InstaStudy

The Holy Spirit

An exploration of the Holy Spirit's role and significance in the life of a believer.

1. The Promise of the Spirit

1.1 Old Testament Prophecies

Verses: Joel 2:28-29
  • God declared that He would pour out His Spirit on all flesh.
  • This outpouring would result in prophetic utterances, dreams, and visions.
  • This promise was not limited by age, gender, or social status.

1.2 John the Baptist's Testimony

Verses: Matthew 3:11; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; John 1:33
  • John prophesied that Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire.
  • This baptism is distinct from water baptism.
  • The Holy Spirit baptism is an experience of empowerment and transformation.

1.3 Jesus's Instructions to the Apostles

Verses: Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4-5
  • Jesus commanded His disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the promise of the Father.
  • This promise was the Holy Spirit.
  • They were to tarry until they were endued with power from on high.

2. The Manifestation of the Spirit

2.1 Pentecost

Verses: Acts 2:1-4
  • The Holy Spirit was poured out on the Day of Pentecost.
  • The believers were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues.
  • This was the initial fulfillment of the prophecies and promises.

2.2 Samaria

Verses: Acts 8:14-17
  • The Samaritans believed and were baptized in water, but they had not yet received the Holy Spirit.
  • The apostles Peter and John laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
  • This demonstrates that water baptism is not the same as Spirit baptism.

2.3 The House of Cornelius

Verses: Acts 10:44-46
  • The Holy Spirit fell on Cornelius and his household while Peter was preaching.
  • They spoke with tongues and magnified God.
  • This showed that the gift of the Spirit was also for the Gentiles.

2.4 Ephesus

Verses: Acts 19:1-7
  • Paul found disciples who had only been baptized into John's baptism.
  • After being baptized in the name of Jesus, they received the Holy Spirit when Paul laid hands on them.
  • They spoke with tongues and prophesied.

3. The Purpose of the Spirit

3.1 Empowerment for Service

Verses: Acts 1:8
  • The Holy Spirit empowers believers to be witnesses.
  • This power enables them to effectively share the gospel.
  • It equips them for ministry.

3.2 Spiritual Gifts

Verses: 1 Corinthians 12:4-11
  • The Holy Spirit distributes spiritual gifts to believers.
  • These gifts are for the edification of the church.
  • They include gifts such as prophecy, tongues, interpretation of tongues, and healing.

3.3 Transformation

Verses: Romans 8:13-14; Galatians 5:22-23
  • The Holy Spirit helps believers to put to death the deeds of the flesh.
  • He leads them in righteousness.
  • The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance.

4. The Godhead and the Spirit

4.1 One God

Verses: Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 45:5
  • The Bible declares that there is only one God.
  • This God manifested Himself in different ways.
  • The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are not three separate persons, but manifestations of the one God.

4.2 Jesus is the Spirit

Verses: 2 Corinthians 3:17
  • The Lord is that Spirit.
  • Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
  • Jesus is the fullness of the Godhead bodily.