InstaStudy

The Holy Spirit

A Bible study outline focusing on the Holy Spirit.

1. The Promise of the Spirit

1.1 A Gift for All

Verses: Acts 1:4-5; Acts 2:38-39
  • The promise of the Holy Spirit was for all believers, not just the apostles.
  • Peter declared that the promise was for those who were far off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
  • Receiving the Spirit is an essential part of the New Covenant experience.

1.2 The Spirit as Comforter and Teacher

Verses: John 14:16-17; John 14:26
  • The Holy Spirit is sent to be our Comforter, abiding with us forever.
  • The Spirit teaches us all things and brings to our remembrance what Jesus has said.
  • The Spirit guides us into all truth.

2. The Manifestation of the Spirit

2.1 Speaking in Tongues

Verses: Acts 2:1-4; Acts 10:44-46
  • Speaking in other tongues is the initial, unmistakable sign of receiving the Holy Spirit.
  • This experience is a supernatural utterance given by the Spirit.
  • It is a sign for both the believer and the unbeliever.

2.2 Gifts of the Spirit

Verses: 1 Corinthians 12:4-11
  • The Spirit empowers believers with various gifts for the edification of the church.
  • These gifts include wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, tongues, and interpretation of tongues.
  • These gifts operate as the Spirit wills, not according to human desire.

3. The Role of the Spirit in Salvation

3.1 Indwelling Presence

Verses: Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 6:19
  • The Holy Spirit dwells within believers, making them temples of God.
  • Having the Spirit is essential for belonging to Christ.
  • Our bodies are to be instruments of righteousness, yielded to the Spirit.

3.2 Regeneration and Renewal

Verses: Titus 3:5; John 3:5
  • The Holy Spirit regenerates and renews us, washing away our sins.
  • This new birth is a spiritual transformation, making us new creations in Christ.
  • Water baptism is an essential part of this process, representing the burial of the old self.

3.3 Sonship and Inheritance

Verses: Romans 8:14-17
  • The Spirit leads us, enabling us to live as sons and daughters of God.
  • We are heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ through the Spirit.
  • The Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.

4. The Spirit and the Godhead

4.1 The Spirit as God's Presence

Verses: 2 Corinthians 3:17; John 14:18
  • The Lord is that Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
  • Jesus promised to not leave us comfortless, but to come to us.
  • The Spirit is the manifestation of God's presence in the world and in our lives.

4.2 One God, Manifest in Different Ways

Verses: Isaiah 9:6; John 10:30
  • Jesus is the mighty God, the everlasting Father.
  • Jesus said, 'I and my Father are one.'
  • God is one, but He manifests Himself in different roles and ways, including as the Spirit.