Lesson 10 – The Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit

 

The personal but unseen power and presence of God in the world. The book of Acts tells us that the Holy Spirit came to followers of Jesus in a special way after Jesus had gone back to heaven. The Holy Spirit lives within each one whose sins have been forgiven. Jesus said that the Holy Spirit is our helper and comforter. The Holy Spirit teaches us truth about God. He helps us understand the Bible and helps us pray in the right way. He gives us the power and strength to do what Jesus wants.

 

After Jesus rose from the dead, He appeared to His disciples for 40 days. Then, when they were all gathered together with Him on the top high hill, He was taken up into Heaven before their eyes (read Acts 1:1-11). However, before He left, Jesus gave His believers a very special and wonderful promise: “… I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counsellor to be with you forever – the Spirit of Truth… I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counsellor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you…” (John 14:16-18; 16:5-7).

A. The Holy Spirit Is God

The very first thing we must understand about the Holy Spirit is that He is indeed God. “Then Peter said, “Ananias how is it that Satan has filled your heart that you lied TO THE HOLY SPIRIT… You have not lied to men BUT TO GOD’’’(Acts 5:3-4).

God has chosen to express Himself to mankind as Father, as Son and as the Holy Spirit. These are the expression of three distinct Persons (Personalities), yet the three are one.

B. The Gift of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is God’s gift to every believer. When a person believes in Jesus, and receives the salvation He offers, the Holy Spirit comes to live in the believer, imparting spiritual life. (Read Acts 2:38-39, John 7:37-39).

C. The work of the Holy Spirit

1. In the Believer’s Personal Life

The Holy Spirit comes to dwell within the believer to minister to him personally:

a. He Testifies of our Relationship with God. (Read Rom 8:16, 1John 3:24).

b. He Teaches (John 14:26)

c. He Guides (Rom 8:14).

d. He Helps Us Live A Life Pleasing to God. (Gal 5:16). See also verses 17-25.

e. He helps us in Prayer. (Rom 8:26).

f. He gives Life to our Bodies (Rom 8:11).

2. In The Believer for Service

As well as giving the Holy Spirit to dwell in the believer, God also wants to fill and baptise the believer with the Holy Spirit to empower him to serve and glorify God in the world.

a. The Holy Spirit Gives Power and Boldness to Witness (Acts 1:8). See also Acts 2:14-40.

b. He Introduces The Supernatural Realm (1Cor 12:4,8-10). See also Acts 2:4; 10:46; 19:6.

c. He Testifies That Jesus Is Alive. (Acts 5:30-32). See also Acts 4:31-33.

d. He brings a fresh understanding of the Word of God. (1Cor 2:9-10, John 16:13).

e. He fills our Spirit with True Worship to God. (Eph 5:18-19). See Also John 4:24.

f. He glorifies Jesus (John 16: 13-15). See also John 15:26.

D. How To Be Baptised In The Holy Spirit

God wants His Holy Spirit, Who indwells you because you are a believer in Jesus, to fill you to overflowing with power to serve Him (Eph 5:18).

1. It Is a Gift Promised By God; So Ask for It. (Luke 11:13). See also verses 9-12.

2. Begin To Praise God As You Receive In Faith (Luke 24:52-53).

3. You Can Speak With A Supernatural Language (Acts 189:6). See also Mark 16:17; 1Cor 14:5,18.

 

My Commitment

I thank God for the Gift of the Holy Spirit in my life. I make a decision today to respond to the Holy Spirit’s prompting and directing. I determine to learn to listen for the voice of the Holy Spirit in my heart. I choose to be filled with the Spirit. I now open my spirit to be filled with the Holy Spirit.