We believe that the Holy Spirit indwells believers (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), confirming their salvation (Romans 8:14-16) and enabling them to bear godly fruit (Galatians 5:22). We believe that the Holy Spirit convicts the world concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8). He is the source of all power and all acceptable worship and service. The Holy Spirit also empowers believers to have a bold and effective witness (i.e Luke 12:12), so He manifests His gifts in their daily lives for the edification of the church and as a testimony to the world. He never removes Himself from the Church; He is always testifying of Christ; He is always seeking to focus believers on Jesus, not on themselves, their gifts, or their experiences. ________________________________________________________________
The Bible contains a lot of examples of how God reveals himself in. In the Old Testament, God the Father instantiates[1] as a cloud, a pillar of fire, or various theophanies[2]. A lot of verses focus on God being around[3] us or surrounding us.
In the Gospels, we see God the Son reveals Himself as Jesus incarnate.[4] A lot of verses focus on God being among us or with us – Immanuel means exactly that.
In the Gospels and Acts, the God the Holy Spirit is often described as indwelling us.[5] In John 14:16-18, Jesus told the disciples, "You know him, for he dwells with you and shall be in you." [6]
It’s not as if these weren’t happening all the time; for example, The Word – Jesus - was with God at creation and the Holy Spirit clearly temporarily indwelt people. Think of the narrative of God in the Bible building to a clear and fully rounded finale by the time the story reaches its crescendo: God is transcendent and immanent, greater than us yet housed within us - around, with, and in.
What do we know about the Holy Spirit?
1. The Holy Spirit is one of three persons/one essence of the Trinity
“Baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19)
“I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him.” Ephesians 3:14-17
“The Scriptures also attest to the deity of the Holy Spirit. He is spoken of as God and is identified with the title of Jehovah. The Christian who is indwelt by the Spirit is indwelt by God. The Holy Spirit possesses the attributes of deity, such as omniscience, omnipresence, omnipotence and eternality. He does works only God can do, such as creating, regenerating and sanctifying. He is equally associated with the other members of the Trinity.”[7]
2. The Holy Spirit brings life.
In Genesis 1, the ruakh (breath or Spirit of God) moved over the chaos of the deep, bringing life and light where there had been death and darkness. The Old Testament prophets said that the spirit of God would come again, but this time to bring spiritual life to the chaos, death and darkness in the hearts of humanity.
Jesus fulfilled this when he breathed on the disciples after his resurrection (John 20:22) and they received the Holy Spirit (hagios pneuma). Almost certainly, this is a flashback to Genesis imagery: God’s breath brought physical life to Adam; Jesus’ breath brings spiritual life to the children of Adam.
This Holy Spirit brings comfort, protection, counsel, conviction and guidance, regenerating believers from spiritual death to spiritual life (Titus 3:5; 1 Corinthians 6:11). If you have experienced a life where you were dead (emotionally, spiritually, mentally) and you cried out to God and God brought life and light into the darkness, that was the Holy Spirit at work.
3. The Holy Spirit Baptizes Us Into God’s Family
A word used in the NT for baptism has to do with immersion, and the image that goes with it is that of soaking a cucumber in whatever you soak a cucumber in to make it a pickle. It becomes something new. I suspect the immersion of baptism is meant to give us a visual of our immersion into God’s Holy Spirit. When we are baptized by the Holy Spirit into Christ, we become something new. We are still ourselves, but we are different. There is no question that we have been soaked in something that has changed us.
In addition, if we have experienced a sense of oneness with Christ and with His people, we have experienced the Holy Spirit’s initiation into not only new life, but also new life in Christian community (Acts 1:4-5; 1 Corinthians 12:13). When we read in 1 Corinthians that we are “baptized by one spirit to form one body”, this means that God has joined believers together through the shared baptism of the Holy Spirit. Now, the many become one. When we begin to find that we are at home in the family of God, that’s the Holy Spirit working in us.
4. The Holy Spirit Indwells and Fills Us
Along with Jesus, the Holy Spirit “indwells us” (1 Corinthians 3:16; 6: 16-19; 2 Timothy 1:14) taking up residence in the ‘temple’ of every believer upon conversion (Acts 2:38) and begins a continuous indwelling and filling. The Holy Spirit is the source of all acceptable worship and service (Ephesians 5:18-19).[8]
This is why we are able to have any kind of real success in our new life in Christ. (John 14:17-18; Ephesians 1:13; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 2 Corinthians 3:16). If you have ever had an experience where you struggled to overcome addictions, habits, attitudes, mindsets – and then have realized, “I’m doing better. I’m not stuck like I was” – that’s the Holy Spirit working in you.
5. The Holy Spirit Inspired Scripture Writers and Guides Scripture Readers
· Inspired Writers: “All Scripture is breathed out by God. …” (2 Timothy 3:16)[9]
· Guides Readers: (1 Corinthians 2:9-10, 13; Ephesians 1:17-18; Romans 8:14). If you have ever been reading Scripture and thought, “I don’t get it,” then a friend explained it, or a class addressed it, or you turned on the radio and heard a timely presentation, or it just suddenly clicked: that’s the Holy Spirit.
6. The Holy Spirit Strengthens Us.
The Holy Spirit strengthens our prayers, or faith, and our obedience (Romans 8:26-27; Ephesians 3:16-19; Galatians 5:22-23). Like God sent two helpers to Moses to lift us his hands for him so that the battle could be won, God’s spirit help us in our struggles.[10]
The Holy Spirit gives us strength to fight the battles we could never fight on our own. It may get strength to you through friends, through the Bible, or through a personal experience of renewal. But if you have been strengthened in your prayer, your faith, or your ability to be obedient to God, it is because of the Holy Spirit.
7. The Holy Spirit Enables Our Spiritual Flourishing.
The fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) is the result of a Spirit-filled life, and evidence of the spiritual maturation process. True followers of God will be known by their fruit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindheartedness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Notice how many of these are relational.)
I also love this idea: that the outpouring of the Holy Spirit to us is reminiscent of Jesus pouring out water to wash the feet of the disciples. He served them by cleaning the dirtiest part of their physical body; the Holy Spirit cleans the dirtiest part of our spiritual body.
8. The Holy Spirit equips us.
· natural gifts (“I have filled him with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, ability, and expertise in all kinds of crafts.” Exodus 31:3)
· spiritual gifts (Acts 6:8; 1 Corinthians 12; 14:4-5, 22; Romans 12; Ephesians 4; 1 Peter 4).
The gifts are far more varied than we often realize.
o Prophecy (boldly proclaiming God’s mind and purpose) 1 Corinthians 12, 14; Micah 3:8
o Serving (a wide variety of ministries that “make the dust fly”) – 1 Peter 4; 1 Corinthians 12:5
o Teaching – (explaining God’s truth) Romans 12; 1 Corinthians 12; Ephesians 4
o Working – (bringing energy to a project) 1 Corinthians 12:6
o Exhortation (motivational skills; encouragement) – Romans 12
o Giving (joyful, sacrificial generosity) Romans 12
o Mercy (compassion) – Romans 12
o Intercession (prayer) Romans 8:26, 27
o Wisdom (knowledge rightly applied to situations) James 1:5; Numbers 27
o Words of Wisdom (insightful, practical knowledge) – 1 Corinthians 12
o Words of Knowledge (giving insight into doctrine/spiritual truth) – 1 Corinthians 12
o Faith (unwavering commitment) – 1 Corinthians 12
o Healing (miraculous interventions for sickness) 1 Corinthians 12
o Miracles – (supernatural acts) 1 Corinthians 12
o Discerning spirits (insight into the “spirit” of a situation) – 1 Corinthians 12
o Tongues (gifted in human or heavenly languages) – 1 Corinthians 12, 14
o Interpretation of Tongues – (translating languages) 1 Corinthians 12, 14
o Apostle (unique to the founding of the church) – 1 Corinthians 12; Ephesians 4
o Leadership (church planters and church sustainers) – Romans 12
o Pastor (“shepherds” who guide and lead) – Ephesians 4
o Evangelist/Missionary (boldness in sharing the gospel) Acts 1:8; 5:32; 26:22; 1 John 5:6; Ephesians 4
o Helps (serving the poor and downtrodden) 1 Corinthians 12; 1 Timothy 3:8-13; Romans 16:1-4; 12
o Administration (oversight) 1 Corinthians 12; 1 Samuel 11 and 16
o Celibacy (refraining from sex with purity) 1 Corinthians 7:7
o Marriage (committing to a covenant with integrity) 1 Corinthians 7:7
o Hospitality (openness and friendliness) 1 Peter 4:9-10
o Craftsmanship (building, construction) Exodus 31:3; 35:30-35
o The Arts (music, poetry, prose, painting…) Exodus 31:2-6; Exodus 35:25-26; Psalm 150:3-5 Luke 1:1-3
o Voluntary Poverty (forgoing wealth without envy or jealousy) 1 Corinthians 13:1-3
o Business Sense (reward from hard work and investment) Ecclesiastes 3,5
o Courage (as seen in Gideon) Judges 6
o Strength (as seen in Samson) Judges 13
o Architectural Engineering (planning; constructing) 1 Chronicles 28
These gifts are different manifestations of the Spirit’s creativity in order to build up the church(Isaiah 11:5; I Corinthians 12:1-11) and point people toward God (John 15:26; John 16:13-14). There is no formula for gaining gifts. They are gifts given as the Holy Spirit wills (I Corinthians 12:7-11). We are recipients of these gifts by grace and God’s good mercy. These gifts are primarily (though not solely) meant to build up, encourage, and comfort the church. (Remember how the fruit was relational? Gifts too.)
These gifts are powerful, and because of that, they must be exercised in an orderly and understandable way (I Corinthians 14:26-33) that honors others above ourselves (Romans 12:1-10). They must be used in the context of love (I Corinthians 13:1-13), lest our expression or use of these good gifts could get all muddled up and cause others to stumble (1 Corinthians 8).
Every attempt should be made to use the gifts in humility and service, so that we may share the desire of Jesus: that God increases and we decrease (John 3:30). The Holy Spirit is always testifying of Christ; He is always seeking to focus believers on Jesus, not on themselves, their gifts, or their experiences.
9. The Holy Spirit is creative and innovative.
The Holy Spirit gives us the wisdom and ability to learn to use His gifts appropriately and contextually in new situations from culture to culture, person to person, and season to season. – new wine needs new wineskins (Luke 5: 36-39). This enables us to be considerate of the effect and impact on those around us (I Corinthians 14:40).
10. The Holy Spirit Convicts Of Sin And Connects To Jesus
Jesus affirmed in John 16:8: “When [the Holy Spirit] comes, he will convict the world about sin, righteousness, and judgment.” The Holy Spirit shows the offense, reveals the foolishness of the sin, points out the consequences, convinces of guilt, and leads the sinner to repentance. To see our sin and desire God’s righteousness and salvation from judgment through Christ (John 3:5-8; John 16:8-11; Ephesians 2:8) - that is a work of the Holy Spirit. We convey the message (“plant the seeds”), but we don’t bring the harvest.
11. The Holy Spirit Empowers Us To Witness (Acts 1:8, 4:8, 31; 6:10; 9:17; 11:24; 13:9).
There are at least 6 stories in the book of Acts where the Holy Spirit filled people and they speak with power about Jesus Christ and his Kingdom. The Holy Spirit is the church’s greatest ally in its evangelizing effort. Without the help and the filling of the Spirit, the evangelistic task of the church will fail.[11]
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From “Fifty Things The Holy Spirit Does” at the Christian Post.
1. The Spirit convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8).
2. The Spirit guides us into all truth (John 16:13).
3. The Spirit regenerates us (John 3:5-8; Titus 3:5).
4. The Spirit glorifies and testifies of Christ (John 15:26; 16:14).
5. The Spirit reveals Christ to us and in us (John 16:14-15).
6. The Spirit leads us (Rom. 8:14; Gal. 5:18; Matt. 4:1; Luke 4:1).
7. The Spirit sanctifies us (2 Thess. 2:13; 1 Pet. 1:2; Rom. 5:16).
8. The Spirit empowers us (Luke 4:14; 24:49; Rom. 15:19; Acts 1:8).
9. The Spirit fills us (Eph. 5:18; Acts 2:4; 4:8, 31; 9:17).
10. The Spirit teaches us to pray (Rom. 8:26-27; Jude 1:20).
11. The Spirit bears witness in us that we are children of God (Rom. 8:16).
12. The Spirit produces in us the fruit or evidence of His work and presence (Gal. 5:22-23).
13. The Spirit distributes spiritual gifts and manifestations (the outshining) of His presence to and through the body (1 Cor. 12:4, 8-10; Heb. 2:4).
14. The Spirit anoints us for ministry (Luke 4:18; Acts 10:38).
15. The Spirit washes and renews us (Titus 3:5).
16. The Spirit brings unity and oneness to the body (Eph. 4:3; 2:14-18). Here the Spirit plays the same role that He plays in the Godhead. The Spirit is the life that unites Father and Son. The Spirit plays the same role in the church. When the Spirit is operating in a group of people, He unites them in love. Therefore, a sure evidence of the Holy Spirit working in a group is Love and Unity. Not signs and wonders (those are seasonal and can be counterfeited).
17. The Spirit is our guarantee and deposit of the future resurrection (2 Cor. 1:22; 2 Cor. 5:5).
18. The Spirit seals us unto the day of redemption (Eph. 1:13; 4:30).
19. The Spirit sets us free from the law of sin and death (Rom. 8:2).
20. The Spirit quickens our mortal bodies (Rom. 8:11).
21. The Spirit reveals the deep things of God to us (1 Cor. 2:10).
22. The Spirit reveals what has been given to us from God (1 Cor. 2:12).
23. The Spirit dwells in us (Rom. 8:9; 1 Cor. 3:16; 2 Tim. 1:14; John 14:17).
24. The Spirit speaks to, in, and through us (1 Cor. 12:3; 1 Tim. 4:1; Rev. 2:11; Heb 3:7; Matt. 10:20; Acts 2:4; 8:29; 10:19; 11:12, 28; 13:2; 16:6,7; 21:4,11).
25. The Spirit is the agent by which we are baptized into the body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:13).
26. The Spirit brings liberty (2 Cor. 3:17).
27. The Spirit transforms us into the image of Christ (2 Cor. 3:18).
28. The Spirit cries in our hearts, "Abba, Father" (Gal. 4:6).
29. The Spirit enables us to wait (Gal. 5:5).
30. The Spirit supplies us with Christ (Phil. 1:19, KJV).
31. The Spirit grants everlasting life (Gal. 6:8).
32. The Spirit gives us access to God the Father (Eph. 2:18).
33. The Spirit makes us (corporately) God's habitation (Eph. 2:22).
34. The Spirit reveals the mystery of God to us (Eph. 3:5).
35. The Spirit strengthens our spirits (Eph. 3:16).
36. The Spirit enables us to obey the truth (1 Pet. 1:22).
37. The Spirit enables us to know that Jesus abides in us (1 John 3:24; 4:13).
38. The Spirit confesses that Jesus came in the flesh (1 John 4:2).
39. The Spirit says "Come, Lord Jesus" along with the bride (Rev. 22:17).
40. The Spirit dispenses God's love into our hearts (Rom. 5:5).
41. The Spirit bears witness to the truth in our conscience (Rom. 9:1).
42. The Spirit teaches us (1 Cor. 2:13; John 14:26).
43. The Spirit gives us joy (1 Thess. 1:6).
44. The Spirit enables some to preach the gospel (1 Pet. 1:12).
45. The Spirit moves us (2 Pet. 1:21).
46. The Spirit knows the things of God (1 Cor. 2:11).
47. The Spirit casts out demons (Matt. 12:28).
48. The Spirit brings things to our remembrance (John 14:26).
49. The Spirit comforts us (Acts 9:31).
50. The Spirit makes some overseers in the church and sends some out to the work of church planting [through the body] (Acts 20:28; 13:2).
Read more at http://www.christianpost.com/news/50-things-the-holy-spirit-does-129829/#cEBCHzHuuRQvooog.99
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[1] From instantia, or presence. God was “made present.”
[2] An appearance of God to people. https://www.theopedia.com/theophany
[3] https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/God-Surrounding
[4] From carne, or flesh. God was “made flesh” in Jesus.
[5] As is Jesus, by the way.
[6] After Jesus’ death, the gift of the Holy Spirit went from "selective and temporary" to "universal and permanent."
[7] “The Person And Work Of The Holy Spirit.” https://www.moodybible.org/beliefs/positional-statements/holy-spirit/
[8] Great article from Billy Graham: “Does The Holy Spirit Live In You?” https://decisionmagazine.com/does-the-holy-spirit-live-in-you/
[9] Genesis motif: Moving over the chaos of the world and bringing words of life.
[10] Yet another way in which the “physicalness” of the Old Testament/Old Covenant foreshadows spiritual realities in the New Testament/New Covenant.
[11] Great overview here: “Who Is The Holy Spirit? 5 Things You Need To Know.” https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/who-is-the-holy-spirit-5-things-you-need-to-know.html