Topical Bible: The Holy Spirit: is God: As Appointing and Sending Ministers

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Holy Spirit, recognized as the third person of the Holy Trinity, is fully God and actively involved in the life and mission of the Church. One of the significant roles of the Holy Spirit is the appointment and sending of ministers to fulfill God's purposes on earth. This divine activity underscores the Spirit's sovereign authority and intimate involvement in the governance and expansion of the Church.

Biblical Foundation

The New Testament provides clear evidence of the Holy Spirit's role in appointing and sending ministers. In the Book of Acts, the Holy Spirit is depicted as the guiding force behind the selection and commissioning of church leaders. Acts 13:2-4 states, "While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.' So after they had fasted and prayed, they laid their hands on them and sent them off. The two of them, sent on their way by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and sailed from there to Cyprus." This passage highlights the Spirit's direct involvement in calling and sending Barnabas and Saul (Paul) for missionary work.

The Spirit's Sovereignty and Authority

The Holy Spirit's role in appointing ministers is a testament to His divine sovereignty and authority. The Spirit's decisions are not arbitrary but are rooted in the divine will and purpose of God. In Acts 20:28 , Paul addresses the Ephesian elders, saying, "Keep watch over yourselves and the entire flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood." Here, the Holy Spirit is credited with the appointment of overseers, emphasizing His authority in establishing church leadership.

Guidance and Empowerment

The Holy Spirit not only appoints but also empowers ministers for their tasks. In Acts 1:8 , Jesus promises His disciples, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." This empowerment is essential for the effective proclamation of the Gospel and the fulfillment of the Great Commission.

Discernment and Confirmation

The process of appointing ministers involves discernment and confirmation by the Holy Spirit. In Acts 6:3-5 , the apostles instruct the early church to select seven men "full of the Spirit and wisdom" to serve, and the selection is confirmed by the Spirit's presence in their lives. This discernment ensures that those chosen are equipped and called by God for their specific roles.

Conclusion

The Holy Spirit's role in appointing and sending ministers is a vital aspect of His divine work within the Church. Through His sovereign authority, guidance, and empowerment, the Spirit ensures that the Church is led by those whom God has chosen and equipped for His service.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 13:2,4
As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 9:38
And for as much as Lydda was near to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent to him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them.
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Acts 20:28
Take heed therefore to yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost has made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he has purchased with his own blood.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Book viii. The Blessed Apostle Paul in Laying Down the Form for ...
... But if it is understood that Christ dwells in us through the Holy Spirit, we must
yet recognise this Spirit of God as also the Spirit of Christ. ...
/.../book viii the blessed apostle.htm

An Account of the Several Annual Conferences, and of the General ...
... of Discipline, that the power of appointing the preachers ... both public and private,
that God would sanction ... sending upon them the energies of the Holy Spirit. ...
/.../chapter 3 an account of 2.htm

The Life of Sir Archibald Johnston, Lord Warriston.
... in 1646, made an act, appointing his commission ... mediating merits, and the Holy Spirit's
compassionate groans ... those present, observed that God sufficiently made ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of sir archibald.htm

An Account of the Organization of the Methodist Episcopal Church ...
... myself at full liberty, as I violate no order and invade no man's right, by appointing
and sending ... We are continually grieving the Holy Spirit of God by the ...
/.../chapter 3 an account of.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1816 to the ...
... all slavish fear; and if Christian tempers and a holy walk are ... and it was by carrying
out the spirit and plans ... and the destitute, and those men of God who were ...
/.../chapter 4 from the close.htm

Death of Martha Yeardley, and John Yeardley's Journey to Norway.
... I sufficiently record the mercy of my God in sustaining ... of the full blessedness of
his teaching by the Holy Spirit. ... room to the workings of the Spirit of Jesus ...
/.../chapter xviii death of martha.htm

Concerning Worship.
... Why prayest thou to the Lord, thou false prophet, to give thee his holy Spirit,
by which ... Why preferrest thou thy meditation or study to the Spirit of God? ...
/.../proposition xi concerning worship.htm

The Tabernacle of the Most High
... I see him ordaining her length, and her breadth, appointing her gates ... to earnest
and incessant prayer"prayer inspired by the Holy Spirit of God who alone ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the tabernacle of the most.htm

Confessio Augustana.
... joined together in unity of person; one Christ, true God and true man ... might sanctify
those that believe in him, by sending the Holy Spirit into their hearts ...
/.../the creeds of the evangelical protestant churches/confessio augustana.htm

Caesar Fell Down.
... is a proof of the entirely different spirit which prevailed in the ... on which by the
grace of God the Catholic ... and Arcadius, sent from Italy; the holy Council of ...
/.../allies/the formation of christendom volume vi/chapter ii caesar fell down.htm