The Presence and Work of God, The Holy Spirit Basic Truths God wants His People to Know, Part 11 By Pastor Dan Kennedy © April 22, 2018 www.pastorkennedy.com The Work of the Holy Spirit is a mystery, but He is also the Most Powerful Dynamic in this world: God, the Holy Spirit, the Third Person of the Trinity. Jesus said, “The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” (John 3:8) Today we are going to look at some Scriptural revelations of the Person and Work of the Holy Spirit and what it says about His presence in the world. We will also learn what Pentecost means, and what the Holy Spirit’s relationship is with us now. Hopefully, this will give us more insight and understanding about the amazing dynamic of the Holy Spirit’s Presence and Work. The Holy Spirit has always been revealed on earth, but not always in the same way  How did God manifest the Presence of His Holy Spirit in the Old Testament? There is no mention of “New Birth” in the Old Testament. Prior to the revelation of Jesus Christ’s Coming, Death and Resurrection, God sent His Holy Spirit to accomplish His Specific Purposes and Empower Specific Individuals on Earth. In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit was “With” God’s People, but He was not resident “In” them in the same way as He is following His coming at Pentecost. Special O.T. individuals were anointed and empowered by God for specific unique ministries or purposes. This Changes after Pentecost! (Jesus gave His Disciples a clearer understanding about the Holy Spirit’s work in their lives after Pentecost: the Holy Spirit would be IN them... in the bodies of those who are “Born Again.” Their bodies would become the Temple of the Holy Spirit. 1 Cor. 6:19-20) John 14:16–17 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. Colossians 1:26–27 26 the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints. 27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. The Holy Spirit could only come to earth after God’s Mystery and Redemptive Plan was revealed and completed through Jesus’ Sacrifice, Death, Burial, Resurrection and ascension. Only then was God’s Holy Spirit’s Presence to have special residency in His Children. (Rom. 16:25-27; 1 Cor. 2:7-8; Eph. 3:2-6, 9-11; Col. 1:26-27, etc.) Why did Jesus say He would have to “go away” before the Holy Spirit Came? John 16:7 7 But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. The Holy Spirit was sent by God the Father to take the place of Christ on earth and transform through New Birth those who believe in Christ Jesus, by Grace through faith. He was sent for those who were Christ’s Disciples alive at the time of Pentecost, and for all of those who would become God’s Children – to the end of the age. “The Holy Spirit would lead them to a deeper knowledge of the gospel truth, and give them divine strength needed to enable them to undergo trials and persecutions on behalf of the divine kingdom.” (see 3875 παράκλητος [parakletos] later in the message) Galatians 4:4–7 4 But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, 5 to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. 6 Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” 7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir. (see also Rom. 5:6; Eph. 1:10) Pentecost: “…Was the public inauguration of the Church as the body of Christ. There was something new which had never been before.” – Martin Loyd-Jones 1 Corinthians 12:13 13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. “Now, there it is, ‘by one Spirit’—the Holy Spirit—we are all ‘baptized into one body’. And it was on the Day of Pentecost that all these believers were baptized into one body, all the apostles together with the three thousand other people from different parts of the world, who believed their preaching. Later, in the house of Cornelius, and again, in Samaria and Ephesus, all people, Jew and Gentile, were baptized into one body.” “Now you see what was happening. God was declaring that they were to be baptized into this same body, that the Church was to consist of Jews and Gentiles. That is the great theme of Paul, is it not, in Ephesians? The mystery that had been hidden from the previous generations was that the Gentiles were to be made fellow heirs, that they were to be brought into the kingdom, that they were to be welded, baptized into the body, and that, therefore, as one body, they would be there for Him to function through them in this world of time.” [Lloyd-Jones, D. M. (1997). God the Holy Spirit (p. 37). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.] At Pentecost and shortly following, was the confirmation of the coming of The Holy Spirit for any of the ethnic peoples in the world who would believe in Christ as their Messiah. To the Jewish disciples and those at Pentecost, in Jerusalem, from many languages and nations, Acts 2:2-11  Then to the Samaritans – Acts 8:14-22  Then to the Gentiles – Cornelius Acts 10:44-47; Acts 11:15-17  Then to the Ephesians who had only received John’s Baptism – Acts 19:1-7  The representative peoples of the world were all included… What are some of the Reasons why the Holy Spirit Came to Reside on Earth at Pentecost? (an incomplete list)  o Conviction: The Holy Spirit came to Convict those in the world of sin, righteousness, judgment and things to come, so we will turn to Christ, and turn away from sin. John 16:7–11 7 But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. 8 When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me; 10 in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; 11 and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned. o Transformation – Regeneration/New Birth: The Holy Spirit came to give New Birth and Regeneration…to Transform those who put their faith in Christ, to become Children of the Most High God! John 1:12–13 12 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. We receive the Holy Spirit and New Life by accepting Jesus Christ as our Savior. Belief in Christ … then Transformation At that time of Belief in Christ (Grace through Faith – Eph. 2:8-9) is the time our life is “regenerated” through New Birth, by the Power of the Holy Spirit. If we have no evidence of a change of heart, mind and life, then we have not been Born Again. New Birth precedes New Life, and Spiritual Growth is a continuing process throughout life (2 Peter 3:18), as one yields to the work of the Holy Spirit in his or her life. (Gal. 5:16-17; Eph. 4:20-32; Phil. 2:3-5; Col. 3:1-17) John 3:3 3 In reply Jesus declared, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” John 3:5–8 5 Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” Titus 3:5–7 (ESV) 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. Ephesians 2:8–9 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. John 3:16 16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. o Empowerment: The Holy Spirit came to Empower us for Spiritual Service. Acts 1:8 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” o Intercession and Petition before God: Intercession according to God’s will Romans 8:26–28 26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will. 28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. o Teaching: The Holy Spirit came to Teach us about Christ and the meaning of His Word. John 14:26 26 But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. John 15:26 26 “When the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me. o Give Hope: Romans 15:12–13 12 And again, Isaiah says, “The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; the Gentiles will hope in him.” 13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. o Comfort: The Holy Spirit is called “The Comforter.” Acts 9:31 (ESV) 31 So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort3874 of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied. 3874 παράκλησις [paraklesis /par·ak·lay·sis/] n f. 29 occurrences; AV translates as “consolation” 14 times, “exhortation” eight times, “comfort” six times, and “entreaty” once. 1 a calling near, summons, (esp. for help). 2 importation, supplication, entreaty. 3 exhortation, admonition, encouragement. 4 consolation, comfort, solace; that which affords comfort or refreshment. (All Hebrew and Greek word definitions in this study from: Strong, J. (1995) Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon - Woodside Bible Fellowship) John 14:16 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor3875 (Comforter, Helper, Advocate) to be with you forever— 3875 παράκλητος [parakletos /par·ak·lay·tos/] n m. A root word; Five occurrences; AV translates as “comforter” four times, and “advocate” once. 1 summoned, called to one’s side, esp. called to one’s aid. 1a one who pleads another’s cause before a judge, a pleader, counsel for defense, legal assistant, an advocate. 1b one who pleads another’s cause with one, an intercessor. 1b1 of Christ in his exaltation at God’s right hand, pleading with God the Father for the pardon of our sins. 1c in the widest sense, a helper, succourer, aider, assistant. 1c1 of the Holy Spirit destined to take the place of Christ with the apostles (after his ascension to the Father), to lead them to a deeper knowledge of the gospel truth, and give them divine strength needed to enable them to undergo trials and persecutions on behalf of the divine kingdom. o Enable Death to the Carnal Self: The Holy Spirit gives us the power to live pleasing to God – not in carnal death (see also Gal. 2:20; 5:24-26; 6:14; Rom. 6:6, etc.) Romans 8:13 13 For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live… o Guide: The Holy Spirit came to Guide us in life’s direction. Romans 8:14 14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. John 16:13 13 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. o Exaltation of Christ: The Holy Spirit came to bring Glory to Christ. John 16:14-15 14 He will bring glory to me (Jesus said) by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. 15 All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you. o Restraint: The Holy Spirit Came to Hold Back the spirit of antichrist until the proper time. 2 Thessalonians 2:6–7 6 And now you know what is holding him back, so that he may be revealed at the proper time. 7 For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way. o Guarantee: The Holy Spirit came to become the guarantee of our Eternal Inheritance! Ephesians 1:13–14 13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory. Ephesians 1:18–21 18 I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, 20 which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. (Paul, realizing he was going to his impending imprisonment in Jerusalem and eventual death, called for the elders of Ephesus and committed the church to God and the Word of His Grace…) Acts 20:31–32 31 So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears. 32 “Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. 2 Corinthians 1:21–22 21 Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, 22 set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. Four Primary Scriptural Directives Regarding the Holy Spirit 1. Do not Grieve God’s Holy Spirit Ephesians 4:30 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. (see also Luke 12:10) 2. Do not Blaspheme God’s Holy Spirit Mark 3:28–29 28 I tell you the truth, all the sins and blasphemies of men will be forgiven them. 29 But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; he is guilty of an eternal sin.” 3. Instead, Be, Being Filled, by the Holy Spirit Ephesians 5:15–18 15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. 4. Evidence the Precious Fruit of the Holy Spirit Galatians 5:22–23 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Conclusion In Whom does the Holy Spirit Reside? God’s Holy Spirit is residing in those who are “Born Again,” Who have been Redeemed by God’s Grace through faith; whose bodies have become the “Temple of The Holy Spirit” [1 Cor. 6:19; John 2:21]. He resides in you and me if we are Children of the Most High God! Why did the Holy Spirit Come? (an incomplete list) To Convict those in the world of sin  To Transform (Regenerate; give New Birth) to God’s Children  To Empower God’s Children for Spiritual Service  To Intercede and Petition before God according to God’s will  To Teach us about Christ and the meaning of His Word  To give Hope …having the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that we may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.  To Comfort those who trust in Jesus Christ  To enable Death to Self: the Holy Spirit gives us the power to live pleasing to God – not in carnal death   To Guide God’s Children in life’s direction  To Exalt and bring Glory to Christ  To Restrain, to Hold Back the spirit of antichrist  To Guarantee our Eternal Inheritance!  Four Primary Scriptural Directives Regarding the Holy Spirit We Should Not: 1. Grieve God’s Holy Spirit 2. Blaspheme God’s Holy Spirit We Should: 1. Be, Being Filled, by the Holy Spirit, 2. Evidence the precious Fruit of the Holy Spirit What is the Fruit of the Holy Spirit? (Galatians 5:22–23) Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-control.   Are any of these against the laws of any honorable nation? The Amazing Dynamic of God, the Holy Spirit, permeates the whole of Scripture This study exposes only a thin layer of the profound ministry of the Holy Spirit’s work in the world and in our lives. What a privilege to entrust ourselves to His care while living in a world entangled in a web of spiritual deception and carnal values. May we allow the good work of the Holy Spirit in our lives to give us continuing depth of understanding and Spiritual maturity and precious fruit, as we grow in the Grace and Knowledge of the Lord, preparing us for the day when we see our Lord and Master Face to face! The Fruit of The Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22

The Presence and Work of God, The Holy Spirit

Basic Truths God wants His People to Know, Part 11

By Pastor Dan Kennedy

www.pastorkennedy.com

The Work of the Holy Spirit is a mystery, but He is also the Most Powerful Dynamic in this world: God, the Holy Spirit, the Third Person of the Trinity.

Jesus said, “The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” (John 3:8)

Today we are going to look at some Scriptural revelations of the Person and Work of the Holy Spirit and what it says about His presence in the world. We will also learn what Pentecost means, and what the Holy Spirit’s relationship is with us now. Hopefully, this will give us more insight and understanding about the amazing dynamic of the Holy Spirit’s Presence and Work.

•The Holy Spirit has always been revealed on earth, but not always in the same way

How did God manifest the Presence of His Holy Spirit in the Old Testament?

There is no mention of “New Birth” in the Old Testament. Prior to the revelation of Jesus Christ’s Coming, Death and Resurrection, God sent His Holy Spirit to accomplish His Specific Purposes and Empower Specific Individuals on Earth. In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit was “With” God’s People, but He was not resident “In” them in the same way as He is following His coming at Pentecost. Special O.T. individuals were anointed and empowered by God for specific unique ministries or purposes. This Changes after Pentecost!

(Jesus gave His Disciples a clearer understanding about the Holy Spirit’s work in their lives after Pentecost: the Holy Spirit would be IN them... in the bodies of those who are “Born Again.” Their bodies would become the Temple of the Holy Spirit. 1 Cor. 6:19-20)

John 14:16–17

16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.

Colossians 1:26–27

26 the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints. 27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

The Holy Spirit could only come to earth after God’s Mystery and Redemptive Plan was revealed and completed through Jesus’ Sacrifice, Death, Burial, Resurrection and ascension. Only then was God’s Holy Spirit’s Presence to have special residency in His Children. (Rom. 16:25-27; 1 Cor. 2:7-8; Eph. 3:2-6, 9-11; Col. 1:26-27, etc.)

Why did Jesus say He would have to “go away” before the Holy Spirit Came?

John 16:7

7 But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.

The Holy Spirit was sent by God the Father to take the place of Christ on earth and transform through New Birth those who believe in Christ Jesus, by Grace through faith. He was sent for those who were Christ’s Disciples alive at the time of Pentecost, and for all of those who would become God’s Children – to the end of the age.

“The Holy Spirit would lead them to a deeper knowledge of the gospel truth, and give them divine strength needed to enable them to undergo trials and persecutions on behalf of the divine kingdom.” (see 3875 παράκλητος [parakletos] later in the message)

Galatians 4:4–7

4 But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law,

5 to redeem those under law,

that we might receive the full rights of sons.

6 Because you are sons,

God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.”

7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son,

God has made you also an heir. (see also Rom. 5:6; Eph. 1:10)

Pentecost: “…Was the public inauguration of the Church as the body of Christ. There was something new which had never been before.” – Martin Loyd-Jones

1 Corinthians 12:13

13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.

“Now, there it is, ‘by one Spirit’—the Holy Spirit—we are all ‘baptized into one body’. And it was on the Day of Pentecost that all these believers were baptized into one body, all the apostles together with the three thousand other people from different parts of the world, who believed their preaching. Later, in the house of Cornelius, and again, in Samaria and Ephesus, all people, Jew and Gentile, were baptized into one body.”

“Now you see what was happening. God was declaring that they were to be baptized into this same body, that the Church was to consist of Jews and Gentiles. That is the great theme of Paul, is it not, in Ephesians? The mystery that had been hidden from the previous generations was that the Gentiles were to be made fellow heirs, that they were to be brought into the kingdom, that they were to be welded, baptized into the body, and that, therefore, as one body, they would be there for Him to function through them in this world of time.”

[Lloyd-Jones, D. M. (1997). God the Holy Spirit (p. 37). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.]

At Pentecost and shortly following, was the confirmation of the coming of The Holy Spirit for any of the ethnic peoples in the world who would believe in Christ as their Messiah.

•To the Jewish disciples and those at Pentecost, in Jerusalem, from many languages and nations, Acts 2:2-11
•Then to the Samaritans – Acts 8:14-22
•Then to the Gentiles – Cornelius Acts 10:44-47; Acts 11:15-17
•Then to the Ephesians who had only received John’s Baptism – Acts 19:1-7

The representative peoples of the world were all included…

What are some of the Reasons why the Holy Spirit Came to Reside on Earth at Pentecost? (an incomplete list)

o Conviction: The Holy Spirit came to Convict those in the world of sin, righteousness, judgment and things to come, so we will turn to Christ, and turn away from sin.

John 16:7–11

7 But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. 8 When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me; 10 in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; 11 and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.

o Transformation – Regeneration/New Birth: The Holy Spirit came to give New Birth and Regeneration…to Transform those who put their faith in Christ, to become Children of the Most High God!

John 1:12–13

12 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

We receive the Holy Spirit and New Life by accepting Jesus Christ as our Savior. Belief in Christ … then Transformation

At that time of Belief in Christ (Grace through Faith – Eph. 2:8-9) is the time our life is “regenerated” through New Birth, by the Power of the Holy Spirit. If we have no evidence of a change of heart, mind and life, then we have not been Born Again. New Birth precedes New Life, and Spiritual Growth is a continuing process throughout life (2 Peter 3:18), as one yields to the work of the Holy Spirit in his or her life. (Gal. 5:16-17; Eph. 4:20-32; Phil. 2:3-5; Col. 3:1-17)

John 3:3

3 In reply Jesus declared, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.”

John 3:5–8

5 Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”

Titus 3:5–7 (ESV)

5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Ephesians 2:8–9

8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.

John 3:16

16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

o Empowerment: The Holy Spirit came to Empower us for Spiritual Service.

Acts 1:8

8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

o Intercession and Petition before God: Intercession according to God’s will

Romans 8:26–28

26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will. 28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

o Teaching: The Holy Spirit came to Teach us about Christ and the meaning of His Word.

John 14:26

26 But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

John 15:26

26 “When the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me.

o Give Hope:

Romans 15:12–13

12 And again, Isaiah says,

“The Root of Jesse will spring up,

one who will arise to rule over the nations;

the Gentiles will hope in him.”

13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

o Comfort: The Holy Spirit is called “The Comforter.”

Acts 9:31 (ESV)

31 So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort3874 of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied.

3874 παράκλησις [paraklesis /par·ak·lay·sis/] n f. 29 occurrences; AV translates as “consolation” 14 times, “exhortation” eight times, “comfort” six times, and “entreaty” once. 1 a calling near, summons, (esp. for help). 2 importation, supplication, entreaty. 3 exhortation, admonition, encouragement. 4 consolation, comfort, solace; that which affords comfort or refreshment.

(All Hebrew and Greek word definitions in this study from: Strong, J. (1995)

Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon - Woodside Bible Fellowship)

John 14:16

16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor3875 (Comforter, Helper, Advocate) to be with you forever—

3875 παράκλητος [parakletos /par·ak·lay·tos/] n m. A root word; Five occurrences; AV translates as “comforter” four times, and “advocate” once. 1 summoned, called to one’s side, esp. called to one’s aid. 1a one who pleads another’s cause before a judge, a pleader, counsel for defense, legal assistant, an advocate. 1b one who pleads another’s cause with one, an intercessor. 1b1 of Christ in his exaltation at God’s right hand, pleading with God the Father for the pardon of our sins. 1c in the widest sense, a helper, succourer, aider, assistant. 1c1 of the Holy Spirit destined to take the place of Christ with the apostles (after his ascension to the Father), to lead them to a deeper knowledge of the gospel truth, and give them divine strength needed to enable them to undergo trials and persecutions on behalf of the divine kingdom.

o Enable Death to the Carnal Self: The Holy Spirit gives us the power to live pleasing to God – not in carnal death (see also Gal. 2:20; 5:24-26; 6:14; Rom. 6:6, etc.)

Romans 8:13

13 For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live…

o Guide: The Holy Spirit came to Guide us in life’s direction.

Romans 8:14

14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.

John 16:13

13 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.

o Exaltation of Christ: The Holy Spirit came to bring Glory to Christ.

John 16:14-15

14 He will bring glory to me (Jesus said) by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. 15 All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you.

o Restraint: The Holy Spirit Came to Hold Back the spirit of antichrist until the proper time.

2 Thessalonians 2:6–7

6 And now you know what is holding him back, so that he may be revealed at the proper time. 7 For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way.

o Guarantee: The Holy Spirit came to become the guarantee of our Eternal Inheritance!

Ephesians 1:13–14

13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.

Ephesians 1:18–21

18 I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, 20 which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.

(Paul, realizing he was going to his impending imprisonment in Jerusalem and eventual death, called for the elders of Ephesus and committed the church to God and the Word of His Grace…)

Acts 20:31–32

31 So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.

32 “Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.

2 Corinthians 1:21–22

21 Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, 22 set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

Four Primary Scriptural Directives Regarding the Holy Spirit

1. Do not Grieve God’s Holy Spirit

Ephesians 4:30

30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. (see also Luke 12:10)

2. Do not Blaspheme God’s Holy Spirit

Mark 3:28–29

28 I tell you the truth, all the sins and blasphemies of men will be forgiven them. 29 But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; he is guilty of an eternal sin.”

3. Instead, Be, Being Filled, by the Holy Spirit

Ephesians 5:15–18

15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.

4. Evidence the Precious Fruit of the Holy Spirit

Galatians 5:22–23

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Conclusion

In Whom does the Holy Spirit Reside?

God’s Holy Spirit is residing in those who are “Born Again,” Who have been Redeemed by God’s Grace through faith; whose bodies have become the “Temple of The Holy Spirit” [1 Cor. 6:19; John 2:21]. He resides in you and me if we are Children of the Most High God!

Why did the Holy Spirit Come? (an incomplete list)

•To Convict those in the world of sin
•To Transform (Regenerate; give New Birth) to God’s Children
•To Empower God’s Children for Spiritual Service
•To Intercede and Petition before God according to God’s will
•To Teach us about Christ and the meaning of His Word
•To give Hope …having the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that we may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
•To Comfort those who trust in Jesus Christ
•To enable Death to Self: the Holy Spirit gives us the power to live pleasing to God – not in carnal death
•To Guide God’s Children in life’s direction
•To Exalt and bring Glory to Christ
•To Restrain, to Hold Back the spirit of antichrist
•To Guarantee our Eternal Inheritance!

Four Primary Scriptural Directives Regarding the Holy Spirit

We Should Not:

1.Grieve God’s Holy Spirit

2.Blaspheme God’s Holy Spirit

We Should:

1.Be, Being Filled, by the Holy Spirit,

2.Evidence the precious Fruit of the Holy Spirit

What is the Fruit of the Holy Spirit? (Galatians 5:22–23)

•Love,
•Joy,
•Peace,
•Patience,
•Kindness,
•Goodness,
•Faithfulness,
•Gentleness and
•Self-control.

Are any of these against the laws of any honorable nation?

The Amazing Dynamic of God, the Holy Spirit, permeates the whole of Scripture

This study exposes only a thin layer of the profound ministry of the Holy Spirit’s work in the world and in our lives. What a privilege to entrust ourselves to His care while living in a world entangled in a web of spiritual deception and carnal values.

May we allow the good work of the Holy Spirit in our lives to give us continuing depth of understanding and Spiritual maturity and precious fruit, as we grow in the Grace and Knowledge of the Lord, preparing us for the day when we see our Lord and Master Face to face!

The Fruit of The Spirit

is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,

goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Against such things there is no law.

Galatians 5:22–23