A Study of the Holy Spirit!

Back during the Summer of 2015, I had the blessed opportunity to teach an 8 week study on the Holy Spirit at my home church on Wednesday nights, at Clanton Church of God. This includes the notes of the 1st five lessons I taught. The Lord grew me so much through this journey, though some of it was painful pruning, of teaching and in depth studying of this subject!

The Holy Spirit * (Pneumatology – wind, air, spirit, breath combining to mean the study of the Holy Spirit)

1. The person and nature of the Holy Spirit
2. The names and symbols of the Holy Spirit
3. The Holy Spirit in History  
4. The Holy Spirit’s Work in the Life of the       Individual Believer
5. The Holy Spirit’s Work in the Church

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Lesson 1
THE PERSON AND NATURE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
 
Lesson Objectives: When this lesson is completed the student should understand that the Holy Spirit is a Divine Person with all the attributes of personality deity.
1. This course - “The Holy Spirit”
2. We will study many things about the person and work of the Spirit of God
3. We must begin by asking two important questions? - a. Just who is the Holy Spirit? b. What is the nature of the Holy Spirit? 4. In this lesson we will answer these vital questions.

I. THE PERSON OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

A. Before we talk about who the Holy Spirit is let’s talk about what He is not. 
1. He is not a “thing” or an “it.” 
2. He is not an impersonal force, or energy - a. Like electricity b. Or witchcraft 
3. He is not an abstract quality or ideal such as “love” or “nature” or a “universal force for good.”

B. The Holy Spirit is a person. 
1. “The Spirit Himself” (Romans 8:16, 26) 
2. The“Third Person” of the Godhead a. Like Father, like Son, like Holy Spirit (Ghost) b. Just as the Father is God, and the Son is God, the Holy Spirit is God. c. Matthew 3:16-17, 28:19-20, 2nd Corinthians 13:14 
3. Which is correct, Holy Spirit or Holy Ghost? a. Holy Ghost used in the KJV
b. Both translated from the same Greek word: pneuma c. Acts 2:4 (KJV) “They were all filled with the Holy Ghost and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave utterance.” d. John 7:37-38 (KJV). 

C. The difference between personality and corporeality:
1. Personality a. Being a person b. Having the traits of personality 
2. Corporeality a. Having a body

D. Proofs of His being a person:
1. He performs personal activities a. He strives with sinners (Galatians 6:3) b. He teaches (John 14:26) c. He reproves (John 16:8) d. He guides (John 16:13) e. He comforts (Acts 9:31) f. He helps in our infirmities (Romans 8:26) g. He witnesses (Romans 8:16) h. He forbids (Acts 16:6) 
2. He possesses personal attributes a. He has a mind (Romans 8:27) b. He has a will (1st Corinthians 12:7) c. He can be grieved (1st Corinthians 12:11) d. He can be vexed (Isaiah 63:10) 
3. He enjoys personal relationships

II. THE NATURE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
A. He has the attributes of God. 
1. He is eternal (Hebrews 9:14) 
2. He is omnipresent – everywhere (Psalm 139:7-10) 
3. He is omnipotent – unlimited power, able to do anything (Luke 1:37) 
4. He is omniscient – knows everything
(1st Corinthians 2:10)

B. He does the works of God 
1. Creation (Genesis 1:1-2) 
2. Inspiring the Word of God (2 Peter 1:19-21) 
3. Saving the Lost (Regeneration, Cleansing)

C. The Holy Spirit is God 
1. The only obvious conclusion. 
2. The Holy Spirit is God Himself in action.

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Lesson 2
THE NAMES AND SYMBOLS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Lesson Objectives: When this lesson is completed the student should...
1. Know the various names and symbols of the Holy Spirit in Scripture.
2. By investigating these names and symbols, know more about his person and work.
A. In the previous lesson we learned about the Person and Nature of the Holy Spirit.
B. We learned two things: a. He is a Person
b. He is God

3. In this lesson we will be investigating the various names given to the Holy Spirit in Scripture. a. Just as Jesus is called by many names b. So the Holy Spirit is called by various names.
4. Each name describes a different aspect about his nature and character.
5. We will also investigate the different symbols used in Scripture to depict the Holy Spirit.

I. NAMES OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
A. Holy Ghost or Holy Spirit 1. Occurs 97 times in the Bible - “Holy Ghost.” It occurs 90 times in the KJV. The term “Holy Spirit” occurs 7 times in the KJV a. The most common name. b. Ref: Matthew 28:19 2. The emphasis is on His holiness (Romans 1:4, Spirit of Holiness).

B. Spirit of God 1. Occurs 26 times in the Bible a. Ephesians 4:30 b. 1 John.4:2 2. Emphasizes His relationship with the Father c. He proceeds from the Father (John 15:2)

C. Spirit of Christ 1. Ref: Romans 8:9;
1st Peter 10:1 2. Emphasis on His relationship with Christ a. He was given by Christ (John 14:15; 15:26; 16:7) b. He reveals Christ c. He takes Christ’s place (John 14:16)

D. Variously translated: a. Comforter(KJV) b. Helper (NKJV) c. Counselor (NIV)
d. Advocate 3. Literally: “One who walks alongside to help”.

E. Other names of the Holy Spirit:
1. Spirit of Sonship/Adoption (Romans 8:15) 2. Spirit of Grace (Hebrews 10:29)
3. The Eternal Spirit (Hebrews 9:14)
4. Spirit of Truth (John 14:17; 15:26; 16:13) 5. Spirit of Life (Romans 8:2; Revelation 11:11)
6. Holy Spirit of Promise (Ephesians 1:12)

II. SYMBOLS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
A. Wind/Breath 1. Biblical examples: a. To Nicodemus (John 3:8) b. Jesus breathed on His disciples (John 20:22) c. Pentecost (Acts 2:2) 2. means either wind, spirit, or breath 3. Significance: a. Speaks of the invisible nature of the Holy Spirit.  b.Wind also speaks of moving force and energy.  c. The Holy Spirit fills us much like breathing fills the lungs with air.

B. Water/Rain 1. Biblical examples a. Living water (John 7:37) b. Latter rain (Joel 2:23, Isaiah 32:15) 2. Significance: Speaks of the Spirit’s life giving, refreshing(Isaiah 28:11-12; Acts 3:19) and sustaining work.

C. Fire 1. Biblical examples a. Holy Spirit and fire (Matthew 3:11) 2. Pentecost (Acts 2:3) 2. Significance: a. Fire speaks of cleansing by the burning up of impurities
b. “Tongues of fire”suggest prophetic anointing

D. Oil 1. Biblical examples a. David anointed (1 Samuel 16:12-13) b. Anointing oil (James 5:14) c. Jesus (Luke 4:18-19)
2. Significance: a. Oil speaks of anointing or consecration for service. b. This anointing also includes empowerment (Acts 10:38)

E. Dove 1. Biblical examples a.Jesus’ baptism (Matthew 3:16, John 1:32) b. Noted in all 4 gospels
2. Significance: a. Speaks of gentleness and innocence (Matthew 10:16) b. Also reminds us of the creative work of the Spirit (Genesis 1:2; Luke 1:35)

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Lesson 3

THE HOLY SPIRIT IN HISTORY
 
I. THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE OLD TESTAMENT (His Work in the World before Pentecost)

A. He was active in creation.  
1. In creating the world a. Genesis 1:2 “the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.” b. Job 26:13 “By His Spirit He adorned the heavens”... 
2. In sustaining creation (Psalm 104:30)

B. He anointed and enabled deliverers and prophets.
1. Moses and the Seventy Elders: Isaiah 63:11: He “put His Holy Spirit within them.” 2. Joshua: Numbers 27:18, “Joshua, the son of Nun... a man in whom is the Spirit”
3. Gideon: a. Judges 6:34: “But the Spirit of the Lord came upon Gideon, then he blew the trumpet. b. Literally, “The Spirit of the Lord put on [was clothed with] Gideon.”
4. Samson: a. Judges 13:25: “The Spirit of the Lord began to move upon him...”
b. Judges 14:6: “And the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon him” c. Judges 14:19: “Then the Spirit of the Lord came upon him mightily” d. Judges 15:14: “Then the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon him.”
5. King Saul: a. He prophesies among the prophets (1 Samuel 10:1-13)
6. David: When he was anointed king, by Samuel “Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward.”
(1st Samuel 16:13). His (David’s) prayer of repentance: “Take not thy Holy Spirit from me” (Psalm 51:11).

II. THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE LIFE AND MINISTRY OF JESUS (His Work in the World during the Time of Christ)

A. The Holy Spirit Worked in His Conception and Birth - Luke 1:35

B. The Holy Spirit Worked in His Ministry - 1. In the beginning of His Ministry a. At His water baptism, Luke 3:21, 22. b. Without measure: John 3:34
2. In the continuation of His ministry a. Inauguration, Luke 4:18-19, b. Anointing and empowering 1) He was anointed by the Spirit: Acts 10:38, “God anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit and with power..."
2) He ministered in the power of the Spirit a) Anointed at His baptism (Luke 3:21) b)Luke 4:14, “Then Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee”
c) Luke 4:18
d) Luke 5:17, “Now He was teaching... and the power of the Lord was present to heal them.” e) Luke 6:19 “Power went out from Him and healed them all.”
3. Leading and guiding: Luke 4:1

C. He promised to empower His church.
1.He promised that they would do “greater works”: John14:12                                                                     
2. He commanded them to wait. a. Luke 24:49 “Tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.”
b. Acts 1:4-5

3. He promised them power Acts 1:8.

D. Jesus performed His ministry, not in His own power, but in the power and anointing of the Holy Spirit.  He thus became our example in Spirit-anointed ministry.

III. THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE CHURCH (His Work in the World after Pentecost)

A. The Church was empowered on the Day of Pentecost.
1. The command of Jesus to wait: a. Luke 24:49, b. Acts 1:8, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: 8 and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”
2. The Church is empowered Acts 2:1-4

B. The Holy Spirit enabled the church to minister in power. - 1. Acts 2:43, Acts 4:33

C. The Holy Spirit will remain with the church until it is taken away.  
1. 2nd Thessalonians. 2:7 - a. The One who holds back is the Holy Spirit working through the church. b. He will remain active in the world until Jesus calls the church out of the world at the time of the rapture.
(1st Thessalonians 4:14-18).  
2. We can expect the Holy Spirit to do His work of calling and redeeming man and empowering His church until He comes again.

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Lesson 4
THE HOLY SPIRIT’S WORK IN THE LIFE OF THE INDIVIDUAL BELIEVER

I. HE GIVES NEW LIFE TO THE REPENTIVE SINNER
A. The Holy Spirit effects the process of conversion. 
1. The Holy Spirit convicts the sinner of His sin, see John 16:7-12 
2. The Holy Spirit reveals Christ to the seeker, see 1st Corinthians 12:3
3. The Holy Spirit regenerates the one who repents & believes in Christ, see John 3:1-7     
         
B. The Holy Spirit baptizes the believer into the body of Christ. 1. 1st Corinthians 12:13. 2. Don’t confuse with the baptism in the Holy Spirit. 3.Three baptisms: a. Baptism into [the body of] Christ (1st Corinthians 12:13; Romans 5:3-6) b. Water Baptism (Matthew 28:19-20) c. Baptism in the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4-5)

II. HE INDWELLS THE BELIEVER
A. Every True Believer is indwelt by the Holy Spirit 1. Romans 8:9, 2. John 3:5,
3. Galatians 4 :6,

III. HE SANCTIFIES THE BELIEVER
A. The Holy Spirit sanctifies the believer: 1 Corinthians 6:11

IV. HE IS THE BELIEVERS ADVOCATE AND HELPER
A. The promise of Jesus: “another Comforter” 1. He will abide with us, and in us: John 14:16-17, John 15:26-27
B. The Holy Spirit will be to the believer everything that Jesus would be if He were here in the flesh.

V. HE TEACHES THE BELIEVER
A. Will guide into all truth: John 16:13
B. He will teach us all things: John 14:26

VI. HE EMPOWERS THE BELIEVER FOR LIFE AND SERVICE
A. Power from on high: Luke 24:49
B. Power to “be witnesses”: Acts 1:8

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Lesson 5
THE HOLY SPIRIT’S WORK IN THE CHURCH

Lesson Objectives: When this lesson is completed the student should - 1. Know the role that the Holy Spirit plays in the life of the church
2. Understand the work of the Holy Spirit through the church in world evangelization.

I. THE HOLY SPIRIT’S WORK IN THE CHURCH

A. He indwells the church. - 1. As the temple of God a. 1st Corinthians 3:16, 17: “Do you now know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” - 2. As a habitation of God a. Ephesians. 2:19-22

B. He is the church’s source of life and righteousness. 1. He has been poured out on the church: Acts 2:16-18
2. He speaks to the church: “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches...” (Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22)
3. He promotes righteousness, peace, and joy in the church: Romans 14:17, “For the kingdom of God is not food and drink, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”

C. He is the church’s source of power and ministry. 1. He empowers the church: Acts 1:8: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you...” 2. He appoints leaders for the church: Acts 20:28
3. He gives gifts to the church: 1st Corinthians 12: 4-11.
4. He strengthens the church through supernatural manifestations: Acts 4:31-33 

II. THE HOLY SPIRIT’S WORK IN WORLD EVANGELIZATION

A. One of the most important ways that the Spirit works in the church is to inspire it and empower it for world evangelization. He Inspires the Church to World Evangelization 1. Peter explains why he went to the Gentiles to preach the gospel: Acts 11:12 “The Spirit told me to go... “
2. The Holy Spirit called and sent out Barnabas and Saul on their first missionary journey: Acts 13:1-4 “The Holy Spirit said, ‘Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them’...
So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit the went down to Selucia...”
3. It is the same today... the Holy Spirit inspires the Church for world evangelization.

B. He Empowers the Church for World Evangelization
1. Jesus promised power: Acts 1:8: “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. 
2. The Holy Spirit anoints the preaching of the gospel: a. At Pentecost: Acts 2:14
3. The Holy Spirit confirms the preaching of the gospel with signs and wonders: a. Mark 16:15-20

C. The Holy Spirit superintends the world harvest.
1. Jesus is the Lord of the Harvest—the Holy Spirit is the General Superintendent. a. Jesus is the Lord of the Harvest (Matthew. 9:37-38) b. The Holy Spirit is the one who now acts in Jesus place to superintend the harvest 1) John 14:16-18,
a) “another Helper” b)The Holy Spirit would take Jesus place. c) He would come and superintend the work Jesus as Lord of the Harvest 2) John 16:14, “He [the Holy Spirit] will bring glory to men by taking from what is mine and making it know to you.”