He Saw the Spirit of God Descending Like a Dove
The Holy Spirit's descent upon believers brings new life, light, and a deeper connection with God, characterized by purity, love, gentleness, peace, and harmlessness.
The preacher delves into the concept of 'abounded' in the Bible, emphasizing how grace superabounds over sin, using Romans 5:20 as a focal point. The sermon explores the idea that where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, illustrating the overwhelming nature of God's grace compared to sin. Various commentators and theologians are referenced to highlight the depth and extent of God's grace, showcasing how it surpasses and overflows abundantly. The preacher emphasizes the conscious awareness of God's grace in our lives, transforming us and granting victory over sin, ultimately leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ.
Text
As the Spirit of God descended upon the Lord Jesus, the head, so He also, in measure, descends upon the members of the mystical body. His descent is to us after the same fashion as that in which it fell upon our Lord. There is often a singular rapidity about it; or ever we are aware, we are impelled onward and heavenward beyond all expectation. Yet is there none of the hurry of earthly haste, for the wings of the dove are as soft as they are swift. Quietness seems essential to many spiritual operations; the Lord is in the still small voice, and like the dew, His grace is distilled in silence.
The dove has ever been the chosen type of purity, and the Holy Spirit is holiness itself. Where He cometh, everything that is pure and lovely, and of good report, is made to abound, and sin and uncleanness depart. Peace reigns also where the Holy Dove comes with power; He bears the olive branch which shows that the waters of divine wrath are assuaged. Gentleness is a sure result of the Sacred Dove's transforming power: hearts touched by His benign influence are meek and lowly henceforth and for ever.
Harmlessness follows, as a matter of course; eagles and ravens may hunt their prey--the turtledove can endure wrong, but cannot inflict it. We must be harmless as doves. The dove is an apt picture of love, the voice of the turtle is full of affection; and so, the soul visited by the blessed Spirit, abounds in love to God, in love to the brethren, and in love to sinners; and above all, in love to Jesus. The brooding of the Spirit of God upon the face of the deep, first produced order and life, and in our hearts, He causes and fosters new life and light. Blessed Spirit, as Thou didst rest upon our dear Redeemer, even so rest upon us from this time forward and for ever.
Sermon Outline
- The Descent of the Holy Spirit
- Rapidity and Quietness
- The Effects of the Holy Spirit's Descent
- Purity and Holiness
- Peace and Gentleness
- Love and Harmlessness
Key Quotes
“Quietness seems essential to many spiritual operations; the Lord is in the still small voice, and like the dew, His grace is distilled in silence.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“The dove has ever been the chosen type of purity, and the Holy Spirit is holiness itself.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“We must be harmless as doves.” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- Believers should strive to be harmless, loving, and peaceful, reflecting the characteristics of the Holy Spirit.
- Quietness is essential for the Holy Spirit's work, allowing Him to speak in a still small voice.
- The Holy Spirit's descent brings new life, light, and a deeper connection with God.