WordTruth

Of the three members of the Divine Trinity (God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit), the Holy Spirit is often the most overlooked and/or misunderstood. The following characteristics and ministries of the Holy Spirit are listed to encourage your Christ-like development for the glory of God. *

I. The Holy Spirit is fully divine and equal with God the Father and Jesus Christ the Son (based on Matthew 28:19, John 14:16-18, Acts 5:3-4, 2 Corinthians 13:14).

Matthew 28:19, Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit

John 14:16-18 (stated by Jesus), And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and 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. ¹⁸ I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.

Acts 5:3-4, Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? ⁴ Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to human beings but to God.”

2 Corinthians 13:14, May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

A. Divine characteristics (a partial list to illustrate the deity of the Holy Spirit)

1. The Holy Spirit is eternal (Hebrews 9:14) as is God the Father (Psalm 90:1-2) and Jesus Christ the Son(Hebrews 7:24-25).
   Hebrews 9:14, How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!
   Psalm 90:1-2, Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. ² Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
   Hebrews 7:24-25, but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. ²⁵ Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.
2. The Holy Spirit is truth (John 14:16-17) as is God the Father (Isaiah 65:16) and Jesus Christ the Son (John 14:6).
   John 14:16-17 (spoken by Jesus to His disciples), And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and 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.
   Isaiah 65:16, Whoever invokes a blessing in the land will do so by the one true God; whoever takes an oath in the land will swear by the one true God. For the past troubles will be forgotten and hidden from my eyes.
   John 14:6, Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
3. The Holy Spirit is present everywhere (Psalm 139:7-10) as is God the Father (Jeremiah 23:23-24) and Jesus Christ the Son (Matthew 28:18-20, Romans 8:34, Ephesians 4:10).
   Psalm 139:7-10, Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? ⁸ If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. ⁹ If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, ¹⁰ even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.
   Jeremiah 23:23-24, “Am I only a God nearby,” declares the LORD, “and not a God far away? ²⁴ Who can hide in secret places so that I cannot see them?” declares the LORD. “Do not I fill heaven and earth?” declares the LORD.
   Matthew 28:18-20, Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. ¹⁹ Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
   Romans 8:34, Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.
   Ephesians 4:10, He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.

B. Divine works (a partial list to illustrate the cooperation of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit)

1. The creation of the world was accomplished through God the Father, God the Holy Spirit, (Genesis 1:1-2), and God the Son (Colossians 1:15-16).
   Genesis 1:1-2, In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. ² Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.
   Colossians 1:15-16, The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. ¹⁶ For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.
2. The Holy Spirit and God the Father were present and active in the virgin birth of Jesus Christ (Luke 1:35), the baptism of Jesus Christ at the hands of John the Baptist (Matthew 3:16-17), the earthly life and ministry of Jesus Christ (Acts 10:37-38), and the resurrection of Jesus Christ (Acts 5:30; Romans 8:11).
   Luke 1:35 (the angel Gabriel speaking to Mary), The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.”
   Matthew 3:16-17, As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. ¹⁷ And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”
   Acts 10:37-38, You know what has happened throughout the province of Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached— ³⁸ how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.
   Acts 5:30, The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead—whom you killed by hanging him on a cross. 
   Romans 8:11, And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.
3. The Holy Spirit, God the Father, and Jesus Christ are all involved in the eternal plan of redemption (1 Peter1:1-2).
   1 Peter 1:1-2, Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To God’s elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, ² who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance.
4. Eternal life is granted to a believer through the work of God the Father (Ephesians 2:4-7, esp. vs 5; 1 John 5:11), Jesus Christ (John 6:40; 1 John 4:9, 5:11-12), and the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9-11).
   Ephesians 2:4-7, But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, ⁵ made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. ⁶ And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, ⁷ in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.
   1 John 5:11, And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
   John 6:40 (spoken by Jesus), “For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.”
   1 John 4:9, This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.
   1 John 5:11-12, And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.
   Romans 8:9-11, You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. ¹⁰ But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. ¹¹ And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.
5. The wisdom of God the Father is revealed through the ministry of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:10-11) and Jesus Christ the Son (1 Corinthians 1:24, 30).
   1 Corinthians 2:10-11, these are the things God has revealed us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. ¹¹ For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.
   1 Corinthians 1:24, 30, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God . . . It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.
6. Believers are justified through the work of God the Father (Romans 8:33), Jesus Christ (Galatians 2:16), and the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:11).
   Romans 8:33, Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies.
   Galatians 2:16, know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified.
   1 Corinthians 6:11, And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
7. A believer is sealed in Jesus Christ by God the Father through the pledge (guarantee, promise) of the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 1:21-22; Ephesians 1:13-14).
   2 Corinthians 1:21-22, 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.
   Ephesians 1:13-14, And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you 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.
8. The Holy Spirit is sent to believers by God the Father (John 14:26) and Jesus Christ (John 15:26, 16:7). 
   John 14:26, But the Advocate, 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, When the Advocate 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.
   John 16:7, But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate (Holy Spirit) will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. (insert added)
9. A believer is supernaturally indwelt by God the Father (2 Corinthians 6:16), Jesus Christ (John 14:18-20; Romans 8:10; Colossians 1:27), and the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9; 2 Timothy 1:14).
   2 Corinthians 6:16, What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will live with (dwell in) them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people (insert from New American Standard Version)
   John 14:18-20 (spoken by Jesus), I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. ¹⁹ Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. ²⁰ On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.
   Romans 8:10, But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness.
   Colossians 1:27, 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.
   Romans 8:9, You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ.
   2 Timothy 1:14, Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.
10. Comfort and encouragement is provided for the children of God by God the Father (Isaiah 51:12a; 2 Corinthians 1:3), Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 1:5, 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17), and the Holy Spirit (Acts 9:31).
    Isaiah 51:12a (spoken by God the Father), I, even I, am he who comforts you . . .
    2 Corinthians 1:3, Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort.
    2 Corinthians 1:5, For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.
    2 Thessalonians 2:16-17, May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, 17 encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.
    Acts 9:31, Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers.
11. Love is imparted to a believer through God the Father (John 3:16; Romans 5:8; 1 John 4:7-8, 19), Jesus Christ (John 14:21, 15:9; Ephesians 5:25; 2 Timothy 1:13), and the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:30; Galatians 5:22-23).
    John 3:16, 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.
    Romans 5:8, But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
    1 John 4:7-8 & 19, Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love… ¹⁹ We love because he first loved us.
    John 14:21 (spoken by Jesus), Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.
    John 15:9 (spoken by Jesus), As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 
    Ephesians 5:25, Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.
    2 Timothy 1:13 (spoken by Apostle Paul), What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus.
    Romans 15:30, I urge you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me.
    Galatians 5:22-23, But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
12. Joy for a believer is found in God the Father (Psalm 16:11, 43:4), Jesus Christ (John 15:11, 16:24, 17:13), and the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17; Galatians 5:22-23; 1 Thessalonians 1:6).
    Psalm 16:11, You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
    Psalm 43:4, Then I will go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight. I will praise you with the lyre, O God, my God.
    John 15:11 (spoken by Jesus), I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.
    John 16:24 (spoken by Jesus), Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.
    John 17:13 (spoken by Jesus), I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them.
    Romans 14:17, For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit
    Galatians 5:22-23, But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
    1 Thessalonians 1:6, You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.

II. The Holy Spirit provides an overcoming and abundant life for believers in Christ

A. In the world, the Holy Spirit…

1. Is present everywhere and at all times (Psalm 139:7-10.
   Psalm 139:7-10, Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? ⁸ If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. ⁹ If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, ¹⁰ even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.
2. Is the author of Scripture (2 Peter 1:20-21) and is the empowerment for effective preaching (Romans 15:18- 19; 1 Corinthians 2:1-5, esp. verse 4; 1 Peter 1:12).
   2 Peter 1:20-21, Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. ²¹ For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
   Romans 15:18-19, I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles to obey God by what I have said and done— ¹⁹ by the power of signs and wonders, through the power of the Spirit of God. So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ.
   1 Corinthians 2:1-5, And so it was with me, brothers and sisters. When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. ² For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. ³ I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling. ⁴ My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, ⁵ so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.
   1 Peter 1:12, It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.
3. Convicts the world concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:7-11).
   John 16:7-11 (Jesus speaking about the Holy Spirit), But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. 8 When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: ⁹ about sin, because people do not believe in me; ¹⁰ about righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; ¹¹ and about judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.

B. In the life of a believer, the Holy Spirit…

1. Is the regenerating power for one’s spiritual new birth (John 3:5-8; Titus 3:5).
   John 3:5-8, Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are 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, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit
2. Baptizes him into the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13).
   1 Corinthians 12:13, For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.
3. Gives life (John 6:63; Romans 8:11).
   John 6:63, The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life.
   Romans 8:11, And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.
4. Seals him in Jesus Christ (gives evidence of belonging) (2 Corinthians 1:21-22; Ephesians 4:30).
   2 Corinthians 1:21-22, 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.
   Ephesians 4:30, And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
5. Is given as a pledge (deposit, down payment) of our inheritance (2 Corinthians 1:20-22, 5:5; Ephesians 1:13 -14), which will reach completion when we see the Lord face to face (1 Corinthians 13:12; 1 John 3:2).
   2 Corinthians 1:20-22, For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God. 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.
   2 Corinthians 5:5, Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.
   Ephesians 1:13-14, And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you 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.
   1 Corinthians 13:12, For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
   1 John 3:2, Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.
6. Indwells him (John 14:16-17; 1 Corinthians 3:16, 6:19; Galatians 4:6-7; 2 Timothy 1:14) and is proof that he belongs to Christ (Romans 8:9).
   John 14:16-17, And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and 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.
   1 Corinthians 3:16, Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?
   1 Corinthians 6:19, Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own.
   Galatians 4:6-7, Because you are his 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 God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.
   2 Timothy 1:14, Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.
   Romans 8:9, You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ.
7. Bears witness to the truth of God as revealed in His Son, Jesus Christ (1 John 5:6-8) and bears witness to a believer that he is a child of God (Romans 8:16).
   1 John 5:6-8, This is the one who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ. He did not come by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. ⁷ For there are three that testify:
   8 the Spirit, the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement.
   Romans 8:16, The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.
8. Testifies of the Lord Jesus Christ (John 15:26; Acts 5:30-32) and glorifies Him (John 16:14).
   John 15:26 (spoken by Jesus), When the Advocate (Holy Spirit) 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. (insert added)
   Acts 5:30-32, The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead—whom you killed by hanging him on a cross. ³¹ God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might bring Israel to repentance and forgive their sins. ³² We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.
   John 16:14 (spoken by Jesus concerning the Holy Spirit), He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you.
9. Sanctifies a believer (sets him apart for God’s use and conforms him to the image of Jesus Christ) (1 Peter 1:1-2).
   1 Peter 1:1-2, Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To God’s elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia ² who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance.
10. Washes (cleanses one from sin) and justifies him (declares one righteous) (1 Corinthians 6:11).
    1 Corinthians 6:11, And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
11. Provides guidance by:
    • Revealing the mind of God (1 Corinthians 2:9-16).
      1 Corinthians 2:9-16, However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived”— the things God has prepared for those who love him— ¹⁰ these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. ¹¹ For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. ¹² What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us. ¹³ This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words. ¹⁴ The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit. ¹⁵ The person with the Spirit makes judgments about all things, but such a person is not subject to merely human judgments, 16 for, “Who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.
    • Teaching (Luke 12:11-12) and bringing the words of Christ to remembrance (John 14:26).
      Luke 12:11-12, When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, ¹² for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.
      John 14:26 (spoken by Jesus), But the Advocate, 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.
    • Leading to all truth (John 16:13-14).
      John 16:13-14, But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the 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. ¹⁴ He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you.
    • Giving direction for ministry decisions (for example: Acts 13:2-4, 16:6-7).
      Acts 13:2-4, While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” ³ So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off. ⁴ The two of them, sent on their way by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and sailed from there to Cyprus.
      Acts 16:6-7, Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. ⁷ When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to.
    • Helping in times of prayer (Romans 8:26-27; Ephesians 6:18; Jude 1:20-21).
      Romans 8:26-27, 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 through wordless groans. ²⁷ And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.
      Ephesians 6:18, And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
      Jude 1:20-21, But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, ²¹ keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.
12. Encourages by:
    • Giving hope (Romans 5:3-5, 15:13).
      Romans 5:3-5, Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; ⁴ perseverance, character; and character, hope. ⁵ And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
      Romans 15:13, 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.
    • Interceding for him (Romans 8:26).
      Romans 8:26, 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 through wordless groans.
    • Providing help (coming alongside) (John 14:16, 15:26).
      John 14:16 (spoken by Jesus), And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate (the Holy Spirit) to help you and be with you forever— (insert added)
      John 15:26 (spoken by Jesus), When the Advocate 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.
    • Granting encouragement (Acts 9:31).
      Acts 9:31, Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers.
13. Empowers to:
    • Know Jesus Christ and God the Father in their fullness (Ephesians 3:14-19).
      Ephesians 3:14-19, For this reason I kneel before the Father, ¹⁵ from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. ¹⁶ I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, ¹⁷ so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge— that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
    • Proclaim the Lordship of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 12:3) and to be a witness for Him throughout the world (John 15:26-27; Acts 1:8).
      1 Corinthians 12:3, Therefore I want you to know that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.
      John 15:26-27, When the Advocate 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. ²⁷ And you also must testify, for you have been with me from the beginning.
      Acts 1:8 (spoken by Jesus to His disciples), 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.
    • Speak effectively in time of trial and persecution (Mark 13:11).
      Mark 13:11, Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.
    • Not carry out the desire of the flesh (Romans 8:13; Galatians 5:16).
      Romans 8:13, For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.
      Galatians 5:16, So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
14. Fills (controls) him for:
    • A new and higher dimension of living (Ephesians 5:18-20).
      Ephesians 5:18-20, Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, ¹⁹ speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, ²⁰ always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
    • Effective ministry(forexample,Acts6:3,13:9-12).
      Acts 6:3 (the selection of the first deacons), Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them.
      Acts 13:9-12, Then Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked straight at Elymas and said, ¹⁰ ”You are a child of the devil and an enemy of everything that is right! You are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery. Will you never stop perverting the right ways of the Lord? ¹¹ Now the hand of the Lord is against you. You are going to be blind for a time, not even able to see the light of the sun.”
15. Gives spiritual gift(s) for ministry (1 Corinthians 12:7-11).
    1 Corinthians 12:7-11, Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8 To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, ⁹ to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, ¹⁰ to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.
16. Develops Christ-like character (spiritual fruitfulness) in and through believers (Galatians 5:22-23) through divine, transforming power (2 Corinthians 3:18).
    Galatians 5:22-23, But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
    2 Corinthians 3:18, And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
17. Helps a believer to serve God (Philippians 3:3).
    Philippians 3:3, For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in ChristJesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh—
18. Is not to be grieved (Ephesians 4:30) nor quenched (1 Thessalonians 5:19).
    Ephesians 4:30, And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
    1 Thessalonians 5:19, Do not quench the Spirit.

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* This study is adapted with permission from the Biblical Counseling Foundation’s 480-page in-depth discipleship manual entitled, Self ‐ Confrontation (1991 edition). For further information on this and other biblical counseling/in‐depth discipleship training materials, please write or call: Biblical Counseling Foundation, 42550 Aegean St., Indio, CA 92203 USA
Phone: (760) 347-4608
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