The Spirit of Truth: Righteousness and Knowledge from God
This study explores the nature of the Spirit God gives us, contrasting it with any spirit of falsehood. We will delve into how God empowers us with righteousness and true knowledge, enabling us to live a life aligned with His divine will and understanding.
1. Understanding the Spirit God Gives
1.1 The Source of the True Spirit
Verses: John 14:16-17; John 16:13; Acts 2:38
- God Himself is the giver of this Spirit.
- It is the Spirit of truth that guides into all truth.
- It is received through repentance and baptism in Jesus' name.
1.2 Contrasting with a Spirit of Falsehood
Verses: 1 John 4:1-3; 2 Corinthians 11:13-15; Jeremiah 14:14
- False spirits deny the truth of Jesus Christ's full deity.
- They masquerade as light but lead to deception.
- God does not send a spirit of lies.
1.3 The Spirit of Power, Love, and a Sound Mind
Verses: 2 Timothy 1:7; Romans 8:15; Luke 24:49
- God's Spirit brings strength, not fear.
- It cultivates divine love within us.
- It grants clarity of thought and spiritual discernment.
2. The Spirit of Righteousness
2.1 Imparted Righteousness
Verses: Romans 3:21-22; Philippians 3:9; 2 Corinthians 5:21
- Righteousness is a gift from God, not earned by works.
- It is received through faith in Jesus Christ.
- We are made righteous in Him.
2.2 Living a Righteous Life
Verses: Romans 6:13; 1 John 3:7; Ephesians 4:24
- The Spirit empowers us to choose righteousness.
- We are called to present our bodies as instruments of righteousness.
- Righteous living is evidence of God's Spirit within.
2.3 The Fruit of Righteousness
Verses: Galatians 5:22-23; Philippians 1:11; James 3:18
- Righteousness produces good fruit in our lives.
- It leads to peace and joy.
- It is essential for spiritual maturity.
3. The Spirit of Knowledge
3.1 Divine Revelation and Understanding
Verses: 1 Corinthians 2:10-12; Ephesians 1:17-18; Colossians 1:9-10
- The Spirit reveals the deep things of God.
- It grants wisdom and spiritual understanding.
- We gain knowledge of God's will.
3.2 Knowing the One True God
Verses: John 17:3; 1 Timothy 2:5; Isaiah 45:5-6
- Eternal life is to know the one true God and Jesus Christ whom He sent.
- There is one God and one mediator between God and men.
- God declares there is no other God besides Him.
3.3 Discerning Truth from Error
Verses: Hebrews 5:14; 1 John 2:27; Proverbs 2:6
- The Spirit trains us to distinguish good from evil.
- The anointing teaches us all things.
- God gives wisdom and knowledge.
4. Walking in the Spirit of Righteousness and Knowledge
4.1 Submission to the Spirit
Verses: Galatians 5:16; Romans 8:13-14; Ephesians 5:18
- We are to walk by the Spirit, not fulfilling the lusts of the flesh.
- Being led by the Spirit identifies us as God's children.
- Be filled with the Spirit.
4.2 Growing in Grace and Knowledge
Verses: 2 Peter 3:18; Colossians 2:6-7; Hebrews 6:1
- We are called to continually grow in our understanding of God.
- Establish ourselves in Christ.
- Move beyond elementary doctrines.
4.3 Bearing Witness to the Truth
Verses: Acts 1:8; John 15:26-27; Matthew 28:19-20
- The Spirit empowers us to be witnesses.
- The Spirit testifies of Jesus, and we also testify.
- We are commanded to teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of Jesus Christ.