WE ARE LIVING IN THE AGE OF THE SPIRIT - OT - of Father; Gospels- of Son; Church Age- of Spirit!

1. Our Church age was introduced by the Advent of the Spirit, & close by His withdrawal!
2. The Spirit is continuing His work- whether we are ignorant of Him or not, He varies not.-
3. For the Unsaved- heaven or hell hangs in the balance; for the Saved- victory or defeat in the Christian life.

You cannot have a joyous, blessed life without His blessed work

I.- THE WORK OF THE SPIRIT IN THE WORLD John 16:8-11

Currently there is a great lack of a knowledge of sin- world has ignored Him- quenched, grieved

A.- "WHEN HE IS COME HE WILL REPROVE THE WORLD OF SIN -v.9 BECAUSE THEY BELIEVE NOT ON ME"

1. It is a strange thing that Unsaved people would have a knowledge of sin- yet they often do -
2. This reproving actually holds back many from sin- II Thes 2:7 even holds back the Anti-Christ
3. The only answer to sin- is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world- John 1:29

B.- "WHEN HE IS COME HE WILL REPROVE THE WORLD OF RIGHTEOUSNESS v.10 BECAUSE I GO TOMY FATHER..."

1. Jesus Christ is our standard of Righteousness- He is the Light of the World- Now He is gone.
2. Before His presence our righteousness is as filthy rage - Peter cried -"Depart from me-I'm a wicked man"
3. With Jesus being absent now- the Spirit points to Him and shows us the perfect righteousness

C.- "WHEN HE IS COME HE WILL REPROVE THE WORLD OF JUDGEMENT" v.11

1. There are several special judgements in the Bible- See Scofield-p 1351 - Judgment brings fear
2. Satan cannot protect you from the Judgement of God if you serve Satan!
3. Jesus was Judged in our Place- that we might be forgiven! -Satan leads you into deeper sins-

Let the Holy Spirit bring you to Jesus- Give Him half a chance and He will - You know already!

II. THE WORK OF THE SPIRIT IN THE CHRISTIAN 16:12,14

Though Jesus could only be one place at a time- the Spirit can be working in every life in the world

A.- WHEN HE, THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH IS COME, HE WILL GUIDE YOU INTO ALL TRUTH  v. 13 - BAPTISM

1. The Holy Spirit is the agent in the New Birth John 3:3-5 -for He plants seed- brings germination
2. The greatest part of His ministry is to point to and glorify Jesus- John 16:14 -not Himself
3. He it is that leads your heart to believe the truths taught in the Word of God- submit to Him

B.- THE HOLY SPRIT WILL INDWELL YOU I Cor 3:16 "...ye are the temple of God...Spirit dwelleth in you"

1. The Spirit comes in with His full Baptism, giving of gifts to you, and giving you to Church
2. And as you yield to Him, confess sins, trust His leadership- He Infills you- Eph 5:18
3. You are always full of Spirit- but harboring sin, grieving, vexing, quenching Spirit crowds out

C.- HE IS THE SPIRIT OF POWER, AND WILL EMPOWER YOU FOR ANY TASK GOD HAS FOR YOU TO DO Rom 8:2

1. Some today seek His power because of laziness, pride, self will!  This is for practical service
2. Some take the least gift- Tongues; and make it the sign of the Spirit instead of Gal 5:22-3
3. As you yield yourself to His leadership- victory over sin, guidance in life, anointing for service

Yielding to Him will always draw you to Jesus-"for He shall glorify me" Jesus said- John 16:14

III.- WHY IS THE SPIRIT SO POWERLESS TODAY ???

Spiritual power is in decline even within the real church- there are so many other spirits in the world

A.- THE UNBELIEVING WORLD HAS REJECTED THE MINISTRY OF THE SPIRIT, BLASPHEMED HIM AND EARNED DEATH!

1. Some resist Him- Acts 7:51 they fight against His leadings- and even stoned Stephen to death
2. Some insult Him- Heb 10:29 Knowing the truth-but casting dirt on His leading - refuse Christ-
3. Some blaspheme Him- Matt 12:31-2 to deny the truth of His Message is to condemn your soul to Hell

B.- BELIEVERS ALSO SIN AGAINST THE SPIRIT, AND THIS CAUSES A LACK OF JOY, VICTORY, BLESSING

1. Some Grieve him Eph 4:30 -to steal, lie, corrupt communication- sins grieve him -
2. Some Lie to Him- Acts 5:3,4 -Pretending to be consecrated & giving all- Saphira, Ananias did
3. Some Quench Him- I Thess 5:19 -through sin, neglect, rebellion- you can drive His ministry out

C.- THE CURE FOR OFFENDING THE SPIRIT AND THE WAY TO BE SPIRIT FILLED AND LED!

1. Be honest about sin- Some seem to think that they are different- Sin is never overlooked
2. Actually follow the Leadings of the Spirit- do what is right- Don't make Pastor Pull you-
3. Be willing for Him to lead you any way He wishes -Get into the Word and plow ahead!-
4. Ask Him to come in to your Heart and Lead you in the way that will glorify Jesus- & plow ahead!

THE COMFORTER WILL COMFORT YOUR HEART TOWARD JESUS, BUT DISTURB YOU ABOUT WORLD, FLESH,& DEVIL!

1. Revive His message- come to Jesus right now - To accept Christ opens your way to Life
2. Revive His Indwelling- invite Him in to every part of your life- and let Him boss you
3. Revive His empowering - be willing to let Him lead you into great things for God-