The Holy Spirit: Experiencing God's Power and Presence
An exploration of the Holy Spirit's role in salvation, empowerment, and the life of the believer.
1. The Holy Spirit: The Manifestation of God's Presence
1.1 The Spirit as God
Verses: Acts 5:3-4; 2 Corinthians 3:17
- Lying to the Holy Spirit is lying to God, demonstrating the Spirit's divine nature.
- The Lord is the Spirit, identifying the Spirit as the very presence of God.
1.2 One God, Manifest in Spirit
Verses: Deuteronomy 6:4; Ephesians 4:6
- There is only one God.
- God is above all, and through all, and in all.
2. The Promise of the Spirit: Receiving God's Gift
2.1 The Initial Sign: Speaking in Tongues
Verses: Acts 2:4; Acts 10:44-46; Acts 19:6
- Speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance is the initial, unmistakable sign of receiving the Holy Spirit.
- This experience was consistent among early believers, regardless of background.
2.2 Repentance and Baptism: Preparing for the Promise
Verses: Acts 2:38; Luke 24:47
- Repentance, turning away from sin, is a necessary step.
- Baptism in Jesus' name for the remission of sins is essential for receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit.
3. The Spirit-Filled Life: Living in God's Power
3.1 Power for Witnessing
Verses: Acts 1:8; John 15:26-27
- The Holy Spirit empowers believers to be effective witnesses of Jesus Christ.
- The Spirit testifies of Jesus, and believers share that testimony.
3.2 Spiritual Gifts: Manifestations of the Spirit
Verses: 1 Corinthians 12:4-11; Romans 12:6-8
- The Holy Spirit distributes various gifts to believers for the edification of the church.
- These gifts are manifestations of the same Spirit, working in different ways.
3.3 Fruit of the Spirit: Character of Christ
Verses: Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 5:9
- The fruit of the Spirit demonstrates the character of Christ being formed in the believer.
- These qualities are evidence of a life controlled by the Spirit.