InstaStudy

Guidance of the Holy Spirit

An exploration of how the Holy Spirit guides believers.

1. The Promise of the Spirit

1.1 The Spirit as Comforter and Guide

Verses: John 14:16-17; John 16:13
  • The Spirit is sent to abide with believers forever, offering constant comfort.
  • The Spirit guides believers into all truth, revealing the will of God.
  • This guidance is not just intellectual assent, but a personal, transformative experience.

1.2 Receiving the Spirit

Verses: Acts 2:38-39; Acts 10:44-46
  • Repentance, baptism in Jesus' name, and receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit are essential steps.
  • Speaking in other tongues is the initial, unmistakable sign of receiving the Spirit.
  • This experience empowers believers for service and witness.

2. The Spirit's Role in Salvation

2.1 Regeneration and Renewal

Verses: Titus 3:5; 1 Corinthians 6:11
  • The Spirit washes, regenerates, and renews believers, transforming them into new creations.
  • This transformation is not merely outward conformity but an inward change of heart and mind.
  • It is through the Spirit that we are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus.

2.2 Indwelling and Adoption

Verses: Romans 8:9; Galatians 4:6
  • The Spirit dwells within believers, marking them as belonging to God.
  • Through the Spirit, we cry, 'Abba, Father,' experiencing intimate relationship with God.
  • This indwelling is not a passive presence but an active force shaping our lives.

3. Living in the Spirit

3.1 Walking and Being Led

Verses: Galatians 5:25; Romans 8:14
  • We are called to walk in the Spirit, allowing the Spirit to direct our steps.
  • Being led by the Spirit means submitting to His guidance in all areas of life.
  • This leads to a life of obedience, holiness, and fruitfulness.

3.2 Fruit of the Spirit

Verses: Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 5:9
  • The Spirit produces fruit in our lives, such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
  • This fruit is evidence of the Spirit's presence and power within us.
  • Cultivating these qualities requires intentional effort and dependence on the Spirit.

3.3 Gifts of the Spirit

Verses: 1 Corinthians 12:4-11; Romans 12:6-8
  • The Spirit distributes gifts to believers for the edification of the church.
  • These gifts are diverse and serve different purposes, but all are empowered by the same Spirit.
  • We should earnestly desire the best gifts and use them to build up the body of Christ.

4. The Spirit and Worship

4.1 Worship in Spirit and Truth

Verses: John 4:24; Philippians 3:3
  • True worship is offered in spirit and truth, engaging both our hearts and minds.
  • We worship God through the Spirit, relying on His presence and power.
  • This worship is not confined to a specific place or time but permeates our entire lives.

4.2 Spiritual Expression

Verses: 1 Corinthians 14:15; Ephesians 5:19
  • The Spirit inspires various forms of worship, including singing, praying, and prophesying.
  • We should be open to the Spirit's leading in our worship, allowing Him to express Himself through us.
  • These expressions should be orderly and edifying to the church.