Holy Spirit Two

The Holy Spirit and the Old Testament- Part Two- Empowered by the Spirit

I. THE EMPOWERING SPIRIT

A. What is “Power”

a. Not something that has moral connotations.

b. In the Bible, it is the God given ability to perform a task.

B. According to the motivational theory, humans have three drives and one will always be more dominate than the others.

a. achievement – some people live to achieve and that is their dominant driving force.

b. affiliation – others put great importance on relationships

c. power – The desire to have influence over others.

C. I would argue that the biblical use of Power is inclusive of achievement and affiliation.

D. It then is not surprising that the Spirit of God in the Old Testament is linked with Power in the broader definition. That is, empowering people to do what God wants done.

E. Those people in the Bible who were Empowered by the Spirit were sinners just as we are. (With the exception of Christ).

a. To be Empowered then does not mean we are not human

b. It does mean however that God has chosen these biblical people to do a particular task for Him.

II. Bezalel and Oholiab, the First Empowered People in the Bible. (bez-uh-lel and oh-hoh-lee-ab)

A. They were “filled with the Spirit.”

B. In this case, to build the Tabernacle (much like the Apostles will be chosen to build the Temple (the church) in Acts 2.

Then Moses said to the Israelites, “See, the Lord has chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts – to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver, bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood and to engage in all kinds of artistic craftsmanship. And he has given both to him and Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, the ability to teach others. He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as craftsman, and designers, embroiderers in blue, purple, and scarlet yarn and fine linen, and weavers – all of them master craftsman and designers. So Bezalel, Oholiab and every skilled person to whom the Lord has given skill and ability to know how to carry out all the work of constructing the sanctuary are to do the work just as the Lord commanded (Exodus 35:30-36:1).

C. There are several points here that ought to be made.

a. This filling with the Spirit was not for general purposes but to accomplish a very specific task.

b. That task (building the Tabernacle) was a one time historical event that will never be repeated.

c. But this story also points us back the the creation narratives where God himself is displayed as being the ultimate builder and craftsman.

d. Then it follows that man being made is the Image of God will also be a builder and sometimes those building projects like establishing the church may require some special help from the master builder.

II. The Judges

A. Not a judge as we understand a judge

a. Hebrew, one who puts things right.

1) Could be a judge on a court

2) Could also be leading your nation into battle.

B. These “Judges” were Empowered by the Spirit to do valiant deeds. Here are just a few examples:

a. The Spirit of the Lord came upon [Othniel] so that he became Israel's judge and went to war. (Judges 3:10)

b. Then the Spirit of the Lord came upon Gideon [literally it says “clothed himself with Gideon” - God's Spirit put on Gideon like a coat!] and he blew a trumpet, summoning the Abiezrites to follow him. (Judges 6:34)

c. Then the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jephthah...He advanced against the Ammonites (Judges 11:29).

d. [Samson] grew and the Lord blessed him, and the Spirit of the Lord began to stir him while he was in Mahaneh Dan. (Judges 13: 24-25)

e. Then the Spirit of the Lord came upon [Samson] in power so that he tore the lion apart with his bare hands as he might have torn a young goat (Judges 14:6).

f. Then the Spirit of the Lord came upon [Samson] in power. He went down to Ashkelon, struck down thirty of their men, stripped them of their belongings and gave clothes to those who had explained the riddle. Burning with anger, he went [home]. (Judges 14:19).

g. The Spirit of the Lord came upon [Samson] with power. The ropes on his arms became like charred flax, and the bindings dropped from his hands. Finding a fresh jawbone of a donkey, he grabbed it and struck down a thousand men. (Judges 15: 14-15)

C. It then ought to be clear that the Spirit of the Lord is synonymous with “power.”

a. The case of Samson is disturbing in a fashion.

b. Notice, his power started out very innocent but grew as time passed until Samson was out of control.

c. Having super human powers is no good unless you also have self control.

d. Here is a clear case it seems that even the “power of God” can be misused by humans.

e. Not every manifestation of holy power is always welcome.

III. SAUL

A. Saul was the first full time king but in many ways he was the last in a line of judges.

B. So, just like the other judges we just mentioned:

“When Saul heard their words [about the threats of the Ammonites], the Spirit of God came upon him in power, and he burned with anger” (1st Sam. 11:6).

C. However, the initial role of the Spirit in the story of Saul was to authenticate Samuel's anointing him as king and to authorize his leadership.

“Then Samuel took a flash of oil and poured it on Saul's head and kissed him, saying, “Has not the Lord anointed you leader over his inheritance (1st Sam. 10:1).

D. This is then followed by a number of predicted signs that will confirm to Saul what Samuel has said.

“ The Spirit of the Lord will come upon you with power and you will prophesy with them, and you will be changed into a different person. (1st Sam. 10:6).

E. And then we read:

“ As Saul turned to leave Samuel, God changed Saul's heart, and all these signs were fulfilled that day. When they arrived at Gibeah, a procession of prophets met him; the Spirit of the Lord came upon him in power, and he joined their prophesying. (1st Sam. 10: 9-10).

F. Saul, one of the great Bible proofs that you can fall from grace. Notice what God did as Saul became increasingly disobedient.

“the Spirit of the Lord had departed from Saul.” (1st Sam. 16:4).

G. The Spirit of the Lord was replaced by a different kind of Spirit, one that took the form of dark moods, depression, and murderous jealousy (1st Sam. 18:10-11).

In Conclusion.

he Spirit of God in early Israel was active but some important lesson ought to be learned.

A. The Spirit could give great power but even then that power could be abused.

B. The Power of the Spirit can even be tied up with the very fleshly ambitions and desires of men,such as Saul.

C. It is no wonder that John told us to “test every spirit” to see if they are from God (1st John 4:1). Now we look at some other aspects of this power.

I. POWER WITH HUMILITY

A. With this section, we really ought to read Numbers chapters 11-14. It is a turbulent period in the life of Moses. As you read Numbers chapters 11-14, notice the references to the Spirit of God. There are not many but enough to impress the later generations. For example, here is how a much later prophet referred back to that era:

“Then his people recalled the days of old, the days of Moses and his people----where is he who brought them through the sea, with the shepherd of his flock? Where is he who set his Holy Spirit among them, who sent his glorious arm of power to be a Moses' right hand, who divided the waters before them, to gain for himself everlasting renown, who led them through the depth? Like a horse in open country, they did not stumble; like cattle that go down to the plain, they were given rest by the Spirit of the Lord. This is how you guided your people to make for yourself a glorious name. (Is. 63: 11-14).

B. It should be added that the same passage a little earlier says that the people of Israel “rebelled and grieved his Holy Spirit (Is. 63: 10). These are two of the very few occasions that in the OT the Spirit of God is actually called the Holy Spirit.

C. Now we learn that the Spirit was active in delivering Israel from Egypt. The Spirit was involved with Moses and leadership. Moses was the human agent of God's Spirit. See Heb. 3:5).

D. Moses served God faithfully, unlike others who may have had God's Spirit. There are several factors that identify the leadership of Moses and the correct use of the power of God.

a. It was power without personal pride

b. It was power without jealousy.

c. It was power without personal ambition.

II. POWER WITHOUT PRIDE

“ Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth. (Num.12:3).

A. To be humble 'anaw” usually contrasted with proud but most often used as people who are lowly because of some affliction. People who have been put down or demeaned by others. [Moses experienced this even as a leader]

“ The vast bulk of the occurrences of this and related words denote the position of people who have been humbled or afflicted in one way or another. It suggest people who are weak in some respect. They lack resources and power....To say that Moses was the lowliest person on earth [means that he] was just the most ordinary of men, one of whom YHWH made extraordinary demands and on whom his people put extraordinary pressure.” (John Goldingay, OT Thelogy, Vol. one p.311).

B. Isn't this ironic, a plain ordinary man, turns out to be one if not the greatest leader who ever lived.

C. But- the secret of Moses' power lay in the Spirit of God and the secret of his humility lay in his lack of self-sufficiency and total dependence of God.

D. Now for a look of what Moses had to face starting in Numbers chapter 11.

a. A conflict over food. God has promised to provided Manna but that was not good enough.

b. The rabble with them began to crave other food, (Num. 11:4). They wanted to melons, leeks and other veggies from Egypt.

c. So they complained, demanded meat and Moses became the focus of their discontent. Now, notice the response by Moses.

“ Moses heard the people of every family wailing, each at the entrance to his tent. The Lord became exceedingly angry, and Moses was troubled. He asked the Lord, “Why have you brought this trouble on your servant? What have I done to displease you that you put the burden of all these people on me? Did I conceive all these people? Did I give them birth? Why do you tell me to carry them in my arms, as a nurse carries an infant, to the land you promised on oath to their forefathers? Where can I get meat for all these people.? They keep wailing to me, “Give us meat to eat!” I cannot carry all these people by myself; the burden is to heavy for me, put me to death right now---if I have found favor in your eyes – and do not let me face my own ruin” (Numbers 11:10-15).

E. What a litany of accusing questions. And what about that sarcastic ending (“if you love me just kill me now.”).

F. Notice, Moses did not say, I know where I can find enough food. Or, I can find meat. This is a man who does not have a clue where he will find the meat and must depend completely on God.

G. This attitude has not always been with Moses. Remember his youth and seeing the injustice done by the Egyptian slave master. Moses saw the problem and resolved the problem (Ex. 2:11-12).

H. Meet Moses again, a different man sitting in front of the burning bush with his shoes off. Remember his words, “ Anyone but me Lord.” A different man after 40 years.

I. Now notice the reaction of Moses even later. “ “Moses fell on his face before the Lord” (Num. 14:5; 16:4, 22; 20:6).

It can hardly be said that Moses was a man who depended on his self and his own power.

J. Moses was smart and well educated (Acts 7:22; Heb. 11:25-26), but even then Moses was nothing without the Spirit of God.

K. Listen to the below:

“The Lord said to Moses: “Bring me seventy of Israel's elders who are known to you as leaders and officials among the people. Have them come to the Tent of Meeting, that they may stand there with you. I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take on the Spirit that is on you and put the Spirit on them. They will help you carry the burden of the people so that you will not have to carry it alone.” (Num. 11:16-17)

a. This gives us two insights to Moses' humility.

1) He was Dependent on God's Spirit.

a) There were times that Moses seems to have forgotten this but that is understandable.

b) Personal powerlessness is exactly what God wants to display His power.

c) Is this not what Paul said in 2nd Cor. 3: 4-5; 4:7.

b. The Acceptance of God's Spirit in others.

1) Had to be humble in order to give up power.

2) At this point, Moses must depend on others to help.

III. POWER WITHOUT JEALOUSY.

“So Moses went out and told the People what the Lord had said. He brought together seventy elders and had them stand around the Tent. Then the Lord came down in the cloud and spoke with him, and he took of the Spirit that was on him and put the Spirit on the seventy elders. When the Spirit rested on them, they prophesied, but they did not do so again. However, two men, whose names were Eldad and Medad, had remained in the camp. They were listed among the elders, but did not go out to the Tent. Yet the Spirit also rested on them, and they prophesied in the camp. A young man ran and told Moses, “Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp.” Joshua, son of Nun who had been Moses' aid since youth, spoke up and said, “Moses, my lord, stop them (Num 11:24-28).

A. Delegated leadership is a good theory, but sometimes it may lead to chaos.

B. Moses was willing to share the source for leadership (the Spirit) and also the practical end.

. But what about this sudden outburst of charismatic activity. Not really sure why or exactly what was happening but here we have a point proven.

D. If Moses and 68 others were in the Tent yet these two outside the Tent received the power it tells us that things were beyond the immediate power of Moses to control. Things could, and did get out of hand.

E. All this Spirit sharing is fine, but what about supervision?

F. Why did Joshua want it stopped? Joshua was jealous I think. Since Joshua had been with Moses from his youth, he did not want any competition.

“Are you jealous for my sake? I wish that all the Lord's people were prophets and that the Lord would put the Spirit on them! (Numbers 11:29).

A. Now we have some really good questions to ask? Why did Moses want the Spirit of God to be on all people?

B. Perhaps, because Moses was not all that thrilled about his job. Remember, Moses did not ask for the job. In fact, 2nd Peter 1:20-21, tells us there was never such a thing a volunteer prophet. All prophets were moved by the Spirit of God.

IV. POWER WITHOUT AMBITION

A. Once again, in Numbers 14 the people grumbling and refusing to enter the promised land. Once again, the people have turned on Moses and Aaron.

“ The whole assembly talked about stoning them. The the glory of the Lord appeared at the Tent of Meeting to all the Israelites. The Lord said to Moses, “How long will these people treat me with contempt? How long will they refuse to believe in me, in spite of all the miraculous signs I have preformed among them? I will strike them down and destroy them, but I will make you into a nation greater and stronger than they.” (Num. 14:10-12)

B. This is not the first time that God wanted to destroy these people. See Exodus 32-34 and the golden calf.

C. What was God proposing to Moses? Was He offering to transfer Moses to the promise land alone? Notice the reply!

“ I lay prostrate before the Lord those forty days and forty nights because the Lord had said he would destroy you. I prayed to the Lord and said, “O Sovereign Lord, do not destroy your people, your own inheritance that you redeemed by your great power and brought out of Egypt with a mighty hand. remember your servants Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Overlook the stubbornness of these people, their weakness and their sin. Other wise, the country from which you brought us will say, “Because the Lord was not able to take them into the land he had promised them, and because he hated them, he brought them out to put them to death in the desert. But they are your people, your inheritance that you brought out with great power and your outstretched arm. (Deut. 9:25-29).

We might spend several more pages on this text but the point is made. Here Moses had a chance to leave his troubles and be exalted but refused. He had no personal agenda except that of YHWH. In Conclusion, the paradox of Moses' success is absent those things that usually make men great. Moses was not dependent on his own abilities or self-sufficiency but completely dependent on the Empowering of the Holy Spirit to finish the task at hand.

More on the Empowering of the Spirit (HERE)

by Lane