InstaStudy

Building Our Faith on the Gospels Through Praying in the Holy Ghost: A Biblical Approach to Spiritual Strength and Divine Connection.

This study explores how a deep understanding of the Gospels, coupled with the power of praying in the Holy Ghost, forms an unshakeable foundation for spiritual strength and a profound connection with God. We will delve into the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, the nature and work of the Holy Ghost, and the transformative impact of Spirit-led prayer on our daily lives.

1. The Foundation of Our Faith: The Gospels and Jesus Christ

1.1 Jesus Christ: The Fullness of the Godhead Bodily

Verses: Colossians 2:9; John 14:9; Isaiah 9:6
  • In Jesus Christ dwells all the fullness of the Godhead in bodily form.
  • To see Jesus is to see the Father, revealing the one true God.
  • He is identified as Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

1.2 The Gospel Message: Death, Burial, and Resurrection

Verses: 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Romans 6:3-4; Acts 2:38
  • The core of our faith is Christ's atoning work: His death for our sins, His burial, and His resurrection.
  • Through baptism, we identify with His death, burial, and resurrection to walk in newness of life.
  • Repentance and baptism in the name of Jesus Christ are essential responses to the Gospel for the remission of sins.

1.3 The Authority and Power of Jesus' Name

Verses: Philippians 2:9-11; Acts 4:12; John 14:13-14
  • God has highly exalted Jesus and given Him a name which is above every name.
  • There is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.
  • Whatever we ask in His name, believing, He will do it, demonstrating His ultimate authority.

2. Understanding the Holy Ghost: The Spirit of God Within Us

2.1 The Holy Ghost as the Spirit of Jesus

Verses: John 14:16-18; Romans 8:9-11; 2 Corinthians 3:17
  • The Comforter, the Spirit of truth, is Jesus Himself returning to dwell within His followers.
  • If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His; the Spirit of God dwells in us.
  • Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty and the Lord is that Spirit.

2.2 The Promise and Experience of the Holy Ghost

Verses: Acts 2:38-39; Acts 1:8; John 7:38-39
  • The promise of the Holy Ghost is for all who repent and are baptized in Jesus' name.
  • Receiving the Holy Ghost empowers us to be witnesses for Christ to the uttermost parts of the earth.
  • Out of our innermost being shall flow rivers of living water, signifying the indwelling Spirit.

2.3 Speaking in Tongues: The Initial Evidence

Verses: Acts 2:4; Acts 10:44-46; Acts 19:6
  • When the Holy Ghost came upon them, they all began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.
  • Gentiles also received the Holy Ghost, evidenced by their speaking with tongues and magnifying God.
  • Believers in Ephesus received the Holy Ghost and spoke with tongues and prophesied after Paul laid hands on them.

3. The Power of Prayer in the Holy Ghost

3.1 Praying with Understanding and in the Spirit

Verses: 1 Corinthians 14:14-15; Romans 8:26-27; Jude 1:20
  • We can pray with our spirit, even when our understanding is unfruitful, allowing the Spirit to intercede.
  • The Spirit helps us in our weakness, interceding for us with groanings which cannot be uttered, according to God's will.
  • Building up ourselves on our most holy faith by praying in the Holy Ghost strengthens our spiritual man.

3.2 Spiritual Strength Through Spirit-Led Prayer

Verses: Ephesians 3:16; Colossians 1:9-11; Isaiah 40:31
  • We are strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man through prayer.
  • Spirit-led prayer fills us with the knowledge of His will, enabling us to walk worthy of the Lord.
  • Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength, mounting up with wings like eagles.

3.3 Divine Connection and Intimacy with God

Verses: Galatians 4:6; Romans 8:15-16; Hebrews 4:16
  • Because we are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, 'Abba, Father'.
  • The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, fostering intimacy.
  • Through prayer, we can come boldly to the throne of grace to obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

4. Living a Spirit-Filled Life: Manifesting Divine Strength

4.1 Walking in the Spirit, Not in the Flesh

Verses: Galatians 5:16; Romans 8:1; Romans 8:13
  • Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh, as the Spirit guides our steps.
  • There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit.
  • If you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

4.2 Bearing the Fruit of the Spirit

Verses: Galatians 5:22-23; John 15:4-5; Ephesians 5:9
  • The Spirit produces Christ-like character within us, including love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
  • Abiding in Christ and allowing His Spirit to work through us enables us to bear much fruit.
  • The fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth, reflecting God's nature.

4.3 Exercising Spiritual Gifts for Edification

Verses: 1 Corinthians 12:7-11; Romans 12:6-8; Ephesians 4:11-12
  • The manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all, including gifts of wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discernment, tongues, and interpretation.
  • Having gifts differing according to the grace given to us, we are to use them diligently for the body of Christ.
  • These gifts are for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.