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Rivers of Living Water

This Jesus spoke of the

SpiritWhom those who believed

in Him were to receiveCf. John 7:37-39

By Brian Garnett

1

Rivers of


Living Water

This Jesus spoke of the

SpiritWhom those who believed

in Him were to receiveCf. John 7:37-39

By Brian GarnettNueces Canyon Church of Christ

PO Box 689 Camp Wood, Texas 78833

Copyright © 2010All rights reserved. Do not copy or reproduce without prior permission.

Nueces Canyon Church of Christ Brian Garnett


A Study of the Nature and Work of the Holy Spirit of God.

The aim of this study is to examine the passages that talk of the Holy Spiritand try to better understand His roll in history,

the scheme of redemption, the work of the early churchand His part in the lives of Christians today.

The Holy Spirit has not been a great part of our teaching in the past and when it has, it has usually been in a negative sense (what the Spirit does not do and the abuses some have made of it). I do not believe the scriptures teach the miraculous working of the Holy Spirit through men as part of His work today. Nor do I believe He has been retired since Pentecost or by the end of the first century. He is and has been active in the church and the lives of Christians through the ages. We will search the scriptures to learn of His nature and work for today. Our failure to study this subject adequately has contributed to the difficulties we face. Our silence has left the Spirit ignored by many. Such a position is to insult the Spirit of Grace.

The Holy Spirit’s work and His part in the lives of Christians has always been a controversial subject with strong opinions on every side. I pray to God that this study helps you better understand the Bible’s teachings and in no way cause you to be at odds with your brethren or others. Search the scriptures for yourself, draw your own conclusions and stand by them. Remember that you are to “preserve the unity of the Spirit in a bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3).

These notes have been compiled from class material, past teaching and resource notes from various sources. I found Herbert Lockyer’s All the Doctrines of the Bible. Richard Rogers’ A Study of The Holy Spirit of God is a great resource. Jimmy Jividen’s, Alive in the Spirit was very helpful as was H. Leo Boles’ book The Holy Spirit His Personality, Nature and Works.

May the Lord be blessed by our study of His Word and we be strengthened as that Word richly dwells within.

Brian Garnett

PO Box 689 Camp Wood, Texas 78833 (830) 591-4743 email: [email protected]



Table of ContentsAbout the Author ................................................................................................................ page 4

Introduction .........................................................................................................................page 5

Chapter 1 The Holy Spirit and the God Head ................................................................. page 7

Sermon Thoughts ..................................................................................... page 17, 18

Chapter 2 The Holy Spirit as a Personal Being ................................................................page 21

Chapter 3 The Holy Spirit is Spiritual ............................................................................. page 28

Chapter 4 Holy Spirit and the Word of God .................................................................. page 36

Chapter 5 The Spirit’s Names and Identity .................................................................. page 46

Chapter 6 Holy Spirit and the Christ ............................................................................... page 51

Chapter 7 The Holy Spirit and Pentecost ........................................................................ page 57

Chapter 8 Holy Spirit Baptism ........................................................................................ page 62

Holy Spirit Baptism CHARTS .............................................................. pages 71-75

Chapter 9 The Gift of the Indwelling Spirit .................................................................... page 78 Chapter 10 Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit .............................................................. page 88

Chapter 11 The Holy Spirit in the Life of a Christian ................................................... page 101

Chapter 12 Sins Against the Holy Spirit ....................................................................... page 118

Appendix A “Poured Out” passages ........................................................................ page 126

Appendix B Appendix on the Holy Spirit Passages ................................................. page 127

Bibliography ........................................................................................................................ page 133

Course Evaluation ............................................................................................................. page 134

All Scripture quotations, unless indicated, are taken from"the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®,

© Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977 by The Lockman Foundation

Used by permission." (www.Lockman.org)



About the Author

Brian Garnett was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada He became a Christian in the early 70's while attending Saint Mary’s University Engineering program. Very soon after his baptism he began preaching and within a year he started attending the Sunset School of Preaching in Lubbock, Texas. Brian married Betty Donop of Mason, Texas. Betty was then a Bible major at Lubbock Christian University. Brian and Betty now have four children and four grandchildren. After graduation they moved to Nova Scotia, Canada where they spent the next 23 years establishing a new congregation in Kentville, Nova Scotia.

When their children began to attend Christian Universities in the United States, they decided to move to Texas. Since then, they have labored with the Nueces Canyon Church of Christ in Camp Wood, Texas. Brian has served as the minister for the past 13 years and as an Elders for the past five years.

In January of 1975 Brian graduated from the Sunset School of Preaching. He received a Bachelor of Ministry from the Theological University of America in 1999. In 2000 he received his Masters from the Theological University of America. He received a bible degree from Sunset International Bible Institute in December 2010. Brian has lectured and conducted meetings in Canada, U.S.A. Mexico and the Philippines. He has conducted Spiritual Growth Seminars and Seminars on the Holy Spirit at various congregations.

Brian’s preaching is passionate, enthusiastic and very sound. His love and compassion for God and His word are conveyed in his deliverance of the message. His study and presentation of the material on the Holy Spirit will open your eyes and heart to the work and role of the Holy Spirit of God.

Brian GarnettPO Box 689

Camp Wood, Texas 78833(830) 591-4743

[email protected]



Introduction

The Bible is God’s word for His people. He loves us and wants us to be with Him for all eternity. The Bible is His message of love that leads us back to Him. It is not just a collection of man’s experiences nor the best that man has to offer for a better life. No, the Bible is God’s Word. His holy, all inspired Word of Life. It is our only source book for eternity. We must diligently study its precepts and follow its direction if we intend to live the full life that God intended for us now. If we do, beyond this life, we can be prepared for a spiritual, eternal dwelling in the presence of God.

Many have neglected the study of the Holy Spirit. When the passages are read, they are sometimes not really noticed. We might read through the Bible but fail to comprehend what God has said to us. It is as if some block out that part of His message. Let me illustrate. Who has heard a sermon on the Holy Spirit is the past year? How about in the past five years, who has heard a full sermon on the Holy Spirit? Of those who have, how many of those lessons were telling you what the Holy Spirit does not do? Is it not amazing that some are more interested in what the Holy Spirit does not do than what He does? (You may be saying to yourself, “Well, that is because the Holy Spirit does not work today.” Hence the need for this study.)

Jesus told Nicodemus that the Holy Spirit is much like the wind. "The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit" (John 3:8). We cannot see the Holy Spirit but we can see the effects of its presence. We know a little about Jesus because He walked in this life as we do. We understand more about the Father because we read so much about Him and His work, but who is the Holy Spirit? Some translations call the Spirit the Holy Ghost. Most of us would be afraid of a ‘Ghost’. Ghosts hang around grave yards and are associated with the dead.

The study of the Holy Spirit is necessary and essential for us as Christians. It is the Spirit who gives us life and guides us into a right relationship with God. Picture three people standing at the front of a room and I walk in, turned my back to one and address the other two. What would you think? If you watched as I conversed with two of the three and gave no heed to the third nor acknowledged his presence, would you not consider it very rude? It would even be an insult to that third person. In our lack of study of the Holy Spirit we may have insulted Him and spurned His place in our spiritual lives. The Hebrew writer speaks of those who have, “insulted the Spirit of grace” (Hebrews 10:29).

Let us say you were traveling and stopped at a congregation for worship. The preacher stood up and said, “Our lesson today is on the Holy Spirit.” What would your immediate reaction be? What if the preacher said, “Our Lesson is ‘The Work of the Holy Spirit in the Lives of Christians Today?’” Would you want to leave and look for a “sound” congregation? Would you listen with suspicion to the possible heretic? Would you start looking for other areas of error within the group? We are concerned about error and there is much taught about the Holy Spirit that is not in tune with the scriptures. So we are cautious and maybe a little suspicious when we approach the topic of the Holy Spirit.



We are embarking on a study of the Holy Spirit of God, His nature and work, His influence and place in our lives today. Let us do so in humility and reverence. We will search the scriptures to gain a spiritual insight into this most Holy topic. Pray for God’s guidance and truth. The doctrine of the Holy Spirit must be brought into clarity in our thinking and living as Christians. The problem has not been what God has said about the Holy Spirit, but what men made of what God said. Let us seek the truth in all its glory and glorify God in the message of His word.

Great amounts of study have been directed toward the nature of God the Father and the work of Christ His Son, especially in relationship to our salvation. We have shown the Bible to be inspired and the absolute Word of God. Yet, many are hungry for knowledge of the Holy Spirit. They seek a greater, clearer understanding of His work and role in their lives. They seek a way out of the fog of uncertainty. Our brethren want to know what the Bible teaches about the Holy Spirit and we must give them the truth or they will get their information or experiences outside the word of God. Such could only lead to error and more confusion. We must let God’s word speak for itself. All we can learn about the Spirit will come from the revealed Word of God. Since the Bible is the work of the Spirit in that He guided its words and the writing, the Bible alone will give us the answers we seek as to “Who is the Holy Spirit?”

In the most powerful chapter of Romans, the Apostle Paul simple says if we do not have the Holy Spirit we are not Christians. Listen to him, “But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him” (Romans 8:9). This is a crucial point. It is a matter of salvation. Do we have the Spirit? Do we know that we do? How can we know? How can one tell? We are not talking about miraculous powers but spiritual living because we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit of God.

A simple exercise that will surprise and encourage you is to mark all the “Spirit” verses. Get a “high liner” in a color you have not used elsewhere (I used pink) and mark every place the word “Spirit” or “Holy Spirit” is used. Just highlight the word identifying the Spirit. You can see all the verses at a glance. There is a list of all the verses in “Appendix B.”

It is my prayer for you, that you enjoy the fellowship of the Holy Spirit as you study the Word of God and focus on the third member of the Godhead, the Holy Spirit.

“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God,

and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.” 2 Corinthians 13:14



Chapter 1

The Holy Spirit and the God Head

IntroductionA. The idea of the Holy Ghost (KJV) sounds a little spooky or mysterious. The word translated

Ghost in the King James Version did not mean a “spook” but rather a visitant or guest.B. Alexander Campbell translated the words as “Holy Guest.” The Spirit of God is one who

personally and literally dwells in the heart of every Christian. C. If you have not the Spirit of God in your heart, you are not His.

1. Romans 8:9; “... if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him.”

2. We do not get to choose whether we have the Holy Spirit. If we are Christians, we have the Holy Spirit dwelling within us. We may not understand how, or why, but He is there. God has given Him for a reason and He fulfills a purpose in our Christian walk. It is our responsibility to understand His role in our lives.

I. All You Can Know About the Holy Sprit Comes from ScriptureA. The Holy Spirit is not a human emotional force or a feeling. “The ‘force’ be with you”

was a great line in the original Star War movie, but it is not an accurate way to describe the Holy Spirit of God. He is so much more than a force from God. He is God. He is a Divine person. He thinks, feels, leads, reveals and even gets hurt.

B. He is the Creator of the Universe (in co-operation with the Father and the Son).C. He is a personal, spiritual, holy, eternal being. He is God!D. He is powerful (Acts 1:8), but he is more than just power (force) from God.

II. Diagrams of Various Concepts

A. Three Gods of Different Size and Power Levels

Work of Work of Work of Creation Salvation Inspiration

This is a common approach to the Godhead. When “God” is spoken of, often “God the Father” is who is meant. When one asks, “Who created the world?” The response is, “God.” “Well, Yes, but God who?” “God the Father.” When asked, “Who split the Red Sea?” “Who closed the door of the ark?” “Who gave Moses the commandments?” In our


FATHER SON HS


thinking God is most often God the Father. This is not always the case, however. “ Just who did create the world?“ “Let us look a little closer.”

1. God did! Genesis 1:1-3, God = ELOHIYM; (el-o-heem'); plural, not simply one being but one God seen in a plurality of beings (Father, Son and Holy Ghost).

2. Jesus had a hand in it all: a) John 1:1-3; “... all things came into being by Him (Jesus), and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being.”b) Hebrews 1:1-3; “... in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world.”

3. The Holy Spirit who moved over the surface of the deep, was also part of the “Creator God” (Geneses 1:2).

This concept says God the Father, as a Creator God, got everything started and then He went back to heaven and left the universe to run by itself. Jesus, later came and died on the cross for our sins. He then went back to heaven and left us to find and obey the gospel. The Holy Spirit came and gave us our bibles so we can figure it all out and He also went back to heaven. Obviously, this is a very distorted view of God.

B. Three Equal, Independent, Separated Beings, making up God 1 + 1 + 1 = 1?

This view considers God to be three equal Gods. Each acting and performing His own acts as independent Gods. This fails to see the unity and interconnected nature of the Godhead.

C. Some would rather see three overlapping Gods. Each his own being but connected to the others. This is more accurate but it still lacks the true relationship between the three beings of the Godhead.


FATHER SON HOLY SPIRIT

HSSON

FATHER


Any and every physical model will fall short of describing the true nature of the Godhead. Physical things (diagrams) can never capture God. Here is the very reason idols and icons are so wrong. They can never truly represent God’s nature. Trying to find a diagram of the Godhead is just as limiting. Manhood describes what makes a man a man. Godhood is what makes God, God. The Latin term for Godhead is “Trinity.” The word “Trinity” is not found in our English translations since it is a Latin word. Although the word “trinity” itself is not in our Bibles the concept is certainly described.

D. Three independent beings comprising the “Godhead” or “God Hood.” Each is God, totally and completely. Each is His own being and each is God. The diagram below describes more the relationship within the Godhead than anything else.

This triangular diagram is the best way of explaining the Godhead that I have found. The Father is God! The Son is God! The Holy Spirit is God. Yet, each is independent. Each has a role and a work. It is possible for the Father in heaven to look upon the Son at His baptism and send the Spirit in the form of a dove. There is a separated identity for each but also a connected relationship between them. How can we really diagram something spiritual? Matthew 3:16-17; “... Jesus (Son) came up immediately from the water ... and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove ... and behold, a voice out of the heavens (Father) said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.”



Illustration: The Atomic symbol for copper is Cu. Copper is a great conductor of electricity. There are 29 electrons in a copper atom according to this diagram.1 Two electrons are in the inner most shell or orbit, eight in the next, eighteen in the third and one in the outer shell. The outer electron is at a greater distance from the 29 protons in the nucellus and therefore has a very weak attraction since the attractive force is inversely proportional to the square of the distance. The third shell is full and stable but the fourth shell having only one electron is very unstable. Dislodging the outer electron is therefore easy and causes it to become a free electron that will move to another atom and join itself to the outer shell. The extra electron causes that atom to give up its loosely bound electrons. The moving of electrons from one atom to another is called “electron flow” and that folks, is electricity! Simple Hu!

Has not knowing the theory of electron flow (electricity) stopped you from using electricity? If you cannot explain it nor understand it are you going to give up on electric lights and coffee makers?

One may not understand all the Bible says about God, Christ, the Godhead or the Holy Spirit. A lack of understanding is not any reason to not believe in them? Is it any reason to not depend upon them? God existence is not dependent on our being able to adequacy explain Him. Listen, He is GOD! Do what you can to understand and accept it all by faith. If you still have lingering questions that haunt you, ask Him about it when you get there!

III. Scripture Concerning the Godhead

A. Acts 17:29; “Being then the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and thought of man.”1. “Divine Nature” (NASB) “Godhead” (KJV) the Greek word is “theion” and means

that which is divine, deity.2. This is God’s description of His “godness.” Sure it is hard to understand. It is not

from man. The “Godhead” is totally and completely beyond man’s realm of understanding. This is not an explanation for you to understand but a declaration for you to accept by faith.

3. Any “package” that man puts God into is too small. It becomes an “idol” unable to completely reflect who God is. That is why God sent Jesus into the world as the “Son of God.” He is the exact representation of God. a. Col 1:15; “And He is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of all

creation.”b. “Image” Greek “eikon” – the word involves the two ideas of representation and

manifestation (Vine's Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words).

1Diagram from en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Amateur_Radio_Manual/Atoms



B. Romans 1:20; “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.” 1. Greek “theiotes” means “The whole of that by which God is constituted ...”2 Some

versions use “Divine character” or “Divinity”2. When we are “born again” into a spiritual life, we become “children of God”

(Galatians 3:26) and begin the process of growing into His “nature.” a. 2 Peter 1:4; “For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent

promises, in order that by them you might become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.”

b. 1 Peter 1:15-16; “...like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, "You shall be holy, for I am holy."

C. Colossians 2:9; “For in Him all the fullness of Deity (Godhead - KJV) dwells in bodily form,” 1. Greek “Theotes” means that in Christ we see all that God is. The Father and the Holy

Spirit are seen in Christ. They are separate but cannot be separated from each other in purpose and nature as to be set one against the other.

2. Isaiah 9:6; “... and His name (Jesus) will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” Here is the Godhead in Christ.

3. There is nothing that God the Father is that the Son is not. Jesus did not begin in a manger. He is the Eternal God of old.

IV. The TRINITY and Some Other ViewsA. Tritheist – Three separate gods. Most Mormons believe in three or more gods. They

teach that there is a multiplicity of gods. A Mormon can become a god himself someday and rule over another planet like earth. This is truly polytheism.

B. Arianism – Arius of Alexandria in the fourth century taught that God the Father was eternal and the Father created Jesus. Jesus then created the Holy Spirit. Jesus and the Holy Spirit are not eternal and a lesser god than the Father. This view holds that Jesus became a god. He was a created being that progressed into a god. Basically, this is the view of the Jehovah’s Witnesses. They go a little further and reduce the Holy Spirit to an impersonal force. An “it” not even capitalized in their writings.

C. Sabellianiam – Taught by Sabellius of the third century. He said when Christ suffered, the Father suffered. When Christ died, the Father died. His view was of one God playing three roles. One god, in three different modes but not all at the same time. One god wearing three mask. Today this is very similar to the views of the “Jesus Only” people of the United Pentecostal Church.

D. Trinity (from Latin trinitas, meaning threefold, triad) or GOD HOOD – One God in three beings. First used at the Synod of Alexandria in 317 A.D. expresses the threefoldness of the Godhead. It comes from “Tri-unity” and became “Trinity.” Trinity Maintain God is One (Deuteronomy 6:4) but He exists in three persons. God exists eternally as the Father, the Son and The Holy Spirit simultaneously.

2 H. Leo Boles, The Holy Spirit, p. 19



E. Monarchians – God, Jesus Christ, and Holy Spirit are all one person with no distinction between them. Just different names for the one God.

F. Christadelphians – The Holy Spirit is not a personal God distinct from the Father, but the radiant, invisible power or energy of the Father

G. Jehovah’s Witness – The Holy Spirit is not a person and is not part of a Trinity. The Holy Spirit is God’s active force that he uses to accomplish his will. They see the holy spirit (always with small letters in their writings) as “the instrument of divine accomplishment among men” (Make Sure of All Tings, p. 466) It is not equal to God but is always at his disposition and subordinate to him.

H. Mormons – The Holy Spirit is “a divine fluid, composed of material atoms or particles. Or in other words as impersonal energy or comic force through which God acts . . . He is in a class with magnetism or electricity”3 Other Mormon writings consider Him a person.

I. Armstrongism – They believe in the Twinity (two in one) View the Father and the Son both as uncreated God, the Holy Spirit is not a person. Like Christaelphians and JW’s.

J. Direct Operation of the Holy Spirit – held by many denominational groups. It is Calvinistic. They teach the Holy Spirit must first works on your heart or you cannot be right with God. God must begin the work of grace in your life. If the Holy Spirit does not begin the work of salvation, you cannot be saved. 1. It then follows that if the Holy Spirit has prepared your heart that God has already

chosen you for salvation.a. It also follows that God has rejected everyone else and condemns them to eternal

destruction.b. This will not do in light of clear scripture.

(1) John 3:16; “God so loved the world” All the world. Each soul therein. He did not select a few for salvation and decree many to be lost. He desires “all men to be saved” (1 Timothy 2:4).

(2) 1 John 2:1-2; “we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world.” There can be no limited salvation. God provided for all to be saved. Everyone in the whole world. People are lost and condemned to Hell not because God wanted it that way but because they refused to accept the salvation He offered them.

2. Calvinism teaches one must therefore be predestined to be saved (Calvinistic Predestination). They teach it is God’s decision, not yours.

3. If God decided you will be saved, how can you lose it? (Impossibility of Apostasy)4. This is one error on top of another.

a. 1 John 4:1-4; “... believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world . . . ”

b. 2 John 7-9; many anti-Christ have arisen, they go beyond the scriptures.c. 1 John 5:1-3; We must obey the Word of God. His Word, not our feelings, make

3Key To Science of Theology, p. 29



us right with God. Cf. I John 2:3-5;d. 1 John 3:24; “... one who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him.

And we know by this that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us.”e. See quote from Calvinism in Light God’s Word4

V. Third Person of The Godhead or Godhood A. The scriptures present God the Father, Jehovah, God Almighty as the first person of the

Godhood. He is supreme in wisdom, power, love and mercy. We, as His children, look to Him as “our Father in Heaven” and yet realize that He is also Spirit (John 4:24) as is the Holy Spirit. Christ is the second person of the Holy three. He is the only part of the Godhood to have clothed Himself in humanity. Since, He came into our world as a man (Philippians 2:7, 8) we are more at ease with Him. We tend to feel more connected to Jesus than to a Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Godhead but not a lesser God than the others. 1. God came into our world housed in a man’s body. Living and dying as a man.2. Philippines 2:6-8; “...He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God

a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself ...”

3. Jesus was equal with God but laid aside His heavenly privilege and became as a man.4. He later was restored to His former glory with the Father.

a. John 17:5; “And now, glorify Thou Me together with Thyself, Father, with the glory which I had with Thee before the world was.”

b. The glory shared within the Godhead existed before “the world was” because they are all eternal beings.

B. Old Testament refers to the Holy Spirit 88 times. Three times He is called the Holy Spirit, (Isaiah 63:10, 11; Psalms 51:11).

C. New Testament refers to Him at least 264 times. The Holy Spirit is a very large part of God’s revealed message to man today.

D. Godhead (various forms) used in 1. Acts 17:29; “... we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver”

4 C.A. Feenstra, Calvinism in the Light of God’s Word, p. 36


“The special inward call of the Spirit never fails to result in conversion of those to whom it is made. ... The Spirit is in no way dependent upon their help or cooperation for success in His work of bringing them to Christ.... the grace which the Holy Spirit extends to the elect cannot be thwarted or refused, it never fails to bring them to true faith in Christ”

(The Five Points of Calvinism, Steele and Thomas, page 49)


2. Romans 1:20; “... His invisible attributes, His eternal power and Divine Nature . . . ”3. Colossians 2:9; “ in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells . . . ”

E. The Holy Spirit is Named with Father and Son1. 2 Corinthians 13:14; “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and

the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.”a. The combination of the three here is very interesting. b. Because “Love of God” which is poured out into our hearts by the Holy Spirit

(Romans 5:5) the gift (grace) of Christ has provided a means of salvation which washes away our sins and creates a fellowship with the Holy Spirit.

2. Matthew 3:16, 17; When Jesus is baptized by John in the Jordan, the Holy Spirit descended as (like) a dove, and the Father spoke from Heaven. The Father is in heaven above. The Son is in the water of baptism and the Holy Spirit is somewhere in-between. Three different realms for three different beings, but all part of the one Godhead.

3. Luke 3:21-22; “Now when all the people were baptized, Jesus was also baptized, and while He was praying, heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in bodily form like a dove, and a voice came out of heaven, " You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased.”

4. Matthew 28:19; Jesus said we are to baptize, “in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.” The word “and” joins each one together with equal force. The ‘Holy Three’ are all apart of the process of salvation for man.

5. John 15:26; “When the Helper comes . . . sent from the Father, that is the Spirit of truth . . . will bear witness to Jesus as the Christ.”

6. John 14:16-17; “I (Jesus) will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth . . . ”

7. Romans 8:12-17; if we are Spirit lead people, we are heirs with Christ and the Father.8. Romans 15:30; “Now I urge you, brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love

of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God for me.”9. 2 Corinthians 13:14; “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and

the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.”10. 1 Peter 1:1, 2; “...who are chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father,

by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ . . . ”11. I John 5:5-8; the Father, the Son and the Spirit in unity and truth

F. The Holy Spirit Is Not Just A High Angel (Hebrews 1:4-14). 1. Angels are created beings therefore they are not eternal. They do not share in the

“Godhead.” Although they are spirit beings they are a lesser being than God. 2. The Holy Spirit is eternal and existed before the angels were created. 3. As God the Father, God the Spirit is worshiped by the angels.

G. He Is The Creator Rather Than A Creature.1. Genesis 1:2; “And the earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the

surface of the deep; and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters.”

2. Psalms 104:24, and 30; “You have made them all; The earth is full of Your possessions . . . You send forth Your Spirit, they are created . . . ”



3. Romans 1:25; Some “worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator. . .”

H. He is Different from the Father and the Son,1. One can speak against (blaspheme) Jesus and be forgiven, but if one speaks against

the Holy Spirit he cannot be forgiven (Matthew 12:32). The Holy Spirit is not simply Jesus nor the Father, nor a force used by them. He is different from them and yet part of them.

2. John 7:39; Jesus said the Holy Spirit had not yet been given because He (Jesus) was not yet glorified. The Holy Spirit must be a being separate and different from Jesus.

3. Jesus would send the Apostles “another Helper” which John tells us was the Holy Spirit (John 14:26 and John 14:16). This new Helper was to be the same “kind” or type as Jesus, but not Jesus, He is the Holy Spirit of God. a. “Another” is the Greek word allos and means another of the ‘same kind.’b. When heteros is used for “another” it expresses a qualitative difference and

denotes "another of a different sort (Vine's Expository Dictionary).

I. Jesus was “full of the Holy Spirit” (Luke 4:1) just as many others were throughout scriptures (Acts 6:3; 6:5; 7:55; 11:24). Surely we would not suggest that Jesus was full of Himself? Being “Full of the Holy Spirit” means to be functioning under the influence of the Holy Spirit.

VI. The Holy Spirit Actions in Creation.A. Genesis 1:2; Spirit of God Moved, (fluttered, hovered) over the surface of the deep

1. Holy Spirit brought order to the universe.2. Psalms 104:24-30, God send forth the Spirit to create. He is not Himself part of the

creation. He could not create Himself.3. Isaiah 32:15; The Spirit has a part in blessing the earth.4. Job 26:13; By his Spirit (breath) heavens made beautiful.5. Job 33:4; By the Spirit of God, He made me, His breath (Spirit) has given me life.6. Isaiah 63:14; “As the cattle which go down into the valley, The Spirit of the LORD

gave them rest. So You led Your people, To make for Yourself a glorious name.”

B. Re-Creation Is the Work of the Spirit, 1. Nicodemus came to Jesus for spiritual insight and wisdom. Jesus told Nicodemus

that he had to start over. He needed new life even though he was old and grown. He needed to be “born again.” This describes a spiritual birth and life that comes only from the Holy Spirit. Without which we cannot enter heaven.a. John 3:3-5; “unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the

kingdom of God . . . so is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” 2. One cannot enter the Kingdom of God without this spiritual birth.3. Titus 3:5; “He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in

righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit.” When one is baptized (washed) the Holy Spirit renews the spiritual life that was lost by sins separating power (Isaiah 59:1,2).

4. 1 Peter 1:22-23; “... purified your souls . . . you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of



God.” The Spirit’s word produces the ‘life’ that saves and prepares us for eternity.5. 2 Corinthians 5:17; Spiritual life is necessary to become a new creation in Christ.

C. The Spirit Gives Life to Our Mortal Bodies, 1. Romans 8:11; “...will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who

dwells in you.” Without the Holy Spirit you cannot have spiritual life. Does the Holy Spirit have a work to do today in you? Yes! He makes you alive in Christ.

2. Matthew 1:20; Jesus was conceived of the Holy Spirit3. Luke 1:35; “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will

overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God.”

VII. The Holy Spirit is GodA. Ephesians 4:4-6; Member of the Godhead and therefore Divine. He is part of the

“oneness” of God.

B. Acts 5:3-4; The Holy Spirit is referred to as God. To lie to the Spirit is to lie to God.

C. Matthew 28:19; Baptism is in the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

D. He is Eternal, a quality of Divinity. Without the limits of time but more than time, it is a quality of God-ness!1. Hebrews 9:14; “How much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal

Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?”

2. Psalms 104:30; “You send forth Your Spirit, they are created; And You renew the face of the ground.”

3. He was with the Father before the world was and will be there after it is no more.

E. Omnipotent (All Powerful) With God all things are possible, so with the Spirit.1. Luke 1:35; “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High

will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God.”

2. Luke 4:14; “And Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit.”3. Acts 1:8; “...you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you.”4. Romans 15:18, 19; “in the power of signs and wonders, in the power of the Spirit.” 5. Micah 3:8; “... I am filled with power – With the Spirit of the LORD – with justice

and courage . . . ” 6. The Holy Spirit forbid Paul from speaking to some and did not permit travel to visit

others. “And they passed through the Phrygian and Galatian region, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia; and when they had come to Mysia, they were trying to go into Bithynia, and the Spirit of Jesus did not permit them”(Acts 16:6-7).

F. Omnipresent (Everywhere) Ps. 139:7-13, “Where can I go from Thy Spirit?”1. ILLUSTRATION, A Young boy was on his way home from Sunday school. An old

man asked where he had been. The boy replied, “At Sunday School.” The old man



said, “I’ll give you a dime if you can tell me where God is.” The boy responded, “Mister, I’ll give you a dollar if you can tell me where God ain’t.”

G. Omniscient (All Knowing) I Corinthians 2:10, 11; Romans 8:26, 27; There is nothing the Spirit does not know. He is All knowing as the Father is all-knowing1. Isaiah 40:13-14; “Who has directed the Spirit of the

LORD, Or as His counselor has informed Him? With whom did He consult and who gave Him understanding? And who taught Him in the path of justice and taught Him knowledge and informed Him of the way of understanding?”

H. Foreknowledge, the Spirit knows things before they occur. 1. Acts 1:16; “the Holy Spirit foretold by the mouth of David concerning Judas”2. Acts 11:28; “... Agabus stood up and began to indicate by the Spirit that there would

certainly be a great famine all over the world”

VIII. The Holy Spirit is a Divine PersonA. Word “Spirit” (PNEUMA) is neuter, A neuter word usually takes a neuter pronoun but

the word for Spirit always has a masculine pronoun with it.

B. Masculine Pronouns Used of Holy Spirit, “He” (John 16:8, 13-14; 14:26; 15:26).

C. NOT an “it” (force). This is the popular protestant view. They believe in the direct operation of the Holy Spirit in conversion. Spirit referred to as “it.” He is a force that was at work (Romans 816, 26, KJV uses “it”). He is not a mere influence, divine energy or vague influence. He is more than the mind of God or the disposition of God. He is a Divine member of the Godhead.

D. Lack of Recognition. What could be more dishonoring to the Holy Spirit than a lack of recognition? Our concept of the Spirit will determine our attitude towards Him and His work in our lives. This much is for certain, if we ignore Him and fail to give Him the attention He deserves, it is an “insult to the Spirit of grace” (Hebrews 10:29).

E. Not Simply a Body of Writings (scripture) Paul speaks of “. . . the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17). The Spirit is not its own sword. Rather, the Word is the sword of the Spirit. His word is the weapon He uses against evil. Do not confuse the Spirit with His weapon.

F. The Spirit is Not of Human Origin. Some have seen Him in very humanistic terms. They see the Spirit as a “force” they can use for their benefit. They can summons the Spirit to help them find lost keys, get jobs or good seats at the theater. Their authority is their own subjective feelings. They feel it in their hearts, so it must be so. This is a “Star Wars” type of god. “The Force be with you!”


Our concept of the Spirit will determine our attitude towards

Him and His work in our lives.


G. The Spirit as a Personal Being Is Alive. The Spirit acts, thinks, will things to be. He has feelings and affections. The Holy Spirit, which has all these personal qualities or marks of personality, is a life giver. Galatians 6:8; “... the one who sows to the Spirit shall from the Spirit reap eternal life.”

H. There Is No Divine Characteristic that the Father or the Son possess that the Holy Spirit does not Himself possess. 1. The Father and the Son are Light, so is the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:9-12). 2. The Father and the Son give Life, so does the Holy Spirit (John 3:1-6; Job 33:4) 3. All three are Love (Romans 5:3-5) and it is by the Holy Spirit that the Father pours

His love into our hearts. The “Love of the Spirit” should move us to do what is good and right if we allow ourselves to be so influenced. a. “Now I urge you, brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit,

to strive together with me in your prayers to God for me” (Romans 15:30).

IX. Satan’s Desire to Distort TruthA. Satan will hide the truth so that a casual seeker will not find it.

1. Ephesians 4:17-18; “...walk, in the futility of their mind, being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart.”

2. 2 Corinthians 4:4; “in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”

3. 2 Corinthians 2:11; “that no advantage would be taken of us by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his schemes.”

4. 2 Corinthians 11:3; “... as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ.”

B. Sometime Satan snatches the truth out from under our noses, (Luke 8:12). If he can keep us in the dark, we will settle for less than God intended for us. If we are to walk in the light (1 John 1:7) we must search the scriptures daily (Acts 17:11) for truth.

C. If we should stumble upon the great truths of God’s Word or even find them through careful study, Satan will still try to steal the word from our hearts. If he can have us debating or arguing with each other over the precious and magnificent promises of God (2 Peter 1:4) he has robbed us of their power and strength.

D. Satan is a deceiver. 1. 2 Corinthians 11:3; “But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his

craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ.”

2. Some in error have followed “another gospel” (Galatians 1:6-9) which is no gospel at all.

3. Some have gone after another Jesus even when the scriptures say there is but one Lord (Ephesians 4:5). a. 2 Corinthians 11:4; “preach another Jesus”



4. Others have pursued another Spirit, a. II Corinthians 11:4; “For if one comes and preaches another Jesus whom we have

not preached, or you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted, you bear this beautifully.”

b. I John 4:1-ff; “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God...”

c. II Peter 2:1-3; “But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies...”

E. The Spirit warns us of coming error. “But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons” (1 Timothy 4:1).



SERMON THOUGHTS:

What Does the Holy Spirit do For Me?When one is baptized into Christ, God gives them the Holy Spirit as a gift (Acts 5:32; Galatians 4:6). It is a guarantee of God’s grace and mercy. The Spirit is a seal of our inheritance.

A. II Corinthians 1:21, 22; B. Ephesians 1:11-13; C. Acts 2:38;

What The Spirit Does Today.A. The Spirit of God dwells within us.

1. Ephesians 3:16; 2. Romans 8:11; 3. II Timothy 1:14;

B. Romans 8:26, 27; He helps our

C. Galatians 5:16, 17; He helps me overcome _____________ and remain

D. Galatians 5:18; He gives me freedom from

E. Galatians 5:22; Helps me to

F. II Corinthians 3:17, 18; He _______________________ me into

G. Ephesians 6:17, 18; Helps me _____________ against the forces of

H. I Corinthians 3:16; 6:19; I am a


THE WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN CHRISTIANS TODAY

1. He sets us free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2-8). 2. He will bring about our resurrection (Romans8:11). 3. He helps in our prayers (Romans 8:26; Ephesians 6:18). 4. He intercedes in our behalf (Romans 8:26, 27). 5. He leads us (Romans 8:14). 6. He seals us as a pledge for the day of redemption (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13, 14; 4:30). 7. He has fellowship with us (2 Corinthians 13:14). " 8. He gives us access to the Father (Ephesians 2:18). 9. He strengthens the inner person (Ephesians 3:16).

10. He brings unity (Ephesians 4:3). 11. He sanctifies us (2 Thessalonians 2:13). (Into the Abundant Life, p. 62)


Questions and Discussion Points

Chapter 1The Holy Spirit and the Godhead

1. How can we have three Gods and there still be just one God? (Deuteronomy 6:4)

2. Why is the word Trinity not used in our English Bibles?

3. The Christ is eternal (Isaiah 9:6) so how could He be “Begotten”?

4. Why is it difficult to explain the nature of the Godhead?

5. What is the difference between seeing the Holy Spirit as just an influence or as a divine person?

6. Why have we not talked about nor dealt with the subject of the Holy Spirit more?

7. What do you believe is the main role of the Holy Spirit?

8. Which attributes of the Holy Spirit was ‘new information’ to you?

9. What do you hope to gain from this study?

10. Satan strives to “blind the eyes” of believers. How has he done this about the Holy Spirit?

11. Discuss the difference between the spiritual realm and the physical realm.

12. How can this study make you a more fruitful Christian?


"Let the word of Christrichly dwell within you"

Colossians 3:16

Memory Work“After being baptized, Jesus came up immediately

from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove and

lighting on Him, 17 and behold, a voice out of the heavens said, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am

well-pleased."”Matthew 3:16-17


Chapter EndPersonal Study Notes

A. The most encouraging thing I realized in this chapter about the Holy Spirit is:

B. The verse of scripture that spoke to me the most was:

C. My summary of this chapter is:

D. The question I now want to ask is:

E. I believe this will strengthen me because:

F. My prayer is:

Chapter 2

The Holy Spirit as a Personal Being

I. The Holy Spirit Has Personal CharacteristicsA. The attributes of the Holy Spirit indicate that the Spirit is a living person, an individual,

not just a mere force.

B. He Speaks. When He speaks, it is the Word of God and the authority of God. If He speaks. He must have a mind and wisdom and ability. He cannot be just a force used by God. He is God in the person of the Holy Spirit.1. 1 Timothy 4:1; “But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away

from the faith . . . ” 2. Revelation 2:7; “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the

churches.”3. Acts 2:4: “And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other

tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance.”4. Acts 8:29; “Then the Spirit said to Philip, "Go up and join this chariot."” 5. Acts 10:19; “While Peter was reflecting on the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold,

three men are looking for you.””6. John 16:13; “But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the

truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will


The Spirit in Me “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God,



speak.” 7. 2 Samuel 23:2; “The Spirit of the LORD spoke by me, And His word was on my

tongue.”8. Hebrews 3:7-8; “Therefore, just as the Holy Spirit says, "TODAY IF YOU HEAR HIS

VOICE, DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEARTS . . . ”9. Acts 4:25; “...who by the Holy Spirit, through the mouth of our father David Your

servant, said, . . . ”10. Acts 28:25; Paul said, “The Holy Spirit rightly spoke through Isaiah the prophet . . . ”

C. He Hears. He is in constant communication with the Father and the rest of the Godhead. 1. John 16:13; “He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will

speak”2. This seems to suggest a voluntary submission of the Spirit to the Father.

D. The Spirit Prays. He is beyond our inabilities. When we cannot form thoughts into

prayers, the Holy Spirit does that for us. He articulates prayers. 1. Romans 8:26; “And in the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not

know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.”

2. This is not a reason to not pray assuming the Holy Spirit will do your praying for you. This is God offered help when the words will not come or the emotions forbid the utterance of words.

E. He Testifies or Witnesses about Christ. As an eternal Spirit He can testify to the eternal nature of Christ.

1. John 15:26; “the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify about Me”

2. Acts 20:23; “the Holy Spirit solemnly testifies to me in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions await me.”

3. Romans 8:16; “The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God”

4. As God His testimony is of great value. Remember, God cannot lie (Titus 1:2).

F. He Teaches and provided accurate information to the apostles, prophets and other inspired writers that they in turn might provide a guiding message of hope to us. 1. John 14:26; “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name,

He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.”2. John 16:12-14; “...the Spirit of truth . . . comes, He will guide you into all the truth.”3. Nehemiah 9:20; “You gave Your good Spirit to instruct.” 4. 1 Peter 1:10-11; “As to this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that

would come to you made careful search and inquiry, seeking to know what person or time the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating as He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow.”

G. He is our Helper sent by Jesus to be a guide and comfort to the apostles. 1. John 16:6,7; “...But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I

do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.”



2. As the Spirit is a Helper to the apostles, He also can comfort and help us in our struggles. He does not give us miraculous powers but is there for us and His word encourages and guides us.

H. He has Initiative, 1. John 16:14; “He shall glorify Me; for He shall take of Mine, and shall disclose it to

you.”

I. He Guides, 1. John 16:13; “...the Spirit of truth, . . . comes, He will guide you into all the truth”2. He guides us by the work He did by inspiring others. It is still the Spirit that guides

us.

J. He Leads in such a way that Christians are a Spirit led people. 1. Galatians 5:18; “But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law.”2. Romans 8:14; “For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of

God.”3. Acts 16:6-7; “They passed through the Phrygian and Galatian region, having been

forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia; and after they came to Mysia, they were trying to go into Bithynia, and the Spirit of Jesus did not permit them”

4. It must be obvious that some are NOT then Spirit led people. Our real question is do we want to be Spirit led or not?

K. He is called a “Good” Spirit, 1. Nehemiah 9:20; “You gave Your good Spirit to instruct”2. Psalms 143:10; “... Let Your good Spirit lead me on level ground.”

L. He Reveals the will and Word of God to His apostles and prophets. 1. 1 Corinthians 2:10; “For to us God revealed them through the Spirit” 2. Ephesians 3:3-5; “... mystery of Christ, which in other generations was not made

known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed to His holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit.”

3. 1 Peter 1:10-12; “As to this salvation, the prophets who prophesied . . . made careful searches and inquiries . . . seeking to know what person or time the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating . . . It was revealed to them . . . by the Holy Spirit . . . ”

M. He had Forbidden Paul to teach at times, 1. Acts 16:6-10; “...forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak.”2. Acts 21:11-14; The Holy Spirit said Paul would be bound and brought to Jerusalem.3. 1 Corinthians 12:11: “But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing

to each one individually just as He wills.”

N. He makes Judgments, 1. Acts 15:28; “For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit . . . ”2. Just a force, say magnetism, can never make such a judgment. The Spirit is a living

Being.



O. He Discloses, 1. John 16:14; “...He shall take of Mine, and shall disclose it to you.”2. Part of the work of inspiring the Holy writers was to carry the message of god from

the Father to the writers accurately. The Spirit did not generate the message, but carried it to the writers.

P. He Searches the depths of all, even the thoughts of God1. 1 Corinthians 2:10,11; “For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit

searches all things, even the depths of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of the man, which is in him? Even so the thoughts of God no one knows except the Spirit of God.”

2. The passage says the Spirit is God’s means of revealing truth. He searches the truth and He understands the mind of God. Only a God can understand a God.

Q. He Possesses a Mind, 1. Romans 8:27; “the mind of the Spirit”2. Therefore He is an intelligent Spirit.

R. He has Knowledge, 1. 1 Corinthians 2:11; only the Spirit knows the thoughts of God.

S. He has Affections. We sing about “The Love of God” and that “Jesus loves Me.” But have you thought about the love of the Holy Spirit for you. The entire Godhead has you in its heart. 1. Romans 15:30; “Now I urge you, brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love

of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God for me”2. Romans 5:5: “...the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the

Holy Spirit who was given to us.” 3. Philippians 2:1-2; “Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any

consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.”

T. He Possesses a Will, 1. 1 Corinthians 12:11; “(Spirit) distributing to each one individually just as He wills.”

U. He makes and keeps Promises, 1. Galatians 3:14; “in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to

the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.” 2. The entire scheme of redemption is wrapped up in God fulfilling His promises. The

Spirit is part of the scheme. 3. Acts 2:33; “Therefore having been exalted to the right hand of God, and having

received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He has poured forth this which you both see and hear.”

V. He Gives Life. 1. The Holy Spirit is the life giver. Jesus told Nicodemus that he had to be born again, or



born anew with life from the Holy Spirit 2. Romans 8:11; “But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you,

He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who indwells you.” It is through the Hole Sprit that we are made alive.

3. Galatians 5:25; “If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.”4. John 6:63; “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing.”5. Romans 8:2; “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free.”6. Romans 8:11; “But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you,

He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.”

7. 2 Corinthians 3:6; “...who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.”

W. He is a Comforter, 1. Acts 9:31; “in the comfort of the Holy Spirit.”2. John 14:16; “I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper that He may

be with you forever.”a. Greek “another” allos, another of the same kind. Not heteros another of a

different kind. b. The Spirit is of the very nature and character as Christ.

X. He Indicates, Predicts, 1. 1 Peter 1:11; “seeking to know what person or time the Spirit of Christ within them

was indicating as He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow.”

Y. Invites to Salvation, 1. Revelation 22:17; “And the Spirit and the bride say, "Come."”2. The Spirit works in and thru the church to invite the lost to salvation. The church

needs the Spirit to do its work of reaching the lost.

Z. Are these characteristics of a person or a mere influence or impersonal force?

II. Holy Spirit Suffers Slights and Injuries. One Can Hurt His Feelings!A. He is Grieved,

1. Ephesians 4:30; “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”

B. Vexed, (annoyed or baffled) Isaiah 63:10

C. He can be Resisted, 1. Acts 7:51; “You men who are stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears are

always resisting the Holy Spirit”

D. He can be Tempted, or Tested



1. Acts 5:9; “Why is it that you have agreed together to put the Spirit of the Lord to the test?”

E. He can be Insulted or Despised, 1. Hebrews 10:29; “...who has trampled under foot the Son of God, and has regarded as

unclean the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has insulted the Spirit of grace?”

F. Can be Lied to, 1. Acts 5:3-5; “... why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit . . . You have

not lied to men but to God.”

G. He Feels Joy. It is amazing how often the Holy Spirit is associated with great joy. It appears to me that God means for His people to be happy and joyful. Why not, we get all this and heaven too. 1. Galatians 5:22 part of the fruit of the Holy Spirit in our lives is the joy we feel as

Christians. 2. 1 Thessalonians 1:6; “You also became imitators of us and of the Lord, having

received the word in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy Spirit,” 3. Acts 13:52; “And the disciples were continually filled with joy and with the Holy

Spirit.”4. Romans 14:17; “for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness

and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”5. Romans 15:13; “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in

believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”6. Acts 2:41; “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day

there were added unto them about three thousand souls.” KJV the 3000 were glad for the forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit.

H. He can be Quenched. He is trying to build a fire under us and we can simply put it out. 1. 1 Thessalonians 5:19; “Do not quench the Spirit”2. Quench, Greek sbennute from sbennymi meaning to extinguish. Literally, of the

extinguishing of a fire in Heb 11:34; Eph 6:16 (flaming darts); Matt 12:20 (a smoldering wick)5

3. Mark 9:48, 44, 46; the fire of hell is not quenched; (Isa 66:24). We cannot put out the fires of Hell but we can extinguish the flame of the Holy Spirit in our hearts.

I. He can be Blasphemed, Matthew 12:31, 32; (We will study this later in detail)

J. He Intercedes in Our Prayers, 1. Romans 8:26; “.... the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to

pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words”

5(from Exegetical Dictionary of the New Testament © 1990 by William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company. All rights reserved.)



K. He Invites Sinners to Salvation, 1. Revelation 22:17; “The Spirit and the bride say, "Come." And let the one who hears

say, "Come." And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost.” cf. John 7:37-39; John 4:10;

L. He Loves, 1. Romans 15:30; “I urge you by the love of the Holy Spirit . . . ”

M. Since the Holy Spirit is so Tender and Loving, one has to wonder if He is really at home in our lives? Are we a comfortable place for Him to be? Have we grieved Him and saddened His dwelling in us? If He was just a force like a ‘magnet’ who would care how ‘it’ feels? But since He has feelings and affection, we must consider our Holy Guest.



Questions and Discussion PointsChapter 2

The Holy Spirit as a Personal Being

1. The Holy Spirit has feelings just like you. Does that make Him less Godlike? Explain.

2. Do you think you have grieved the Holy Spirit anytime in your life? How?

3. We are temples of the Holy Spirit. He lives in us. How can we make Him glad to be in us?

4. How might one lie to the Holy Spirit?

5. How might the Spirit feel if we never have a bible study about the Spirit or never talk about Him? Consider Hebrews 10:29.

6. How has the Spirit helped you? Could you tell it was the Spirit?

7. What difference does it make to you personally to know that the Spirit of God dwells within you? If He was not there, How would your life be different?

8. Discuss: In speaking about the Holy Spirit Jesus said that “Rivers of Living Water should flow from us.” What is this? Does it happen? How would you know?

9. David prayed, “Do not take thy Holy Spirit from me” (Psalms 51). Can you lose the Spirit?

10. In Romans 15:30; Paul spoke of “the love of the Holy Spirit . . .” Have you experienced it? How is it connected with “the love of God” poured into our hearts (Romans 5:5)?



Colossians 3:16

Memory Verse“Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God,

by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”

Ephesians 4:30








F. My prayer is:





Chapter 3The Holy Spirit is Spiritual

I. The Nature of the Holy SpiritA. First of all The Spirit is HOLY, I Peter 1:15; We also must be Holy.

1. HAGIOS opposite of profane or common2. Holy as God is Holy, Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:83. Distinguished from evil & unclean spirit4. He is not a common spirit, Nor a man’s spirit5. He works to transform us into holy people,

a. II Corinthians 3:18; transforms us into the very image of Christb. Romans 1:4; “the Spirit of holiness”c. Romans 15:16; he sanctifies (makes holy) the believer

6. Col 3:12-13; “And so, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.”

B. He Is Spirit in His Very Nature1. Nonphysical cf. Luke 24:37-39; He has no body. God is spirit and has no body. Jesus

who existed from all eternity had no body until he was born into this world.a. Philippians 2:5-7; Christ Jesus, “who, although He existed in the form of God, did

not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men”

2. The Spirit is Not Bound by Time and Physical Dimensionsa. We cannot see that spiritual realm with our eyes or feel with our senses. b. Illustration: In this very room are many radio waves (from cell phones, satellites,

television, police and fire radios, etc.) If we could see the waves we would be shocked at all that is around us. So also with the spiritual realm. A multitude of spiritual forces, both good and bad surround us.

c. Ephesians 6:12; “... our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly (spiritual) places.”

3. There are both good and bad spirits; a. Satan’s realm, Ephesians 6:12; “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood,

but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.”

b. Hebrews 12:23; “to the general assembly and church . . . enrolled in heaven . . . and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect”

4. Angels are ministering spirits, Hebrews 1:14; “Are they not all ministering spirits” (Acts12:15) Some thought Paul was actually his own angel.

5. God is spirit, John 4:24; “God is spirit, … must worship in spirit and truth.” 6. Devil is a spiritual being, (Matthew 25:41)

a. II Corinthians 11:14; “Satan disguises himself as an angel of light . . . servants also disguise themselves”

b. II Peter 2:4; there are fallen angels. They are un-holy angels.



II. The Holy Spirit Works in Spiritual RealmsA. Jesus - Relates to Man in the Physical Realm,

1. Hebrews 2:14; Jesus left a spiritual realm and came to the physical realm to destroy the work and power of Satan.

2. Jesus fought a battle in the spiritual realm, Ephesians 6:10-ff3. Colossians 2:15; He disarmed the rulers, authorities and spiritual forces4. “Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4).

B. Holy Spirit Dwells in the Spiritual Realm,1. The “Heavenly places” Ephesians 1:3, 20; 2:6; 3:10. The “heavenly places” is in

contrast to earthly places. It is the spiritual realm where spiritual battles take place.

C. Man Is Body, Soul and Spirit, I Thessalonians 5:23; “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”1. BODY = physical part, 2. SOUL = life like earth-bound creatures, 3. SPIRIT = part made in Gods image, Genesis 1:26 “Let Us make man in Our image,

according to Our likeness”

D. The Inner Man Also Has Three Parts1. SPIRIT, MIND, and HEART

a. Heart = involves the feelings, emotionsb. Mind = his understandingc. Spirit = the willing part of man, his desires

2. John 4:24, we must worship God in spirit and truth3. The inner man is where the Holy Spirit works today.

a. Ephesians 3:16: “He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man.”

III. The Meaning of the Term “Spirit”“SPIRIT” pneuma, primarily denotes "the wind" (akin to pneo, "to breathe, blow"); also "breath"; then, especially "the spirit," which, like the wind, is invisible, immaterial and powerful. The NT use of the word may be analyzed approximately as follows:6

A. Wind, John 3:8; Hebrews 1:7

B. Breath, II Thessalonians 2:8; Revelation 11:11; 13:15

C. The Immaterial, Invisible Part of Man, Luke 8:55; Acts 7:59; 1 Corinthians 5:5; James 2:26; cf. Ecclesiastics 12:7,

D. The Disembodied (or 'unclothed,' or 'naked,' 2 Corinthians 5:3,4) man, Luke 24:37,39;

6 (from Vine's Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words, Copyright (c)1985, Thomas Nelson Publishers)



Hebrews 12:23; 1 Peter 4:6;

E. The Resurrection Body, 1 Corinthians 15:45; 1 Timothy 3:16; 1 Peter 3:18;

F. The Sentient Element in Man, that by which he perceives, reflects, feels, desires, Matthew 5:3; 26:41; Mark 2:8; Luke 1:47,80; Acts 17:16; 20:22; 1 Corinthians 2:11; 5:3,4; 14:4,15; 2 Corinthians 7:1; cf. Genesis 26:35; Isaiah 26:9; Ezekiel 13:3; Daniel 7:15;

G. Purpose, Aim, 2 Corinthians 12:18; Philippians 1:27; Ephesians 4:23; Revelation 19:10; cf. Ezra 1:5; Psalms 78:8; Daniel 5:12;

H. The Equivalent of the Personal Pronoun, used for emphasis and effect: 1. 1st person, 1 Corinthians 16:18; cf. Genesis 6:3; 2. 2nd person, 2 Timothy 4:22; Philemon 25; cf. Psalms 139:7; 3. 3rd person, 2 Corinthians 7:13; cf. Isaiah 40:13;

I. Character, Luke 1:17; Romans 1:4; cf. Numbers 14:24;

J. Moral Qualities and Activities: 1. Bad, as of bondage, as of a slave, Romans 8:15; cf. Isaiah 61:3; stupor, Romans 11:8;

cf. Isaiah 29:10; timidity, 2 Timothy 1:7; cf. Joshua 5:1; 2. Good, as of adoption, ie, liberty as of a son, Romans 8:15; cf. Psalms 51:12;

meekness, 1 Corinthians 4:21; cf. Proverbs 16:19; faith, 2 Corinthians 4:13; quietness, 1 Peter 3:4; cf. Proverbs 14:29;

K. The Holy Spirit, e. g., Matthew 4:1 (see below); Luke 4:18;

L. 'The Inward Man' (an expression used only of the believer, Romans 7:22; 2 Corinthians4:16; Ephesians 3:16); the new life, Romans 8:4-6,10,16; Hebrews12:9; cf. Ps 51:10;

M. Unclean Spirits, Demons, Matthew 8:16; Luke 4:33; 1 Peter 3:19; Cf. 1 Samuel 18:10;

N. Angels, Hebrews1:14; Cf. Acts 12:15;

O. Divine Gift for Service, 1 Corinthians14:12,32;

P. By Metonymy, those who claim to be depositories of these gifts, 2 Thessalonians 2:2; 1 John 4:1-3;

Q. The Significance, as contrasted with the form, of words, or of a rite, John 6:63; Romans 2:29; 7:6; 2 Corinthians 3:6;

R. A Vision, Revelation1:10; 4:2; 17:3; 21:10.* (from Vine's Expository Dictionary)

IV. His Activity in The Old TestamentNueces Canyon Church of Christ Brian Garnett


A. He Appeared in Creation 1. Genesis 1:2; “And the earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the

surface of the deep; and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters.”

2. Psalms 104:30; “Thou dost send forth Thy Spirit, they are created”3. The creation was waste and void until the Holy Spirit brought order and harmony to

it.a. God started with “a chaotic mass that was dark, formless, and empty; but the Holy

Spirit, brooding over the waters, would bring order out of chaos and beauty and fullness out of emptiness.”7

b. When the creation was “waste” it was not fully organized. The land and sea lacked borders and boundaries (Deuteronomy 32:8; Acts 17:26).

c. The Holy Spirit organized and set boundaries. He set in motion the laws by which nature would function. The darkness was broken and so that light could penetrate the blackness.

4. Our word “universe” comes from two Latin words, “unus” meaning “one” and “versum” means “to turn.” The Holy Spirit combined all things into one system. He arranged and organized the universe and brought harmony and unity from chaos. The great harmony of the heavens declares the awesome work of God (Psalms 19:1).

5. When God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness” Genesis 1:26, the Holy Spirit was part of the creative work. a. Elihu told Job, “The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty

giveth me life” (Job 33:4).

B. He Revealed Dreams, 1. Pharaoh told Joseph, “I have had a dream, but no one can interpret it; and I have

heard it said about you, that when you hear a dream you can interpret it” (Genesis 41:15, 16).a. Joseph answered “It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer.” b. When it is proposed that Joseph be the one to oversee the grain gathering,

Pharaoh said, “Can we find a man like this, in whom is a divine spirit?” (Genesis 41:38)

2. Daniel Received the Power to Interpret Dreams, a. Daniel 1:17; “Daniel even understood all kinds of visions and dreams.”b. Daniel 4:8-9; “in whom is a spirit of the holy gods” c. Daniel 5:14; “Now I have heard about you that a spirit of the gods is in you, and

that illumination, insight and extraordinary wisdom have been found in you.”

C. Gave Prophetic Vision,1. Balaam, Numbers 24:2-3; “And Balaam lifted up his eyes and saw Israel camping

tribe by tribe; and the Spirit of God came upon him. And he took up his discourse and said”

2. Micah 3:8; “... I am filled with power– With the Spirit of the LORD . . . ”3. Ezekiel 2:2; “As He spoke to me the Spirit entered me and set me on my feet; and I

heard Him speaking to me”

7The Bible Exposition Commentary: Old Testament © 2001 Warren W. Wiersbe.



4. 2 Samuel 23:1-2; David said, “The Spirit of the LORD spoke by me”5. 1 Samuel 10:10-11; Saul, “ . . . the Spirit of God came upon him mightily, so that he

prophesied . . . ”

D. The Spirit would Empower the Messiah when He came.1. Isaiah 61:1-2; “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, Because the LORD has

anointed me To bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to captives and freedom to prisoners; To proclaim the favorable year of the LORD And the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn”

2. Jesus quotes this passage and tells the Jews, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” (Luke 4:21)

E. The Spirit Empowered Great Leaders1. Moses, Numbers 11:16-17; “I will take of the Spirit who is upon you, and will put

Him upon them . . . so then people could help Moses bear his burden . . . ”2. Joshua, Numbers 27:18; “Take Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the Spirit,

and lay your hand on him”3. Samson, Judges 13:25;14:6; Judges 14:6 “The Spirit of the LORD came upon him

mightily” Judges 16:20;4. Gideon, Judges 6:34; “So the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon”5. Saul, 1 Samuel 11:6; “Then the Spirit of God came upon Saul mightily . . . ”6. David, 1 Samuel 16:13; “...the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon David from that

day forward.”

F. The Holy Spirit Made Skilled Craftsman of Slaves, Exodus 31:1-5; “...I have filled him with the Spirit of God in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all kinds of craftsmanship, . . . ”

G. He Led the Nation of Israel, Isaiah 63:10-14; “But they rebelled and grieved His Holy Spirit; ... (the) His Holy Spirit (was) in the midst of them . . . (He) led them through the depths? ... the Spirit of the Lord gave them rest. So didst Thou lead Thy people, . . . ”

V. Holy Spirit’s Work Convincing the World of Sin A. John 16:8-11; “And He (the Spirit), when He comes, will convict the world concerning

sin and righteousness and judgment . . . ”

B. He Convicts the World Concerning Sin, John 16:81. Ephesians 6:17; His Word instructs us2. Acts 2 Peter preached the Spirit’s Word and hearts were pricked.3. Hebrews 4:12; His Word is a two-edged sword4. I John 1:5-10; If we do not walk in the light of the Spirit’s word we are in darkness

and sin.

C. Convicts of Righteousness, John 16:81. Because none are righteous themselves, Romans 3:10, 232. Our righteousness is as “filthy rags” in His sight, Isaiah 64:6 KJV



3. The Righteous live by faith (Romans 1:17) and Faith comes from hearing the word of God. (Romans 10:17).

D. Convicts of Judgment,1. Because we will be held accountable, Romans 1:18;2. We will be judged by the Spirit’s word, John 12:483. All will stand before the Judgment seat of God to give an account, II Corinthians 5:10

Sermon Thoughts:


The Holy Spirit is Spiritual

1. Describe what it means to be Holy. What is the difference between the Spirit’s holiness and


How can you live as a Christianafter obeying the gospel?

1. Have a great commitment to spiritual growth. a. Make every effort to grow (2 Peter 1:1-10). b. Plan to grow (Philippians 3:7-15).

2. Study the Bible. a. Accurately handle the Word (2 Timothy 2:15). b. Grow in knowledge (2 Peter 3:18). c. Study the Scriptures daily (Acts 17:11). d. Receive the Word with humility, and obey it (James 1:21-25).

3. Add the Christian graces to your life. a. Add faith, moral excellence, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness,

brotherly kindness, and love (2 Peter 1:5-7). 4. Pray regularly.

a. Pray for wisdom (James 1:5, 6). b. Pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

5. Worship regularly (with other Christians, if possible).a. Do not forsake the assembly (Hebrews 10:25). b. If there is no church in your area, you can start one in your home. c. Worship in spirit and truth (John 4:24).

6. Tell others about Jesus. a. Teach everyone you can (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15, 16). b. Share this book with friends, and help them to become Christians.

7. Do good works. a. Those saved by Jesus are created to do good works (Ephesians 2:10).

(Edited - Into the Abundant Life, p. 240)


our holiness?

2. What is a Spirit? Was Jesus in a spiritual body after He was raised? (Luke 24:39)

3. How does the Holy Spirit differ from angels?

4. What did the Holy Spirit do before the Day of Pentecost (In O.T. Times)?

5. What happens when we treat something Holy as if it were just common? Hebrews 12:15-17

6. There are many different ways the word for Spirit is translated. What does this suggest?

7. The Spirit has empowered many great leaders, teachers and craftsmen. What could He do for you?

8. If we are indwelt with the Holy Spirit how are we to live? Does the way we live effect the Spirit or His presence with us? Cf. Galatians 6:16, 25.

9. Describe the relationship between the Spirit and the Word of God. Cf. Ephesians 6:17


Memory Verse“but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, "you shall

be Holy, for I am Holy." I Peter 1:15, 16


Colossians 3:16








F. My prayer is:





Chapter 4

Holy Spirit and the Word of God

I. The Spirit and the Written WordA. The Meaning of Inspiration

1. Inspiration literally means, “God breathed” as if God has breathed life into the words. As God breathed into man, the breath of life and man became a “living soul,” He also breathed life into the words given by the Holy Spirit. The Bible is not just a book of words but a living oracle from God. The Word of God is living and active.a. Hebrews 4:12; “For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any

two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

b. 1 Peter 1:23: “through the living and abiding word of God.”2. “The writers of the Bible are called inspired as breathed into by the Holy Spirit so that

the product of their activities transcends human powers and becomes divinely authoritative.”8

B. Revelation is the action of God that allows man to know the unknowable. The Holy Spirit reveals mysteries.1. Spirit and revelation,

a. Ephesians 3:3-4; “... by revelation there was made known to me the mystery, as I wrote before in brief . . . when you read you can understand . . . mystery of Christ . . . not made known . . . as now been revealed to His holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit”

2. II Peter 1:20-21; He inspired (moved) the Holy writersa. I Peter 1:1-12; “prophets . . . seeking to know what person or time the Spirit of

Christ within them was indicating as He predicted the sufferings of Christ”b. Numbers 11:29; “Would that all the LORD'S people were prophets, that the

LORD would put His Spirit upon them”3. Mystery revealed, Romans 16:25,26; I Corinthians 2:6-8; Ephesians 3:9-10

a. 1 Corinthians 2:10; “For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God.”

4. God’s Eternal Purpose, Was a mystery that God unfolded for man through the works and writings of the apostles. Ephesians 1:7-ff; 3:6-11; 3:3-5;

C. Inspiration; The action of God upon man that enables him to in-errantly record this revelation. We see the Spirit and Inspiration in: 1. II Timothy 3:16,17; God inspires all Scripture 2. Acts 1:16; “Brethren, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit foretold

by the mouth of David”3. II Samuel 23:2; “The Spirit of the LORD spoke by me, . . . His word was on my

tongue.”4. Isaiah 59:21; “As for Me, this is My covenant with them," says the LORD: "My Spirit

8 H. Leo Boles. The Holy Spirit: His Personality, Nature and Works. Nashville, TN. Gospel Advocate Co. 1942. P.68



which is upon you, and My words which I have put in your mouth shall not depart from your mouth”

5. 1 Thessalonians 1:5; “for our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.”

6. Ezekiel 11:5; “the Spirit of the LORD fell upon me, and He said to me, "Say, 'Thus says the LORD”

7. Nehemiah 9:20; “And Thou didst give Thy good Spirit to instruct them, . . . ”8. Nehemiah 9:30; “However, Thou didst bear with them for many years, And

admonished them by Thy Spirit through Thy prophets, . . . ”

II. Christ endorsed the Old Testament as Inspired of the Holy SpiritA. Luke 24:44; “all things which are written about Me in the Law of Moses and the

Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.”

B. Matthew 22:43; “Then how does David in the Spirit call Him 'Lord,' saying,”

C. Jesus identifies the Old Testament as “the word of God” (John 10:35)

D. Revelations 19:10; “For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”

III. The Spirit, the Apostles and the WordA. John 16:13-15; “But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the

truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of Mine and will disclose it to you. All things that the Father has are Mine; therefore I said that He takes of Mine and will disclose it to you.”


About Our BibleThe bible contains 3,566,480 letters, 810,697 words, 31,175 verses, 1,189 chapters and 66 books. The longest chapter is 119th Psalm and the shortest is Psalm 117. The middle chapter is 118th Psalm having 594 chapters before and after it. The middle verse, Psalms 118:8 contains 50 letters and says, “It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.” The longest name is in the eighth chapter of Isaiah. It is Maher-shalal-hash-baz and it mean “swift is the booty, speedy is the prey” (Isaiah 8:3). The word “and” occurs 46,672 times throughout the entire Bible; while the word “Lord” appears 1,855 times. The 37th chapter of Isaiah and the 19th chapter of the second Kings are alike. The longest verse in the Bible is the 9th verse of the 9th chapter of Esther, and the shortest verse is the 35th verse of John chapter 11. With the exception of the letter J the alphabet is found in Ezra 7:21. The name of God is not mentioned in the book of Esther. The Lord’s Prayer, the one prayed by Jesus, is the 17th chapter of John. The bible still continues to be the world number one selling book (it has been on the top of the list so long that is just is not listed anymore).

(Copied and edited)


B. Revelation 1:10-11; “I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like the sound of a trumpet, saying, " Write in a book what you see

C. Revelation 21:10; “And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the holy city, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God”

D. Matthew 10:19-20; “But when they deliver you up, do not become anxious about how or what you will speak; for it shall be given you in that hour what you are to speak. For it is not you who speak, but it is the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.”

The Chain of Command from the Father to the Written Word, All Inspired

“He” takes of “Mine”

And discloses to “you”

John 14:26; Spirit teachesEphesians 3:3-5; Apostles wrote

1 Peter 1:10-12; Angels watchedWe read (Ephesians 3:5) and understand the All Inspired word

(2 Timothy 3:16, 17)

IV. The Spirit and His SwordA. We are to take up the Whole Armor of God. The Armor of God provides all the

equipment one needs to handle the battles of God. As Paul describes the soldier’s equipment, some is for protection and some for defense. Some is even for the attack. The Sword of the Spirit is the Word of God. This is our weapon. There is no other. We are to raise the Word of God in the cause of Christ when Satan brings his attacks. Only the Word of God is our defense. We must be ready to give an answer (I Peter 3:15).1. Jesus answered the attacks (temptations) of Satan with the Word of God. So must

we.2. If the sword is the “word of God” it cannot be the Spirit Himself. He cannot be the


Word

FATHER

SON

HOLY SPIRIT

APOSTLES


sword and the Spirit at the same time. It is clear the Word, the Spirit’s Word, in fact, is used by the Spirit.

3. His Word is to richly dwell within us, Colossians 3:15, 16.4. Jesus taught that His word was to “abide” in us (John 15:7).5. 2 Timothy 1:13-14; “Retain the standard of sound words . . . Guard, through the

Holy Spirit who dwells in us . . . ”6. The Spirit and the Word are closely related and always in harmony.

B. Those who received the word even with great tribulation did so “in the joy of the Holy

spirit.” (I Thessalonians 1:6). C. David makes it clear that there is a difference between the Spirit and the word that the

Spirit speaks. 2 Samuel 23:2; “The Spirit of the Lord spoke by me, And His word was on my tongue.” D When God called Ezekiel he was given the Spirit and he was given the message, the word

of the Spirit. He needed both to do the work of God.1 Ezekiel 2:2; “And as He spoke to me the Spirit entered me and set me on my feet; and

I heard Him speaking to me.”

V. Theories of InspirationA. During a door knocking campaign in Kansas, I happened on the door of the preacher of

the largest denominational church in that town. We studied together for an hour or so when it occurred to me that what the Bible said really did not make much difference to him. I asked, “Sir, do you believe the Bible is inspired?” He leaned back in his big chair and laughed and said, “If you mean, Do I believe some guy was swallowed by a fish and then spit out again alive, or that Noah floated around in a big boat full of animals for a year, well, those are just stories handed down to teach moral lessons. But that the bible has inspired parts is beyond question. No one could write I Corinthians 13 without God guiding them.” He then told me that his wife was a source of inspiration to him. “Many writers are inspired by sunsets and beautiful scenes.” He said, “The bible writers were inspired by the events in their lives to write stories that would bring the best out of people, so yes, he thought the bible was inspired in that way.” You see his words said he believed in the inspiration of the bible, but he did not believe the writing to be the complete and full Word of God. This is not Holy Spirit inspiration!

B. Verbal or Plenary Inspiration (literalistic) believes that the Holy Spirit put the words in the mouth of the speaker and moved the pen of the writer in the original manuscript. The Bible writers were mere passive instruments of the Holy Spirit.

C. Natural Theory would be like my friend in Kansas. Inspiration in the sense of many great poets and authors are inspired. The bible then takes it place along with the works of Shakespeare, Milton, Poe or Frost as a mere literary masterpiece. It would be no more than the works of man’s intellect.

D. Noematical Theory (from Greek meaning “mind” and “thought”) suggests that the Holy Spirit gave the thoughts to man and left man free to express it as he deemed best. The actual words expressed would be the work of the writer. Such would give great liberty to the reader to do as he willed with the authority of the scriptures as long as the general



thought was there. This type of thinking is behind some current movements that have led us into a more liberal view of the bible and the church in general. As long as the thought is there it is up to us to give it shape and meaning. The Greek word for this is “hog-wash.”

E. Some believe in “Genius Inspiration.” They claim the Bible came completely from men as a stroke of genius. They say men of great spiritual insight created the stories contained within the bible. We cannot accept this of course. It makes liars of all our bible characters who claim to speak for God.

F. True Inspiration involves the Holy Spirit guiding the thoughts and minds of men so the Bible in its original manuscripts is in complete harmony with the will of God. It is not the mere work of men but God does allow the character and backgrounds of the writers to show through the writing. The Holy Spirit searches the mind of God and guides the minds of men. Paul says, “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things freely given to us by God, which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words” (1 Corinthians 2:12-13). They understood Paul’s words as the Word of God.1. 1 Thessalonians 2:13; “ And for this reason we also constantly thank God that when

you received from us the word of God's message, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe.”

2. 2 Peter 1:20-21; “But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.”

3. We have great confidence that God has provided for us the Bible as His Holy, Inspired Word without error, deletion or corruption. God could not hold us to its standard (John 12:48; 2 Timothy 1:13) if it were not a complete and true guide.

4. 2 Timothy 3:15-17: “...you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.”

VI. The Spirit’s Work Through the Written WordA. Since the Spirit inspired the bible writers one must expect to see great similarities

between the Spirit and His word. This does not make them equal but is better seen as a statement of the harmony between the Spirit and His word. “One is the agent, the other is an instrument of the agent.”9

B. Because of the similarities some, have confused the source with the written results. If we reduce the role of the Spirit to not much more than the bible itself, we have taken the heart of the Spirit from ourselves. The Spirit cannot be replaced by the King James Version of the Bible. Because we cannot understand how the Spirit can be in us, do not

9 Jimmy Jividen. Alive in the Spirit. Nashville, TN 37202: Gospel Advocate Co. 1990



deny that He is. I am not shaken that the Bible and the Spirit accomplish much of the same things in my life. I would be more shaken if they did not. To me this is no more than a statement of harmony and unity that is the specialty of the Spirit anyway.

C. Consider this chart10 showing how the Holy Spirit and the written word are connected.

Action Holy Spirit Word of God Creation Genesis 1:2; Job 33:4 Hebrews 1:3Power Romans 15:13 Luke 1:37 Truth John 16:13 John 17:17 Bear Witness John 15:26 John 20:30-31 Birth John 3:5-8 1 Peter 1:23 Salvation Titus 3:5 James 1:21 Dwells in Romans 8:11 Colossians 3:16 Comforts Acts 9:31 Romans 15:4 Sanctifies 2 Thessalonians 2:13 John 17:17

D. We see clear distinctions between the Word and the Spirit in scriptures:1. 1 Thessalonians 1:5; “for our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in

power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction”a. This would be redundant if the Spirit and the Word were the very same.

2. Ephesians 6:17; “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” The sword and the Spirit cannot be the same thing. Obviously there is a difference.

3. Hebrews 6:4-5; “For in the case of those who have once been enlightened and have tasted of the heavenly gift and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come,” a. Being a “partaker of the Holy Spirit” is different from “tasting the good word of

God.”

E. Furman Kearley has made a very clear statement of this fact in God's Indwelling Spirit (Montgomery: Bible & School Supply, 1974):

“The brethren who believe in representative indwelling by means of the word often criticize those holding the view of the actual indwelling of the Holy Spirit because they say the Holy Spirit dwells in Christians "personally." They contend the scriptures nowhere use the word "personally." I would respond by saying "Show me the verse that says 'representatively,' and I will show the verse that says 'personally’.”

“We do not understand how the human spirit dwells in us, but we accept it. Even so, we may not comprehend how the Holy Spirit dwells in us, but we must accept that He does.”

VII. The Holy Spirit’s Powerful WordA. The scriptures are the power of the Holy Spirit on the printed page.

1. 1 Thessalonians 1:5-6; “for our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of

10 Ibid., 125



men we proved to be among you for your sake. You also became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy Spirit,”

2. 2 Samuel 23:2; “The Spirit of the Lord spoke by me, And His word was on my tongue.”

B. The Holy Spirit communicates through the word of God, “But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, . . . ” (1 Timothy 4:1)

C. Paul’s preaching was not from him but from God. It was God’s word that Paul spoke and wrote by inspiration of the Holy Spirit.1. 1 Corinthians 2:4-5; “And my message and my preaching were not in persuasive

words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God.”

2. Therefore, the Word of God is authoritative.

D. One cannot separate the Holy Spirit from the Spirit’s word. To do so is an injustice to both. The Holy Spirit will never act contrary to or in contradiction to His word. He is God and must be true to Himself and His word. 1. John 6:63; “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing; the words that I

have spoken to you are spirit and are life.”2. 2 Peter 1:21; “for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men

moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.”

E. The Spirit’s word is living and active and sharp.1. Hebrews 4:12; “For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-

edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

2. 2 Corinthians 3:6; “God, who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter, but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.”

F. The Holy Spirit is not the word and the Word is not the Spirit. The Word of God is the Sword of the Spirit. Ephesians 6:17; “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

G. The Word of Christ is to dwell within us.1. Colossians 3:16; “Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom

teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”

2. John 15:7; “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”

VIII. The Holy Spirit and His Word Working on the Hearts of Men.A. Many religious groups follow the teachings of John Calvin and others like him saying

that the Holy Spirit must first work on one’s heart before that person can receive the Word of God. They would go as far to say that one cannot believe before the Spirit does His work. If indeed the Spirit does not first open the door of faith, it cannot be opened at all. This makes salvation completely the decision and choice of God. They would



consider it a matter of being predestined to salvation or condemnation by God. You have little say in the process. This is error! It contradicts many scriptures. 1 Timothy 2:3-4; “God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” Therefore, the Holy Spirit does not directly operate on one heart and refuse to do so to the next.

B. What part does the Holy Spirit have in bringing men to salvation? In the conviction and conversion of sinners, the Holy Spirit works through His word. This is the purpose of the record of the gospel of Christ.1. Jesus declared the seed of the kingdom is the Word of God (Luke 8:11) and that seed

must be planted in a good and honest heart if it is to bear fruit for the kingdom.2. John 5:24; “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who

sent Me, has eternal life,”3. John 6:63; “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing; the words that I

have spoken to you are spirit and are life.” The Holy Spirit produces life through the Word He gave to the inspired writers. Without the Word there is no life.

4. Hebrews 4:12; “For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword . . . and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

5. James 1:18; “In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth,” 6. 1 Peter 1:23; “For you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but

imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God.”



Questions and Discussions PointsChapter 4

Holy Spirit and the Word of God

1. What is the Spirit’s role in bringing us the Bible?

2. Discuss the relationship between the Word of God and the Spirit of God.

3. What does the Spirit do for you that the Word of God does not do? Are the two ever in opposition?

4. Since we have the “all inspired” Word of God, Is there anything for the Spirit to do today?

5. Are we lacking any of God’s message since we are not inspired like the apostles?

6. Describe the difference between inspiration and revelation.

7. If, as some say, we cannot trust our bibles to be complete and finial, how does that reflect on the Holy Spirit?

8. Can we expect the Holy Spirit to “guide us into all the truth” today? Why/Why not? Explain!

9. Does the Holy Spirit guide you or help you remember bible verses? Explain!

10. What is the connection between God breathing into man the breath of life and His breathing into the Word?



Colossians 3:16

Memory Verse“But know this first of all, that no prophecy of

Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made

by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.”

2 Peter 1:20-21








F. My prayer is:





Chapter 5

The Spirit’s Names and Identity

Introduction:A. Jesus had His own distinct titles for the Holy Spirit. He called Him the PARACLETE. The

word we translate as Comforter, Helper, or Advocate. It means one called to your side, one to stand by you. The everyday term for a close friend or “buddy” that is what Jesus is calling the Holy Spirit. It stresses the close intimate relationship that existed between Jesus and the Holy Spirit. The same relationship should exist for the Holy Spirit and us. It should be a relationship of closeness and trust. Can we truly be close to one we do not know? Jesus promised that this Comforter would “be with you forever” (John 14:16).

B. The Holy Spirit is our Holy Guest that abides with us always. He’s got our back! You are never alone. Remember God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) said, “I will be with you always” (Matthew 28:20).

I. Old Testament Names for the Holy Spirit

A. The Spirit is referred to ≈90 times in the Old Testament with 18 various designations.

B. The Spirit of God, Genesis 41:38; - 13 times

C. The Holy Spirit, Psalms 51:11; 1. David prayed not to be cast from God’s presence nor that God would take away the

Holy Spirit from him. David knew how the Spirit had left Saul (I Samuel 16:13-14) and David could not go on without the presence and Spirit of God with him.

2. Isaiah 63:10, 11; rebellion and an ungrateful heart, grieved the Holy Spirit.

D. The Spirit of the Lord, Isaiah 11:2; - used 23 times

E. The Spirit of Life Ezekiel 37:1-10;

F. The Spirit of Jehovah (God), Isaiah 61:1- used 3 times

G. The Spirit, Genesis 2:7; used 90 times

H. The Breath of the Almighty, Job 32:8; 33:4; 34:14-15

I. The Good Spirit, Nehemiah 9:201. Nehemiah 9:13-21; describes God’s faithfulness to Israel in the wilderness. Despite

the fact that she had been unfaithful to Him. He gave them His Sabbath and sent manna to feed them. He forgave their sin of idolatry and led them with the cloud and pillar. He instructed them with His “good Spirit” and sustained them 40 years. cf. Galatians 5:22.

J. The Spirit of Burning, Isaiah 4:3,4

K. The Spirit of Judgment, Isaiah 4:4



L. The Spirit of Wisdom and Knowledge, Isaiah 11:2

M. The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord, Isaiah 61:11. Isaiah 61:1; “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,” NIV Here is the Godhead,

The Spirit is the Holy Spirit, the Sovereign Lord is God the Father and on Me is the Messiah, Jesus. Quoted by Jesus in Luke 4:18 and applied to Himself.

N. The Spirit of Grace and Supplication, Zechariah 12:10

New Testament Names for the Holy SpiritO. Approximately 263 references to the Spirit in the New Testament with 39 various titles.

P. The Spirit; Mark 1:10; Luke. :1,14; John 1:32

Q. Holy Spirit (Ghost); Matthew 1:18; Mark 1:8; Romans 8:14; 1 Corinthians 12:3

R. Spirit of the Most High; Luke 1:35

S. Streams of Living Water; John 7:38, 39

T. Comforter; John 14:16, 26; 15:26; 16:7

U. Eternal Spirit; Hebrews 9:14

V. Spirit of God; Matthew 3:16; 12:28; Romans 8:14

W. Spirit of Christ; Romans 8:9;

X. Spirit of your Father; Matthew10:20

Y. Spirit of the Lord; Luke 4:18; Acts 5:9; 8:39

Z. The Lord, the Spirit; 2 Corinthians 3:17, 18

AA. Holy Spirit of God; Ephesians 4:30

BB. Spirit of the living God; 2 Corinthians 3:3

CC. Spirit of Our God; 1 Corinthians 6:11;

DD. His Spirit; Ephesians 3:16; I John 4:13

EE. Seven Spirits of God; Revelation 4:5



FF. Spirit of Truth; John 14:17; 15:26; 16:13

GG. Spirit of Life; Romans 8:2

HH. Holy Spirit of Promise; Ephesians 1:13

II. Spirit of Grace; Hebrews 10:29; (Zechariah 12:10)

JJ. Spirit of the Lord; Act 8:39

KK. Spirit of Jesus; Acts 16:17

LL. Spirit of Holiness; Romans 1:4

MM. Spirit of Glory; 1 Peter 4:14

NN. These may appear different depending on your translation but the point is that we have identified the Holy Spirit in a great multitude of ways. We cannot fit Him into a small box and set Him aside as if we have Him ‘cased.’




The Spirit’s Names and Identity

1. How many different names can you think of for the Holy Spirit?

2. What does the great Variety of names suggest about the Holy Spirit?

3. Which name or term for the Spirit is most appealing to you? Why?

4. Jesus identified the Holy Spirit as a “Comforter.” Do you find “comfort” in the Holy Spirit? How has it helped you?

5. Hebrews 10:29 speaks of the “Spirit of Grace.” What thoughts does this stimulate for you?

6. Jesus and the Holy Spirit had a close and abiding relationship. How can we build a deep relationship with the Holy Spirit? How would it be different from building a closer relationship with Jesus of the Father?

7. Jesus said, “And this is eternal life, that they may know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent” (John 17:3). How might this apply to the Holy Spirit?

8. Do you see a different between the Old Testament and New Testament concept of the Holy Spirit of God? Explain.


Memory Verse

“that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him

because He abides with you and will be in you.” John 14:17"Let the word of Christ

richly dwell within you"Colossians 3:16








F. My prayer is:





Chapter 6

Holy Spirit and the Christ

Introduction:

A. Since Christ is God and the Holy Spirit is God, it is difficult to separate them. What we will see is all three beings of the Godhead working together in harmony to fulfill the very purpose of God. They never work against each other. No one is more important than the other. It would be as wrong for us to exult one part of the Godhead over the other as it would be for one member of the Godhead to claim superiority over another. Unity and harmony is part of the very nature of God.

B. The Godhead had planned from all eternity that the Christ would suffer and die for the sins of mankind. Therefore, the Holy Spirit was part of the great scheme of redemption from before the world began.1. Ephesians 1:4: “...He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should

be holy and blameless before Him . . .”2. 1 Peter 1:20-21; “For He was foreknown before the foundation of the world, but has

appeared in these last times for the sake of you who through Him are believers in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.”.

2. Matthew 25:34; “Then the King will say to those on His right, 'Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.”

3. Rev 13:8; “And all who dwell on the earth will worship him, everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been slain.”

4. Ephesians 3:11; “This was in accordance with the eternal purpose which He carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord,”

C. Even the angels desired to know what the Godhead was planning and scheming through the ages. “As to this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that would come to you made careful search and inquiry, seeking to know what person or time the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating as He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow. It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, in these things which now have been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven — things into which angels long to look. (1 Peter 1:10-12)

D. It is not surprising to find the Holy Spirit foretelling the coming of Christ, His suffering and Death on the cross throughout the Old Testament prophets.

E. Isaiah identified the Christ as a tender shoot from the trunk of Jesse and said, “And the Spirit of the Lord will rest on Him, The spirit of wisdom and understanding, The spirit of counsel and strength, The spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.” Isaiah 11:2.



I. Born of the SpiritA. When Mary wondered “How can these things be?” the answer came from Gabriel.

1. Luke 1:35; “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy offspring shall be called the Son of God.”

2. The angel calmed Joseph’s fear’s by saying, “ . . . do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for that which has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 1:20).

B. This was a fulfillment of the promise made to Adam and Eve in the beginning.1. Genesis 3:15; “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed

and her seed...”

C. He who was from before the beginning began, came as a baby to begin an earthy minister.1. John 1:1, 2; “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the

Word was God. He was in the beginning with God.”2. John 1:14; “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His

glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

II. The Spirit Descends on JesusA. When Jesus was about to begin His ministry, He started with His baptism and the Holy

Spirit’s presence. If Jesus needed the Holy Spirit presence to serve and minister, should we think it would take any less for us to serve God?

B. The Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus not so much for Jesus as it was for John and the others. God was giving John a sign that he might become a witness of Christ. (John 1:33,34)1. John 1:32; “And John bore witness saying, "I have beheld the Spirit descending as a

dove out of heaven, and He remained upon Him.”

C. When Jesus was baptized by John, the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus in the form (appearance) of a dove. 1. Matthew 3:16-17; “And after being baptized, Jesus went up immediately from the

water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove, and coming upon Him, and behold, a voice out of the heavens, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.”

2. Mark 1:10; Luke 3:223. Note that the Holy Spirit is not a dove. He does not look like a dove. He is a Spirit.

His descending and remaining of Jesus was as (like) a dove.

D. After His baptism it was the Holy Spirit that led Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted by Satan (Matthew 4:1; Mark 1:12; Luke 4:1).1. Luke 4:1; “Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit . . . was led about by the Spirit in the

wilderness”



E. When the Devil failed to deter Christ, Jesus came back in the power of the Holy Spirit.1. Luke 4:13-14; “and when the devil had finished every temptation, . . . Jesus returned

. . . in the power of the Spirit . . . ” 2. His tempting brought Him strength and power (James 1:2,3).

F. Jesus continued His ministry on earth in harmony with the Holy Spirit’s presence and influence.1. Matthew 12:18; “My Servant whom I have chosen; My Beloved in whom My soul is

well-pleased; I will put My Spirit upon Him, And He shall proclaim justice to the Gentiles.”

2. Luke 10:21; “At that very time He rejoiced greatly in the Holy Spirit”

G. Jesus faced the cross and death with the Spirit’s presence.1. Hebrews 9:14; “how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal

Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God . . . ?”

H. It was by the Holy Spirit’s power that Jesus was raised from the dead.1. Romans 8:11; “if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you,

He . . . will give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who indwells you.”

III. Jesus Promised to Send the Holy Spirit as a ComforterA. Knowing His death would be a great blow to the apostles, Christ gave them the assurance

of another Comforter, one just like Him. He said, “I will not leave you as orphans” (John 14:18).1. “And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper (Comforter), that He

may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth . . . ” John 14:16-172. Jesus promised the Spirit to them, (John 14:26, 26; 15:26; 16:7)

B. The Holy Spirit was “with” them but He would soon be “in” them (John 14:17)1. This is one main difference in the Spirit’s dispensation. The Holy Spirit had been

with men in various ways from the very beginning of the world. He had been with the apostles before Pentecost and had empowered them with miracles and wonders. But after Pentecost the Holy Spirit would “indwell” believers. The Spirit is received when one is baptized into Christ (Acts 2:38; 5:32).

C. The Holy Spirit would become to the apostles a guide and source of inspiration. He would bring all that Jesus said to their remembrance. When John writes his gospel account some sixty years later, he does not need to trust his memory of the events. The Holy Spirit helped him remember all things accurately. This is a gift that we do not have.1. John 14:26; “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name,

He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.”2. John 16:13; “But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the

truth”3. These are special blessings for the apostles. We cannot remember all that Jesus said.

We would never “remember” because we did not hear all that He said! We are not Spirit “guided” into all the truth except through the Spirit’s Word, our scriptures. What the apostles got by “inspiration” we get by “perspiration.” We have to word for



it. 2 Timothy 2:15; “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth.”

D. We do receive many great blessings from the Holy Spirit’s dwelling within us. He is a gift from the Father given to those who are baptized into Christ.1. Acts 2:38; “...Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for

the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”2. Acts 5:32; “...the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him.”3. Ephesians 3:16; “He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be

strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man,”4. See Chapter 11, The Holy Spirit in the Life of a Christian.

E. Part of the Holy Spirit’s work today is to, “. . . when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin, and righteousness, and judgment,” (John 16:8).1. See Chapter 11; The Holy Spirit in the life of a Christian page 37




Holy Spirit and the Christ

1. When did the Holy Spirit become involved in the life of Christ? Explain!

2. Why would the Holy Spirit lead Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted? Where was the Spirit while Jesus was tempted? Cf. Luke 4:13, 14.

3. What were the angels of God trying to figure out as they watched spiritual events unfold?

4. How was the Holy Spirit a “Comfort” to the apostles?? How is He a “Comfort” to us today?

5. As Jesus came away from the time of temptation and testing “He rejoiced greatly in the Holy Spirit” (Luke 10:21). What can the Holy Spirit do for you when you face difficult times?

6. Consider: Romans 8:11; “if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He . . . will give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who indwells you.” If the Holy Spirit is giving life to your mortal body, what kind of life is this? Where will it take you? How is this helpful to you now?

7. We greatly appreciate that Jesus died for our sins and we believe our sins are completely forgiven when we are baptized into Christ (Acts 2:38; 22:16). What else was Jesus trying to do for us? Have we begun to appreciate the amazing grace that allows such great gifts to be ours? How can we show our thankfulness and appreciation?

8. Jesus received the Holy Spirit when John baptized him. What He received is different from what we receive. He received the power of the Spirit and we the indwelling. If Jesus needed the Holy Spirit to fulfill His ministry can we function spiritually, successfully with the Holy Spirit? Discuss.

9. Explain the difference in the Holy Spirit being “with you” and His being “in you.”



Colossians 3:16

Memory Verse

“And the Spirit of the Lord will rest on Him, The spirit of wisdom and understanding, The spirit of counsel and strength,

The spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.” Isaiah 11:2.








F. My prayer is:





Chapter 7

The Holy Spirit and Pentecost

“And it shall be in the last days,' God says,'That I will pour forth of my spirit on all mankind . . . ” Acts 2:17

Introduction:A. “Pentecost” is not found in the Old Testament. Three other names identify the event; “feast

of weeks” (Exodus 34:22; Deuteronomy 16:10) “feast of harvest” (Exodus 23:16), and “Days of first-fruits” (Numbers 28:26). In the New Testament it is identified as “Pentecost” (Acts 2:1). Pentecost speaks of a new beginning. It came a week of weeks after the Passover and was the next (new) day. Seven sevens from the Passover Sabbath (49 days) and then a new day, the 50th day therefore always the first day of the week (Leviticus 23:11, 16).

B. The “feast of harvest” or “Pentecost” was a festival of good cheer and a day of joy. It was a time abounding with free-will offerings, celebration, and joy (Deuteronomy 16:10-12). It was a time to remember all that God had done for His people and the great freedom that He brought to them. It was a great occasion for the Coming of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1) and the joy He would bring. What a time of celebration.

C Some have identified the period from Pentecost until the end of time as the Holy Spirit’s dispensation. It is true that the Holy Spirit has had a great influence during this period, but to identify Him with just this time is like saying the Son of God was not active until He was born in Bethlehem. The Holy Spirit has been active since “before the worlds began.”

D. Others have identified this time as the ‘miraculous age’ (at least the period from Pentecost until the end of the first century). Again I would ask when did miracles begin? Did not Jesus, the apostles, the seventy and the twelve all perform miraculous works? Even the New Testament does not mark the beginning of miracles; remember Elijah, Elisha, Moses, the prophets and many others through whom the Spirit of God was working?1. Matthew10:1; “And having summoned His twelve disciples, He gave them authority over

unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every kind of disease and every kind of sickness.”

2. Luke 10:17-21; “And the seventy returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name." And He said to them, "I was watching Satan fall from heaven like lightning. "Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall injure you . . . At that very time He rejoiced greatly in the Holy Spirit,”

E. Pentecost is mentioned by name three times in the New Testament, 1. Acts 2:1; “And when the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one

place.”



2. Acts 20:16; “For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus in order that he might not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hurrying to be in Jerusalem, if possible, on the day of Pentecost.”

3. 1 Corinthians 16:8; “But I shall remain in Ephesus until Pentecost.”

F. What did Pentecost bring? What was different after the Day of Pentecost? 1. As the Holy Spirit brought organization and life from the chaos in creation, He will also

bring order and life to the church on this the day of her creation.2. Pentecost is not the ‘birthday’ of the church. It is the day of her creation. All things of

God are created by miracle and then sustained by nature order and growth. So also it is with the church. She was begun by miracle and sustained by spiritual birth, (John 3:3-5).

I. The Holy Spirit and Day of Pentecost (Event)

A. Changed Relationship - Spirit’s Dispensation (heighten activity)1. From Pentecost to the end of time2. 2 Corinthians 3:8; “how will the ministry (ministration) of the Spirit fail to be even

more with glory?”3. John 14:17; He abides with you - will be in you.

a. John 14:17; “... the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you.”

b. The difference is between a temporary abiding presence and a continual indwelling presence.

4. In times past, the Spirit “filled” “empowered” and “strengthened” individuals, but they were NOT His Temple. He never lived “in” them as He does for us today. Part of the Pentecostal event was that the Holy Spirit would dwell within God’s people.

B. Acts 1:4, 8; Wait for the promise of the Father1. Luke 24:46-49; “Thus it is written, that the Christ would suffer and rise again . . .

beginning from Jerusalem . . . I am sending forth the promise of My Father upon you; but you are to stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high."

2. John 20:22; Jesus, “He breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit”a. This happened after they waited in Jerusalem, as

Luke 24:46-ff had instructed them.b. John 7:38, 39; Spirit not given until Jesus is

glorified, raised and ascended. c. John 14:17; Spirit was with them, will be in them

3. Pentecost marked the giving of the Holy Spirit as Jesus had promised to do.

C. Acts 2:1-4; Promise Fulfilled


The Holy Spirit Today

The difference is between a temporary abiding presence and a continual indwelling

presence.


1. ...He had given orders to the apostles . . . by many convincing proofs, . . . He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised, "Which," He said, "you heard of from Me” Acts 2:1-4;

D. John 16:13; Holy Spirit Guided Apostles and some chosen men (Luke, Mark, Philip, Stephen, Barnabas) giving them the gift of inspiration or miraculous powers through the laying on of the apostles hands.

E. The Spirit Revealed the Word of God, “as it has now been revealed to His holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit” Ephesians 3:3-5; 6:17;

F. He Dwells in His People, 1. 1 Corinthians 3:16; “Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the

Spirit of God dwells in you?”2. 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20; “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy

Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?”3. Given at baptism, Acts 2:384. Acts 5:32; given to those who obey5. Romans 8:9; if the Spirit of God does not indwell then we are not His.

G. Romans 8:14; “For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God”

H. Galatians 5:25; “If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit”

I. Ephesians 1:13; 4:30; Sealed with the Spirit

J. 2 Corinthians 5:5; Romans 8:23; Spirit is our pledge. A guarantee from God.

II. On the Day of Pentecost the Apostles Were:A. The day of Pentecost was the second greatest celebration of the Jews. It was on the 50th

day after the Passover. The 50th day was the day after a week of weeks (7 weeks). It was also called the “feast of weeks.” Jesus spent 40 days with the disciples between His Resurrection and the Ascension. Ten days after his Ascension was the Day of Pentecost.

B. Acts 1:4, 5; They were commanded to wait for God’s plan to unfold. They could not do their work without the Spirit’s influence and power.

C. Apostles receive from Jesus a promise of power. Acts 1:8; “but you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.”

D. Acts 1:12; In the right place, the upper room in Jerusalem

E. Acts 1:14; They were united in mind & spirit. In the right attitude for the Spirit’s presence.

F. Acts 1:14; Devoted to prayer.



G. Acts 1:16-20; Study of the word.

H. Notice the state of them that received the Holy Spirit. They were contorted and orderly. They were not whipped into a state of frenzy. The apostles were praying and studying the word when the Holy Spirit “fell” on them.

1. Acts 2:1-2; “When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a noise like a violent rushing wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.



Questions and Discussions Points

Chapter 7The Holy Spirit and Pentecost

1. Jesus said, the Spirit was “with” the disciples, but that He would be “in” them. What is the difference?

2. When did miracles begin?

3. When did the apostles first get “power” to perform miraculous acts?

4. Christians are the temple of the Holy spirit. When did this first happen?

5. How were the apostles different after Pentecost?

6. What promise was Jesus fulfilling on the Day of Pentecost? cf. Acts 2:33

7. When the church began, the disciples felt a great sense of awe. Can we experience that “awe-ness” today? Can our worship be awe-full? Why might it be awful?

8. Why are we not endowed with the gift of inspiration or revelation?

9. When Paul says, “do you not know . . . ” What is he really saying? (I Corinthians 3:16; 6:19)

10. Can we be Christians without the Holy Spirits presence in our lives? (Romans 8:9) Explain!

11. John 7:38, 39; Jesus said the Holy Spirit could not be given until He was glorified. What is this? When did it happen? Why was it necessary?


Memory Verse“And Peter said to them,

"Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins;

and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38"Let the word of Christ

richly dwell within you"Colossians 3:16








F. My prayer is:

Chapter 8

Holy Spirit Baptism

Introduction:





A. There is much confusion concerning the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Carefully consider the verses of scripture and allow God’s Word to speak to you on this matter. Let us not react based on feelings or emotions. Personal experiences may confuse us more than help. God’s word is the only truth we have. Only the Word matters. Everything we can know about the Holy Spirit will come only from His word. Therefore, we MUST go to the Word to understand God’s will concerning the Holy Spirit. If we do, we can find harmony for the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of unity and harmony.

B. These are the conclusions that I have reached based on my personal study. You must study for yourself the scriptures. When you reach a conclusion, let it be your own.

C. We must be gentle and understanding of others who have not reached the same understanding. Many have not studied the Holy Spirit and may have settled for a simple answer to complex questions. It will take, time, patience and much prayer to begin to understand all the scripture has to say concerning the Holy Spirit. I love what Parker Henderson told his class of preacher students, “Keep your finger on the verse and a smile on your face.”1. 1 Timothy 1:5; “But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good

conscience and a sincere faith.”

D. Part of the work of the Holy Spirit is to produce unity within the Lord’s church (Ephesians 4:3). If your study and teaching produce division, distance or disunity you are not walking by the Spirit (Galatians 6:16, 25)1. Ephesians 4:3; “being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

Illustration:When I was a new Christian, just baptized, I had heard about a “healing service” at a “Faith Tabernacle” and thought I should investigate. My new faith and I lacked knowledge of the Word, so a gospel preacher was wise enough to accompany me to the service. It was an eye opener for me. (Before I proceed, let me say that I disagree very much with what was taught at that service.) That night I was given a sheet of paper that was designed to help me “get the Spirit.” The directions suggested that I get alone some night in quiet and prayer and read down the sheet of paper. It had several statements listed. If I began to have a hard time reading it was because the Holy Spirit was trying to “break out” in me. I was instructed to just keep reading. I still remember the first statement. It said, “Blessed Lord bestow baptismal blessing upon me.” I was to repeat this and keep reading. The statements became more complex and harder to say. One can easily see what is intended to happen. As one stumble through the reading he becomes persuaded that the Holly Spirit is coming on him and he tries even harder. You guessed it. Soon he is “speaking in tongues.” He has the “Spirit” and can now speak in tongues. Folks, I did not know very much bible at the time but this was clearly rubbish! There was no way that I would even begin such silliness. You could not force this doctrine back into the Bible with a crowbar. This has absolutely nothing to do with “Holy Spirit baptism” or the “speaking in tongues.” I am saddened that this is what many are taught today. Please, read the Bible. Look up these verses. Understand what God is saying to you. Love the truth. Claim the truth. Be consistent with the word in your faith and practice.



I. Holy Spirit Baptism, Some Questions!A. What it is?

B. Who does it?

C. Who gets it?

D. When does it happen?

E. Why be baptized in the Holy Spirit?

F. Does it still happen today? Why? Why Not?

II. Some Common BeliefsA. Calvinism: Say we are to wait fatalistically for an “experience of grace” that would

testify to our hearts of salvation. Unless and until one has been “baptized with the Holy Spirit” he cannot begin to look in the direction of God for salvation. They teach God has to do His work first. You cannot begin to understand nor receive the word without the Spirit’s preparation of your heart.

B. Pentecostal & Holiness groups teach, those who have salvation must go further and obtain the “baptism of the Holy Spirit” which will empower them to speak in tongues, prophesy, and perform miracles. It is seen as a 2nd measure of grace and makes one more “sanctified.” They become “better” Christians because they have the “gift.” They are encouraged to seek greater gifts and by that become better Christians. The Spirit becomes a tool one uses to gain higher positions.

C. Some brethren: “Ye shall be baptized in the Holy Spirit” was made to and for only the twelve apostles. The Holy Spirit has little He can do today. He did His work giving us the Bible. The rest is up to us to figure out on our own. All activity of the Holy Spirit is rejected. God’s guidance and work in our lives is only and completely through the written Word of God. Any reference to the Holy Spirit’s involvement in the life of a Christian is said to be only and completely through the written Word of God.

D. Emotionalism: Emotionalism or personal experiences are not part of this study. Our feelings do not alter the Scriptures. We are concerned with the Word of God. All that we can learn about the Holy Spirit will be revealed in His word. He will not contradict Himself. He will not give us His Word as a guide for all eternity and then teach or do something different or contrary to it. His word is what will judge us at the end of time (John 12:40-50). If we must choose between the scripture and a personal experience or understanding, the Word must always be the final authority (Galatians 1:6-9). That is why God gave it to us.1. 2 Timothy 2:15; “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who

does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.”



2. 2 Timothy 3:16-17; “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.”

III. What Holy Spirit Baptism Can NOT Be:A. Holy Spirit Baptism is NOT Anything Done by Anyone Other than Jesus

1. No one can baptize you “with” or “in” the Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit baptism was to be done by Jesus only. No man has ever had that responsibility. When someone suggests that they can baptize in the “Spirit” they are usurping the authority of Jesus Christ. It is only His ministry to administer Holy Spirit Baptism.

2. Matthew 3:8-12; ..."The axe is already laid at the root . . . "As for me, I baptize you with water for repentance, but He who is coming after . . . He (Jesus) will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire . . . He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire."

3. Luke 3:15-17; ... John . . . said . . . I baptize you with water; but One is coming . . . He (Jesus) will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire . . . but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire."

4. John 1:32-34; “John testified saying, I have seen the Spirit descending as a dove out of heaven, and He remained upon Him . . . He upon whom you see the Spirit descending and remaining upon Him, this is the One (Jesus) who baptizes in the Holy Spirit.”

B. Holy Spirit Baptism is NOT Anything Before the Day of Pentecost1. “As for me, I baptize you with water for repentance, but He who is coming after me is

mightier than I, and I am not fit to remove His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” Matthew 3:11; cf. Mark. 1:8; Luke. 3:16, John 1:33

2. John 7:39; Spirit promised but NOT given because Jesus NOT yet glorified. a. John 7:39; “He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to

receive; for the Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.”b. Acts 2:33; “Therefore having been exalted to the right hand of God, and having

received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He has poured forth this which you both see and hear.”

3. Acts 1:4-5; not many days after the Ascension of Christ (10 days later)4. Spirit was active in the Old Testament, so this is something new and unique.5. Nor can it be any act after the Day of Pentecost. It was a “one time for all time”

event.

C. Holy Spirit Baptism is NOT Being “Filled” with the Spirit1. Many were “filled” before Pentecost2. Luke 1:41; John the baptizer before his birth3. Luke 1:41; Elizabeth was filled with the Spirit4. Luke 1:67; Zachariah was spirit filled and prophesied5. Being “filled with the Spirit” is to be influenced by the Spirit

a. Ephesians 1:13; 5:18-19; b. Colossians 3:16; in connection with His word in our lives.

D. Holy Spirit Baptism is NOT a Mere “Clothing” with the Holy Spirit



1. Luke 24:49; clothed with power, NOT the Spirita. They were to receive “power” when the Holy spirit came upon themb. There is a difference in the power and the Spirit. The Spirit gives the power.

2. Judges 6:34; “Spirit … came upon Gideon”3. 2 Chronicles 24:20; “Spirit of God came on Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the priest”4. 1 Chronicles 12:18; “Spirit came upon Amasai, who was the chief of the thirty”

E. Holy Spirit Baptism is NOT to Make Us Christians (sons of God)1. 1 Corinthians 12:13, water baptism is what puts us “into” Christ (Romans 6:3,4;

Galatians 3:27) and NOT Holy Spirit baptism2. Galatians 4:6; God gives spirit because we are sons (Christians)3. Ephesians 1:14; Spirit is our pledge of our inheritance, only sons inherit the Father’s

possessions4. Acts 2:38; Holy Spirit is received at baptism with the forgiveness of sins

a. Acts 5:32; Because we obey (the gospel)5. John 4:1-2; Jesus was baptizing more than John, yet Jesus not baptizing at all?

a. It was done by His disciples (the agent). b. So with the Spirit, we are baptized by the Spirit as the Spirit teaches men to

baptize.(1) 1 Corinthians 12:13; “For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body ...

we were all made to drink of one Spirit.” The Spirit provided the direction and information that allow one to be baptized in water for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:28).

F. Holy Spirit Baptism is NOT Speaking in Tongues (Languages)1. The Tongue speaking power was NOT given by Jesus, but by the Spirit himself,

a. 1 Corinthians 12:11; “But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills.”

b. Tongue Speaking is NOT Holy Spirit Baptism.2. Balaam’s donkey spoke in tongues before Pentecost, Numbers 22:283. Tongue speaking was a gift that manifested the Spirit’s power and approval.

a. Tongues were Languages. Not just noise, nor utterances, but actual languages b. 1 Corinthians 14:10; “There are, perhaps, a great many kinds of languages in the

world, and no kind is without meaning.”4. Tongues are a SIGN to unbelievers,

a. 1 Corinthians 14:22; “So then tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers”

b. Tongues as “a sign to unbelievers” would have to be practiced in the presence of an unbeliever who spoke a different language then the one performing the sign. In that way the “unbeliever” would hear the word of God in His own language and would see the power of God and be persuaded of the truth.



G. John 3:34 from the Interlinear Bible reveals several words in English are not in the Greek text at all. These words were added by translators for clarity.

H. Holy Spirit Baptism is NOT a “Measure” of the Spirit. 1. John 3:34; “For He (Jesus) whom God has sent speaks the words of God; for He

(Jesus) gives the Spirit without measure.” 2. John 3:34; “For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth

not the Spirit by measure unto him.” KJVa. Notice the KJV says “God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.”

(1) It is then taken that if God gives the Spirit to Jesus “without” measure, that God must give the Spirit by various measures to others.

(2) NO where does the Bible teach this. Never is anyone said to get some “measure” of the Spirit.

(3) The Spirit is a person and cannot be measured out of divided up.b. The KJV adds the word “God” to the text because they thought it would make it

clearer. It is not “God” that gives the Spirit, but Jesus.c. The words “unto him” are not the Greek text at all.d. Strong’s says about the added word “God” NOTE: “inserted word (God); This

word was added by the translators for better readability in the English. There is no actual word in the Greek text. The word may be displayed in italics, or in parentheses or other brackets, to indicate that it is not in the original text.”11

3. Jesus gives the Spirit without measure. The Spirit cannot be “measured” out any more than Jesus could be given in various “measures” of degrees.

4. John 7:38; the Spirit was not given until Jesus was glorified.

11(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright (c) 1994, Biblesoft, Inc.)


John 3: 34 (Interlinear)

he whom For hath sent God the words of God: speaketh not xxx hon gar apesteilin ho Theos ta reemata tou Theou lalei ou

for by measure unto him. God giveth the Spirit. gar ek metrou xxxx xxxx xxxx didoosin to Pneuma

“For He (Jesus) whom God has sent speaks the words of God;for He (Jesus) gives the Spirit without measure.”

xxx indicates where there are NO words in the Greek.

(Interlinear Transliterated Bible. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 by Biblesoft, Inc.


5. Acts 2:33; after Jesus was glorified, Spirit was given and received when believers were baptized into Christ.

6. How can you have a measure of a person??7. Some mean, they have a measure of the POWER of the Spirit. If this is meant -say it!8. But the Spirit is given without measure!

IV. Hear Ye the Word! A. Listen to the Promise. Ask, “Who is doing this?”

B. READ the Promise1. Matthew 3:1-12; He will baptize . . . Holy Spirit & fire2. Mark 1:1-8; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit3. Luke 3:1-9, 15-17; Jesus to baptize with Holy Spirit and fire4. John 1:32-34; Jesus, who baptizes in the Holy Spirit5. Luke 24:49; I (Jesus) am sending forth the promise of the Father . . . clothed with

power . . . 6. Acts 1:4-5, 8; wait for what the Father promised . . . 7. Acts 2:1-4; Happened on the Day of Pentecost ONLY8. Acts 2:5-ff; 12 apostles filled with the Holy Spirit, the 12 spoke in tongues (A SIGN)

C. Joel 2:28-32; I WILL POUR FORTH of My SPIRIT1. Acts 2:33, 38, 39: received promise, POURED forth

Will Happen < PENTECOST > Has Happened

V. Holy Spirit Baptism SUMMARY, A. Definition: The Holy Spirit was made available (POURED FORTH) on Pentecost,

received at Baptism (to indwell)1. “Poured Out” is used four times in the New Testament.

a. Acts 2:17; “and it shall be in the last days,' God says, 'that I will pour forth of my spirit on all mankind”

b. Acts 2:33; “Therefore having been exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He has poured forth this which you both see and hear.”(1) “Gathering them together, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to

wait for what the Father had promised, "Which," He said, "you heard of from Me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” Acts 1:4,5

c. Acts 10:45; “All the circumcised believers who came with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also.”

d. Titus 3:5, 6; “....the Holy Spirit whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,”

2. The “Out Pouring” of the Holy Spirit or Holy Spirit Baptism is the process that made the Holy Spirit available to all flesh.


HO

LY

SPIRIT

ALLFLESH

(MANKIND)


3. This one-time event (Day of Pentecost) has benefits that were only for apostles, benefits for those of the apostolic age and benefits for all who respond to the gospel of Christ.

B. Holy Spirit BAPTISM is simply, the out pouring of the Spirit, By Jesus, On Pentecost, One time for all time, For all men (all Flesh), As a promise from the Father,

C. Holy Spirit BAPTISM is simply Jesus’ Promise to: - Pour out the Spirit, - By Jesus, - On Pentecost, - One time for all time, “POURED OUT”- For all men (all Flesh)

- As a promise from the Father- It was a one-time EVENT not

a “measure” of the Holy Spirit!

D. Joel 2:28-ff; future event, He “will pour forth”

“It will come about after this (future)That I will pour out My Spirit on all mankind;And your sons and daughters will prophesy,Your old men will dream dreams,Your young men will see visions. "Even on the male and female servantsI will pour out My Spirit in those days.” Joel 2:28-29

“in those days” refers to the Day of Pentecost

E. Acts 2:17; Happened on Pentecost, “This is that” Peter quotes Joel and makes application to the events of the Day of Pentecost as complete fulfillment.

Acts 2:33; “has poured forth” "Therefore having been exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He has poured forth this which you both see and hear.” Acts 2:33

a. Completed action, point action in the past. (Aorist tense)b. Not repeated over and over.c. Only at one point in time (Pentecost)

F. Acts 10:45; “the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also”

point action completed in the past,but resulting in a continuing state of being (Perfect tense)



G. I Timothy 2:6; Hebrews 2:9; Christ died once for all. Point action in past, Continuing benefit for all who respond (obey, Acts 5:32) (Present tense)

H. “Out pouring” and “Baptizing in the Holy Spirit” are different ways of saying the same thing. When the Spirit was “poured out” He “baptized” the world1. Acts 1:4-5; The apostles were to receive from the Father the “baptizing in the Spirit”

Acts 2:16ff; the apostles waited to receive from the Father the “out pouring” 2. The promise from the Father was the “baptizing in the Spirit” (Acts 1:4,5) and then

Acts 2:33; says, the promise of the Father was “poured out” by Jesus, therefore the “out pouring” and the “baptizing in the Spirit” are the same event.

3. It Is a One Time Event Never to Be Repeated. 4. POUR, ekcheo NT:1632, "to pour out" (ek, "out"), is used:

a. John 2:15; of Christ's act in pouring out the money changers' money,b. of the Holy Spirit, Acts 2:17,18,33, RV, "He hath poured forth"

(KJV, "...shed forth"); c. Titus 3:6, RV, "poured out" (KJV, "shed"); Titus 3:5-7; “He saved us, not on the

basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,”

d. of the emptying of the contents of the bowls (KJV, "vials") of divine wrath, Revelation16:1-4,8,10,12,17;

e. of the shedding of the blood of saints by the foes of God, Revelation16:6, RV, "poured out" (KJV, "shed"); some mss. have it in Acts 22:20.12

5. This is an unlimited outpouring of all the contents. It indicates that all of the Spirit had been poured out for all men. There is nothing left for another outpouring in the future. The Holy Spirit was then “poured out” on the Day of Pentecost for all men, for all time. There was no more to “Pour out” at a later time. It is completed.

I. The Tense of the Verb “pour out or poured forth” indicates that it was to be a one-time -for-all-time act. Peter says what Joel had prophesied had in fact just happened. “This is that” he said, Acts 2:17. 1. In Acts 2:33 Peter says, “He (Jesus) has poured forth.” Peter uses the Aorist tense,

which expresses an action as a point action completed in the past.2. In Acts 10:45; Peter says that “the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the

Gentiles also” “was poured out” is the perfect tense that means an action completed at a point in the past but with continued benefits.

3. So the Gentiles had the Holy Spirit poured out on them on the Day of Pentecost but they did not know that until the gospel was preached to them and they understood God’s saving plan for them. This is true of any lost man to day.

4. I Timothy 2:6; Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a “ransom for all” and Hebrews 2:9; Jesus, ... “He might taste death for everyone.” Obviously, Jesus died for all men but they may not know it until they heard the gospel message. The cross was a one time for all time event.

12 Vine's Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words, Copyright (c)1985, Thomas Nelson Publishers



A listing of every time these words are found in New Testament.

Matt. 9:17; Spilled wine from old wineskins. Matt. 23:35; Shed righteous blood. Matt. 26:28; Poured out Jesus' Blood. Mark 14:24; Poured out Jesus' Blood. Luke 5:37; Spilled wine from old wineskins. Luke 11:50; Shed prophet's blood. Luke 22:20; Poured out Jesus' blood. John 2:15; Poured out money-changers' money. Acts 1:18; Gushed out-Judas' bowels.Acts 2:17-18; Poured out Holy Spirit. Acts 2: 33; Poured forth what you see and hear Acts 10:45; Poured out-the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 22:20; Shed Stephen's blood. Romans 3:15; Shed martyr's blood. Romans 5:5; Shed abroad-Love of God. Titus 3:6; Poured out-Holy Spirit. Revelation 16:1-4,8, 10,12,17; Poured out Bowls of Wrath. Revelation 16:6; Poured out saints' blood.

IN ALL THESE VERSES THE IDEA IS A TOTAL, COMPLETE, ABSOLUTE, UNLIMITED OPERATION!!!

VI. Holy Spirit Baptism, What Is It! A. SUMMARY:

1. Promise, Not a command2. Done ONLY by Jesus3. One Time, for all time4. On the Day Pentecost5. For ALL Flesh or all men

B. Holy spirit Baptism simply made the Spirit available to all who obey the gospel after that (Acts 5:32; 2:38).

C. The Spirit is received at baptism to indwell believers who become His temple. (I Corinthians 3:16; 6:19,20)

D. Receiving the Holy Spirit does not mean one can work miracles nor speak in tongues. It means that you, when properly baptized, become the temple of the Holy Spirit. He lives within you. (Romans 8:9; I Corinthians 3:16; 6:19).

VII. Holy Spirit and The Baptism of Fire.



A. Matthew 3:11; “As for me, I baptize you with water for repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, and I am not fit to remove His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”

B. The baptism of fire is not the fires of Hell. Jesus is pronouncing a judgment upon the Jewish people. He says, Matthew 3:10; “The axe is already laid at the root of the trees.” Meaning that the judgment was coming very soon. At hand!

C. Baptism of fire was not the fire associated with tongue speaking in Acts 2.

D. Jesus is predicting the destruction of the Jewish system and describing it in teams of a baptism of fire. Fire is often used to convey judgment from God. God judged the Jewish nation at the cross when her Law was “nailed to the cross” (Colossians 2:14). This was her death sentence, however her carcass remained until 70 A.D. when Rome buried Jerusalem for good.




Holy Spirit Baptism

1. What makes “Holy Spirit Baptism” so difficult for many to understand?

2. What are some bench marks concerning the Baptism of the Holy Spirit?

3. When our friends talk about Holy Spirit Baptism, What do they mean?

4. What is the difference between Holy Spirit Baptism being a “promise” or a “command?”

What was promised? What was “commanded?”

5. What is Holy Spirit Baptism according the Bible?

6. What is the difference between Holy Spirit Baptism and water baptism? Which one is the most important? Explain!

7. Paul says, Ephesians 4:4, 5; that there is just one baptism. Which one is it?

8. Explain why one cannot be baptized with the Holy Spirit today.

9. Can you have the Holy Spirit within you today? How? When?

10. When did miracles start? When did they end? Why?


Memory Verse“And it shall be in the last days,' God says,

'That I will pour forth of my spirit on all mankind” Acts 2:17a

“Therefore having been exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit,

He has poured forth this which you both see and hear.”Acts 2:33


Colossians 3:16








F. My prayer is:





Chapter 9

The Gift of the Indwelling Spirit

I. Gift of the Spirit “from” or “of” A. That there are spiritual gifts and that God gives His Spirit is obvious from several

passages, but when He means a “gift of the Spirit” as in a gift of the Spirit Himself or a “gift from the Spirit” meaning a spiritual gift given by the Spirit deserves close examination.

B. The words “gift” and “gifts” are two different words in the Greek with different meanings. The phrase we most often hear people use is “the Gifts of the Holy Spirit.” However that phrase is NEVER used in the new testament (with the definite article “the” and plural “gifts”). Seven Greek words are translated into either “gift” or “gifts.”13

1. Dorema 2 times gifts of God to humans2. Doron 18 times “to give” used of gifts presented as an expression of honor”3. Doma 4 times stresses the character of the gift4. Dosis 1 time “the act of giving, to credit accounts”5. Merismos 2 times “a dividing, distributions” 6. Dorea 11 times “A free gift” stressing the gratuitous character, (Acts 2:38

and Acts 10:45 are the only instances where the phrase “the gift of the Holy Spirit” is used)

7. Karisma 17 times “Charisma” “a gift of grace” (12 times unmistakably meaning the “spiritual gifts” given by the Holy Spirit)

a. Romans 1:11: “For I long to see you in order that I may impart some spiritual gift to you, that you may be established”

b. 1 Corinthians 1:7; “so that you are not lacking in any gift, awaiting eagerly the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ,”

c. 1 Corinthians 7:7; “Yet I wish that all men were even as I myself am. However, each man has his own gift from God, one in this manner, and another in that.”

d. 1 Corinthians 12:4; “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit.”e. 1 Corinthians 12:9; “to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of

healing by the one Spirit,”f. 1 Corinthians 12:28; “And God has appointed in the church, first apostles, second

prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, various kinds of tongues.”

g. 1 Corinthians 12:30; “All do not have gifts of healings, do they? All do not speak with tongues, do they? All do not interpret, do they?

h. 1 Corinthians 12:31; “But earnestly desire the greater gifts.”i. 1 Timothy 4:14; “Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was bestowed

upon you through prophetic utterance with the laying on of hands by the presbytery.”

13 C.H. Woodroof and Arvil Weilbaker, Biblical Analysis,(Adco Publications, 1935), p. 172,173,



j. 2 Timothy 1:6; “And for this reason I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.”

k. 1 Peter 4:10; “As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”

C. The Greek word “karisma” is used of spiritual gifts given by the Spirit. The word means, “a gift of grace, a gift involving grace (charis) on the part of God as the donor,” (Vines) “a grace, favor; a free gift, grace” (Liddel & Scott). 1. It is a gift imparted by God for a particular work. Always a gift given by the Spirit

and not the Spirit Himself.2. It is a temporary provision given for a specific reason for a limited time. Gifts given

until the “perfect comes” that is a complete, full revelation described as “a more excellent way” (I Corinthians 13:10; 12:31)

II. God Among His People

A. God has always desired to be among His people. In the beginning of time with Adam and Eve He desired to walk and talk with those whom He loves. The ugliness of sin has broken the closeness that God the Father had with His children. During the time leading up to the flood, it grieved God the way people were acting. It got so bad that He said, “My Spirit shall not strive with man forever (Genesis 6:3).

B. God had instructed that a continued burnt offering be made at the doorway of the tent of meeting. Symbolically, God would meet with His people there. His glory would consecrate the people continually. There He would dwell among the sons of Israel and be their God, and they would be His people.1. Exodus 29:45,46; II Corinthians 6:162. Isaiah 59:21; “As for Me, this is My covenant with them," says the LORD: "My Spirit

which is upon you, and My words which I have put in your mouth shall not depart from your mouth, nor from the mouth of your offspring, nor from the mouth of your offspring's offspring," says the LORD, "from now and forever.”

3. The naming of Jesus suggest God’s desire to be among His people. a. Immanuel, “God with Us” Isaiah 7:14;b. Matthew 1:21-23; “IMMANUEL” which translated means, "GOD WITH US."c. It is more than a name it is a Declaration of His continual Presence

C. John 4:24; God is Spirit. When the Spirit of God is with His people, God is among them.

D. Joel 2:28-32; God promises to “pour out” His Spirit on all men. The Day of Pentecost is the fulfillment of the promises. Peter even tells us, this is what Joel meant!

E. The Word “Enthusiasm” has at it root the idea of ‘in god’ or god within.

III. Becoming a Child of GodA. The Gift of Salvation is the greatest Gift one will ever receive. Without the Grace of God

providing a new birth one cannot enter into the Eternal Kingdom of God, (John 3:5; Ephesians 2:8).



4. Acts 2:38; has long been our favorite verse. It clearly states that salvation or forgiveness of sins is received when a penitent believer is baptized into Christ. a. Acts 2:38; “... Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for

the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”b. We have diagramed, illustrated and preached this verse more than any other.

What it says needs to be preached. Forgiveness is received only by those who have been baptized into Christ. There is no other gospel.

5. Notice two commands to be obeyed and two promises to be received. It is a package deal. Both commands are absolutely necessary. Both promises are equally a blessing and eternally important for each believer. To obey one command and not the other is to disobey God. Remember Nadab and Abihu, (Leviticus 10:1-3)?a. COMMANDS:

(1) Repent, a change of mind that results in a change of action (Luke 13:3; Acts 17:30)

(2) Be Baptized, immersed in water, a burial with Christ (Romans 6:3,4) which unites the sinner with the shed blood of Jesus that washes sins away, (Acts 16:22).

(3) We cannot reach the goal of the verse through just one command. Both are joined equally. Both are essential.

b. BLESSINGS:(1) Forgiveness of Sins. The Blood washes us clean, (Acts 20:28; and I Peter

1:18)(2) The Gift of the Holy Spirit. Not a gift from the Spirit, but the gift of the Spirit

himself. He is given to those who obey, (Acts 5:32). We then become a temple of the Spirit that is in us, (I Corinthians 3:16; 6:19, 20).

6. We have no right to stress the necessity of baptism and not mention the Gift of the Spirit. We will not accept into our fellowship one who has not received forgiven of his sins by being baptized into Christ. Nor should we consider one who is not indwelt by the Holy Spirit of God. He gives His Spirit to those who obey Him, (Acts 5:32). a. This is not a limited blessing. It is for all who answer the Call of God, (Acts 2:39).b. We are NOT talking about miracle working, tongue speaking manifestations of

the Spirit but the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in the lives of Christians.7. The miraculous element of the Holy Spirit and that which came by the laying on of

the apostle’s hands was external manifestations of the Spirit’s influence. The indwelling is completely an internal presence of the Holy Spirit and has no external manifestation associated with it. We have not only “tasted the good Word of God” but have also become “partakers of the Holy Spirit” (Hebrews 6:4).

B. The Gift of the Holy Spirit was Poured Out for the Gentiles8. Acts 10:45; “And all the circumcised believers who had come with Peter were

amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out upon the Gentiles also.”a. It took a miracle or two to get Peter’s attention, but he did eventually realize that

God had always intended to bless both the Jews and the Gentiles in Christ. b. When Peter and his companions saw that God gave a “spiritual gift of tongues” to

the Gentiles, they realized the scope of God’s “out pouring” of the Spirit.



c. If the Gentiles are also included in the blessings of God then logically they must be candidates for water baptism, salvation and the indwelling “gift” of the Holy Spirit.

d. They received a “gift from the Spirit” (tongues) and then were baptized in water to receive “the gift of the Spirit” to indwell all because the Holy Spirit had indeed been “poured out upon ALL flesh.”

9. Acts 11:17; “If God therefore gave to them the same gift as He gave to us also after believing in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God's way?” a. What the Jews received the Gentiles could also receive. God’s Spirit would

indwell all who obeyed the gospel of Christ. “And we are witnesses of these things; and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him” (Acts 5:32).

10. The Holy Spirit as the “gift” is not the donor but the donation. We are a temple that houses the Holy Spirit Himself, not the “gifts” from the Spirit. For this reason we are not to pray to the Holy Spirit but rather to God the Father. We thank God the donor for His donation of the Holy Spirit that indwells us. a. We are the temple of the Holy Spirit, I Corinthians 3:16; I Corinthians 6:19,20

and II Corinthians 6:19b. We receive that Spirit to live within when we are baptized into Christ (Acts 2:38).c. The “gifts” (karisma) are Spirit given gifts that are for a select few and temporary

in nature and time. The “Gift” of the Holy Spirit Himself, is for all who become Christians throughout the Christian age.

C. Jesus said that the Holy Spirit would become a River of Living Water that wells up within the Christian and flows from us (John 7:37-39).1. If the Spirit is to flow from us, how did He get in us? We received Him as a gift from

God when we were baptized (Acts 2:38).2. Tell me again about the importance of baptism. We have spent so much time telling

people to be baptized and proving its absolute importance that we may have failed to hear what the rest of the verse is saying. It is not just a message to be baptized. It is an essential union with Christ that allows the Blood of Jesus to flow to our souls. It also plants the Spirit of God in our hearts where His fruit begins to develop and a River of Life flows to eternity.

D. The very reason God “poured out” the Holy Spirit was that He might find residence within our souls. 1. We are Living Temple, Holy, Redeemed, on a mission of praise and glory for God.2. Romans 12:1, 2; Being not like the world, we offer ourselves as living sacrifices.3. Romans 5:5; The Holy Spirit has poured the love of God into our hearts.4. II Corinthians 3:18; The Spirit works to transform us into the image of Christ.5. Galatians 4:6: “And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son

into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!”6. If you do not have the Spirit living within you, you are not a Christian! Romans 8:9;

“you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him.”



E. This Gift of God is not simply the Bible, It is Not just a feeling or influence, it is the Spirit’s dwelling in us. We are His dwelling place, (I Corinthians 6:19, 20).1. We are in communion together. “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of

God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.”(2 Corinthians 13:14).2. 2 Timothy 1:14; “Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure

which has been entrusted to you.”3. On the Day of Pentecost, 3,000 precious souls “received the Word” and were

baptized to receive the Holy Spirit’s indwelling presence (Acts 2:41, 38). 4. God dwells within Christians through His Holy Spirit but just how He does that is

beyond our understanding.a. Ephesians 2:20-22; “having been built upon the foundation of the apostles and

prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together is growing into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit.”

b. Romans 8:9; “However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him.”

F. The Holy Spirit Is Our Spiritual Life Giver1. To become a Christian you had to die first to sin and self

(Romans 6:3, 4).2. From the watery grave, God raised you to newness of life.

Not just back to life. Not back to the old life, but a new life, a newness from God by His Spirit who is the life giver, (Romans 8:9-11).

II. The Life That Jesus PromisedA. Jesus Spoke of a Life That Would Know No End.

1. John 11:25, 26; “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?"

B. Jesus Promised Living Water springing up to eternal life to the woman at the well.1. John 4:10-14; "If you knew the gift of God . . . He would have given you living water

. . . shall never thirst . . . the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life."

C. Not Just Alive, but Living. A Newness from God. Jesus told Nicodemus, he would just have to start life all over again. You cannot get to the spiritual life of God by human effort and means. It only comes from a spiritual source. (John 3:3-5)1. Spiritual life starts with death. One dies to self to live for God. 2. New Birth is where one is born of the Holy Spirit to live spiritually.3. From the baptismal burial one is raised to “newness of Life” that comes from God.4. Growth in the new life is into the likeness of God:

a. “... you lay aside the old self . . . be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.” Ephesians 4:22-24


“You cannot get to the spiritual life of

God by human effort and means. It only

comes from a spiritual source.”


b. Our life is then “hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:1-4).c. To live is Christ, to die is gain, (Philippians 1:21).d. Galatians 2:20; Paul said it is, “not I who lives . . . Christ in me . . . ”

D. Jesus Promised a Helper and Comforter to the Apostles. This was a special gift for the apostles and not for all believers directly. This promise involved the gift of direct revelation and inspiration. The Comforter Jesus promised is also encouraging to us who receive the same Spirit when we are baptized into Christ. 1. "I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you

forever; that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you” (John 14:16,17).

2. “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you” (John 14:26)

3. “When the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, that is the Spirit of truth . . .” (John 15:26).

4. “But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth” (John 16:13)

5. We do not receive the gift of inspiration. What the apostles received by inspiration we get by perspiration. We have to work for it.

III. Receiving the Indwelling SpiritA. Received at Baptism

1. Acts 2:38; “Peter said to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”a. J. W. Mc Garvey says, “The expression (the gift of the Holy Spirit) means the

Holy Spirit as a gift; and reference is to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit by which we bring forth the fruit of the spirit.” 14

2. We clearly see the gift of the indwelling Spirit in Acts 5:32; "And we are witnesses of these things; and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him." It is not that the Spirit is represented within the person, but actually given by God as a gift to them. How does God do that? I do not know and do not need to know to enjoy the benefit of His presence.

3. Titus 3:5; “He saved us . . . by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,” cf. John 3:3-5 again, also Ephesians 5:26.

B. Temple of the Holy Spirit

14J. W. Mc Garvey, New Commentary on Acts of the Apostles (Delight, Arkansas, Gospel Light Pub. Co.) page 39


“He is our Holy Guest. Does the

Spirit feel at home in you?”


1. 1 Corinthians 3:16; “... you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?”

2. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.”a. We must remember where we came from and how much sin had marred us.

1 Corinthians 6:9-11 “Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.”

b. “Temple” in Greek is “naos” and means the dwelling place of deity, the sanctuary where God Himself dwelt.

c. The “Name of Jesus” and the “Spirit of God” combined with a keen sense of His grace helps us live the holy life the Spirit within deserves.

d. Looking back on our old sinful ways (I Timothy 1:15) and ahead to Christ (Hebrews 12:1) will focus our faith not on Satan’s temptations but God’s great rewards (Hebrews 11:6)

3. We are the Spirit’s dwelling place. He abides with us, (I John 3:24) He is our Holy Guest. A question we must ask is, “Does the Spirit feel at home in you?”

4. Being a temple of the Holy Spirit is a great incentive and stimulus for Holy living. It encourages us to do what is right and pleasing to God. It is not because God is watching us from heaven, but that He is present with us in the Holy Spirit.

5. Hebrews 10:24; “Let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds.” If the fellowship of fellow Christians can help to stimulate us to “love and good deeds” how much more the Holy Spirit of God being in us. We are the house of the Holy Spirit.

6. I Peter 1:15, 16; “Like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, "YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY."” Being filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:8) is the motivation I need to live the holy life God intended.

7. As a “temple of the Holy Spirit” I do not want to embrace the sin that so trapped me before I came to Christ. Not that I cannot sin but the awareness of His presence encourages me to rethink Satan’s offers and helps me seek the “way of escape” that God always provides. a. 1 Corinthians 10:13; “No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to

man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.”

C. The Spirit Indwells Christians.1. Romans 8:9-11; “... you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of

God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him. If Christ is in you . . . the spirit is alive . . . But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.”



2. Because we are Sons of God, we have the Spirit within (Galatians 4:6).3. Romans 5:5; Holy Spirit works in our hearts.4. I have a responsibility to the Holy Spirit to live consistent with His indwelling.

Although I may fail at times, the awareness and the responsibility help get me back on tract. The more I am aware of His presence, the less I want to stray from His guiding word.

D. The Holy Spirit Working Within Us.1. Ephesians 3:14-17; “For this reason I bow my knees before the Father . . . that He

would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man”

2. Ephesians 1:19; “and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe.”a. Miraculous Powers work outside the man.b. Indwelling power works on the inside of a man. It is heart power.

3. 1 John 4:13-14; “by this we know that we abide in Him and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit.”



Questions and Discussions Points Chapter 9

The Gift of the Indwelling Spirit

1. What is the indwelling of the Holy Spirit?

2. If we have a “Holy” Spirit within us, what must we be? How is this accomplished?

3. How do you get the Spirit within?

4. For Whom was the Spirit made available?

5. When does He come into you? Give at least one verse.

6. How would you know that the Spirit is within?

7. Jesus said we must be “born again” (from above, spiritually). Relate this to the indwelling Spirit.

8. Can you have the Spirit within and not know it?

9. What difference does it make to you that the Spirit is within you?

10. The Holy Spirit poured out the love of God into your heart (Romans 5:5). What will you do with it?

11. What is the significance of “glorifying God in your bodies” since we are a temple of the Holy Spirit (I Corinthians 6:19,20)?


Memory Verse

“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have Romans God, and that you

are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.”

1 Corinthians 6:19-20


Colossians 3:16








F. My prayer is:

Chapter 10

Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit

I. Purpose of Biblical MiraclesA. So often people want “Gifts” from the Spirit. They want the “Gifts” but have not taken

the time to get to know the “Giver.” This study is to help us to know the Giver and His





role in our lives. God will see to it that we are adequately equipped for whatever work He brings into our lives (II Timothy 3:16-17).

B. Confirm the Word, 1. Miracles were to confirm the Word spoken by the apostles. The miraculous powers

were their credentials. They showed the apostles spoke for God. 2. Mark 16:20; “...while the Lord worked with them, and confirmed the word by the

signs that followed . . . ” 3. Hebrews 2:2,3; “ . . . it was confirmed to us by those who heard, God also testifying

with them, both by signs and wonders and by various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit according to His own will.”

4. They did not have a written record as a standard to check strange teachings against.

C. Perfect the Saints, Ephesians 4:10-12; “And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ”

D. Work of Ministry. Miracles were to equip them for the work of service (Ephesians 4:10-12).

E. Various gifts were for the Edifying of the Body of Christ (Ephesians 4:8-12).

F. To Become a Source of Unity for the Church. Something to be preserved (Ephesians 4:3).

II. Three Prominent Periods of Miracles in HistoryA. Time of Moses. Witness to his office as prophet and spiritual leader.

B. Elijah and Elisha. Called people from apostasy and idolatry into faithful worship.

C. Time of Christ. Credentials of the Messiah and His apostles. 1. Mark 16:20; Confirmed the word they spoke in the absence of New Testament

documents. 2. II Corinthians 12:12; “The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with all

perseverance, by signs and wonders and miracles.”

D. God had never intended for miracles to be consistently used in all ages. They were always temporary. Miracles were used by select few for limited times to confirm the message or work of God (Mark 16:20).

E. With the completion of the New Testament, God has provided a permanent way to confirm His activity. One can now check the Word of God that is the final source of authority and will judge us in the last days (John 12:48-50).1. Peter tells us we have the Word made more sure than the miraculous events that

preceded it. 2 Peter 1:19; “And so we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention . . . ”

III. How Were Miraculous Powers Imparted? Nueces Canyon Church of Christ Brian Garnett


A. Laying on of Apostolic Hands, 1. The first time the Apostles “laid hands” on anyone was in the selection of the seven

brethren to help the Apostles take care of the Grecian widows. a. Acts 6:5-6; “they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and

Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch. And these they brought before the apostles; and after praying, they laid their hands on them.”

b. We are not told of all that these men did but we do find reports on Stephen and Philip.(1) Acts 6:8; “And Stephen, full of grace and power, was performing great

wonders and signs among the people.”(2) Acts 8:5-6; “And Philip went down to the city of Samaria and began

proclaiming Christ to them. And the multitudes with one accord were giving attention to what was said by Philip, as they heard and saw the signs which he was performing.”

(3) Both Stephen and Philip could perform miraculous signs but they themselves could not impart those same powers to others. Philip will call for the Apostles to come lay hands on the people of Samaria (Acts 8:14-16).

c. Acts 8:14-18; “...they sent them Peter and John . . . began laying their hands on them, and they were receiving the Holy Spirit. Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was bestowed through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money,”

2. Philip the evangelist, had baptized the Samaritans in water for the forgiveness of their sins and the gift of the indwelling Spirit (Acts 2:28). He could not give them miraculous powers because he was not an apostle. Apostles were sent from Jerusalem and laid hands on them and they received powers just like Philip had. They could not in turn impart the gifts to others because they were not apostles! a. Simon, the magician, saw that the Apostles could impart the Spirit’s powers. He

wanted to buy the “authority” to do the same. God’s power was not for sale and Simon was told to repent of his evil, selfish desires.

3. In Acts 19:1-7; Paul finds some disciple who received “John’s baptism” most likely from Apollos. John’s baptism was not valid after the cross so Paul baptized them correctly. They received the forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit to dwell within them (Acts 2:38). Paul then gave them miraculous powers from the Spirit by the laying on of apostolic hands. a. Acts 19:1-6; “when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on

them, and they began speaking with tongues and prophesying.”4. Romans 1:11; Paul wanted to go to Rome to “impart” some spiritual gifts to them.

They had the gospel. They were baptized and therefore received the “gift of the Holy Spirit,” but Paul had another dimension in mind. He would lay apostolic hands on ‘some’ of them to grant miraculous powers from the Spirit.

5. 2 Corinthians 12:12; “The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with all perseverance, by signs and wonders and miracles.”

6. II Timothy 1:6; Timothy received the gift of God through the laying on of Paul’s hands.a. 2 Timothy 1:6; “And for this reason I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God

which is in you through the laying on of my hands.”



(1) The Greek word translated “through” or “by” is dia and meant the agency by which an action is accomplished.

b. 1 Timothy 4:14; “Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was bestowed upon you through prophetic utterance with the laying on of hands by the presbytery.”(1) The Greek word “by” is meta and meant “to the accompaniment of.”

c. So Timothy was given powers when Paul, the apostle, laid hands on him and he also was ‘appointed’ to the task of ministry ‘by’ the hands of the presbytery.

7. A law of nature is that all things begin by miracle and then continue by natural process. The Spiritual Gifts began by miracle on the Day of Pentecost with the apostles and then continued by the natural process of the apostles laying hands on certain individuals.

8. One might ask if Paul received his powers as an apostle from Ananias? Ananias was not an apostle and not therefore able to impart the miraculous gift although he could himself work miracles as he did by restoring Paul’s eyesight. a. Jesus told Ananias that Paul has seen a vision and that he would receive his sight

back when hands were laid on him. b. Acts 9:12; Jesus said to Ananias, “and he has seen in a vision a man named

Ananias come in and lay his hands on him, so that he might regain his sight.”c. Ananias restored Paul’s sight, baptized him into Christ, and told him he would be

filled with the Holy Spirit, but did not himself give the Spirit to him. 9. Should the “laying on of hands” be practiced today in the church? We have seen at

least two reasons for the laying on of hands. a. To impart miraculous powers by an apostle. Since the apostles have all passed and

there is not a continual apostolic line, the laying on of the apostle’s hands is impossible today.

b. To appoint to a special task of ministry. (1) The Antioch church sent Paul and Barnabas on their missionary journey with

the “laying on of hands”(a) Acts 13:3; “Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands

on them, they sent them away.”(2) Timothy is encouraged by the seasoned Paul to be careful in hastily

appointing others to ministries.(a) 1 Timothy 5:22; “Do not lay hands upon anyone too hastily and thus

share responsibility for the sins of others; keep yourself free from sin.”c. I believe the church not only have the right to “lay hands” on others but also the

obligation to do so. Surely we have men being appointed as Shepherds of the flock who needs such a demonstration of support and backing. Young people going off on mission trips, ministries and works for the Lord should be encouraged in this way.

B. Effects - I Corinthians 12:1-10; Miraculous Ability. “There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons.” (I Corinthians 12:6.)

C. Duration - Till truth is completely revealed. Approximately the end of the first century. Since the apostles died off about that time it harmonizes scripture and the historical record. Once the last apostle dies, no one else could give the power to another. So let us



say, within a generation (about 40 years) of the last apostle we ought to expect that the performing of miracles ceased. 1. I Corinthians 13:8-13; “... gifts of prophecy, they will be done away; ... tongues . . .

will cease . . . when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away.”2. The argument is not WILL miracles cease, but WHEN did they cease!3. Ephesians 4:8-12; “... He gave some as apostles . . . prophets . . . evangelists . . .

pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, . . . ”a. Jude 3; this unity is what the Word “once for all delivered” produced

4. It is not that God cannot work miraculously. It’s not a lack of power but a matter of the will of God. He never intended for everyone to have miraculous gifts. He never intended for the miracles to last forever. Remember He said, “they will cease!” (1 Corinthians 13:8).

IV. What Were the Spiritual Gifts?A. I Corinthians 12:8-10; and I Corinthians 12:28-30

1. The Words of Wisdom;2. The Word of Knowledge;3. Faith;4. Gifts of Healing;5. Effecting of Miracles;6. Prophecy;7. Distinguishing of spirits;8. Various Kinds of Tongues; (languages) called the least of the gifts9. The Interpretation of Tongues;10. Apostleship11. Prophetic Office12. Teaching and Administration13. Servants or helpers14. All the various gifts are the working of the ONE Holy Spirit.15. The Gifts only had value when they were used in a loving, encouraging manner.

B. Special Gifts of the Holy Spirit1. Romans 1:11; “I may impart some spiritual gift to you”2. Romans 11:29; “gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.”3. Romans 12:6; “gifts that differ according to the grace”4. I Corinthians 1:7; “so that you are not lacking in any gift,”5. I Corinthians 7:7; “each man has his own gift from God,”6. I Corinthians 12:9; there are varieties of gifts . . . same Spirit.7. I Corinthians 12:9; “to another gifts of healing”8. I Corinthians 12:28; “gifts of healing,”9. I Corinthians 12:30; “All do not have gifts of healing, do they?” 10. I Corinthians 12:31; “But earnestly desire the greater gifts.”11. II Corinthians 1:11; thanks given . . . for the (gifts) bestowed12. I Timothy 4:14; Do not neglect the spiritual gift within13. II Timothy 1:6; Kindle afresh the gift of God that is in you through the laying on of

my (apostle’s) hands.



14. I Peter 4:10; as each one has received a special gift

C. The Holy Spirit also “graced” many individuals with gifts of talents and abilities that were not in themselves miraculous.1. Romans 12:6-8; gifts given according to their faith2. Ephesians 4:7-ff; gifts of various leadership position and ministries3. I Corinthians 1:4-7; the Corinthians were not lacking in any gift

V. Special Temporary Gifts from the Holy SpiritA. APOSTLESHIP:

1. Delegate, messenger, one sent with a commission. 2. Qualifications:

a. Chosen by the Lord Himself. Matthew 10:1,2b. Miraculous powers as credentials, II Corinthians 12:12c. Eyewitnesses of the resurrection, Acts 1:22

3. NO provision for successors. No replacements were ever chosen to replace the apostles. Matthias was selected to replace Judas before the Day of Pentecost and the provisions of the Holy Spirit. In that way the church started with a full slate of apostles. Once the Christian Age began the apostles fulfilled their ministry and passed from time. The church was built on their foundation.a. Ephesians 2:19-20; “(You)are of God's household, having been built upon the

foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone.”

b. 1 Corinthians 3:11; “For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”

4. The Office of the Apostles died with the first generations of Christians. With the termination of the Apostleship, the special powers granted to the Apostles also ceased. No one today can do what the apostles of Christ did back then.

5. Since there are no Apostles of Christ alive today we simply build upon the foundation they laid. The church is not built by laying the foundation over and over. Just as Jesus is the cornerstone in the foundation. We do not need a “replacement Jesus” for the church today. We build on what He did back then.

B. PROPHECY: 1. Second only to apostleship.2. Work involved forth telling (preaching) and fore-telling (predicative element)3. Received God’s message by special revelation, (Ephesians 3:3-5).4. Given Divine guidance. 5. Must deliver message free from error. Not their message, only their job to deliver the

message God gave to them.a. 2 Peter 1:20-21; “But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a

matter of one's own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.”



6. Agabus was a first century prophet who predicated a coming famine in Jerusalem (Acts 11:27-28) and Paul’s imprisonment and the things he would suffer (Acts 21:10, 11).

7. Philip had four daughters who were prophetesses (Acts 21:9). 8. Prophecy is viewed as a Greater gift (I Corinthians 14:3) because dealt with edifying,

exhorting and comforting the church.9. Related to Word of Wisdom and Word of Knowledge.10. Old Testament prophets were very concerned with the nation and were patriotic

leaders often calling the nation to repentance. The New Testament prophets spoke to individuals. As the New Testament documents became available this gift was no longer necessary. The Word of God does their work for us today.

11. There is no longer a need for continued revelation today. Revelation 22:18, 19, makes it clear that God has already given us the message we need. We do not need more words (Revelation) from God we need only to obey what He has in His wisdom provided. Let us contend for the word of truth that we have.a. Jude 3; “Beloved, while I was making every effort to write you about our common

salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.”

C. MIRACLES: 1. Gk. DUNAMEIS, inherent power, power residing in a thing by virtue of its nature. 2. Grouped with signs, wonders and mighty works. 3. Miracles were displays of Divine power to authenticate the message.4. Someone might say, “I don’t believe in miracles because they are not natural.” That is

our very point. They are not natural. They are above the laws of nature. That is what makes it a miracle!

5. Jesus turned ‘water into wine’ (John 2) and today the gospel can turn ‘wine into bread.’ As lives change and hope is restored, men are recreated into creatures of honor and compassion. Fathers who cared only for the next drink are bringing food home for the table again. This is the power of God’s message (Romans 1:16).

D. HEALING: 1. Pertained to restoring health to body, to the mind or both. 2. It was never the intent of God to remove all suffering and sickness from the world.

This is part of the curse on man and his realm from Adam’s time. Even in Jesus’s day He did not remove all sickness, poverty and suffering. Jesus said, “the poor you have with you always (Matthew 26:11).”

3. God still heals today in response to prayer. He has granted man the ability to do amazing things through medicine and cures.

4. Men today do not have the ability to cast out disease and restore limbs, sight, hearings, raise the dead and the rest. It is not that God cannot heal nor that He is powerless to do so. It is a question of His will and the means He chooses to work through.

5. Remember, James 5:16; “The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.”

E. TONGUES:



1. The Holy Spirit enabled men to speak languages they never studied. When talking about the work of the Holy Spirit, to focus all our attention on tongue speaking would be like me describing my wife as a good “dish washer.” Now that my wife can wash dishes there is no doubt. But there is so much more to whom she is that it would be a great disservice (insult) to her to so identify her. The Holy Spirit is so much more than One who gave the gift of “tongues” to a few at various times. We must not “insult the Spirit of grace” (Heb 10:29).

2. Acts 2:8-11; The people visiting Jerusalem heard in their own language (tongue).3. Acts 10:46, 11:15-17; Same expression as Pentecost4. Acts 19:1-6; Disciples of John received power by laying on of apostolic hands and

spoke in tongues as a demonstration of that power.5. I Corinthians 12:28; Tongue speaking is the “lesser” gift6. I Corinthians 13, Without love, tongue speaking is a useless gift.7. I Corinthians 13:8; Gift only for a limited time, Will Cease! The question is not “if”

they will cease but “when” they cease.8. I Corinthians 14 Deals with problems over tongues being used in the assembly.

a. V.2; Speaks to God, not men (unknown-KJV)b. Vs. 3-4; Inferior gift, encouraged to seek greater giftsc. Vs. 19; Better 5 words with understanding than 10,000 words in tonguesd. Vs. 21-22; Sign to unbelievers, not to believers. Not used to “edify” the churche. Vs. 26-28; Must have an interpreter, f. Only 2 or 3 Can speak in tongues and only in turng. Tongue speaking was never a test of salvation.h. Not a sign of spirituality, Corinthian church was the most carnal.

9. TONGUES were always a known, real languagea. Never ecstatic utterances, or noisesb. Not angelic speech (unnecessary unless one was taking to angels)c. Not to man but to Godd. Only 2 or 3 and in turne. Must have an interpreter (because others would not understand the language).f. Women to keep silent in the churches

10. “In discussing the word "tongue," W. E. Vine correctly observes: "There is no evidence of the continuance of this gift after apostolic times nor indeed in the later times of the apostles themselves; this provides confirmation of the fulfillment in this way of 1 Corinthians 13: 8, that this gift would cease in the churches, just as would 'prophecies' and 'knowledge' in the sense of knowledge received by immediate supernatural power. The completion of the Holy Scriptures has provided the churches with all that is necessary for individual and collective guidance, instruction, and edification" (Vol. IV, page 143).15

F. THE INTERPRETATION OF TONGUES1. This was also a gift. The two went hand in hand. Tongues without an interpretation

were meaningless to most.

15Wendell Winkler, “What Do You Know About The Holy Spirit”, The third Annual Fort Worth Lectures, (Winkler Publications Hurst, Texas 76053, 1980) p.146



2. For there to be edification to the assembly, when one spoke in tongues to a small segment of the congregation the rest had to have an understanding as well. Therefore, there had to be an interpretation. 1 Corinthians 14:26; “What is the outcome then, brethren? When you assemble, each one has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.”

3. It should be obvious that when “tongues ceased” the need for an interpretation ceased also.

4. We have no record (or reason) for the exercise of this gift without first the speaking in tongues.

G. DISCERNING SPIRITS:1. Discerning whether spirits were true or counterfeit (false). In

Acts 8:18 Philip was able to see the heart of Simon the Sorcerer and know that his intents were evil. Indeed, he stood condemned unless he repented.

2. We are to test the spirits, I John 4:1-ff. a. 1 John 4:1; “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test

the spirits to see whether they are from God”3. Distinguish - Spirit inspired or devil-incited. Since Satan

cannot overpower the work and influence of God he tries to confuse and distort the truth (Galatians 1:6-9).

4. Once the New Testament was completed, it was the standard to test others by, a. John 12:48-50; Judged by the Word.b. II Timothy 3:16, 17; All inspired authority all else is

measured by. c. II Timothy 1:13; A standard to be maintained through

time.

VI. Purpose of Spiritual GiftsA. Given to bring the Church to Maturity

1. In place until the “perfect” comes, I Corinthians 13:10;2. Necessary in the absence of a complete revelation.3. Inspired men were in time replaced by an all inspired book, II Corinthians 4:7; II

Timothy 3:16,17.

B. For Common good of Church, I Corinthians 12:7;

C. Confirm the Word, Mark 16:19,20; Hebrews 2:4;

D. For Perfecting the Saints, Ephesians 4:12;

E. To Establish the Saints, Romans 1:11;

F. Demonstrate the Spirit's Power, I Corinthians 2:4, 5.


“Inspired men were in time replaced by an all

inspired book.”


VII. How Spiritual Gifts Were Bestowed?A. Directly from Heaven, Acts 2:17-33; 10:43-45;

B. Through the Apostle's Hands1. Acts 6:1-8; Stephen did great wonders and miracles2. Acts 8:6,7,13; Philip (evangelist) did miracles3. Peter & John called to impart Gifts, Acts 8:14-19; by laying on of apostles’ hands4. Paul laid hands on 12 Ephesians, Acts 19:6;5. Paul laid hands on Timothy, II Timothy 1:6;

C. These Gifts Will CEASE! 1. “Love never fails; but if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away; if there

are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be done away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part; but when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away . . . ”

2. The argument is not “Will they cease?” but “WHEN will they cease?”3. Remember, passed on by Apostolic Hands4. When apostles all died, miraculous age ends5. When Did Spiritual Gifts Cease?

a. They will cease, end, vanish, I Corinthians 13:10-ffb. When the perfect comesc. Was a more excellent way, loved. Till we all come to unity of faith, Ephesians 4:7-

14;(1) cf. Galatians 3:23-25; "till the seed comes"

6. "The Faith" - Acts 6:7; Galatians 1:23; a. Jude 3 “once for all delivered” means one time

for all time

VIII. Non-Miraculous Gifts of the Holy SpiritA. Not all gifts were miraculous and temporary. God

still provides “gifts” and ministries to many today. Jesus spoke of the talents that some have and the different degrees of those talents and abilities. God will never give us a task to perform that His grace will not equip us to do. In our search to “know” our “gifts” we must start always with a deep trust the God is the one in control and all is to be done for His glory. Gifts were not given to make man look good but to illustrate the greatness of the grace of God and His work among men.

B. Gift of teaching, (Romans 12:7, I Corinthians 12:28; Ephesians 4:11)1. Not all were (nor should be) teachers. Ephesians

4:11; “He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers.” All who have the “gift” need to teach.


“God will never give us a task to perform that

His grace will not equip us to do.”


2. Some who “ought” to be teachers, failed to grow and mature. Their faith was stalemated. Hebrews 5:12; “For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food.” They were still on the baby food and needed to get to the “meat” of the Word.

3. Teachers are warned about the grave responsibility they have to communicate the Word of God in “truth and Spirit.” a. James 3:1; “Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as

such we shall incur a stricter judgment.”4. To serve as a spiritual leader (Overseer, Elder) of God’s people one must be a

teacher. Apt to teach (many are just as apt not to teach).a. 1 Timothy 3:2; “An overseer, then, must be above reproach, . . . able (apt) to

teach . . . ”5. Paul would instruct Timothy that those who are “taught” should “teach others” to the

best of their ability. It is an echoing command. a. 2 Timothy 2:2; “And the things which you have heard from me in the presence of

many witnesses, these entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.”

C. Ministering / Helping, Romans12:7; I Corinthians 12:28;1. This is more than the natural ability to help others. It is the spiritual ability given as a

gift from God. 2. Deacons, Serving Women, other servants are those who have a special gift for

service. 3. In helping to bear the burdens of others we fulfill the Law of Christ.

a. Galatians 6:2; “Bear one another's burdens, and thus fulfill the law of Christ.”b. Romans15:1; “Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those

without strength and not just please ourselves.”4. The apostles could give more time to prayer and the word when others shared in the

work (Acts 6:1-6).

D. Administration, Shepherding the flock, Overseeing and Ruling, I Corinthians 12:28, 1. “Governing with wise counsel” Thayer, Proverbs 11:142. Romans 12:8, ruling, to superintend, preside over, to give attention to,

a. I Timothy 5:17, elders who rule well . . . double honorb. I Thessalonians 5:12; “... appreciate those who diligently labor among you”c. Hebrews 13:17; “Obey your leaders, and submit to them; for they keep watch

over your souls, as those who will give an account.”3. In the work of Shepherding the Flock (Acts 20:28), some men are just the type that

the hurting and struggling want to turn to. We need to see our congregational leaders as Shepherds and Pastors not just as Elders who “rule” the church. Jesus is our example as the “Great Shepherd” (Hebrews 13:20) and the “Good Shepherd” of John 10.

E. Evangelism, 1. Ephesians 4:11, God gave evangelists to the church. They are to be “bringers of good

tidings.” Proclaimers of “good news.” This must characterize the work and nature of



the evangelist. Being an evangelist has nothing to do with how much you travel or whether on speaks on television.

2. II Timothy 4:5; “do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry” 3. Some men preach in such a way that they should never step out of the pulpit. Some

live in such a way that they should never step into the pulpit.4. The evangelist must never become distracted with the things of the world and miss

the opportunities God had placed before him to “preach the word in season and out” (II Timothy 4:2).a. 2 Timothy 2:4; “No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of

everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier.”F. Exhortation,

1. The gift of being a Barnabas.2. Romans 12:8, Admonition, encouragement, consolation, and comfort aimed at the

heart and will. 3. “Primarily "a calling to one's side," and so "to one's aid," hence denotes (a) an appeal,

"entreaty," 2 Corinthians 8:4; (b) encouragement, "exhortation," (from Vine's Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words, Copyright © 1985, Thomas Nelson Publishers.)

G. Giving, Romans 12 all can give, some have great ability.1. Some men are givers, many are takers. Thank God for those with the gift of giving.

a. I have met some brothers who were givers and they have done more for the work of Christ by sending others than one could ever know.

2. What kind of giver does God love? (From Richard Rodgers Notes, p. 40)a. Regularly, I Corinthians 16:2;b. As prospered I Corinthians 16:2;c. Abundantly II Corinthians 8:7;d. Willingly II Corinthians 8:11-12,e. As an Expression of his Love, II Corinthians 8:24f. With purpose and forethought II Corinthians 9:7; g. In faith II Corinthians 9:8-11;h. Cheerfully II Corinthians 9:7.

H. Shows Mercy, radiate love and cheerfulness. When I was a child, I spend a great amount of time in the hospital with a leg disease that caused me to be crippled for several years. Thank God, I have left the body brace and wheel chair behind. I feel like I have gotten all my hospital time in already. I do not like hospitals. I go because they need me and I want to be helpful and encouraging. Nevertheless, I do not enjoy visiting people in the hospital. Some people have a gift for such visits. We can all encourage others but some have a God given ability to be cheerful and up lifting. Thank God for them.

I. Faith, (Miraculous?) Proverbs 3:7-10; Ephesians 3:20-21; Jude 24, 25. We all have “faith” without it, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). 1. Faith believes He is and that He rewards those who seek Him.2. Proverbs 3:5; “Trust in the Lord with all your heart.” This is the faith of those who

have a deep and profound trust in God.



3. They believe that God is working and will work for good to those who love Him (Romans 8:28).

4. This faith can accept what happens in life and believes that somehow, at some time, God will make it all right. Even if they cannot see the end, as they think it should be, that is O.K. They trust God knows what is best.


The Spirit’s Help in Prayer

A. It is O.K. to ask. God is a Father who listens.1. Matthew 7:7; Ask, seek and knock. 2. James 4:2; Have not because you ask not. 3. James 1:5; Lack wisdom, ask - he’ll answer.

B. Don’t give up. Keep praying.1. I Thessalonians 5:17; Pray without ceasing2. Luke 11:5-9; Be persistent.3. Luke 18:1-8; Pray, do not lose heart.

C. Pray in Faith. No Doubt1. I Timothy 2:8; without doubt2. James 1:6; Ask in faith without any doubt3. Mark 11:23; Do not doubt in your heart

D. Leave room for God to Work1. Romans 8:26; don’t know how to pray as you ought. Spirit helps.2. Luke 11:1; Lord, teach us to pray.

E. Pray to God the Father through Jesus Christ.1. Colossians 3:17; in His Name

F. Pray with a spirit of Forgiveness1. Matthew 6:13, 14; if you won’t forgive, can’t be forgiven!2. Ephesians 4:32; Forgive as God forgave you.

G. God will Answer! 1 John 5:14-151. May be “No!” Not right for you.2. May be “Yes” I will bless you.3. May be “Not Now” Wrong timing.

Luke 11:13“If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts

to your children, how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?"



Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit

1. What is the single greatest argument that the miraculous age has passed away?

2. Explain the difference between the indwelling and the empowering of the Spirit?

3. Did all the early Christians have miraculous powers? Why/ Why not? Explain

4. What “gifts” does the Spirit still give today?

5. How were the miraculous gifts passed on to others? Give an example.

6. Many connect the Holy Spirit with tongue speaking. Explain how this is an insult to the Spirit.

7. Do we need to confirm the Word just as the apostles did?

8. What are some past periods of heightened miraculous activity?

9. Discuss: “God will never give us a task to perform that His grace will not equip us to do.”

10. What is your greatest gift? How do you use it for God?

Chapter

End



Colossians 3:16

Memory Verse

“Then they began laying their hands on them, and they were receiving the Holy Spirit. Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was bestowed through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he

offered them money”Acts 8:17, 18








F. My prayer is:





Chapter 11

The Holy Spirit in the Life of a Christian

I. What Does the Holy Spirit Do for Us Today?A. He Is Concerned About Our Prayer Life

1. Romans 8:26, “In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words”

2. We are to pray without ceasing I Thessalonians 5:17; and this is in the context of our not quenching the Spirit v. 18.

3. So the Holy Spirit helps us to pray especially, when we cannot or do not know how to express the prayer. He works within us.

4. I Corinthians 10:13; provides a way of escape, help!a. We pray, “lead us not into temptation” (Matthew 6:13) but how does God do

that?5. Romans 8:28-ff; God causes all things to work for good but it was the Spirit of Life,

(v.1) that freed us to be right with God.6. God the Father helps us (Philippians 2:13) and Christ helps us to do all things through

Him (Philippians 4:13) while the indwelling Spirit works within us (Ephesians 3:16) providentially for our good.

7. Praying in the Spirit. How do we pray in the Spirit? Is this a prayer ‘to’ the Holy Spirit? Are we asking the Holy Spirit to work for us in some special way? Are our prayers to be in the “Name of the Holy Spirit?”a. We are never told to pray to the Holy Spirit nor in His name.b. Praying “in the Spirit” is to pray within the Spirit’s direction and information.

The Word of God, the Spirit’s Word is what tells us how to pray and what to pray for. We do not pray in the Spirit’s name but in the name of Jesus.(1) John 15:16; “whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to

you.”(2) Ephesians 6:18; “With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit,”(3) Jude 20-21; “... building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the

Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God”

B. The Holy Spirit Bears Witness to our spirits, 1. Romans 8:16, 17; “The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are

children of God, . . . ” He strengthens and confirms our relationship through the Word.

2. We are Christians, heirs of God, joint heirs with Christ, (Galatians 3:26-29)3. Because we have been “born again” in a new spiritual birth (John 3:3-5; Titus 3:5),

we are spiritually connected to God, Christ and each other.4. Acts 5:32; “we are witness and so is the Holy Spirit”



C. He is a Witness to Christ’s Glorification, 1. John 7:39; “for the Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.” 2. John 16:7; “if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you”3. John 16:14; “He will glorify Me”

D. He Teaches Us to Walk by the Spirit, Galatians 5:16-18; We are led by the Spirit. 1. Galatians 5:25; we live by the Spirit and walk by the Spirit.2. The Sprit helps us fight the war against the flesh, (Ephesians 6:10-16).3. A double-minded man is unstable and needs the Holy Spirit to help him in faith,

James 1:8.

E. Holy Spirit Frees Us from the Law of Sin and Death, (Romans 8:2). Law of the Spirit of life sets you free from the law of sin and death. It is the Holy Spirit that gives us life in Christ. When baptized into Christ we are raised up to walk in newness of life. The Holy Spirit is the spiritual life giver.1. Paul says he was not alive but that Christ lives in Him, Galatians 2:202. Hebrews 9:14; “how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal

Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?”

F. The Holy Guest Helps Us Be Spiritually Minded Believers. We are not to set mind on the flesh.1. Setting our mind on things of the Spirit, (Romans 8:6) is life. A mind on the fleshly

things is death.2. The Holy Spirit is our source of Spiritual Life. Colossians 3:2-4; “Set your mind on

the things above, not on the things that are on earth . . . your life is hidden with Christ in God.”

3. Romans 8:26; Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. 4. Romans 15:13 -16; “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in

believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit . . . you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able also to admonish one another . . . so that my offering of the Gentiles may become acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.”

5. II Thessalonians 2:13-14; “... God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth.”

6. I Corinthians 6:9-11; “... Such were some of you . . . you were washed . . . you were sanctified . . . you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.”

7. Ephesians 5:18; “ ... do not get drunk with wine . . . be filled with the Spirit”8. Galatians 6:1; “Brethren, even if a man is caught in any trespass, you who are

spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness”9. Not all men are spiritual. Those who are listen to the things of God.

a. 1 Corinthians 2:14-15; “But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised. But he who is spiritual appraises all things, yet he himself is appraised by no man.”



G. The Spirit Develops the Fruit of the Spirit, 1. Galatians 5:22-26; “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,

goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control . . . ”2. Spiritual fruit is contrasted with fleshly desires, (v. 19-

21).3. It is the Spirit’s fruit, not fruits!4. Such a life is the result of living and walking by the

Spirit.5. We are to be a godly people, like our Father, Matthew

5:48; “be ye perfect”

H. We Receive Power through the Inner Man1. Ephesians 1:18,19; “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you

will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might”

2. Ephesians 3:16; “that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man”

3. The work of the Holy Spirit today is to help strengthen the Christian in the inner man. In his heart and mind. He will do this through His word that is able to build us up (Acts 20:32). The miraculous powers were what chosen people did “outside” of themselves. They did not work the miracle on them but toward others. This “power” is that which works on “the inner man.” What happens in the “inner man” is not a miraculous power. It happens only when we commit ourselves to His word abide in it (John 15:7).

4. Ephesians 3:20,21; “... to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond (exceeding abundantly beyond) all that we ask we ask or think, according to the power that works within us,”

5. Colossians 1:9-11; “...we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously”

6. II Timothy 1:7; “For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.”

7. The Holy Spirit’s Word can complete the man of God in every way. He lacks nothing.a. 2 Timothy 3:16-17; “All Scripture is inspired by God

and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.”

8. Romans chapter eight has so much to say about the Holy Spirit and His role on our lives. Because He is there for us


“to be strengthened with power through His

Spirit in the inner man”Ephesians 3:16

“For God has not given us

a spirit of timidity, but of power and love

and discipline.” II Timothy 1:7


we can say with Paul, “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us (Romans 8:37).” ASV

I. His Part in Your Baptism,1. Matthew 28:19; “baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy

Spirit”2. John 3:3-5; You are born again of water and the Spirit.3. Romans 8:11; “if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He

who raised Christ Jesus . . . will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.” We are raised to new life in Christ, Romans 6:3,4.

4. Titus 3:5; “by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit”5. Acts 2:38; When baptized you receive the Holy Spirit as a gift from God

J. The Holy Spirit Makes Men Qualified to Be Elders1. Acts 20:28; “Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy

Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.”

2. The Holy Spirit gave the qualifications for the office, I Timothy 3:1-ff; Titus 1:5-ff3. The Holy Spirit works at making men more spiritual, sanctified, and developing the

fruit of the Spirit.4. The Spirit make men able to serve in various offices and role in the church, He gave

men to various ministries, Ephesians 45. Acts 6, the Spirit was part of the qualifications of those selected as servants, Acts 6:3;

“brethren, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom” cf. Acts 6:5,9,10,

K. The Gift of God, 1. Acts 2:38; 5:32; The gift is the Spirit Himself.


God has sealed us and left His mark on us.


a. F.F. Bruce says, “The gift of the Spirit is the Spirit Himself, bestowed by the Father through the Messiah.”16

2. Galatians 3:2, 5, 26-29; 4:6; “Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh”

3. ILLUSTRATION, A little boy told his Bible class teacher what amazed him was that God was big enough to fill the earth and small enough to be in his heart!

L. He is the Seal of Our Salvation, Father is the Sealer, Spirit is the Seal. Circumcision was

the sign of the covenant God made with His people in the Old Testament. The Holy Spirit is the sign or seal of our covenant with God the Father. As this is a spiritual relationship the seal is also spiritual. 1. When a transaction was finished, they often sealed it with the monogram of the

authority. The seal was pressed into hot wax where it left its mark behind. So God has sealed us and left His mark on us.a. Hebrews 1:3; Jesus is the “ . . . radiance of His glory and the exact

representation of His nature”2. The purpose of the seal was often to show the authenticity or genuineness of

something. The popular Red Tab on a pair of Levis is a mark of the genuine product. Like a notary’s seal, the Holy Spirit is a seal that we have genuine relationship with God the Father.a. John 3:33; “He who has received His testimony has set his seal to this, that God

is true.”3. As circumcision was a sign of the old covenant between God and Abraham and his

children (Galatians 3:26-ff) so the Holy Spirit is our sign of a new covenant between God the Father and His children.a. Romans 4:11; circumcision is a seal of righteousness, Genesis 17 Abraham was

circumcised4. I John 4:13; “... we know that we abide in Him and He in us, because He has given us

of His Spirit.”5. II Corinthians 1:21, 22; “Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and anointed

us is God, who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge.”a. The seal is to ratify a contract. It confirms the deal. The contract is binding and

all parties must do as they have promised. The covenant relationship is established and sealed.

6. Ephesians 1:13; “... you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise,”7. Ephesians 4:30; “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for

the day of redemption.”8. 2 Corinthians 5:5; “Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has

given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.” NIV9. When we give an engagement ring it is a “seal” of our promise to make good the

commitment we have made. 10. 2 Timothy 2:19: “Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal,

"The Lord knows those who are His," and, "Let everyone who names the name of the Lord abstain from wickedness (be holy, saints).”

16F. F. Bruce, The New Testament Commentary, Acts (Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.) 1966, page 77



11. While many worry about the mark of the beast (Revelation 13, 16), I am much more concerned about being sealed (marked) with the Holy Spirit of God.a. Revelation 7:2-3; “And I saw another angel ascending from the rising of the sun,

having the seal of the living God; and he cried out with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was granted to harm the earth and the sea, saying, " Do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees until we have sealed the bond-servants of our God on their foreheads.”

M. The Holy Spirit Guarantees Our Inheritance, He is our Earnest, Pledge, Down payment1. Thayer says, “pledge, earnest: money which in purchases is given as a pledge that the

full amount will be paid.” The RSV & NIV call Him the “Guarantee.” The Jerusalem Bible calls Him the “pledge.”

2. II Corinthians 1:22; “who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge”

3. II Corinthians 5:5; “Now He who prepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave to us the Spirit as a pledge.”

4. Ephesians 1:13,14, “ . . . the Holy Spirit of promise who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God's own possession . . . ”

5. Romans 8:23, “we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit,”6. Philippines 3:20; our citizenship is in heaven, 7. The guarantee of the Holy Spirit is like pulling a piece off the end of the roast before

dinner. It is just a foretaste, a promise of the good things to come. It wets your appetite for more.

N. Becoming a Spiritual Man, I Corinthians 3:11. Becomes a partaker of Spiritual things, (Romans 15:27). The world is Satan’s

playground. As spiritual men we are not of the world (I John 2:15-17). The world has lost its power and influence as we draw closer to God (James 4:8).

2. Sows to the Spirit, Galatians 6:8; a. Hosea 8:7; “For they sow the wind, And they reap the whirlwind.”

3. Ephesians 1:3; enjoys every spiritual blessing or blessings of the Spirit4. Enjoys spiritual songs, Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16; What fills the heart will

come out in attitudes, speech, choices and decisions. 5. Spiritual development is a necessary part of being in God’s spiritual house, I Peter 2:56. Offers up spiritual sacrifices pleasing to God, I Peter 2:5; Romans 12:1,2;7. I Corinthians 14:37; He cares about God’s spiritual commandments8. He has gained a spiritual understanding, Colossians 1:9;9. His heart is filled with the love of God, which the Holy Spirit has poured out into his

heart, Romans 5:510. To be a spiritual man means to be deeply committed to the things of God and His

Word. It is to be motivated by the Love of Christ (II Corinthians 5:14) and responding to others as God does toward us, (Ephesians 4:41,32).

11. He cares for the lost and the wayward, (Galatians 6:1).12. Paul describes his approach to life, II Corinthians 6:6-7; “in purity, in knowledge, in

patience, in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in genuine love, in the word of truth, in the power of God”



O. The Spirit Transforms Us Into the Image of Christ, 1. II Corinthians 3:17-18; “Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord

is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.”

2. Matthew 17:1-5; at the Mount of Transfiguration, Peter, James and John saw Jesus, Moses and Elijah in a spiritual state. They were changed. We are also changed by the Spirit. Like the song “Little by little He’s Changing Me.”

3. It is a process of becoming more and more Christ like.4. Philippians 2:5 have the mind (attitude) of Christ

P. Motivation For Godly Living. We are to “Glorify God” in our bodies.1. I Corinthians 6:19-20; “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy

Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.”

2. Philippians 2:13; “for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.”

3. Titus 2:11-14; “... instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age . . . ”

Q. Purity of Life, Sanctification1. Sanctification has at its root the idea of being holy, set apart, and separate. In the Old

Testament the Hebrew word (Gadeash) carried the idea of set apart, holy unto God, for God’s holy purpose. The New Treatment word (Hagiazo) meant holy, saints, set apart.

2. Sanctification then is the process by which the Holy Spirit makes us to be holy in the sight of God. It allows us to become partakers of His holiness.a. 2 Peter 1:3-4; “seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything

pertaining to life and godliness . . . in order that by them you might become partakers of the divine nature,”

b. Some things are “holy” by their nature, like God. Other things are declared “holy” by the holiness of God, like the ground where Moses stood. Our holiness comes from God. We are declared “holy” by God. He is giving us a reputation to live up to. This is our sanctification.

3. Sanctified in truth. John 17:17, 19. His word is the sanctifying truth.a. There is no sanctifying without the Word of God.b. Acts 20:32; “I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able

to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.”

4. We are to be a“living sacrifice, holy (sanctified), acceptable to God” Romans 12:15. Galatians 5:16-17; “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire

of the flesh . . . so that you may not do the things that you please.”6. I John 1:7; We are to be “light” walkers!7. 2 Thessalonians 2:13; “... God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation

through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth.”8. Romans 15:16; Paul’s ministry preaching “the gospel of God, so that my offering of

the Gentiles may become acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit”



9. 1 Peter 1:1-2; “who are chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit”

10. Titus 3:5; He saved us by “the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit.” What the Holy Spirit has renewed we would not want to make old again!

11. Christians were called the “sanctified” (I Corinthians 1:2)12. If we are to be “filled” with the Holy Spirit we must be holy ourselves!

a. I Peter 1:15; “but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior”

R. Helps our Worship,1. John 4:24; God is Spirit – His worshipers must worship in spirit and truth.

a. Spirit worship is the attitude of worshipb. Truth in worship is the standard, c. 2 Timothy 1:13-14; “Retain the standard of sound words . . . Guard, through

the Holy Spirit who dwells in us . . . which has been entrusted to you.”2. Saints filled with the Spirit Praise God spiritually

a. Ephesians 5:18,19; “... be filled with the Spirit, speaking . . . in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord”

b. Colossians 3:16, 17; “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts . . . let the word of Christ richly dwell within you . . . with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”

3. What fills the heart overflows into both life and worship.4. Our minds are to be on the things spiritual and not on things of the earth (physical)

(Colossians 3:1-4) 5. Spiritual worship is not created by turning down the lights and singing devotional

songs while swaying back and forth. Spiritual worship is that which is consistent with the teachings the Holy Spirit. Do not confuse spirituality with emotionalism.

S. Liberty from Legalism, 1. Galatians 5:18, Disunity and hatred between brethren are proof there is no respect for

the Spirit of God. He is the Spirit of Unity!2. Galatians 5:1; set free for freedom. V. 5 “through the Spirit, by faith” we were called

to freedom, v. 133. To try to justify one’s self by law is to fall from grace, (Galatians 5:4).4. Legalism chokes out the life of the Spirit. Jesus freed us from this attitude, (Romans

8:1-ff).5. John 8:32, 36; the Spirit’s Word, the truth makes us free.6. II Corinthians 3:17; “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is,

there is liberty”

T. He Unites Brethren,1. God is not the author of confusion (I Corinthians 14:33). His Spirit brought order and

harmony out of chaos. As the “Godhead” are “one” so also are God’s people to be “one in Christ.” This unity created by the Holy Spirit is maintained by the Spirit’s word being our authority and guide.



2. Ephesians 4:3; “being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace”

3. Ephesians 4:4; “there is one body and one Spirit”4. Ephesians 2:18; Jews and Gentile “both have our access in one Spirit to the Father”5. Philippians 2:2-3; “make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the

same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself”

6. Unity is possible only when we start with a humble spirit and have the “mind (attitude) of Christ” (Philippians 2:5).

7. “Oneness” or “unity” is the desire of the entire Godhead. Deuteronomy 6:4; “Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD is one!” Jesus prayed for unity among His followers.a. John 17:20-21; “I do not ask on behalf of these

alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me.”

b. This is the “Lord’s Prayer” that His people be united. Then the world will understand the power of the Word of God and the greatness of His grace. While we are fractured and broken, the world sits and laughs at our talk about grace and forgiveness.

c. 1 Corinthians 8:6; “yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom are all things and we exist for Him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we exist through Him.”

d. The Holy Spirit created the unity. We need only to maintain through His word, what He has already done for us. This is our Christian responsibility.

U. Progress in the Spirit, (Book of Galatians)1. Living a life filled with the Spirit involves a responsibility. Growth is a matter of

faithfulness. Galatians 3:2-3; “... did you receive the Spirit by the works of the Law... Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?”

2. Galatians 3:14; “we would receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.” 3. Galatians 5:5; “For we through the Spirit, by faith, are waiting for the hope of

righteousness”4. Spirit opposes the flesh, Galatians 5:17-18; “flesh sets its desire against the Spirit,

and the Spirit against the flesh . . . you may not do the things that you please.”5. Spirit living means leaving the old nature behind, Galatians 5:25-26; “If we live by

the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another.”

6. Sow the fruit of the Spirit for a full Spiritual life, (Galatians 5:22, 23).


“If it is heavy for you it is also a burden to

Him”


7. There will be a spiritual harvest if we are Spirit led, Galatians 6:8; “sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life”a. Sow to the wind and you will reap a whirlwind, (Hosea 8:7)

V. Grieve Not the Spirit, Ephesians 4:30-32;1. Ephesians 4:30-32; “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed

for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.”

2. The context has to do with the way we treat others. He lives in our hearts and has filled it with love (Romans 5:5). If we fill our hearts with bitterness, wrath and anger, the Holy Spirit becomes very uncomfortable in us.

3. To not grieve the Spirit we must treat others with kindness, love and mercy.4. We cannot withhold forgiveness from others. The entire Godhead extends

forgiveness. This is what God is all about. If we will not forgive, we cannot be forgiven ourselves, (Matthew 6:14, 15).

5. The Spirit has started a fire in our hearts that burns with the love of God. We must not quench the Spirit’s fire within, (I Thessalonians 5:19).

W. Ever-present Representative of the Godhead,1. Ephesians 2:22; “you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the

Spirit.”2. I John 3:24; “we know by this that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given

us.”3. Matthew 28:20; The Father, Son and Holy Spirit are with us “always.”4. Romans 8:9; “you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God

dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him.”

5. Ephesians 2:16-17; “... through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father.”

X. Seeking the Holy Spirit with the Wrong Motive1. Acts 8:9-ff, Simon the sorcerer, who became a Christian wanted to USE the Spirit’s

power for his own interest. Such a consideration would have cost him his salvation if he did not repent.

2. Anytime we try to use God for our self-interest we are in trouble.3. 1 Corinthians 2:14; “a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for

they are foolishness to him”4. Jude 19; “These are the ones who cause divisions, worldly-minded, devoid of the

Spirit.”

II. Intercession of the SpiritA. Intercession: "to assail anyone with petitions," "to urge," and when on behalf of another,

"to intercede"

B. Romans 8:26-28; Holy Spirit is deeply interested in your prayer life. He is concerned about your burdens. If it is heavy for you it is also a burden to Him (Matthew 11:28-23).



He wants to help you carry your load. Like the song says, “Does Jesus care? I know He cares! He cares for Me.”

C. Greek, technical term for approaching a king.

D. Intercession means, a request concerning others and on their behalf. It is done for those seeking the presence & hearing of God.

E. Man for man, Genesis 18:23-32; Exodus 32:7-14

F. Request in prayer I Timothy 2:1; James 5:16; Acts 12:5; Acts 7:60

G. Christ for the saints, 1. Hebrews 7:25; “Hence, also, He is able to save forever those who draw near to God

through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” 2. Romans 8:34; “... Christ Jesus is He who died… who also intercedes for us.”3. Advocate, I John. 2:1, an aid called to one’s side. His is there for you. Now!

H. Zechariah 12:10; The Divine Spirit is said to be a Spirit of supplication.

I. Holy Spirit Intercedes for the Saints. John 14:26; He is our Comforter, Advocate, and Counsel for the defense. The One who pleads another’s cause. He is an intercessor. Jesus is also an intercessor for us as well as a Mediator. Intercessor is something the Holy Spirit does on behalf of the saints not to the saints. The Spirit goes to the Father to plead our case. He is our Helper. He comes to our aid. When we cannot pray or know not what to pray, He takes the deep groanings and presents them to the Father on our behalf. 1. Romans 8:27; “and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is,

because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.” 2. Acts 9:31: “So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria enjoyed

peace, being built up; and, going on in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it continued to increase.”

J. The Holy Spirit is Not our Mediator1. That is part of the work of Jesus Christ. A Mediator stands in the middle between

two parties and attempts to make peace between the two. A Mediator’s role is to reconcile the parties at odds to restore peace. Only Jesus Christ can do that for man because He is the only one who is equal with both man and God. He is not just for one side or the other ( Galatians 3:20). Jesus can represent both side without bias or prejudice. He has been where God is and has walked with man. He fairly represents both.

2. I Timothy 2:5,6; “For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time.”

3. Hebrews 9:15; “And for this reason He is the mediator of a new covenant, in order that since a death has taken place for the redemption of the transgressions that were committed under the first covenant, those who have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.”



4. Hebrews 9:12; “and not through the blood of goats and calves, but through His own blood, He entered the holy place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption.”

5. Hebrews 12:24; “and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks better than the blood of Abel.”

6. Jesus, Not the Holy Spirit is the One who acts between both parties (Middle).

K. Holy Spirit intercedes according to the terms of the covenant established by Christ, Romans 8:27

L. Our Groaning, Not Complaints (I Corinthians 10:10) mute sighs” cf. Hebrews 5:7, of Jesus’ sighs

M. Intercession is work “for us” not “to us”

N. We are limited in wisdom; we don’t know what or how to pray at times. 1. Spirit helps,2. He takes our deep feelings within to the throne of the father.3. He expresses what we cannot express ourselves.

O. He does not remove our need to pray, but helps us express more deeply what is inside. (Romans 8:26)

III. Being A People Filled With The SpiritA. This is not normally language we tend to use. We have allowed the

abuse of some terms to keep us from enjoying the Lord’s intended blessings in our lives.1. When did you last talk about being “chosen” by God or

“predestined” or even “called of God” a. Romans 8:29; “For those whom He foreknew… also

predestined… also called… also justified … glorified.”2. To be “filled with the Spirit” means being influenced by the Holy Spirit.

B. There are five scriptures stating some were “full of the Spirit”1. Luke 4:1; “Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led about

by the Spirit in the wilderness”2. John 3:34; “for He gives the Spirit without measure.”3. Acts 6:5; “they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit,”4. Acts 7:55; (Stephen) “being full of the Holy Spirit, he gazed intently into heaven and

saw the glory of God,”5. Acts 11:24; (Barnabas) “was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith.”

C. These ten New Testament passages describe those who were, “filled with the Spirit”1. Luke 1:14, 41, 67;2. Acts 4:8, 31; 6:3; 9:17; 13:9, 52; 3. Ephesians 5:18



4. Those who were “filled” with the Spirit were: Zacharias, Elisabeth, John the Baptizer, Peter, other believers

5. All Christians receive the Holy Spirit as a gift from God when baptized. (Acts 2:38; 5:32; Galatians 4:6).

D. Early church, 1. Acts 4:32; “... they were all filled with the Holy Spirit . . . the congregation of those

who believed were of one heart and soul . . . with great power the apostles were giving witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all.”

2. Acts 13:52; “... the disciples were continually filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.”

3. Acts 6:3; “... seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom . . . ”

E. Christians are “Filled with the Spirit”1. Ephesians 5:18; “do not get drunk with wine, . . . but be filled with the Spirit”2. Colossians 3:16; “Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you”

a. Both the Holy Spirit and the Word of the Spirit dwell within us. The two are in harmony. The Spirit will do nothing contrary to His Word.

F. Ephesians 3:16, He strengthens the inner manG. Ephesians 3:17, He enables Christ to dwell in our hearts

H. James 4:5,6; He jealously desires for us, greater grace

I. Romans 8:26,27; Intercedes, helps weaknesses

J. The Holy Spirit helps us overcome sin in our lives1. Galatians 5:16-17; “... walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the

flesh . . . so that you may not do the things that you please”2. Romans 8:13; “... if by the Spirit . . . you are putting to death the deeds of the body,

you will live.” The Spirit helps us overcome sin.

K. Galatians 5:18; frees from law and legalism

L. Galatians 5:25,26; enables unity between brothers1. We must preserve the bond He creates, Ephesians 4:3

M. Galatians5:22; the Spirit enables us to bear fruit in a spiritual realm. This fruit helps us become like God in character. As we bear His fruit, we are more like Him (Matthew 5:48).1. The fruit of the Spirit can be understood by looking at the “deeds of the flesh” for

they are all that the “fruit of the Spirit” is not.2. This is not just a self-help program. We do not originate the fruit. It comes from the

Spirit and His influence in our life.3. We must “abide” in Christ as a branch abides in the vine, John 15.4. II Peter 1:5-11; the Christian Graces are just like the fruit of the Spirit.



5. An Analyzes of the Fruit. Three clusters of three. a. What the Trinity Inspires: Love, Joy, Peaceb. What the World Admires: Patience, Kindness, Goodnessc. What the Saint Requires: Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-control

6. Some have seen the fruit to be love, “the fruit of the Spirit is love” the rest are just qualities of love.

Consider:Joy is love exultingPeace is love respondingPatience is love enduringKindness is love refinedGoodness is love in actionFaithfulness is love confidingGentleness is love with bowed headSelf-control is true self-love

(From A.B. Simpson but modified to reflect NASB wording)

N. Helps Us to Become Christ like,1. II Corinthians 3:17, 18; “Where the Spirit of the Lord is… we all… are being

transformed into the Same Image… as from the Lord, the Spirit.”O. The Spirit Helps Us to Live with Joy

1. Romans 14:17; “for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”

2. Psalms 51:12; David prayed to be restored to the Joy of thy salvation3. Luke 10:21; Jesus “at that very time He rejoiced greatly in the Holy Spirit,”4. Acts 2:46; “they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of

heart”5. Acts 13:52; “the disciples were continually filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit”6. Colossians 1:11-12; “strengthened with all power (by Holy Spirit) joyously giving

thanks”7. 1 Thessalonians 1:6; “received the word in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy

Spirit”8. John 15:11; “... so that My joy may be in you, your joy may be made full.”9. Even Jesus found great joy in this fellowship with the Sprit.

a. Luke 10:21; “At that very time He (Jesus) rejoiced greatly in the Holy Spirit,”

IV. The Holy Spirit May Forbid or RestrainA. God’s Spirit has always been with mankind. Sometimes man has become so corrupt that

God’s HOLY Spirit could not remain with him any longer1. Genesis 6:3; “My Spirit shall not strive with man forever, because he also is flesh”2. Numbers 22; Balaam sought to curse God’s people, but “the Spirit of God came upon

him” and Balaam could only bless God’s people.

B. While on his second mission trip, Paul had plans different from those of the Holy Spirit. Guest who won out?1. Acts 16:6-7; “having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia; ...

and trying to go into Bithynia, and the Spirit of Jesus did not permit them”



2. Acts 13:8-10; An evil sorcerer named Elymas opposed Paul. But Paul “filled with the Holy Spirit” struck him blind for a season to restrain him.

3. Micaiah, a faithful prophet of God, refused to prophecy good for Ahab (an evil king). Micaiah said, “1 Kings 22:14; “As the Lord lives, what the Lord says to me, that I will speak.” He was “moved” by the Holy Spirit as he spoke (II Peter 1:21) and therefore constrained by the Spirit.

C. Jesus told the Apostles that the Holy Spirit would give them the words they needed to speak. Matthew 10:20; “For it is not you who speak, but it is the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.”1. Acts 2:4; “And they (apostles) were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak

with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance.”

D. The Holy Spirit sometimes “set them apart” for a work (Acts 13:2, 4; Acts 16:10) and later restrained them from going to some places (Acts 16:6, 7).

E. Some choose to resist the Holy spirit, (Acts 7:51)




The Holy Spirit in the Life of a Christian

1. Take away the miraculous element and what is left? What can the Spirit do today?

2. The Spirit is our “Earnest” or “Pledge.” Explain what this is and its value to us.

3. How does a “Seal” differ from an earnest?

4. What is the fruit of the Spirit? How is it developed?

5. What is the “Gift of the Holy Spirit” Acts 2:38?

6. Who gets the Holy Spirit today? Consider Acts 5:32

7. What is the significance of our being a temple of the Holy Spirit?

8. Since we are temples of the Spirit, what are we to do? Consider Romans 12:1, 2; I Peter 2:5-10;

9. Ephesians 4:30-ff warns us not to grieve the Spirit? How could we do that?

10. I Thessalonians 5:19; says, “Do not quench the Spirit” what does this mean and how might one do it? What would be the opposite effect?

11. Ephesians 5:18; says we are to be “filled” with the Spirit. How do we do it and what does it do for us? Related this to Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16

12. Can a Christian maintain an unforgiving attitude toward others? (Ephesians 4:30-32)


Memory Verse “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in

believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Romans 15:13"Let the word of Christrichly dwell within you"

Colossians 3:16








F. My prayer is:





Chapter 12

Sins Against the Holy Spirit

Introduction:A. Why study “The Sins Against the Holy Spirit?” The foremost reason is to be sure we do not

commit sins against the Holy Spirit of God. Sins against the Holy Spirit can never be forgiven so we want to avoid this sin above all else. Some might want to know what the sin against the Holy Spirit is so they can indulge in all other sins while being sure to avoid this one. Others simply want to be good Bible students and they have a desire for truth and biblical accuracy.

B. Sins against the Holy Spirit are identified as “eternal” sins (Mark 3:29). One must ask, “How does this differ from any other sin?” Any sins that are unforgiven have eternal consequences. How then is this sin of Holy Spirit Blasphemy different?

C. Remember, that the Holy Spirit is “Holy” in His very nature. Everything that is “unholy” is a sin against the “holiness” of the Spirit but is not necessarily the sin of Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.

I. Sins We Can Commit Against the Holy SpiritA. Lying to the Holy Spirit

1. Acts 5:3, 9; to lie to God is to lie to His Holy Spirit

B. Resisting the Holy Spirit 1. Acts 7:51; “You men who are stiff-necked and un-circumcised in heart and ears are

always resisting the Holy Spirit . . . ” 2. “Resist” Greek, antipipto, lit., and primarily, "to fall against or upon" (anti, "against,"

pipto, "to fall"), then, "to strive against, resist," is used in Acts 7:51 of "resisting" the Holy Spirit.17

3. This “resisting” implies active resistance that could cause one to reject the truth and possibly salvation.

C. Quenching the Spirit, 1. I Thessalonians 5:19-20; “Do not quench the Spirit” “Do not put out the light of the

Spirit” BBE (Bible in Basic English)2. Greek word “sbennumi” to extinguish, quench. Thayer says, “metaphorically, to

quench, i. e. to suppress, stifle: to pneuma, divine influence, 1 Thess 5:19"18

3. The same word is used in Ephesians 6:16 of being “able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.”

17(from Vine's Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words, Copyright (c)1985, Thomas Nelson Publishers)

18(from Thayer's Greek Lexicon, Electronic Database. Copyright © 2000, 2003 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)



4. Literally, Do not put out the Spirit’s flame. When one is indifferent to the things of God and His Holy Spirit. Remember “Luke warmness” makes Him sick enough that He might “spit (vomit) us out,” (Revelation 2:16).

5. Living in an un-holy manner makes the Spirit uncomfortable within you.

D. Grieving the Spirit, 1. The word “grieve” is from the Greek word lupeo and is defined according to Vines as

denoting “(a), in the active voice, "to cause pain, or grief, to distress, grieve," e. g., 2 Corinthians 2:2 (twice, active and passive voices); v. 5 (twice), RV, "hath caused sorrow" (KJV, "have caused grief," and "grieved"); 7:8, "made (you) sorry"; Ephesians 4:30, of grieving the Holy Spirit of God (as indwelling the believer)”19

2. Ephesians 4:30; “do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed...”a. Just read the context of this verse. You will see those things which grieve the

Spirit. Lying, unwholesome talk, bitterness, malice, deceit and all that goes with the old nature grieve the Holy Spirit.

b. Where you go, He goes. Whatever you say and do, He is there. Is He grieved or embarrassed?

3. Isaiah 63:10; “...they rebelled And grieved His Holy Spirit...”4. James 4:1-10; “... do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward

God? ... a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.... He jealously desires the Spirit which He has made to dwell in us?”

E. Defile the Temple of Holy Spirit1. I Corinthians 3:16-17; “Do you not know that you are a temple of God, and that the

Spirit of God dwells in you? If any man destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him, for the temple of God is holy, and that is what you are.”

2. I Corinthians 6:19, 20; “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.”

3. Our bodies are the house of the Holy Spirit and must therefore be “holy.” To treat the “holy” as mundane, common or unimportant is to defile the things of God. It would be equivalent to Moses refusing to remove his shoes as he stood on “holy’ ground.

4. Esau’s sin was a lack of respect for the things of God. God gave him a gift and he treated it as if it were nothing. Hebrews 12:16-17; “that there be no immoral or godless person like Esau, who sold his own birthright for a single meal. For you know that even afterwards, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought for it with tears.”

F. Insult (despite) the Spirit, 1. Hebrews 10:26-29; “who has trampled under foot the Son of God . . . has insulted

the Spirit of grace?”2. Insult or despite (KJV) is the Greek word “enuubrizo” and means to treat insultingly.3. Hebrews 6:4-6; “... been made partakers of the Holy Spirit . . . then have fallen

away . . . put Him (Jesus) to open shame.”

19(from Vine's Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words, Copyright (c)1985, Thomas Nelson Publishers)



G. General Blasphemy, 1. Titus 2:5; “...that the word of God may not be dishonored” or blasphemed2. I Timothy 1:19, 20; “... some have rejected . . . their faith . . . delivered over to

Satan, so that they may be taught not to blaspheme.” 3. I Timothy 6:1; “Let all who are under the yoke as slaves regard their own masters as

worthy of all honor so that the name of God and [our] doctrine may not be spoken against.”

II. Blasphemy: A. The penalty for Blasphemy was that one would be Stoned.

1. Leviticus 24; 16; “Moreover, the one who blasphemes the name of the LORD shall surely be put to death; all the congregation shall certainly stone him. The alien as well as the native, when he blasphemes the Name, shall be put to death.”

B. What it Is NOT:1. Anything that can be forgiven!2. Murder, adultery, backsliding, apostates, I Corinthians 6:9ff; “such were some of

you”3. David was forgiven the sins of murder and adultery (Psalms 51; 2 Samuel 12:9-13).4. Moses and Paul were forgiven for murder. The sin against the Holy Spirit is not

murder. 5. It is not “backsliding.” Consider Revelation 2:1-5; Galatians 6:1-3.6. Not Suicide. Life is the gift of God and no one has the right to take it especially his

own. It has been suggested by some that those who commit suicide cannot repent before they die and therefore can never be forgiven. I will leave that to God to judge but it is not the sin against the Holy Spirit.

7. Many live with great guilt fearing they have committed sin against the Holy Spirit and may even believe they are condemned to Hell without a possibility of ever being forgiven.

C. Blasphemy the Holy Spirit,1. “Blasphemy” comes from two Greek words “blapto”

and “phemi”; “blapto” means “to hurt” and “phemi” means to speak against. Blasphemy then means to speak harm or hurt against another. Blasphemy is to speak irreverently, impiously, speaking evil of another. It means to cause hurt and harm with words. When against the Holy Spirit, to rail upon, reject, refuse, misrepresent and pervert the words or works of the Holy Spirit is blasphemy.

2. Matthew 12:31, 32; "... any sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven… but blasphemy against the Spirit shall not be forgiven.”a. Mark. 3:28,29; “whoever blasphemes against the

Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin”


“Blasphemy against the Spirit

shall not be forgiven.”


b. Luke.12:10 Unforgivable! “Blasphemes against the Holy Spirit, it shall not be forgiven him.”

3. In the context, Jesus has cast out demons and the Pharisees cannot deny the miracle so they say He did it by the power of Satan. They have taken the power of the Holy Spirit and attributed it to Satan (Beelzebub). This is the ultimate rejection of Christ and His work. It is a condition of the heart that renders one unable to repent. The sin against the Holy Spirit is a state of hard heartedness causing one to continually reject the forgiveness of God through Christ. John 12:39 describes the hard heartedness of some who “could not believe” because they hardened their hearts to a point of ultimate rejection. If one wants to repent, they have NOT reached this state of unforgivable sin. a. Some do not want truth. They prefer a lie to truth. God will give them what the

desire. II Thessalonians 2:9-12; “.... whose coming is in accord with the activity of Satan, with all power and signs and false wonders, and with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved. And for this reason God will send upon them a deluding influence so that they might believe what is false, in order that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in wickedness.”

D. Rejecting the Work of Christ as Coming from God 1. Giving the credit to Satan for Christ’s work2. One who so rejects what is good, that good becomes bad and bad is seen as good. cf.

Isaiah 5:20.

E. This Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit cannot be forgiven because they have rejected the only possible source of forgiveness. If you contribute what Christ has done to Satan, there is nothing left to grant forgiveness. Salvation is only in His name (Acts 4:12).1. It is not that God cannot forgive. He is always ready to forgive those who turn to

Him (Nehemiah 9:17).

F. If you ask, “Have I committed this sin?” You have not! You are still open to His Word and correction. There is still hope for you.

III. Rejection of the Holy SpiritA. Partakers of the Holy Spirit fall from their position of salvation as God’s children and

turn away from the grace of God1. Hebrews 6:4-8; “... once been enlightened … tasted of the heavenly gift… partakers

of the Holy Spirit… tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come… then have fallen away, it is impossible to renew them again to repentance”

2. Galatians 5:4; they have fallen from grace.

B. Insulting the Spirit of Grace1. Hebrews 10:26-29; “... if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of

the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain terrifying expectation of judgment, and the fury of a fire… How much severer punishment do you think he will deserve who has trampled under foot the Son of God, and has



regarded as unclean the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has insulted the Spirit of grace?”

2. This is total disregard for Christ, His blood, the covenant and the Holy Spirit who brought it all to us.

C. Entangled Back in the World1. II Peter 2:2–22; “For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world by the

knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and are overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. For it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn away from the holy commandment handed on to them. It has happened to them according to the true proverb, "a dog returns to its own vomit," and, "a sow, after washing, returns to wallowing in the mire."

D. Sins Leading unto Death1. I John 5:16; “If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he

shall ask and God will for him give life to those who commit sin not leading to death. There is a sin leading to death; I do not say that he should make request for this.”

2. Sins leading unto death are sins of which one will not repent. We cannot ask God to forgive someone who will not try to get right with Him.

3. Death is the spiritual death that sin produces as its wage (Romans 6:23).a. The soul that sins shall die, Ezekiel 18:20b. Ephesians 2:1; “And you were dead in your trespasses and sins”

4. This “death” is a separation from God just as Adam and Eve were separated from God when they sinned. Sin builds barriers (Isaiah 59:1, 2) grace builds bridges but only when one is obedient to the will of God.

5. James 4:4; “You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God?” Sin, un-repented sin, cuts us off from God and the gift of life He offers. Therefore it leads us into spiritual death.

6. This is not the sin against the Holy Spirit and it is a situation that can be changed. If one will seek forgiveness from God and meet the conditions of pardon, then that sin is no longer “unto death.”

7. We are not to pray for one committing the sin leading unto death because God cannot and will not forgive an impenitent man. Pray for the man to be brought to a point of repentance. Ask God to so work that the fellow comes to his senses. But do not ask God to forgive a man who will not repent. He has earned his wages, spiritual death!

IV. Have I Gone Too Far?A. A person can go too far. Luke 15 repeatedly makes the point that God wants the lost

back home. He rejoices when they return. He waits with open arms. He runs to those who turn toward. Him. BUT you can go to far. There is a point of no return. If you are wondering if you have gone that far, no, you have not, at least not yet. If you are still wondering, you have not yet gone that far. You better stop now and turn back while there is still hope. 1. You are not the worst sinner in the world. Paul, the apostle claimed that dubious

position for himself before he came to Christ (I Timothy 1:15).



2. I Corinthians 6:9-11; list some who have committed the worst of sins and yet they found salvation in Christ. They were washed, sanctified, and justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and in the Spirit of our God.

3. While we tend to look at how bad sins are as if there were a “sin-scale” recorded somewhere, it is not the level of sin that condemns us but the nature of our hearts. Some of those who were guilty of yelling “crucified Him” were the ones who responded in faith on the Day of Pentecost. Having repented, they were baptized into Christ and received the forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit to indwell them. a. Each of us is guilty of crucifying our Lord Jesus Christ. Each sin makes us a

sinner. Look back again to Isaiah 53 and read what our sins have done to Him.b. Any sin repented of can be forgiven. Every sin hidden in our hearts that we refuse

to carry to the cross of Christ is an un-pardoned sin and will condemn you if you do not let go of it.

c. The grace of God is more than amazing. Pled for mercy, Repent and obey the gospel. Receive the forgiveness Jesus has already paid the price for your sins.




Sins Against the Holy Spirit

1. Name several sins against the Holy Spirit.

2. What is Blasphemy?

3. Why is it so bad to blasphemy the Holy Spirit?

4. Can a person so sin as to lose their salvation? Consider Galatians 5:4; Hebrews 10:26 and Hebrews 6:4 - 6.

5. Can a person sin so that there can be no more forgiveness of sin? How?

6. Why is it when some have sinned and “have fallen away” it “is impossible to renew them again to repentance” Hebrews 6:6. Why can’t they just ask for forgiveness again?

7. How do you know they really were Christians in the first place? Consider Hebrews 6:4-6

8. If we say we do not believe in modern day miracles or tongue speaking, are we guilty of blaspheming the Holy spirit?

9. How can one “insult the Spirit of grace”? (Hebrews 10:29).

10. What happens when we treat “Holy” things as common? Remember Esau.


Memory Verse

“How much severer punishment do you think he will deserve who has trampled under foot the Son of God, and has regarded as

unclean the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has insulted the Spirit of grace?”

Hebrews 10:29"Let the word of Christrichly dwell within you"

Colossians 3:16








F. My prayer is:





“Poured Out”A listing of every time these words “Poured Out”

are found in New Testament. 20

Matt. 9:17; Spilled wine from old wineskins. Matt. 23:35; Shed righteous blood. Matt. 26:28; Poured out Jesus' Blood. Mark 14:24; Poured out Jesus' Blood. Luke 5:37; Spilled wine from old wineskins. Luke 11:50; Shed prophet's blood. Luke 22:20; Poured out Jesus' blood. John 2:15; Poured out money-changers' money. Acts 1:18; Gushed out-Judas' bowels. Acts 2:17-18; Poured out Holy Spirit. Acts 2: 33; Poured forth what you see and hear (Holy Spirit). Acts 10:45; Poured out-the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 22:20; Shed Stephen's blood. Romans 3:15; Shed martyr's blood. Romans 5:5; Shed abroad-Love of God. Titus 3:6; Poured out-Holy Spirit. Revelation 16:1-4,8, 10,12,17; Poured out Bowls of Wrath. Revelation 16:6; Poured out saints' blood.

IN ALL OF THESE THE IDEA IS A TOTAL, COMPLETE, ABSOLUTE, UNLIMITED OPERATION!!!

20 Richard Rodgers, A Study of the Holy Spirit of God



Appendix on the Holy Spirit Passages21 Genesis 1:2. In creation the Spirit is said to be moving, brooding, trembling as with anxiety or love

over the chaos. This probably indicates his desire to bring order out of chaos. Genesis 6:3. God said His Spirit would cease to strive with man for his obedience, and He (God)

would destroy them with a flood. The Spirit was striving through the preaching of Noah (1 Peter 3:18-21).

Genesis 41:38 Because of his power to interpret dreams, Pharaoh recognizes in Joseph the Spirit of God. The Spirit is then the revealer of dreams in the Old Testament.

Exodus 31:3 Because of their long slavery causing a lack of skilled workers, God's Spirit gave some men the skill to be artisans and builders.

Exodus 35:31 Same as above. Numbers 11:27, 25, 26, 29 The Spirit of God that rested upon Moses was placed upon the seventy

elders to empower them in judgment. Two of them went out and prophesied and Moses said he wished God's Spirit could rest upon all that they might be prophets. God's Spirit is the Spirit of the Prophets.

Numbers 24:2 Balaam gave his message by the power of the Holy Spirit. Numbers 27:1 Joshua, Moses' successor, had the Spirit in him. Judges 3:10 The Spirit of Jehovah came upon Othniel, the first judge, and he went to battle.

The Spirit of God empowers God's generals. Judges 6: 34 The same as above in the case of Gideon. Judges 11:29 The same as above in the case of Jephthah. Judges 13:25; 14:6, 19;15:14 The Spirit of Jehovah came repeatedly upon Samson and was

the secret of his great strength. 1 Samuel 10:6, 10; 11:6 The Spirit of Jehovah came upon Saul, empowering him to be king. 1 Samuel 16:13 The Spirit begins to move David, God's new king, from this day forward. 1 Samuel 16:14 The Spirit of Jehovah departs from Saul and an evil spirit from Jehovah takes its

place. 1 Samuel 19:20 23 To allow David to escape from Saul, the Spirit of Jehovah comes upon Saul and he

prophesied. This shows that the Spirit can even empower a wicked man to prophesy. 2 Samuel 23:2 The Spirit of God spoke by David. 1 Kings 18:12 Obadiah said the Spirit of Jehovah could carry Elijah to some safe place away from

Ahab and Jezebel. 1 Kings 22:24 Zedekiah though he was led by the Spirit of Jehovah. Micah said he would find out

when he was running from the Syrians. Also 2 Chronicles 18:23. 2 Kings 2: 16 Some thought the Spirit had cast Elijah upon some mountain or into some valley. 1 Chron. 12:18 The Spirit of Jehovah came upon Amasai, one of David's mighty men 1 Chron. 28:12 The Holy Spirit gave David and David gave to Solomon the pattern for the temple. 2 Chron. 15:1 The Spirit of Jehovah came upon Azariah, a prophet. 2 Chron. 20:14 The Spirit of Jehovah came upon Jahaziel, a Levite and he prophesied. Nehemiah 9:20 God gave Israel His good Spirit to instruct them. 2 Chron. 24:20 The Spirit of God came upon Zechariah, a priest, and he prophesied. Nehemiah 9:30 God had testified against Israel by His Spirit through the prophets. Job 26: 13 God's Spirit garnished the heavens, according to Bildad. Job 33:4 Elihu claims to be made by the Spirit-a claim to inspiration. Psalms 51:11 David pleads that God will not take His Spirit from him. Psalms 104:30 The world was created and renewed by God's Spirit.

21Richard Rodgers, A Study of the Holy Spirit of God



Psalms 139:7 There is no place in heaven or on earth or under the earth where one could escape from God's Spirit. The Spirit of God is omnipresent.

Psalms 143:10 David asks God's Spirit to lead him (margin reading). Isaiah 11:2 God's Spirit to rest upon God's Branch (Christ). Isaiah 30:1 Israel does not take counsel of God's Spirit (through Isaiah). Isaiah 32:15 Israel will become fruitful again when God's Spirit is poured out upon them. Isaiah 34:16 Edom will be altogether possessed by Israel by the gathering of God's Spirit. God's

Spirit works providentially in destroying and preserving nations. Isaiah 40:13 Nobody is the Spirit's instructor. Isaiah 42:1 God's Spirit to be put upon God's chosen one (Christ, ct. Luke 4:16ff). Isaiah 44:3 God's Spirit to be poured out upon Israel's seed. Isaiah 48:16 Jehovah and His Spirit had sent Isaiah to preach. Isaiah 59:19 The Spirit of Jehovah will raise up a standard and stop the march of God's enemies

(marginal reading). Isaiah 59:21 God's Spirit is upon Isaiah and will not depart. Isaiah 61:1 The Spirit of Jehovah will be upon Jesus (Cf. Luke 4:16ff). Isaiah 63:10 Israel rebelled and grieved God's Spirit. Isaiah 63:11 God placed His Holy Spirit in the midst of Israel. Isaiah 63:14 God's Spirit led Israel in the wilderness and caused them to rest in the promised land

(through Moses and Joshua and the Elders). Ezekiel 2:2 The Spirit entered into Ezekiel. Ezekiel 3:12, 14 The Spirit lifted up Ezekiel and carried him away. Ezekiel 3:24 The Spirit entered Ezekiel. Ezekiel 8:3 The Spirit lifted him up. Ezekiel 11:1 Same as above. Ezekiel 11:5 The Spirit fell upon Ezekiel. Ezekiel 11:24 The Spirit lifted him up and God carried him in a vision by the Spirit of God. Ezekiel 36:27 God is going to put His Spirit in redeemed Israel. Ezekiel 37:1 God carried Ezekiel by the Spirit into the valley of bones. Ezekiel 37:14 God will put His Spirit in redeemed Israel. Ezekiel 39:29 God will pour out His Spirit upon redeemed Israel. Ezekiel 43:5 The Spirit picked him up and carried him to the temple. Daniel 4:8,9, 18 Nebuchadnezzar believes the Spirit of the Holy God (or gods) dwells in Daniel. Daniel 5:11 Belshazzar's wife believes the Spirit dwells in Oaniel. Joel 2:28-29 God will pour out His Spirit upon all flesh-sons, daughters, servants and handmaids. Micah 2:7 The Spirit of Jehovah cannot be straitened, put into difficulty. Micah 3:8 The Spirit was the secret of Micah's power. Haggai 2:5 God's Spirit abode among Israel when they came out of Egypt. Zechariah 4:6 The temple will be completed by the power of God's Spirit. Zechariah 6:8 God's Spirit has been satisfied by the judgment in the North. Zechariah 7:12 God's Spirit had been in the former prophets. Malachi 2:15 No one who had even the residue of God's Spirit had put away his wife. Matthew 1:18, 20 Jesus will be begotten in the womb through the Holy Spirit. Matthew 3:11 Jesus is the only one able to baptize in the Holy Spirit. Matthew 3:16 The Holy Spirit descends upon Jesus at his baptism. Matthew 4:1 The Spirit leads Jesus into the wilderness of temptation. Matthew 10:20 The Holy Spirit will give the apostles the "how" and the "what" to say when

persecuted and tried. Matthew 12:18 Jesus is the fulfillment of Isaiah 42:1ff which states that the Spirit would be upon the

Lord's chosen one. Matthew 12:28 Jesus performed his miracles by the power of the Holy Spirit.



Matthew 12:31,32 The blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. Matthew 22:43 David in the Spirit called Jesus Lord in Psalms 110. Matthew 28:19 Baptism is in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Mark 1:8. Jesus to baptize in the Spirit. Mark 1:10 Spirit descends upon Jesus at his baptism. Mark 1:12 The Spirit drives Jesus forth into the wilderness of temptation. Mark 3:29 The blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. Mark 12:36 David in the Spirit called Jesus Lord in Psalms 110. Mark 13:11 The apostles will be given by the Spirit what to speak. Luke 1:15 John the Baptist to be filled with the Spirit from his mother's womb. Luke 1:35 The power in Jesus' virgin birth is the Holy Spirit. Luke 1:41 Elisabeth, John the Baptist's mother is filled with the Holy Spirit. Luke 1:67 Zacharias, John the Baptist's father, is filled with the Holy Spirit. Luke 2:25 The Spirit is upon Simeon. Luke 2:26 The Spirit revealed to him that he would see the Messiah. Luke 2:27 He came in the Spirit into the temple and saw Jesus. Luke 3:16 Jesus is the only one who will baptize in the Holy Spirit. Luke 3:22 The Spirit descends upon Jesus at his baptism. Luke 4:1 Jesus is led of the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days. Luke 4:14 Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee. Luke 4:18 The Spirit of the Lord had anointed Jesus for his ministry. Luke 10:21 Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit at the return of thaseventy. Luke 11:13 God gives the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him. Luke 12:10 The blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. Luke 12:12 The Holy Spirit will teach the apostles what to say. John 1:32 John beheld the Spirit descend as a dove upon Jesus at baptism. John 1:33 Jesus is the one who will baptize in the Holy Spirit. John 3:5, 6, 8 The Spirit is indispensable in the New Birth. John 3:34 Jesus continues to give the Spirit not by measure. John 7:39 After Jesus' glorification the Spirit was to reside within the believers. John 14:17 The Spirit had been with the apostles but now to be in them. John 14:26 The Spirit to teach the apostles all things and bring all that Jesus has said to

remembrance. John 15:26 The Spirit is to bear witness to Jesus. John 16:13 The Spirit is to guide them into all the truth and declare the things that are to come. John 20:22 "Receive ye the Holy Spirit." Acts 1:2 The commandments Jesus gave the apostles between resurrection and ascension were

through the Holy Spirit. Acts 1:5 They were to be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days hence. Acts 1:8 They were to receive power after the Holy Spirit was come. Acts 1:16 The Holy Spirit spoke through the mouth of David. Acts 2:4 The apostles were filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke as the Spirit gave them

utterance. Acts 2:17, 18 The Spirit had been poured out upon all flesh. Acts 2:33 Jesus had poured out the promise of the Father, the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38 All those who repent and are baptized can receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 4:8 Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, answers the Sanhedrin. Acts 4:31 The whole church, after praying, are filled with the Holy Spirit and depart to preach

with boldness. Acts 5:3, 9 Ananias and Sapphira conspire together to lie unto and try the Holy Spirit of the Lord. Acts 5:32 The Spirit that God gives to the obedient is a witness to Jesus.



Acts 6:3, 5 The servants (deacons) of the Jerusalem church were to be men full of the Spirit. Acts 6:10 The Libertines could not withstand the Holy Spirit by which Stephan spoke. Acts 7:51 The Jews had through their history resisted the Holy Spirit who spoke in the prophets. Acts 7:55 Stephan was full of the Holy Spirit. Acts 8:15-19 The Holy Spirit fell upon the Samaritans (empowering them outwardly) through the

laying on of the apostles' hands. Simon wanted to buy this power. Acts 8:29 The Spirit told Philip to join himself to the chariot of the Eunuch. 130. Acts 8:39. The

Spirit caught Philip away that the Eunuch saw him no more. Acts 10:19 The Spirit told Peter to go with Cornelius' servants. Acts 10:38 Jesus was anointed with the Holy Spirit and power. Acts 10:44 The Holy Spirit fell on (empowering) Cornelius and the other Gentiles. Acts 10:45 The Holy Spirit had in the past (Pentecost) been poured out for the Gentiles and was

this day still available for them through faith's obedience. Acts 10:47 The Gentiles had received the Spirit (directly from heaven) to empower them, just as

the Samaritans had received the Spirit (through apostolic hands) to empower them; and just (directly from heaven) as the apostles had on Pentecost. Now who is going to forbid them to be baptized that they might become saved.

Acts 11:12 Peter said the Spirit bade him make no distinction between Jew and Gentile. Acts 11:15 Peter said the Holy Spirit fell on the Gentiles as he had on the apostles in the

beginning. "As" is an adverb of manner, not degree, in the Greek. Acts 11:16 This "reminded" Peter that the Lord had promised a baptism in the Spirit which he had

said on Pentecost was for all flesh. Acts 11:24 Barnabas was a man full of the Holy Spirit. Acts 11:28 Agabus signified by the Spirit that a famine was in the future. Acts 13:2 The Holy Spirit told the prophets of Antioch to separate Saul and Barnabas. Acts 13:4 Barnabas and Saul were sent forth by the Holy Spirit. Acts 13:9 Paul, filled with the Spirit, smote Elymas blind for a season. Acts 13:52 The disciples in Antioch of Pisidia are filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. Acts 15:8 God bear the Gentiles witness giving them the Holy Spirit. Acts 15:28 It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and the apostles to not bind the law of Moses on the

Gentiles. Acts 16:6, 7 The Holy Spirit forbade and did not permit Paul and his company to go into Asia or

Bithynia. Acts 19:2 Those baptized by Apollas do not know about the gift of the Spirit received when one

is baptized in the name of (by the authority of) Christ. Acts 19:6 They receive the Spirit (metonymy signifying some gift) through the laying on of

Paul's hands. Acts 20:23 The Holy Spirit is testifying in every city that Paul will be bound in Jerusalem. Acts 20:28 The Holy Spirit makes men elders, overseers of God's flock. Acts 21 :4 The disciples in Tyre said through the Spirit that Paul should not go to Jerusalem. Acts 21:11 Agabus says the Holy Spirit said Paul would be bound in Jerusalem. Acts 28:25 The Holy Spirit spoke through Isaiah. Romans 5:5 The Holy Spirit, God's gift, sheds love abroad in hearts. Romans 8:2 Spirit makes me free from law of sin and death. Romans 8:4 The Christian walks after the Spirit. Romans 8:5 The Christian minds the things of the Spirit. Romans 8:9a The Christian is not in the flesh but in the Spirit. Romans 8:9b If do not have Spirit, do not belong to Christ. Romans 8:11 The Spirit that dwells in us will resurrect our mortal bodies. Romans 8:13 By the Spirit we put to death the deeds of the flesh. Romans 8:14 Sons of God are led by the Spirit of God.



Romans 8:16 The Spirit is a co-witness with my spirit that I am son of God. Romans 8:23 We have the first-fruits of the Spirit. Romans 8:26-27 The Holy Spirit intercedes for the Christian in prayer. Romans 9:1 Paul's conscience bears witness in the Spirit of his love for the Jew. Romans 14:17 Kingdom is Righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 Abundant hope for the Christian in the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:16 Paul's ministry is sanctified by the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:19 Wonders, signs in the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:30 Pau I beseeches by the love of the Spirit. 1 Corinthians 2:4 Demonstration of the Spirit and of power. 1 Corinthians 2:11-12. The Spirit revealed the hidden things of God to the apostles. 1 Corinthians 2:13 The apostles spoke the things of the Spirit in words of the Spirit. Revelation plus

inspiration. 1 Corinthians 2:14 The natural man cannot receive these things revealed and written by the Spirit. 1 Corinthians 3:16 The church is a temple of the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 6:11 The Corinthians had been washed, sanctified and justified in the name of Christ and in

the Spirit of our Lord. 1 Corinthians 6:19 The body of the Christian is a temple of the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 7:40 Paul thinks he has the Spirit of God. 1 Corinthians 12:3 No one by the Spirit curses Jesus and only by the Spirit can one say that He is Lord. 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 The miraculous gifts are given and distributed by the One Spirit of God

according to his sovereign will. 1 Corinthians 12:13 By this one Spirit we are all baptized into one body. Either because it is through

His instructions or because we are his representatives in baptizing those who we teach. 1 Corinthians 14:2 The one who speaks in a tongue speaks mysteries in the Spirit. 1 Corinthians 14:14,15,16 One can sing, pray, give thanks in a tongue in the Spirit but not to do so in the

assembly unless can understand and edify the church by interpreting. 2 Corinthians 1:22 We are established, sealed and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. 2 Corinthians 3:3 The Corinthians were Paul's epistles written by the Holy Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:17 The Spirit is Lord and where the Spirit is there is liberty. 2 Corinthians 5:5 God has given us the earnest of the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 6:6 One of the things that commended Paul was that he was "in the Holy Spirit." 2 Corinthians 13:14 The communion, fellowship of the Spirit. Galatians 3:2 The Galatians had received the Spirit through the hearing of faith. Galatians 3:3 Their progress was through the Spirit. Galatians 3:5 The present manifestations of the Spirit had been because of faith. Galatians 3:14 They had received the promise of the Spirit through faith. Galatians 4:6 Because we are sons God gives us His Spirit. Galatians 4:29 We like Isaac are born after the Spirit. Galatians 5:5 Through the Spirit we wait for the hope of righteousness. Galatians 5:16 We are to walk after the Spirit. Galatians 5:17 There is a warfare between the flesh and the Spirit. Galatians 5:18 Being led by the Spirit frees me from the system of the law. Galatians 5:22 The Spirit bears marvelous fruit in the Christian's life. Galatians 5:25 We can march by the Spirit if we live by the Spirit. Galatians 6:8 To sow unto the Spirit will enable us to reap of the Spirit eternal life. Ephesians 1:13 The Spirit is the Christian's seal. Ephesians 1:14 The Spirit is the earnest of our salvation. Ephesians 2:18 The Spirit is the access to God. Ephesians 2:22 God dwells in me through the Spirit. Ephesians 3:5 The Spirit revealed the mystery to the apostles and prophets.



Ephesians 3:16 The Christian is strengthened in his inward man through the Spirit. Ephesians 4:3 The unity of the church is the unity of the Spirit. Ephesians 4:4 There is only one Spirit, the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 4:30 We can grieve the Holy Spirit of God, our seal. Ephesians 5:18 My worship will be controlled by my being filled with the Spirit. Ephesians 6:17 The word of God is the sword of the Spirit. Ephesians 6:18 Prayer should be in the Holy Spirit. Philippians 1:19 The supply of the Spirit turns out to salvation. Philippians 2:1 The fellowship of the Spirit. Philippians 3:3 Worship by the Spirit of our God. Colossians 1:8 The Colossians loved Paul in the Spirit. 1 Thessalonians 1:5 The word of God came in power and in the Holy Spirit. 1 Thessalonians 4:8 God gives His Spirit unto us. 1 Thessalonians 1:6 They had received the word of God in much affliction with joy in the Holy Spirit. 1 Thessalonians5:19 Do not quench the Spirit (either through quenching the word or His power

through that word). 2 Thessalonians2:13 They had been sanctified by the Holy Spirit. 1 Timothy 3:16 Jesus was justified by the Spirit. 1 Timothy 4:1 The Spirit foretold the apostasy. 2 Timothy 1:14 Guard the deposit through the Holy Spirit which dwells in you. Titus 3:5 Saved through the washing of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Spirit. Hebrews 2:4 The miracles of the Holy Spirit confirmed, the spoken word of the apostles. Hebrews 3:7 The Holy Spirit spoke in Psalms 95. Hebrews 6:4 Christians are partakers of the Holy Spirit. Hebrews 9:8 The Holy Spirit thus signifying (i.e. by the types of the Old Testament). Hebrews 9:14 Jesus offered Himself without blemish through the power of the Holy Spirit. Hebrews 10:15 The Holy Spirit beareth witness in Jeremiah 31. Hebrews 10:29 Those who return to their former life do despite unto the Spirit. James 4:5 The Spirit which dwells in us yearns for our obedience with a jealous attitude. 1 Peter 1:2 The Sanctification of the Spirit. 1 Peter 1:11 The Spirit of Christ was in the prophets. 1 Peter 1:12 Those who preach the gospel do so by the Ho Iy Spirit sent forth from heaven. 1 Peter 3:18 Jesus was raised by the same Spirit that preached through Noah, the Holy Spirit. 1 Peter 4:14 When we're reproached for the name of Christ the spirit of glory and the Spirit of God

resteth upon us. 2 Peter 1:21 All the holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. 1 John 3:24; 4:13 We know that we are in God and He in us by the Spirit that he has given us. 1 John4:2 Those who have the Spirit of God preach that Jesus came in the flesh. 1 John 5:7 The Spirit bears witness in truth. 1 John 5:8 The Spirit bears witness with the water and the blood. Jude 19 Those who are carnal and make divisions do not have the Spirit. Jude 20 We need to be praying in the Spirit in order to be matured. Revelation 1:4 John sends greetings from the Seven Spirits (the Holy Spirit). Revelation 1:10 John is in the Spirit (under His control) on the Lord's day. Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 39; 3:1, 6,13,22. The Spirit speaks to the churches. Revelation 4:2 John is in the Spirit. Revelation 4:5 The Seven Spirits are before the throne of God. Revelation 5:6 The seven Spirits are sent throughout the earth. Revelation 14:13 The Spirit says the dead saints are blessed. Revelation 17:3 The Spirit carries John away into the wilderness to see the harlot. Revelation 21:10 John is carried away in the Spirit unto a high mountain.



Revelation 22:17 The Spirit has one last word to say as he closes his book: Come to Christ. The Spirit's last invitation.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Boles, H. Leo. The Holy Spirit His Personality, Nature and Works,

Cole, Graham A.. He Who Gives Life. Crossway Books, Wheaton, Illinois, 2007

Cottrell, Jack. The Holy Spirit A Biblical Study. College Press Publishing Co., Joplin, Missouri 2006

Deaver, Mac. The Holy Spirit Center of Controversy - Basis of Unity. Biblical Notes Publications 2007

Feenstra, C.A. Calvinism in the Light of God’s Word.

Flanary, Sammy. The Holy Spirit. Sunset Institute Press. Lubbock, Texas 2005

Floyd, Harvey. Is The Holy Spirit For Me?. 20th Century Publications, Nashville, Tennessee 37204, 1981

Guin, Jay. The Holy Spirit and Revolutionary Grace. Power Source Productions, 1995, Nashville, TN 37204

Halley’s Bible Handbook, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan 1965

Hamilton, James M. Jr.. God’s Indwelling Presence. B & H Publishing Group, Nashville, TN. 2006

Howard, V. E. The Holy Spirit. Central Printers & Publishers, West Monroe, Louisiana 1975

Into The Abundant Life. Truth for Today World Mission School, Searcy, AR 72145-2044, 2007

Jividen, Jimmy. Alive in the Spirit. Gospel Advocate Co, Nashville, TN 37202 1990

Lockyer, Herbert. All About the Holy Spirit. Hendrickson Publishers, 2003Nashville, TN

Lockyer, Dr. Herbert. All the Doctrines of the Bible. Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, MI 1972

Meadows, James. A Study of the Holy Spirit As Revealed in the Bible. Laycook Printing Co. Jackson, TN. 38301

McGuiggam, Jim. Where the Spirit of the Lord Is. Howard Publishing Co. West Monroe, Louisiana 71291, 1999

Pritchard, Ray. Names of the Holy Spirit. Moody Press, Chicago, 1995

Rodgers, Richard. A Study of the Holy Spirit of God. Sunset School of Preaching, Lubbock, Texas, 1968

Rush, Terry. The Holy Spirit Makes No Earthly Sense. Howard Publishing Co. West Monroe, Louisiana 71291. 1987

Wallace, Foy E. Jr. The Mission and Medium of the Holy Spirit. Foy E. Wallace Publications, 1967



Wright, Christopher J.H. Knowing the Holy Spirit Through the Old Testament. InterVarsity Press, Dowers Grove, IL 60515-1426. 2006

Winkler, Wendell. “What Do You Know About The Holy Spirit” The Third Annual Fort Worth Lectures, Winkler Publications, Hurst, Texas 76053, 1980



Course Evaluation

I greatly appreciate your being with us during this series of lessons. Understand the Holy Spirit is a monumental task. We have only touched the hem of the garment, so to speak. Even if we had accomplished a comprehensive exegete of all the verses on the Holy Spirit, we still would be handicapped by our limit perspective and human mind set. How can we comprehend the spiritual realm?

I have no axe to grind. I am not pushing for special power for anyone. I do not believe that God works miracles directly through men as He did in times past. I am not trying to condemn any of our teachers of the past. I am just trying to search the scriptures and see if these things are so. It is my prayer for you that you have been encouraged by the lessons. I pray that your eyes have been opened to all the smany passages concerning the Spirit and His work today. Please deal gently with others as you research such a delicate subject. May God be with you and Jesus give you much peace in your believing. “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.” (II Corinthians 13:14)



Please provide feedback as an evaluation of the course, material and approach. I appreciate your comments. It will help me do a better job of serving Christ and His people.

Please rate your answers to the questions below from 1 to 10. One being the least approval and 10 the best.

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