. He was a Levite and as a descendant of Asap may have been a musician or a singer. As a matter of fact he may have been inspired to write Psalm 83 which seems to be about this incident.

After hearing what Jehaziel said here’s what happened. When you read it you will remember one of Pastor’s favorite scriptures and one that he says he quotes all the time (2 Chronicles 20:21):

2 Chronicles 20:18-24 (NLT)18 Then King Jehoshaphat bowed low with his face to the ground. And all the people of Judah and Jerusalem did the same, worshiping the LORD.19 Then the Levites from the clans of Kohath and Korah stood to praise the LORD, the God of Israel, with a very loud shout.20 Early the next morning the army of Judah went out into the wilderness of Tekoa. On the way Jehoshaphat stopped and said, “Listen to me, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Believe in the LORD your God, and you will be able to stand firm. Believe in his prophets, and you will succeed.”21 After consulting the people, the king appointed singers to walk ahead of the army, singing to the LORD and praising him for his holy splendor. This is what they sang: “Give thanks to the LORD; his faithful love endures forever!”22 At the very moment they began to sing and give praise, the LORD caused the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir to start fighting among themselves.23 The armies of Moab and Ammon turned against their allies from Mount Seir and killed every one of them. After they had destroyed the army of Seir, they began attacking each other.24 So when the army of Judah arrived at the lookout point in the wilderness, all they saw were dead bodies lying on the ground as far as they could see. Not a single one of the enemy had escaped.

Here's his favorite verse in the KJV

2 Chronicles 20:21 (KJV) ²¹  And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the LORD, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the LORD; for his mercy endureth for ever. 

He says that whenever he is going into a difficult situation he prepares by repeating this verse of scripture over and over as he's driving or walking to do whatever it is that he has to do.  Just as the army of Judah won without having to fight he wins.

We will continue next week with others that the Old Testament identifies and being empowered by the Holy Spirit. If you can get through them next week we will look at the Holy Spirit in prophecies about Israel’s future, about the Holy Spirit empowering the Messiah, Jesus; and what the Old Testament tells us about the future ministry of the Holy Spirit.

Audio of Session 10 - Prophets and Others

The audio has additional discussion that you may find interesting

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