The Holy Spirit:  Who is He? How does He help me?

Who is the Holy Spirit?

He is God. Acts 5: 3 -5 The Holy Spirit is equated with God. A Lie to the Holy Spirit is a lie to God. Romans 8: 9 -10, Ephesians 2: 22, I Corinthians 6: 19 Believers are called the temple of God because the Holy Spirit indwells us. If the Holy Spirit were not God we could not be called the temple of God. 

He has the attributes only God can have: Omniscient (all knowing) I Corinthians 2: 10- 11; Omnipresent (everywhere present) Psalm 139: 7- 8; Omnipotent (all powerful) - He does work only God can do - give life - Job 33: 4, create - Genesis 1: 1 -2, Job 33: 6, Psalm 104: 30.

He was involved in the conception of Jesus Christ. Luke 1: 35

He brought about the resurrection of Jesus Christ through His power. Romans 8: 11

Inspired the Scriptures. II Peter 1: 21; II Timothy 3: 16

H e is the third person of the trinity.  The Bible clearly distinguishes between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit God is one in essence (being), three in person (subsistence). Matthew 28:19 and II Corinthians 13: 14   There are distinct personalities in the Godhead, but one God - there are no essential divisions in God. The Father, Son and Spirit are one God equal with each other in glory, being, dignity, power and worth. And yet, the Father is not the Son, the Spirit is not the Son - each has His own unique subsistence (person). In God's plan of creation and redemption certain persons of the Godhead are subordinate to others. (The Father sends the Son, the Son is begotten by the Father & the Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son. )

Why did the Holy Spirit Come?

The Spirit came to glorify Jesus Christ (John 16: 14), lead us into truth (John 16: 13), help and teach us (John 14: 16, 17, 27). It is impossible to become a Christian, understand spiritual truth, pray, live a holy life, witness or do anything for Jesus Christ apart from the person of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 2: 9- 14).

The Holy Spirit in the Old Testament

Numbers 11: 14- 29, Joel 2: 28 The Holy Spirit was active in the Old Testament in creation and working redemption. Gifts and power for ministry was also given by the Spirit This distribution of the Holy Spirit was limited to some of God's people. (Prophets, Judges, Kings of Israel, etc…)   In Numbers 11 Moses expresses a desire that God put His Spirit upon all God's people instead of just some of them. This became a prophecy of Joel 2: 28 which was fulfilled in Acts 2.

The Holy Spirit in the New Testament

"they were all filled with the Holy Spirit" Acts 2: 4 Now all God's people received the Holy Spirit God now gifts every believer for ministry. The whole church has been empowered from on high.

The Ministry of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit convicts people of sin. (John 16: 8)

The Holy Spirit regenerates (new birth). (John 1: 13, John 3: 3 -8, Titus 3: 5)

The Holy Spirit seals all believers (secures us as God's own) II Corinthians 1:22, Ephesians 1:13 -14.

The Holy Spirit indwells all believers. (Romans 8: 9, I Corinthians 6:9, Romans 5: 5) He is our ever present Teacher, Guide, Comforter (John 14: 16- 20).

He baptizes us into Christ. (I Corinthians 12: 13)

He assists us in praying. (Romans 8: 26 -27).

Assists us in speaking to men (Mark 13: 11).

He gives us power to witness (Acts 1: 8).

He fills (empowers) us Ephesians 5: 18.

The Holy Spirit produces the fruit of the Spirit in us (Galatians 5: 22- 23)

The Holy Spirit gives a diversity of gifts to His people (I Corinthians 12: 4- 11).

The Holy Spirit is called "Holy" not because He is Holier than the other persons of the Trinity but because He is holy and He is the one who enables us to live holy and fruitful lives for Jesus Christ Galatians 5: 16. The same Holy Spirit who empowered and changed the Christians of the first century , turning them into radiant witnesses for Christ is available to us today!

Permission is granted to use this Bible Study outline for personal study and small groups only. 

Study written by Bob Krepps  © 1994 all rights reserved

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