THE LIFE-GIVING SPIRIT
TEXT: 1Cor. 15:45-49; Rom. 8:2-4, 11-14
Introduction:
In the Garden of Eden there was a loss, which was contrary to God’s expectation from the first man Adam:
- Loss of position
- Loss of dignity
- Loss of fellowship
- Loss of life.
God demonstrated His eternal love nature to man by sending His only begotten son to rescue man from the slave market of sin 1Cor. 15:3-4, 1Pet. 3:18
1Cor. 15: 45-49 – Some major difference between the first Adam and the last Adam (Christ)
- Adam came to life when God breathed into him the breath of life Gen. 2:7
- Christ became the life giver – He who reproduces God kind of life in men
- Adam was born of natural life; he was of the earth, made of the dust, his origin was dust reflect the dust origin physically: 46
- Christ was born from heaven, reflect His heavenly origin.
Thus, we are called to bear the image of Christ who descended from heaven.
How did Jesus become the life giving Spirit:
- INCARNATION: (John 1:14, cf John 5:21, Heb. 1:3)
- RESURRECTION (John 12:24; 20:17 cf ICor 15:3-4)
Resurrection is the central and greatest miracle in the NT.
Rom 1:4; Rom 8:11, 13; John 6:63; 2Cor. 3:6; Rom. 8:2-4. Thus, we have received the Spirit of God 1Cor. 2:12, and quickened by Him Eph. 2:1,5; Col. 2:13, 1Pet. 3:18
Effects of the Life giving Spirit in relation to believers walk of faith
- Helper who teaches and reminds: John 14:26
- Convicts the world of sin John 16:7-8
- Dwells in believers and fills them ICor 3:16
- Source of revelation, wisdom and power ICor 2:10-11,Acts 1:8, Eph 1:17-20
- Guides to all truth and knowledge of what is to come John16:13-15
- Gives Spiritual gifts to believers ICor 12:7-11
- Seal in the lives of believers Eph 1:13
- Helps in our weakness and intercedes for us Rom 8:26-27
- Makes believers new and grant us eternal life Rom 8:10-11, IJohn 3:8-9 God’s seed in them God’s very life,Spirit,and nature dwelling in them
- Sanctifies and enables good fruit in our lives Gal 5:16-21, Gal 5:22-25
Case Study
- Luke 7:14; 8:54; 11:13; John 11:25 (Job 32:8)
- Ezek. 47:1-12
The life-giving river coming from the temple, as it flows, it grows in depth and width (:2-5). Giving life and fruitfulness to everything it touches (:9-12). It banishes death from the Dead sea.
The purpose of the Life giving Spirit:
- To bring God’s flourishing life/ Abundance of fish (Evangelism):10
- Enduring fruitfulness / Healing :12
Conclusion: John 7:37-39
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