SESSION SEVEN
THE HOLY SPIRIT
INTRODUCTION:
In the original the words for spirit start from a person's breathing; so at one end the words mean wind or breeze and at the other extreme they mean that essential part of a person which is truly and uniquely them.
GREEKPNEUMAWIND > SPIRIT
HEBREWRUACHWIND > SPIRIT
(This is where we get the word pneumatic (tyres) from.)
e.g.John 3:6-8 Here it is not easy to tell exactly what 'PNEUMATIC' is being referred to; is it wind or Spirit?
When we come to think of The Holy Spirit; then we are considering that part of the Godhead which acts in a particular way.
1.The Holy Spirit is a HE not an it!John 16:13,14; John 14:26
2.He is God and as such is given:
The Divine Name (LORD)2 Cor. 3:17
The Divine Works:
CreationGen. 1:2; Psalm 33:6
SalvationTitus 3:5,6
The Divine Nature
OmnipresencePs. 139:7-10
HonourMtt. 28:19,20; 2 Cor. 13:14
HIS WORK
IN GENERAL GRACE
The Holy Spirit works in ‘general grace’ through creation and through those who would not call themselves Christians and yet are clearly doing things which are helpful to God, and His ways and works.
(James 1:17; Rom. 1:20)
think how God’s Spirit might be working in general grace in the world today.
IN SAVING GRACE
The Holy Spirit’s particular work is to bring a person to faith in Jesus and to encourage and deepen that faith in them, so that they ‘grow in grace’.
In a person coming to faith in Jesus:
Convicts of sinJohn 16:8
Guides into truthJohn 16:13
Brings new lifeJohn 6:63
Makes us part of the church1 Cor. 12:13
Within the Christian:
He LIVES IN US1 Cor. 3:16
Teaches1 Cor. 2:13; John 14:26
Brings joy & peaceRom. 14:17
Brings Holiness
(Makes us like Jesus)2 Thess 2:13; Rom. 8:10
Glorifies JesusJohn 16:14
Within the church as a whole
Makes preaching real1 Pet. 1:12
Inspires the BibleMk. 12:36
Grows the FRUIT of the SpiritGal. 5:22 (NB. one fruit)
Eph. 5:9
Phil. 1:11
James 3:18
See how many you can make in your list; here is a start:
LOVE JOY PEACE PATIENCE …….
Gives the GIFTS of the Spirit1 Cor. 12:8-10
Eph. 4:11
Rom. 12:6-8
1 Pet. 4:10,11
See how many you can make in your list; here is a start:
(This is something to do in groups and then try to think which people in our church fulfil which gifts – they are all there in the church which is which?)
WISDOM KNOWLEDGE FAITH HEALING MIRACLES
Conclusion
Like any guest The Holy Spirit will only make His presence felt to the extent that we allow Him. If we don't want anything to do with Him, them it is little wonder that we question His reality. If however we are turning constantly to Him for wisdom, fruit and gifts, then we will know His presence daily.
How much do you know of the reality of the Holy Spirit in your life?
HOMEWORK:
Read the Lord's Prayer Matthew 6:5-15 (9,10) and rewrite it without using any words from the original form.
Church Letterhead
Associate Minister:Rev Eric White, 18 Clifton Rd, Leigh. WN7 3LS| 01942 678758 |
Curate: Rev Lloyd Lee, 11 Ruby Grove, Leigh. WN7 4JW | 01942 607695 |
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