A Study of the Holy Spirit
Introduction - Why study the Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit has received a tremendous amount of attention over the last century, especially in the last several decades. As the Charismatic and the Full Gospel movements come to the forefront, many Christians, regardless of denomination, are looking to get a fuller understand of the nature and purpose of the Holy Spirit.
This thrust for knowledge about the Holy Spirit is understandable and necessary. Since we are the temple and body of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19), it is imperative that we understand;
Who He is,
Why He is here, and
What He expects from us.
Without a clear understanding of these principles, we open ourselves up to the enemy to deceive us concerning the Holy Spirit. Satan uses two methods to deceive believers concerning truth. First, he tries to hide the truth. When that is no longer affective, he perverts the truth.
In these studies, we will look at what the scriptures say concerning the Holy Spirit, His agenda, and His purpose. Prepare yourself to meet the most exciting person in the body of Christ - The Holy Spirit.
Who is the Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit is the third person of the trinity. He is part of the God-Head along with God (the Father) and Jesus Christ (the Son). The Holy Spirit should never be referred to as an "it" since He is not a thing. The Holy Spirit is not just a mere influence or guiding principle. He is God; just as much as the Father and the Son.
Why is He referred to as Holy Spirit sometimes and Holy Ghost other times?
The term Holy Spirit and Holy Ghost are used interchangeably and refers to the same person. The Greek word pneuma is translated both as spirit or ghost.
Does the Holy Spirit do things like "real" people do?
Certainly. He:
When did the Holy Spirit’s ministry begin?
As early as Genesis 1:2 we see the Holy Spirit (referred to here as the Spirit of God) at work in creation. All through the Old Testament, we see the Spirit at work on behalf of man. We often see in the Old Testament where the "Spirit of the Lord" would come upon people, mainly the kings, priest, prophets, and judges (Judges 3:10).
The Holy Spirit was also busy in the New Testament, even before Jesus was born. For instance, we see:
- Mary is found with child of the Holy Ghost (Matthew 1:18)
- Simeon is told by the Holy Ghost that he would see Jesus before he died (Luke 2:26)
The Holy Spirit was also active during Jesus ministry:
- Jesus is anointed by the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:16)
- Jesus was full of the Holy Ghost (Luke 4:1)
The Book of Acts details the work of the Holy Spirit in the early church. We see the Holy Spirit:
- Filling believers at Pentecost (Acts 2:4)
- Enabling church leaders to preach boldly about Jesus Christ (Acts 4:8)
- Directing early missionary journeys (Acts 16:7)
What is the purpose or agenda of the Holy Spirit today?
In the John, chapters 14-16, Jesus gives an in-depth perspective concerning the Holy Spirit. For the world, the Holy Spirit has come to do three things according to John 16:7-11: reprove (or convict) the world
- Of sin
- Of righteousness
- Of judgment
The Holy Spirit convicts the world of its’ sin. The main sin, according to John 16:9, is unbelief in Jesus Christ. He convicts and witnesses of the righteousness of Jesus and He convicts the world of judgment.
The Holy Spirit of course has a ministry among the believers, the body of Christ. In Acts 1:8, Jesus tells us that the Holy Spirit will give us power to be witnesses of Him. Along with that power to witness, the Holy Spirit:
- Comforts (John 14:16)
- Teaches (John 14:26)
- Reminds (John 14:26)
- Guides (John 16:13)
- Glorifies Jesus (John 16:14)
- Anoints (unction) (1 John 2:20)
- Sanctifies (Romans 15:16, 2 Thes 2:13)
- Gives joy (Romans 14:17)
- Bears fruit (Galatians 5:22-23)
- Gives gifts (1 Corinthians 12:3-11)