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The Holy Spirit
STUDY
INDEX
Page 1: Introduction; The Person of the
Holy Spirit
Page 2: The Holy Spirit in the Life of
Christ
Page 3: The Holy Spirit in the Old Testament
Page 4: The Holy Spirit in the New Testament
Page 5: The Baptism in the Holy Spirit
Page 6: Speaking in Tongues
Page 7: The Gifts of the Spirit
Page 8: The Fruit of the Spirit
Page 9: Conclusion: A Christless Pentecost
Introduction
"Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." (2 Corinthians 3:17).
We welcome you to this study on the work and ministry of the Holy Spirit. It is essential that believers understand the importance of the Holy Spirit in God's redemptive process, and His work in the lives of individuals and the church as a whole. Sadly, many Christians have no concept of the Holy Spirit's work, especially in the days of the Old Testament. Without the Holy Spirit, there would be no creation nor human race. Without the Holy Spirit, there would be no Bible, nor power and boldness to proclaim the gospel. Without the Holy Spirit, there would be no faith, no holiness, no new birth or regeneration - in fact, not one person would ever be saved.
The Holy Spirit is often referred to as "it." He has been called "jargon" which Christians should not mention when witnessing. But the Holy Spirit is not an "it" or "jargon". He is a divine Person, a part of the Trinity, the third person in the godhead, and He is active and alive in the hearts and lives of men today.
The Person of the Holy Spirit
Throughout the Bible, the Holy Spirit is revealed as a person with an distinct individuality and personality. He is a divine Person and a member of the Trinity, like the Father and Jesus Christ, and not just a mere influence or force of power. The Holy Spirit can be grieved, thus I wish to emphasize again that He is not an "it", but a person. John wrote in his first epistle, "For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one." (1 John 5:7).
The Holy Spirit has an individuality and characteristics all His own. He has a mind and thinks. Paul stated in Romans 8:27, "And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God."
He has the capacity to love and fellowship. Romans 15:30 states, "Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus ChristÕs sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me." (see also Philippians 2:1).
The Spirit has a will and plan. To the Corinthian church, Paul wrote, "But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will." (1 Corinthians 12:11). Romans 8:14 states, "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God." (see also Acts 8:29, Acts 10:19, Acts 11:12, Acts 21:4).
He was sent by the Father to bring believers into an intimate knowledge of and fellowship with Jesus Christ. Jesus said to His disciples, "And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you... But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you... Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you." (John 14:16-17, 26; 16:13-14).
Having read the Scriptures above, we see we should regard the Holy Spirit as the infinite Living God abiding within our hearts. He is worthy of our love, fellowship, and worship. He is one with the Father and Son, working together with them in perfect love and unity. He is self-less, and seeks only that Jesus Christ be glorified.
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