Quote on GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT

“GOD the HOLY SPIRIT is the wisest, patient, and most compassionate  teacher and guide anyone can have or dream of!”

             

– Dr. Ezra Aniebue

 

 

LESSON 4

ARTICLE IV: THE HOLY SPIRIT

 

STATEMENT OF FAITH ARTICLE IV

We believe that the Holy Spirit is GOD actively present in the world and He is GOD the Holy Spirit, the third Person of the Trinity, revealing Himself and His will to man. The Spirit therefore is the voice of divine authority and His authority is the will of Christ. The Scriptures came into being as men who were inspired by the GOD THE HOLY SPIRITS spoke for GOD. HE convicts men of sin and of righteousness and of judgment He abides in the heart of the believer acting as man’s advocate with GOD and GOD’s interpreter to man. He calls the believer to trust and obedience and thereby produces in his life the fruits of holiness and love.

 

The Spirit seeks to achieve GOD’s will and purpose among men. He empowers Christians for the work of the ministry and sanctifies and preserves the redeemed for the praise of Christ. He calls for a free and dynamic response to The Lordship of Christ and for a creative and faithful obedience to the Word of GOD.

 

The promise of the infilling of the Holy Spirit is for every believer “He shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire” (Luke 3:16). “For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord Our GOD shall call” (Acts 2:39). We believe that this experience should be the beginning of a life of ever-increasing power: “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Spirit is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8).

 

 

According to Jesus, the baptism with the Spirit is evidenced by power to be a witness of Jesus Christ. That power is manifested in three ways in the Book of Acts: (1) power to speak as a witness (with boldness, anointing, wisdom); (2) power to live as a witness (transformed, overcoming sin, temptation, and the devil, and living a holy Christ-like life); (3) power for demonstration by witnessing supernaturally through gifts and manifestations of the Spirit (speaking in tongues, prophecy, words of supernatural knowledge and wisdom, healing, being overcome by the power of the Spirit, etc.). We affirm that GOD intends that all of the gifts of the Spirit be in full operation in the church and in believers’ lives today.

 

 

HERE ARE SOME PRACTICAL QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ON

UNDERSTANDING AND RELATING WITH GOD THE HOLY GHOST

 

QUESTION:

How do I know if GOD the HOLY SPIRIT is the one speaking to me or not?

 

ANSWER:

The HOLY SPIRIT is ONE with GOD. One of the “acid test” to see if GOD the HOLY SPIRIT is the one speaking to you or not can be found in the following Scriptures: Hebrews 1:1-2 every word from GOD The HOLY SPIRIT to you must be in line with JESUS CHRIST, and the Word of GOD. John 1:1

1 Cor. 12:3 – The Words from GOD The HOLY SPIRIT will never say anything bad against JESUS CHRIST or the Bible. 1 John 4:3, every spirit that does not confess that JESUS CHRIST came in the flesh is not of GOD.

 

Always remember that the flow and move of GOD the HOLY SPIRIT is always purposeful and orderly. You may not understand it, but it must produce results that are consistent with the Bible, GOD’S written WORD. Matt. 7:16, says that ye shall know them by their fruits.

 

Since GOD The HOLY SPIRIT inspired men to write the Bible, 2 Peter 1:21, we should note that all actions of GOD The HOLY SPIRIT is always supported by the Bible. All things done by or attributed to GOD the HOLY SPIRIT must represent and confirm GOD’S WORD.

 

A word of caution, for those who are prone to theatrics and fads, 2 Peter 1:19, says that the Bible is a more sure word of prophecy. Always remember that any vision, dreams or words that are not in line with the Bible must be dismissed entirely. The more intimate you are with GOD the HOLY SPIRIT, the more HE will mandate you to read the Bible.

 

Every Word that GOD The HOLY SPIRIT speaks is supported by the Bible. Now if you do not read the Bible, it is possible that you may not understand what HE is saying, John 10:27 says MY sheep hear MY VOICE, one has to become a sheep in order to properly discern GOD’S voice accurately.

 

1 John 5:7; Isaiah 48:16; Matthew 28:19; Acts 5:3- 4; 1 Corinthians 3:16, 12:4-6;

1. Corinthians 13:14

 

 

QUESTION:

Who is GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT?

 

ANSWER:

The History/background information on GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT

 

THE HOLY SPIRIT is not an inanimate power or force. GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT is The SPIRIT of wisdom and understanding, the SPIRIT of counsel and might, the SPIRIT of knowledge and of the fear of THE LORD. Isa. 11:2

 

THE LORD JESUS and Paul both continually referred to the HOLY SPIRIT as “HE” in  the Bible John 14:16, 17, 26; 15:26; 16:7, 8, 13, 14

 

HE is eternal. Hebrews 9:14

 

HE was present with GOD in the creation of the world.

Genesis 1:2- 3; Job 26:13; 33:4; Psalms 104:30; Genesis 1:26

 

GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT was there in the beginning of creation. Genesis 1:2 “And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And THE SPIRIT of GOD moved upon the face of the waters. The FATHER’S promise to send the SPIRIT was given long before Jesus ever came to earth.

 

GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT was there in the creation of humanity Genesis 1:26 “And GOD said, Let US make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth.”

 

THE coming of GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT was widely spoken about in the Bible:

 

Zechariah 12:10 “And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the SPIRIT of Grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon ME whom they have pierced                         “

 

The LORD JESUS promised that HE would send the SPIRIT of TRUTH. Luke 24:49 “And, behold, I send the promise of MY FATHER upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with POWER from on high.”

 

John 14:16 “And I will pray the FATHER, and he shall give you another COMFORTER that HE may abide with you for ever.”

 

Acts 1:4 “And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should

not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the FATHER, which, saith HE, ye have heard of ME.”

 

Isaiah 44:3 “For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour MY SPIRIT upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring.”

 

Isaiah 32:15 “Until the SPIRIT be poured upon us from on high, and the wilderness be a fruitful field, and the fruitful field be counted for a forest.”

 

Ezekiel 36:27 “And I will put MY SPIRIT within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.”

 

Joel 2:28 “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out MY SPIRIT upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions.”

 

1 John 5:7; Isaiah 48:16; Matthew 28:19; Acts 5:3-4; 1 Corinthians 3:16, 12:4-6; 2

Corinthians 13:14

 

HE was present with GOD in the creation of the world. Genesis 1:2-3; Job 26:13; 33:4; Psalms 104:30; Genesis 1:26.

 

GOD The HOLY SPIRIT is The SPIRIT of Wisdom and Understanding, The SPIRIT of Counsel and Might, The SPIRIT of Knowledge and of the Fear of The LORD. Isa.

11:2

 

GOD the HOLY SPIRIT was there in the creation of humanity Genesis 1:26 “And GOD said, Let US make man in our image, after our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth.”

 

 

The HOLY SPIRIT removes doubt from your life.

 

QUESTION:

What does GOD the HOLY SPIRIT do?

 

 ANSWER:

HE teaches, instructs, and reveals things to Christians Nehemiah 9:20; Job 32:8; Luke 12:12; John 14:27; 15:26; 16:13, 14; Acts 13:2;m 1 Corinthians 2: 10, 13;

Ephesians 1:16 – 17, 3:5; 2 Peter 1:21; 1 John 2:20, 27

 

HE counsels, and guides Christians. John 14:26; 16:13; Acts 11:12; 16:6 – 7;

Acts 20:22- 23; Romans 8:14; Galatians 5:18

 

HE intercedes and assists in prayer. Romans 8:26, 27; Ephesians 2: 18; Jude 20

 

HE comforts. John 14:16, 26; 15:26; 16:17; Acts 9:31

 

HE commissions to service (ministry). Isaiah 48: 16; Acts 13:2; 20:28

HE convicts of sin, and quickens sinners to repentance. Genesis 6:3; John 16:8-11 HE speaks to man. Luke 2:26; John 16:13; Acts 8:29, 10: 19, 20, 11:12 13:2, 21:11; 28:5; 1 Timothy 4:1

 

HE has a VOICE Hebrews 3:7 “Wherefore as the HOLY GHOST saith, today if ye will hear HIS voice”

 

HE gives quick understanding in the fear of THE LORD Isa. 11:3

 

HE gives power and boldness. Acts 1:8; Acts 4:31; Ephesians 3: 16; 1 Timothy l :6,7

 

Testifies that we are the children of GOD. Romans 8:16; Galatians 4:6 HE testifies of JESUS. John 15:26

HE empowers the believer to have victory over the flesh. Romans 8:4, 13; Galatians 5:16, 25

 

HE inspires people to prophesy. Numbers 9:30; 11:25, 29; 2 Samuel 23:2, 3; 2

Chronicles 20:14, 15; Acts 21:4; 28:25; 2 Peter 1:21

 

HE imparts life (I Samuel 10:6, 9; Ezekiel 37:9, 14; Romans 8:11); gives you hope

(Romans 15:13); joy (Romans 14: 17; I Thessalonians 1:6; Galatians 5:22); love

(Romans 5:5); skill (Exodus 31:2-5); and even physical strength (Judges 14:6, 19; 15;14,15), as well as spiritual strength (Ephesians 3:16).

 

The HOLY SPIRIT quickens other people to intercede for you. 2 Tim. 1:3

The HOLY SPIRIT agrees with GOD’S plans for your life. Romans 8:27 The HOLY SPIRIT is a gift from GOD to you. 1 Cor. 2:12; pray the FATHER

 

HE teaches you to only speak GOD’S WORD. Eph. 4:29-32. Phil. 4:8

 

The HOLY SPIRIT gives you the most effective resources that will bring about a permanent change in your life, the Bible. 2 Tim. 3:16-17

 

TheHOLYSPIRITteachesyouhowtodevelopproperrelationships.2Tim.2:23,

Prov. 14:7

 

The HOLY SPIRIT started the New Testament church and gave the spiritual gifts.

Acts 2; 1 Cor. 12: 1-11

 

The HOLY SPIRIT leads you through difficulties of life. Matt. 3:16

 

 

 

QUESTION:

How does GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT relate to Christians?

 

ANSWER:

The approach in answering this question is to identify through the Bible the personality traits of GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT:

HE can be grieved (Isaiah 63:10; Ephesians 4:30).                                         GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT can be resisted Acts 7:51 HE can be insulted by men Hebrews 10:29.

 

HE can be lied to Acts 5:3

 

HE has a will (exercises choice, discretion). 1 Corinthians 12:11

 

HE has the capacity to love Romans 15:30,

 

HE has intelligence and is capable of making decisions. I Corinthians 2:10 -11; Isaiah 40:13; Acts 15:28 Goodness. Nehemiah 9:2; Galatians 5:22, 23

 

Holiness, and TRUTH. Romans 1:4; John 14:17; 15:26; 16:13

 

Grace. Hebrews 10:29; Zechariah 12: 10

 

Comfort. John 14:26; 15:26

 

HE speaks to man. Luke 2:26 ; John 16:13; Acts 8:29, 10: 19, 20, 11:12 13:2,

21:11; 28:5; 1 Timothy 4:1

 

HE helps in developing the fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22 – 23

 

While GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT is not a human being, HE relates to Christians in ways that humans can understand through HIS PERSONALITY. For example, GOD the HOLY SPIRIT speaks to people through the inward witness, Romans 8:14, “For as many as are led by the SPIRIT of GOD, they are the sons of GOD. GOD the HOLY SPIRT speaks to people through visions and dreams, Acts 2:17, 16:9. GOD the HOLY SPIRIT speaks to people through diverse manners as well, John 21:25. Note: Every action of GOD the HOLY SPIRIT is purposeful and always achieve results that exalts the Name of JESUS CHIRST John 16:14.

 

Throughout the Old and the New Testaments, we can see how GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT spoke to kings, prophets and priests.

 

The HOLY SPIRIT fights those who come against you. Psalm 105:15 HE dwells in you 1 Cor. 3:16

 

HE is upon you. HE empowers you to do work for GOD. Isa. 61:1

 

The HOLY SPIRIT removes burdens from your life, and destroys yokes of bondages in your life. Isa. 10:27

 

The HOLY SPIRIT teaches you what to say in difficult situations

The HOLY SPIRIT tells you the right words to speak to someone who is hurting.

 

The HOLY SPIRIT sings over you. Zephaniah 3:17

 

The moment you trust in CHRIST as your LORD and SAVIOR, you will receive the HOLY SPIRIT.

 

1. Corinthians 12:13

For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

Ephesians 1:13-14

 

When you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and when you believed in Him, you were also sealed with the promised Holy Spirit. He is the down payment of our inheritance, for the redemption of the possession, to the praise of His glory.

 

 

QUESTION:

What does GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT want with you?

 

ANSWER:

HE wants to have fellowship with you 2 Corinthians 13:14

 

HE wants to help you in every area of your life John 16:7

 

HE wants to save you from making wrong decisions and lead you into the right ones Isa. 11:2; John 16:13

 

GOD the HOLY SPIRIT loves you and wants to teach you the love of GOD Gal. 5:22

 

The primary thing that GOD the HOLY SPIRIT wants for everyone is the acceptance of JESUS CHRIST of Nazareth as LORD, and SAVIOR. John 3:16. HE seeks to lead

you to receive the “new birth” experience.

 

The HOLY SPIRIT wants to have a personal relationship with you. 2 Corinthians 13:14

 

HE teaches you how to love Romans 5:5

QUESTION:

How important is GOD The HOLY SPIRIT to you?

 

ANSWER:

GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT is very important to a Christian in many ways. For example, GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT was there when you were created by GOD, Genesis 1:26.

GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT is the ONE that helped you to get saved John 6:63. GOD

 

The HOLY SPIRIT is the ONE who has the power that you need to get wealth, health, peace, and to lead you into the right paths of life. Isa. 11:2

 

HE wants to have fellowship with you 2 Corinthians 13:14 HE wants to help you in every area of your life John 16:7

HE wants to save you from making wrong decisions and lead you into the right ones Isa. 11:2; John 16:13.

 

GOD The HOLY SPIRIT loves you and wants to teach you the love of GOD Gal. 5:22 HE is everywhere (omnipresent). Psalms 139:7-10

HE knows everything (omniscient). Isaiah 40:13; 1 Corinthians 2:10,11

HE is all-powerful (omnipotent). Psalms 104:30

HE helps you to pray, and without HIM your prayers will miss the mark. Romans 8:26

 

QUESTION:

What are the Bible symbols of GOD The HOLY SPIRIT?

 

ANSWER:

Please note that the purpose of sharing on the symbols is not to encourage people to worship symbols or to act as if GOD can be reduced to symbols and images. Psalms 24:1

 

The Bible uses many types of symbols to illustrate the moves of GOD The HOLY SPIRIT.

 

Water

Isaiah 44:3; Ezekiel 36:25-27; John 7:38, 39; 4:14; Ephesians 5:26; Revelation 22:17

 

Fire

Exodus 13:21; Psalms 78:14; Isaiah 4:4; Malachi 3:3, 4; Matthew 3:11; Hebrews

12:24; Acts 2; 3:6-11

 

Wind

2. Kings 19:11; Ezekiel 37:9; John 3:8; Acts 2:2

 

Oil

Isaiah 61:1, 3; Hebrews 1:9; 1 John 2:20, 27

 

Rain; dew

Psalms 68:9; 72:6; Isaiah 32:15; Hosea 6:3; 10:12; 14:5

 

Dove

Genesis 1:2; Matthew 3:16

 

 

SCRIPTURES ON THE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Read each of the Scripture verses cited. For your own benefit, on a separate paper, write notes and insights you receive from reading these verses and parallel them with the stated statement of faith.

 

Acts 2:38 – Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

 

Acts 19:6 – And when Paul had laid [his] hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

 

Ephesians 1:13 – In whom ye also [trusted], after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise….

 

Luke 11:13 – If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall [your] heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

 

John 3:5 – Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and [of] the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of GOD.

 

Acts 1:8 – But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

 

Acts 2:1-4 – And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place…….

 

Acts 1:5 – For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

 

Acts 2:4 – And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

 

Joel 2:28-29 – And it shall come to pass afterward, [that] I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions…..

 

Acts 1:4 – And, being assembled together with [them], commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, [saith he], ye have heard of me.

 

Romans 8:26 – Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

 

John 7:37-39 – In the last day, that great [day] of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink……

 

Acts 19:1-6 – And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain

disciples……

 

1 Corinthians 14:1-40 – Follow after charity, and desire spiritual [gifts], but rather that ye may prophesy…..

 

Luke 3:16 – John answered, saying unto [them] all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:

 

John 4:10-14 – Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of GOD, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ASSIGNMENT:

PLEASE ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:

 

True and False: Write a “T” for true or an “F” for false for each of the following statements.

 

1. The Holy Spirit is an impersonal
2. The Holy Spirit dwells within a believer when becoming a
3. The purpose of the baptism or filling of the Spirit is to receive power to be a

     witness.

4. The gifts of the Spirit are not meant for
5. List at least 7 benefits of the HOLY SPIRIT in the life of leaders and
6. Is the indwelling of the HOLY SPIRIT the same as the infilling of the HOLY SPIRIT?