THE HOLY SPIRIT
The Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, is perhaps the most misunderstood member of the Godhead. The Holy Spirit is not merely an influence or force; He is a Person, equal to and in no way inferior to God the Father and God the Son.
This lesson aims to give the new believer a basic understanding of the vital interaction between himself and God the Holy Spirit.
How does the Ministry of the Holy Spirit affect my life?
The second you received the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, the Holy Spirit took up permanent residency within your spirit, and two spirits became one (1 Corinthians 6:17-20 & John 14:17).
The Holy Spirit convicts of sin (John 16:7-10). In the unsaved, He convicts of sin to bring them to repentance and salvation. In the saved, He convicts of sin to correct us and keep us clean so that we may maintain fellowship with our Heavenly Father.
The Holy Spirit creates and regenerates.
The Holy Spirit is active in creation (Genesis 1:2, Job 33:4, and Psalm 104:30).
In Jesus Christ, you are a “new creature,” born again (regenerated) by the Holy Spirit (John 3:3-8, 2 Corinthians 5:17).
The Holy Spirit does “not speak of Himself”…He glorifies Jesus Christ (John 16:13-14).
The Holy Spirit seals us once we are saved (Ephesians 1:13-14, 4:30)
The Holy Spirit bears witness to us of our salvation (1 John 4:13, Romans 8:16).
The Holy Spirit teaches us the Bible (John 14:26, 16:13-15, 1 Corinthians 2:9-12).
The Holy Spirit intercedes for us in prayer (Romans 8:26-27, Ephesians 2:18).
The Holy Spirit comforts us in times of need (John 14:15-18, 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, 2 Timothy 1:7).
The Holy Spirit empowers us to serve God (Ephesians 3:16 & Ephesians 3:20).
What is the result of the Holy Spirit leading in my life?
As we learn to yield our lives to the indwelling Holy Spirit, He produces certain character qualities in our lives. These virtues are referred to as the fruit (singular) of the Spirit.
The fruit of the Spirit is listed in (Galatians 5:22): Love, Joy, Peace, Longsuffering, Gentleness, Goodness, Faith, Meekness, Temperance.
How can I Experience the Attributes (Fruit) of the Holy Spirit?
Abide, Yield, and Abstain:
“Abide” consider (John 15:1-5). “Yield” (Romans 6:12-14). “Abstain” (1Thess.5:22). Also, take care not to harbor unconfessed sin, which will “grieve” and “quench” the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30 & 1Thess.5:19). Consider the exhortation of (2 Timothy 2:19-21).
Comparing Ephesians 5:18-20 and Colossians 3:16-17 will reveal the vital connection between being filled with the Spirit and being filled with the Word. Notice they both have the same effect; to be filled with one is to be filled with the other. The more you saturate your mind with the Word of God, the closer your walk with the Holy Spirit will be. “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Psalm 119:11).
The filling of the Holy Spirit is NOT you getting more of the Holy Spirit; you received ALL of Him that there is at the time of salvation. The filling concerns the Holy Spirit getting more of you as you surrender your will to Him.
Learning to “walk in the Spirit” is a lifelong process of spiritual growth. Consider (2 Corinthians 7:1) “perfecting holiness” indicates a process…patience and obedience are the key factors.
“And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left (Isa. 30:21).