Measures of the Holy Spirit

Introduction
Tonight’s sermon concludes our 7 lesson series on the Holy Spirit. A large number of sincere people believe that miracles are still being performed today – as they were in the first century. Many teach that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is for God’s children today as it was for the apostles during the first century. That there were different measures of the Holy Spirit in the first century is a fact. Observe 1 Cor. 12:1-11. But….do men still have the power today to work miracles, signs, wonders just as the apostles & inspired men did in times past? What does the Bible say? The Bible teaches us that there are four very different measures of the Holy Spirit.

I. Jesus Christ received the Spirit without measure.
   A. Jhn. 3:30-35 – Jesus had power to do all things.
        1. Healed lame/performed many wondrous signs/wonders.
        2. Observe Lk. 7:22-23. Even greater than this: Jesus arose from the dead.
    B. Why? See Jhn. 20:30-31.

II. The measure of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.
   A. Only TWO incidents in the NT where this took place.
        1. Acts 2:4 – on Pentecost w/the apostles.
            a. This as Jesus promised in Jhn. 16:13...He will guide you into all truth…
         b. Gave them power to speak in tongues, etc.
        2. Acts 10, 11 – at home of Cornelius, with Cornelius & his household.
            a. Acts 10:44-46 – received it just as the apostles did in the beginning.
          b. Acts 11:15
            c. Did not receive it as other believers had…
    B. There is also proof that Paul received this baptism.

III. The Laying on Hands measure of the Holy Spirit.
   A. Apostles laid their hands on various ones to assist them in evangelism, etc.
        1. Acts 6:1-7.
        2. Men such as Philip went out preaching, working in the kingdom.
    B. Power they received NOT in same measure! How?
        1. From reading Acts 8:14-17. Could NOT pass power on to someone else.
        2. Only apostles had power to confer the power to others.

IV. The Ordinary Measure of the Holy Spirit.
   A. All others (besides apostles & those they laid hands on) received ordinary measure.
        1. Acts 2:38-39 … notice would receive the gift of the HS…
      2. This received when one plants the Word in his heart!
    B. Promised only upon water baptism.
      1. Baptism of HS promised ONLY to apostles.
        2. Js. 1:25 – to direct them into the perfect law of liberty.

V. The Laying on hands measure was administered by the Apostles only!
   A. When the last apostle died
    B. When those whom they laid hands upon died: miraculous measures of the HS ceased!
    C. 2 Tim. 3:16-17 – no longer need miracles!

Those who make claims of miracles, signs, wonders today need to prove it from Scripture!

Special Thanks to Michael Cornwell who contributed numerous parts to the above outline.



Measures of the Holy Spirit Introduction Tonight’s sermon concludes our 7 lesson series on the Holy Spirit. A large number of sincere people believe that miracles are still being performed today – as they were in the first century. Many teach that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is for God’s children today as it was for the apostles during the first century. That there were different measures of the Holy Spirit in the first century is a fact. Observe 1 Cor. 12:1-11. But….do men still have the power today to work miracles, signs, wonders just as the apostles & inspired men did in times past? What does the Bible say? The Bible teaches us that there are four very different measures of the Holy Spirit. I. Jesus Christ received the Spirit without measure. A. Jhn. 3:30-35 – Jesus had power to do all things. 1. Healed lame/performed many wondrous signs/wonders. 2. Observe Lk. 7:22-23. Even greater than this: Jesus arose from the dead. B. Why? See Jhn. 20:30-31. II. The measure of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. A. Only TWO incidents in the NT where this took place. 1. Acts 2:4 – on Pentecost w/the apostles. a. This as Jesus promised in Jhn. 16:13...He will guide you into all truth… b. Gave them power to speak in tongues, etc. 2. Acts 10, 11 – at home of Cornelius, with Cornelius & his household. a. Acts 10:44-46 – received it just as the apostles did in the beginning. b. Acts 11:15 c. Did not receive it as other believers had… B. There is also proof that Paul received this baptism. *III. The Laying on Hands* measure of the Holy Spirit. A. Apostles laid their hands on various ones to assist them in evangelism, etc. 1. Acts 6:1-7. 2. Men such as Philip went out preaching, working in the kingdom. B. Power they received NOT in same measure! How? 1. From reading Acts 8:14-17. Could NOT pass power on to someone else. 2. Only apostles had power to confer the power to others. IV. The Ordinary Measure of the Holy Spirit.** A. All others (besides apostles & those they laid hands on) received ordinary measure. 1. Acts 2:38-39 … notice would receive the gift of the HS… 2. This received when one plants the Word in his heart! B. Promised only upon water baptism. 1. Baptism of HS promised ONLY to apostles. 2. Js. 1:25 – to direct them into the perfect law of liberty. *V. The Laying on hands* measure was administered by the Apostles only! A. When the last apostle died B. When those whom they laid hands upon died: miraculous measures of the HS ceased! C. 2 Tim. 3:16-17 – no longer need miracles! Those who make claims of miracles, signs, wonders today need to prove it from Scripture! Special Thanks to Michael Cornwell who contributed numerous parts to the above outline.**