TLDR;
In this classic Billy Graham sermon, Graham discusses the crucial role of the Holy Spirit in Christian life, emphasising that understanding the Holy Spirit is essential for understanding the Bible, Christian living, and the church. He clarifies that the Holy Spirit is a person, co-equal with God the Father and God the Son, and not merely an influence or "it". Graham outlines the Holy Spirit's work in convicting, giving new life, empowering for service, and producing the fruit of the Spirit. He warns against resisting, grieving, or sinning against the Holy Spirit, urging listeners to repent, receive Christ, and obey Him to experience a life filled with the Spirit. The sermon concludes with an invitation to commit to Christ, emphasising the urgency of making this decision.
- The Holy Spirit is a person, not an influence, and is co-equal with God the Father and God the Son.
- The Holy Spirit convicts of sin, gives new life, empowers for service, and produces the fruit of the Spirit.
- It is possible to sin against the Holy Spirit through resisting, grieving, or lying.
- Listeners are urged to repent, receive Christ, and obey Him to experience a life filled with the Holy Spirit.
- The sermon concludes with an invitation to commit to Christ, emphasising the urgency of making this decision.
Introduction: The Comforter and the Holy Spirit [0:08]
Graham begins by referencing a passage about the Comforter, explaining that the word "Comforter" means "advocate" or "one who helps alongside". He notes the importance of understanding the Holy Spirit for comprehending the Bible, Christian living, and the structure of the church. He acknowledges the Charismatic Movement and its various interpretations across denominations, but clarifies that his focus is on the fundamental understanding of the Holy Spirit's person and work.
The Holy Spirit: A Person, Not an Influence [2:12]
Graham stresses that the Holy Spirit is a person, not an agent or influence, and is indeed God. He points out mistranslations in older versions of the Bible where the Holy Spirit is referred to as "it," clarifying that the Holy Spirit is "someone" and is holy within Himself. He contrasts the Holy Spirit with flesh and material things, affirming the Holy Spirit's co-equality with God the Father and God the Son within the Trinity. Graham uses the analogy of a little girl who forgot what electricity is to illustrate the inexplicable nature of the Trinity.
Attributes and Work of the Holy Spirit [4:06]
The Holy Spirit is described as omnipotent (all-powerful) and omnipresent (present everywhere at the same time). Graham explains that the Holy Spirit convicts individuals of sin, causing a sense of guilt that can follow them anywhere. He also highlights that the Holy Spirit bears witness to Jesus Christ, who is the truth. Graham contrasts the genuine experience of the Holy Spirit with artificial highs from drugs or trances, asserting that the true, permanent high comes from the Holy Spirit, even in low moments.
The Holy Spirit Gives New Life and Empowers for Service [6:15]
Graham explains that the Holy Spirit gives new life, making spiritually dead individuals alive. He references Jesus's teaching that one must be born again, or born from above, by the Spirit of God. He laments the overuse and misuse of the term "born again," which has diluted its true meaning. The Holy Spirit dwells within believers, empowering them for service with supernatural power. Graham humbly acknowledges the power of the Holy Spirit in his own preaching.
The Fruit of the Spirit and the Spirit's Guidance [9:31]
The Holy Spirit produces the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and self-control. These attributes are also characteristics of Jesus Christ. Graham emphasises that living the Christian life is impossible without the Holy Spirit. He notes that the Holy Spirit opens and shuts doors, guiding believers in their decisions. The Holy Spirit magnifies, glorifies, and exalts Jesus Christ, never speaking of Himself.
Being Filled with the Spirit and Sins Against the Spirit [12:05]
Graham urges listeners to be continually filled with the Spirit, which requires emptying oneself of selfishness and desires. He warns against sins against the Holy Spirit, including angering, grieving, lying to, tempting, and resisting the Spirit. He recounts biblical examples of individuals who suffered consequences for these sins, such as Ananias and Sapphira. Graham cautions against resisting the Holy Spirit's call, as it can lead to a hardened heart and the loss of opportunity for salvation.
The Urgency of Repentance and Commitment [15:50]
Graham stresses the urgency of responding to the Holy Spirit's call, warning that there may come a time when it is no longer possible to hear His voice. He shares a story of a tragic accident to illustrate how quickly life can change. Graham presents the decision to follow Christ as a vote, urging listeners to choose Jesus over the devil. He outlines three steps to receiving Christ: repenting of sin, receiving Jesus Christ by faith, and being willing to obey Him.
Invitation to Commit to Christ [20:24]
Graham invites those who doubt their relationship with God to come forward and make a public commitment to Christ. He explains that Jesus called people publicly in the New Testament, and there is something significant about openly declaring one's faith. He encourages listeners not to resist the Holy Spirit and to come to the cross, where they can find forgiveness and eternal life. Graham provides a telephone number for those watching on television to call for spiritual help and counsel.
Commitment and Continued Growth [23:18]
Graham notes the hundreds of people who have come forward to commit to Christ and encourages television viewers to make the same commitment by calling the number on the screen. He urges new believers to attend church the following Sunday. He offers resources and assistance for those who have made a commitment or have questions about their relationship with Jesus Christ, providing a toll-free number, mailing address, and website for further contact.
The Hope of Christ's Return [26:54]
Graham concludes by reminding listeners of Jesus Christ's promise to return to Earth. He urges them to live as disciples of Christ, being salt and light in the world, working as though Christ may not come for a thousand years, but living as though He may come that very night.