InstaStudy

The Holy Spirit

An exploration of the Holy Spirit's role in the life of the believer and the nature of God.

1. The Promise of the Spirit

1.1 The Initial Sign

Verses: Acts 2:38; Acts 10:44-46; Acts 19:6
  • Speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance is the initial, unmistakable sign of the infilling of the Spirit.
  • This experience aligns with the pattern established in the Book of Acts.
  • It is a supernatural manifestation, not learned or rehearsed, but divinely imparted.

1.2 The Spirit as Comforter and Guide

Verses: John 14:16-18; John 14:26; John 15:26
  • The Spirit is sent to be our Comforter, abiding with us always.
  • He guides us into all truth, revealing the deeper meanings of Scripture.
  • He testifies of Jesus, pointing us to the Savior.

2. Manifestations of the Spirit

2.1 Diversity of Gifts

Verses: 1 Corinthians 12:4-11; Romans 12:6-8; Ephesians 4:11-13
  • The Spirit distributes gifts to each believer as He wills, for the common good.
  • These gifts are diverse, including prophecy, teaching, healing, and administration.
  • Each gift is essential for the building up of the body of Christ.

2.2 Proper Use of Gifts

Verses: 1 Corinthians 14:1-5; 1 Corinthians 14:26; 1 Corinthians 14:39-40
  • The gifts should be used in an orderly manner, with love as the guiding principle.
  • Prophecy is to be valued, but all things should be done for edification.
  • We should earnestly desire spiritual gifts, but always with discernment and humility.

3. Living in the Spirit

3.1 The Fruit of the Spirit

Verses: Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 5:9; Romans 14:17
  • The fruit of the Spirit is the manifestation of Christ's character in the believer's life.
  • It includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
  • These qualities are evidence of a life yielded to the Spirit's control.

3.2 Walking in the Spirit

Verses: Romans 8:14; Galatians 5:16; Galatians 5:25
  • Walking in the Spirit means being led by the Spirit in all areas of life.
  • It involves setting our minds on spiritual things and resisting the desires of the flesh.
  • As we walk in the Spirit, we will not gratify the desires of the flesh.

4. The Spirit and the Godhead

4.1 The Fullness of the Godhead

Verses: John 1:1-3; Colossians 1:15-17; Hebrews 1:2-3
  • Jesus is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.
  • In Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible.
  • He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.

4.2 The Divine Identity

Verses: John 10:30; John 14:9; 2 Corinthians 5:19
  • Jesus declared, 'I and the Father are one,' revealing His unity with the Father.
  • He is the visible manifestation of the invisible God.
  • God was in Christ, reconciling the world to Himself.

4.3 The Names and Titles of Deity

Verses: Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 1:23; Revelation 1:8
  • Jesus is called 'Mighty God, Everlasting Father,' demonstrating His divine nature.
  • He is Emmanuel, 'God with us,' revealing God's presence in human form.
  • He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, the Almighty.