Title: The Sealing of the Holy Spirit
Contents
※ Main text: Ephesians 1:13~19
You can easily see how splendid Ephesus was in the past by looking at its ruins. A marble road 21m wide and 530m long runs through the center of the city, and on both sides of the road are the Greek Temple of Artemis and the large temple that worships the Roman emperor Caesar. However, the ruins of the church in Ephesus, one of the seven churches in the book of Revelation, are too shabby in contrast to the splendor and grandeur of the temple. Contrary to the material abundance of idolaters, the believers in Jesus were poor and suffered persecution for their faith. In this situation, the Ephesians asked, “What on earth is to believe in Jesus? Does God bless his children? Are you protecting me?” We are facing a serious crisis of our religious identity.
When Paul heard this news in a Roman prison, he bears witness to the important truth of the ‘sealing of the Holy Spirit’ to the Ephesians who are facing the crisis of their identity of faith. Because the sealing of the Holy Spirit makes our life of faith more clear and certain. Therefore, in the first week after Pentecost, I hope that you will realize what the sealing of the Holy Spirit is and live your life with the conviction that you are a person who has received the Holy Spirit.
First, the sealing of the Holy Spirit makes us know that we are saved.
“In him you also heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, and were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise…” (Ephesians 1:13) He comes in, puts a stamp on us, and makes us realize that we are saved.
The Bible declares it a sin for children to not honor their parents. It is invalid. Likewise, living ignoring God who made us is a sin. The penalty for this sin is death. When lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. To say that we are saved means that we are set free from the penalty of this sin. So Paul now testifies, “There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, for the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death.” (Romans 8:1-2) Therefore, we who believe in Jesus are saved children of God, and there is no penalty for sin. The Holy Spirit sets us free from the power of sin.
The Apostle Paul was tested by many when he preached the gospel. “How could you possibly believe in Jesus? Have you listened to Jesus directly? Was Jesus there when he was crucified? Were you not a persecutor of those who believed in Jesus? But how are you now talking about believing in Jesus?” The Apostle Paul boldly proclaims these trials. “Let no one afflict me from now on, for I have on my body the marks of Jesus” (Galatians 6:17).
Second, the sealing of the Holy Spirit reveals my identity.
The sealing of the Holy Spirit makes us realize our clear identity as children of God. “We did not receive the spirit of slavery, which frightens us, but we received the spirit of adoption, and we call God Abba, Father” (Romans 8:15-17). Who am I? He is the son and daughter of God that cannot be changed even if given under the world. What can you prove this with? The Holy Spirit put a stamp on me. Therefore, as a child of God, I have been sealed by the Holy Spirit.
God gives his children an inheritance. “If children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ…” (Romans 8:17). To the Ephesians who do not know this, Paul said, ‘God, give them the spirit of wisdom and revelation. Let God come to know you. And open the eyes of their hearts so that they may know what is the glory and riches of the inheritance that God has given to His children.” (Ephesians 1:17) is praying. I hope that we can open our hearts and see the inheritance God has given us.
People say life is a pilgrimage. But we know for sure that we come from God and return to God. God has given us a place to live forever with Jesus as our inheritance. “I am going to prepare a place for you, and if I prepare a place, I will come again and receive you to myself, that where I am, you may be also” (John 14:2-3) The kingdom of heaven is where Jesus is. When we receive the sealing of the Holy Spirit, we will inherit the kingdom of heaven as children of God.
Third, the sealing of the Holy Spirit makes us witnesses of Jesus.
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). Therefore, we must not look down on ourselves. We are people who have received the power of God. Pray in faith for the sick. will be cured. Pray with faith over your business. The blocked door will open. This is the exhortation power that the Holy Spirit gives us. But why not use this power?
We must use this authority to testify of the gospel. When we evangelize, there are times when we wonder if that person will listen to me. Don't listen to me. But I hear the words of the Holy Spirit who is with me. On June 25th, we have an evangelism invitation feast in our church. We should all become those who please God by evangelizing one by one. The Holy Spirit keeps us from being put to shame in the eyes of our enemies, and He is the Good One who anoints our heads and pours out the cup so that it overflows. The sealing of the Holy Spirit sets us free from the punishment of sin and from the power of evil. As children of God who are protected by God, He has given us not only the inheritance of the world but also the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, we must become Hanshin believers who receive the power of the Holy Spirit and preach the gospel of life.
2006-06-27 14:52:42