The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity, equal with God the Father and God the Son, sharing in their divinity. He has powerful presence and ministry in the life of a believer and the advance of the gospel of Christ.
Read John 14:16.
Discuss: How does Jesus describe the Holy Spirit?
The Person of the Holy Spirit
Many people refer to the Holy Spirit as an "it", but the Bible uses pronouns like "He" and "His" when referring to the Holy Spirit. (John 14:17)
Intellect - The Holy Spirit knows, understands, and has a _____________ (Romans 8:27); the Holy Spirit searches all things, and knows _____________ (1 Corinthians 2:10-11)
Emotion - The Holy Spirit experiences emotion, so He can feel and ________________ (Ephesians 4:30).
Will - The Holy Spirit determines and acts decisively by giving _____________ (1 Corinthians 12:7,11). The Holy Spirit sets apart for _____________ (Acts 13:2)
The Holy Spirit is God
Attributes shared with God the Father and God the Son
Omniscience (Isaiah 40:13-14)
Omnipresence (Psalm 139:7)
Eternality (Hebrews 9:14)
Truth (1 John 5:7) (John 16:13)
Read Acts 5:3-4.
Discuss: What is it when we lie to the Holy Spirit?
The Work of the Holy Spirit
Active in creation
(Genesis 1:2) (Psalm 104:30)
Discuss: What did the spirit do at creation?
Active in revelation
(Inspires, reveals, and illuminates God's word) ( 2 Peter 1:20-21)
Read 1 Corinthians 2:10-15
Discuss: How is a person able to understand the truth revealed from God?
Bares witness to Christ
(John 15:26) (John 16:13) (John 16:14)
Active in salvation
Read John 16:7-8.
Discuss: What does this teach that the Holy Spirit does?
Read John 3:5-8.
Discuss: What does Jesus say must happen to a person in order to see the kingdom of God?
Regeneration - Describes the work of the Holy Spirit to impart spiritual life, leading to saving faith and salvation. (Titus 3:5)
Baptism in the Spirit - Occurs once at the time of salvation. It describes the work of the Holy Spirit uniting believers into Christ. (1 Corinthians 12:13)
Sealing of the Holy Spirit - The marking and indwelling presence of the Spirit in the life of a believer. It is God's pledge and promise that believers are sons of God and will receive the future inheritance. (Ephesians 1:13-14) (Romans 8:15)
Discuss: Describe the assurance that comes in knowing that the Holy Spirit seals us.
Active in sanctification
(1 Peter 1:2) (2 Thessalonians 2:13)
Being led by the spirit - Means that believers become more and more receptive to the desires and promptings of the Spirit in their life. (Galatians 5:16-18) (Romans 8:14)
Being filled with the spirit - Is to be under His domination and control. It is to confess sin and surrender the will to the Spirit. (Ephesians 5:18)
Producing the fruit of the spirit - Is to grow in the character traits that are a part of greater sanctification and holiness. (Galatians 5:22-23)
Read Galatians 5:22-23.
Discuss: What is the "fruit of the spirit"?
Why is it singular?
Are you increasing in these traits in your life?
If NO, how can you increase in the Fruit of the Spirit? If YES, how can you further grow in the Fruit of the Spirit?
Active in Christian ministry
The Holy Spirit gives spiritual gifts to every believer for the purpose of ministry and building the body of Christ. (1 Corinthians 12:7)
Personal application
List at least 2 ways the person and work of the Holy Spirit helps you think about growing in Christ, and the mission of the church.
Give one reason why the Holy Spirit deserves worship.