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Holy Sprit

(by: Solomon P. thomas)

c o n t e t n t

1.            Holy Spirit - An Introduction to the Study

2.            Holy Spirit - Personality

3.            Holy Spirit - Deity

4.            Holy Spirit - Names and Titles                                          Person of the Holy Spirit

5.            Holy Spirit - Sin against the Holy Spirit

6.            Holy Spirit - Types and Symbols

7.            Holy Spirit - In the Trinity

8.            Holy Spirit in the Old Testament

9.            Holy Spirit and the Scripture

10.        Holy Spirit in the Life of Christ

11.        Holy Spirit in Salvation

12.        Holy Spirit - Baptism of the Holy Spirit

13.        Holy Spirit - Indwelling

14.        Holy Spirit - Filling

15.        Holy Spirit - Anointing

16.        Holy Spirit - Other Works                                                Work of the Holy Spirit

17.        Holy Spirit - Fruit of the spirit

18.        Holy Spirit - Gifts - General

19.        Holy Spirit - Gifts - Ministerial gifts

20.        Holy Spirit - Gifts - Motivational gifts

21.        Holy Spirit - Gifts - Mainfestational gifts

22.        Holy Spirit - Gifts - Discovery

23.        Holy Spirit - Gifts - Speaking in Tongues

24.        Holy Spirit - Gifts - Exercise

25.        Holy Spirit in the Future

The Holy Sprit is the least understood and neglected person in the triune Godhead. The subject of the Holy Spirit is one of the most misunderstood and misinterpreted topics. There is much perplexity and false notion in the minds of many people about the Holy Spirit. A proper understanding of the person and work of the Holy Spirit is basic to many Biblical doctrines. A great company of folks are misguided and misled by the deception of Satan.

'Pneumatology' is the systematic study of the person and work of the Holy Spirit. The word Pneumatology is derived from two Greek words "pneuma" which means "wind" or "spirit" and "logos" which means "word" - combining to mean "the study of the Holy Spirit." The revelation concerning the Holy Spirit was progressive.

1. He is God. He is one of the members of the Triune Godhead. Equal to Father and the Son. God the Father sent Him by the request of God the Son. Wherever there is a doctrine concerning God, Satan is also active to confuse people.

® Latter day's movement teaches that the Holy Spirit is a son of God the Father.

® Some new age movements teach that He is a mode of God rather a distinct person.

2. This age: The age of grace is also called the age of the Holy Spirit. The permanent dwelling of Holy Spirit is the specialty of this age.

3. 352 times His is mentioned in the Bible (88 times in OT and 264 times in NT). Holy Spirit is a vast subject in the Bible. We need to explore the ministry of the Holy Spirit, by analyzing the Word of God and not by our experiences.

4. He is the subject to much error. Many people have a false understanding about the Holy Spirit. A systematic study would answer many questions.

® When does a believer receive the Holy Spirit? At conversion or in a subsequent experience?

5. He has a vital part in the life of a believer. We are convicted, regenerated, baptized, sealed, filled, gifted, etc.. by the Holy Spirit. He is in us, with us and upon us.

6. The Holy Spirit has been active in all ages. In creation, revelation, regeneration, even in the future … He is active.

Who is the Holy Spirit? Is He only a power? or a divine force? The Bible clearly teaches that the Holy Spirit is a divine person. But this has been denied throughout the ages and even in recent times by many liberal theologians. In the fourth century AD Arius called Him the ‘exerted energy of God’. He is called Holy Spirit as only an influence exerted from the Father. He was condemned in the Council of Nicea in 325 AD. But his teachings continue among Unitarianism and cults such as Jehovah Witnesses etc. Those who deny His distinct personality substitute the word ‘personification’ for personality. There is no place either in the Old or in the New Testament where Holy Spirit is ever said to be a “power,” or “force.” God has power (Lk. 1:35) and the Holy Spirit has power (Mica 3:8; Luke 4:14).

Personal characteristics are ascribed to the Holy Spirit. ‘Spirituality’ is the essential attribute of personality. The Holy Spirit has it. Personality may be simply defined as possessing intellect, emotions and will. These three elements are essential for a person. When we think of a person we usually think of a body. Must a person have a body? What happens when a human being dies? Only the body dies, but the person continues to exist forever, either in heaven or hell. We have the example of the rich man in Luke 16.

This means that even grammatically we can prove the personality of the Spirit. Personal pronouns are used of the Spirit such as He, Him, whom, Himself, who, etc. The Greek word for the Spirit, ‘Pneuma’ is in neuter gender. But the pronouns for the Spirit are always masculine.

® He is associated with the Lord, Jn.16.14; 14.16. “Another” here is ‘Allos’ in Greek, which means ‘another of the same kind’.

® As He is a Person we can relate with Him. Lk.1.35; Acts.10.38; Rom.15.13; 1 Cor.2.4

® The Greek word ‘parakletos’ for ‘Comforter’ is masculine gender. Jn.14.16,26; 16.7. 'Parakletos' can not be used to an impersonal thing or a power.

® "Go therefore and make disciples of people of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." (Mat. 28:19)

All this goes to prove that the Bible is emphatically clear on its affirmation on the personality of the Holy Spirit. The one in us, with us and upon us is a living person. He is a person and not just a power. He is a Powerful Person! "Holy Spirit is a living person, for He can be approached or shunned, trusted or doubted, loved or hated, adored or insulted".

We have seen that the Holy Spirit is a person, He is a unique person. He is a divine person. Although the Holy Spirit is explicitly called God (Act.5:3), many have questioned the deity of the Holy Spirit. Some consider the Holy Spirit as inferior to God the father and God the Son. Forth century Arianism taught that Jesus was created by the Father, the view also taught that the Son created the Spirit. But Bible clearly affirms that He is God, equal to God the Father and God the Son, possessing all the divine attributes and authority of God. The following points prove His Deity. The deity of the Holy Spirit is very much bound up with the doctrine of the Trinity; a denial of the one is a denial of the other. Most of the people who deny the deity of Jesus Christ deny the deity of the Holy Spirit too. Denying His deity is a sin against the Holy Spirit.

® Word interchanges for God and the Holy Spirit. See also 1 Cor.3:16 and 6:19 'temple of God', 'temple of the Holy Spirit.

® "Yahweh" in Is.6:8-13 is ascribed to the Holy Spirit in Acts 28:25 by Apostle Paul

The names in the Bible show One's position, character etc. Holy Spirit has names which only God can have. Hs titles prove His deity.

® “The Spirit of our God” (1 Cor. 6.11; Rom.8:9,14; 1 Cor.2:11; 12:3; Eph.4:30)

He possesses all the divine attributes of God. All the divine attributes ascribed to the Father and the Son are equally ascribed to the Holy Spirit.

® He begets – He begot the Son of God (Mat.1:20; Lk.1:35), He begets the believers too "born of the spirit"(Jn.3:6)

® Calling people for the ministry (Act.13:2) "set apart …. I have called them"

He is God, equal to God the Father and the Son, so our duty to worship Him, Witness Him and Work for Him.

What is the personal name of the Holy Spirit? The Bible doesn’t give us His name. But there are various titles and descriptions used for the Holy Spirit. Those titles reveal His identity, office, nature, position and character of the Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit in the Bible is known by many names and titles. Over 100 different names and descriptive titles are used in the Scripture for the Holy Spirit. Each of these names denote His identity, deity, nature and action of His ministry. A study of His names will help us to know more about His person and work.

The most common name is the Holy Spirit. The word “Spirit” means "breath" (Jn.20:22) or "wind" (Jn.3:6-8). The Spirit is the outbreathing of God, His life going forth to quicken. He is invisible. 'Holy' means "set apart" or "sacred"; It speaks of His 'uniqueness' and matchlessness. The title 'Holy Spirit' emphasizes the essential and moral character of the Spirit. He is holy in Himself and imparts holiness to others. One sure sign of a Spirit-filled life unmistakably is holiness of life. The One in us is Holy and He demands a holy life from us.

The first name found in the Bible is the “Spirit of God” (Gen1:2). This shows that He is divine. This name emphasizes the divine origin, character and power of the Holy Spirit (Rom.8:9, 1 Cor.3:16). The Holy Spirit has other divine names also like "Spirit of the Lord" (Isa.61:1). “The Spirit of Jesus” (Acts. 16.7), "Spirit of Christ" (1 Pet.1:11) etc. This title unquestionably proves His deity. He is God.

He is the embodiment and source of all truth. This name signifies, the work of the Spirit, leading us into all truth (Jn.16:13). As the spirit of truth, His ministry includes:

We have Christ as our intercessor in the presence to God praying for us (Rom.8:34; Heb.7:25). He is the 'heavenly intercessor'. The Holy Spirit in us is interceding for us - He is the 'indwelling intercessor'. The Holy Spirit comes alongside to lend assistance as He sustains us before the throne of grace. He helps in our weakness. He interprets our groaning as we approach God. He presents our groaning perfect before God. He is the One who comes between God and man in prayer. We do not know how to pray, He helps us to pray according to the will of God.

"Parakletos" is the Greek word used, can be translated as comforter, helper, counselor and advocate. Jesus Christ is the advocate in the presence of the God the Father (1 Jn.2:1). Another comforter (Jn.14:16), Allos' in Greek which means 'another of the same kind'.

Teaching - (Jn. 14:26) 'teach you all things' – related to spiritual matters.

Reproving - (Jn.16:7) 'reprove the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment. He convicts people of their sins. 'Convict' is 'to bring legal action against'. He convinces people of righteousness and judgment.

The Apostle Paul uses this title three times for the Holy Spirit. Believers received the Holy Spirit as a pledge. The gift of the Spirit to believers is a down payment that guarantees our heavenly inheritance. He is the earnest of our inheritance. What we received is just a shadow of things to come. We who were debtors received an advance payment. Down payment indicates that there are many payments to follow; further payments represent the reality of heaven!

This is also called “the Spirit of His Son”, whereby we cry Abba Father. We are placed in the family of God (Rom.8:15, 16, Gal.4:6, Eph.1:5). This means to place one as a son. One is formally and legally declared as a son and receives the privilege of a son. God had "adopted" Israel in the Old Testament, Jehovah declaring in Exodus 4:22 to Moses "Then you shall say to Pharaoh, 'Thus says the LORD, Israel is My son, my first-born." Abba is the very name the Beloved Son used when speaking to His Father (Mark 14:36). The result of adoption is sonship – we are heirs and co heirs with Christ.

The Holy Spirit is our companion, helper, comforter and advocate. He indwells a believer. The Holy Spirit is a person, a divine unique person. He is God. The moment we believe and are saved, we are sealed by the Holy Spirit. Since the Holy Spirit is a person. He may be sinned against. Since He is the third person in the trinity, ultimately all sin is against Him, basically all sins are against God.

For many, the concept of unpardonable sin is a source of difficulty, because it seems contradicting the Biblical teachings of Grace. "Every sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit shall not be forgiven." This is one of the most misunderstood and misinterpreted verses of the Bible.

The religious leaders came to hear the Lord but they virtually opposed everything that had said and attributed His miraculous power to Satan, thus calling the Holy Spirit as Satan. They ascribed the work of the Holy Spirit to the work of the evil spirit. Refusing to allow the Holy Spirit to lead us to believe in Christ is blasphemy for which there is no forgiveness. The unpardonable sin is not merely saying an unkind word about the Spirit, it is more than that. The unpardonable sin is the ultimate and final rejection of the Lord’s work of redemption brought to us by the Holy Spirit. An unbeliever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit.

Speaking against the Son of man will be forgiven because it might be due to a failure to recognize Him for what He is. Example Apostle Paul (1 Tim.1:16-16). But if anyone refuses to submit to the Holy Spirit's convicting influence and doest not repent, will not be forgiven, neither in this age or the ages to come.

Those who received the knowledge of truth, and have not committed their life to the Lord; they despise the sprit of grace. They have only a superficial faith, but ultimately rejecting Christ (Heb.6:4-8). If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is. A professed believer despises / rebels against the Spirit. This means insulting the Spirit of Grace. The Holy Spirit presents the atoning work of the Lord to a sinner.

Stephen in his sermon proved how the people of Israel in each generation rebelled against the Holy Spirit. They were 'stiff-necked' not allowing their neck to the yoke of God. Although the Holy Spirit is sovereign God, He can be resisted by the rebellion of the people. He is our guide (Jn.16:13), but He doesn’t use force or in other words He doesn’t drag us into the truth. Rebellion is a sin, which God deals very seriously.

The Holy Spirit is a living person in us, He has emotions; thus He can be grieved. 'To grieve' means 'to make sad' or 'to afflict with deep sorrow'. A believer can grieve the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit can be grieved:

Grieving the Spirit can lead to quenching. The word 'quench' means to 'to extinguish' or 'put out fire'. The Holy Spirit is like a flame. The Spirit in us would like to work through us and to be seen by our actions and attitude. 'Rejoicing, praying and giving thanks (1 Thess.5:19) are the signs of a spirit-filled life. By suppressing the work of the Spirit in us, we quench the spirit. We should not hinder the operations of the Holy Spirit. All sin is painful but sin of his children breaks His heart.

Ananias and Saphira lied against the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit, being God, cannot be tempted to sin (James 1:13). They kept a portion for themselves and acted as submitting everything to God. They made pretence. A severe punishment is waiting for hypocrisy.

Illustrations are often used in the Scriptures to make us understand spiritual truths. We are prone to perceive the supernatural from our natural point of view. The Holy Spirit is not seen, who has never been made manifest as was Christ. But there are many figurative presentations of the spirit used in the Bible. A symbol is a material emblem portraying and unfolding a spiritual truth. The purpose of symbolism is to shed light on, add understanding, and to illustrate the truth. The types and symbols of the Holy Spirit reveal His person, attributes and work. Symbols shouldn’t be the object of worship, they are like sign boards indicating some truths.

1. Dove (Mt.3.16,17; Mk.1.10; Lk.3.22; Jn.1.32). The descent of the Holy Spirit as a dove at Jesus' baptism is seen in all four gospels. This implies:

® Purity - Dove speaks of purity. It is a clean bird. It was an acceptable sacrifice in the Old Testament. The Spirit is Holy, He is Holy Spirit (Ps.51:11; Lk.11:13)

® Peace - Dove is a sign of peace, a peace loving bird. The Lord asks us to be harmless as doves (Mat.10:16). Peace is one of the fruits of the Spirit Gal.5.22,23.

® Permanence - Permanent dwelling 'dove abode upon Jesus' (Jn.1:32). It speaks of the permanent dwelling of the Holy Spirit upon believers, unlike in the Old Testament. He dwells in our body which is the temple of God (1 Cor.6:19)

2. Fire (Acts.2.3,4). It was not ‘fire’ but ‘like fire’. And it was not the fire in baptism, Mt.3.11,12; Mk.1.8; Lk.3.16. It is an OT emblem and coveys the meaning of:

® Divine Presence of the Lord. The Lord appeared to Moses in the flame of the fire (Exo.3.2). The Holy Spirit is sent by the Father at the request of the Son to be with us for ever (Jn.14:13)

® Divine Protection of the Lord. The Lord went before the Israelites by night in a pillar of fire to give them light to protect them (Exo.13.21). The Holy Spirit is our helper and protector (Jn. 14:16)

® Divine Permission of the Lord. Fire came out and consumed upon the altar the burnt offering and fat (Lev.9:23, 24) or approval of the Lord.

3. Oil (Lk.4.18; Acts.10.38; 2Cor.1.21; 1Jn.2.20). Induction to the ministry was by the anointing by the oil (Lk.4.18). So is for the believer with the Spirit (Acts 1.8).

® Sprinkle - Oil was used in the Old Testament to anoint people to the ministry specially Priest (Lev.8:10,12), Prophet (1 Kin 19:16) and King (1 Sam.10:1). Holy Spirit anoints people for the ministry also (1 Cor. 1:21)

® Stir up - Illuminated the tabernacle. The light in the Tabernacle was provided by the olive oil lamps on the golden lamp stand, which burned continually. (Exo. 27.20,21). The Spirit illuminates our heart (Jn.16:12-15)

® Sanctification - Oil is used to sanctify (Lev.8.30; 14.17). Oil was used in the cleansing and sanctifying of lepers (Lev.14:16-18). The Spirit sanctifies us (Tit.3.5)

4. Water (Jn.4.14; 7.38,39). The still waters are often taken as the metaphor of the Word of God and the living or flowing water is taken as the picture of the Spirit. Also see Jer.17.13. The Spirit as water,

® Purifies, Jn.13.10; 15.3. The Spirit applies the blood of Christ for our cleansing.

5. Wind (Jn3,8; Acts.2.1-2). Spirit in Hebrew 'ruach' and Greek 'pneuma' mean wind or breath. This metaphor indicates the work of the Spirit. Thus His work is

® Invisible, though, can be felt. The new birth itself is invisible, although the results of it are visible and effective.

® Independent (Jn.3:8). Spirit is sovereign. Just as the wind blows where it wants, the Spirit chooses His own sphere of activity: the Holy Spirit gives the gifts to whom He wills. He appoints people to office (Acts 13:2, 20:28)

® Intensity 2Pet.1.21, Spirit is Powerful. Wind is powerful. The Spirit of God makes a man a born again and empowers the child of God.

6. seal (2 Cor.1:22; Eph.1:13; 4:30). In the New Testament the Holy Spirit is referred to as the seal of the believer. Believers are sealed by the Holy Spirit for the day of redemption.

7. servant (Gen.24; Ruth 2:5). There are striking analogies between the ministry of the Holy Spirit in the church age and the ministry of Abraham' servant Eliazer (Gen.15:5)

® Eliazer was Sent by Abraham from Canaan, the Promised Land to Mesopotamia on a mission. God the Father sent the Holy Spirit from heaven to earth on a mission.

® Eliazer was sent to Secure a bride for Isaac. The mission of the Holy Spirit is to secure the bride, the Church for Jesus Christ (1Cor.12:13; 2Cor.11:2)

® Eliazer gave gifts to Rebecca (Gen.24:22), the Holy Spirit gives gifts to believers (1 Cor.12:4-11)

® Eliazer adorns Rebecca 24.22,53. The servant in Est.2 provided all that was necessary to adorn Esther. Spirit prepares people for Christ (1 Cor.12.11)

® Eliazer glorifies Isaac. He spoke of his master only. He said nothing about himself 25.34-49. The Holy Spirit glorifies Christ (Jn.16:13,14)

The Holy Spirit is the third person in the triune Godhead. He is God, equal to God the Father and God the Son, the same in substance and essence, equal in power, possessing all divine attributes and authority of God. His role in the Trinity is unique and great. There are some who allocate different functions in each dispensation to each person in the Trinity, like the work of creation to the Father, redemption to the Son and salvation to the Spirit, or Father worked in the OT, Son in the Gospels and Spirit in the present time. This sort of allocation though baseless, is yet impressive. “All the three persons of the Trinity have been active from the moment of creation. There is absolutely no conflict among the three Persons and always they have been in counsel one with another and always working together”.

There are areas in the Doctrine of God, which confuses our finite minds such as His eternality or His infinity. His creation itself is beyond our comprehension. The topic on Trinity is also similar. No man can fully explain the Trinity. The Trinity is still largely incomprehensible to the mind of man. In the history of the church, the teaching on Trinity has been questioned and the church has through debates and deliberations come up with conclusions that uphold the Biblical stand. False teachings have been refuted from time to time. Trinity is a doctrine for believers not for unbelievers. The following quotations/ verses are remarkable.

"He who would try to understand the Trinity fully will lose his mind, but he who would deny the Trinity will lose his soul".

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Neither are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8-9).

Deuteronomy 29:28-29, “The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our sons forever, that we may observe all the words of this law.”

Zopher rightly asks, "Can you search out the deep things of God? Can you find out the limits of the Almighty"? (Job.11:7)

® The Trinitarian Formula is, ‘God is one in essence and three in persons’. God is one in His essential being, three in distinct persons. There are not three separate Gods, there is only one God who exists in three distinct persons. See Deut.6:4. It is not that One God is playing three different roles but God is three distinct persons. How can one God in three persons? Example of water in three different forms liquid, ice and steam…but yet they are all 100% water just as God is three different persons.

® Love is God’s essential attribute. Then whom did He love before He created anything, if He were just an absolute oneness?’

® Every where in the creation we see Triunity impressed. These definitely points to the triune nature of the Creator. Examples:

® Bible shows us the Triunity of God. From Genesis to Revelation this teaching is manifest, progressively. In the OT it is recurrently foreshadowed. In the Gospels it is clearly implied. In the Acts of the Apostles it is humanly experienced. In the NT epistles it is everywhere assumed. In the Apocalypse it is completely endorsed. Trinity is seen in creation, salvation, baptism, blessing, etc.

® Plural pronouns are used, 'Let us make …(Gen.1:26)' 'who will go for us…' (Isa.6:8)

® In the foundational confession of Israel, Moses declares the oneness of God (Deut.6:4)

® The eternal relationship of the Spirit to the other two persons of Godhead is 'procession'. “The procession of the Holy Spirit means that in His being and eternity He is related to the Father and to the Son in that He proceeded from them”. Major text for these truths is Jn.15.26. “Proceeds’ is in present tense, showing eternality of the procession. See also Ps.104:30.

® The essence of the three persons of the Godhead is one. (Mat. 28:19; Col.2;2; Heb.1:3). The three are not inferior to each other, instead they have equal qualities. The Bible speaks of the three persons as co-equal, co-eternal and co-substantial and inseparable. Each of the three persons is as much God as any of the other two. All the attributes of the Godhead are equally present in each of the three persons. None of the three persons may be spoken of as a part of God or one third of God! The essence of the Godhead is indivisible. God is one in essence, but three in personality.

® The equality of the persons relates to the essence of the Godhead. This is called “Essential Equality”. But there is subordination in the trinity when it comes to God’s relation to the creation. This is called functional subordination.

® There are three functions in the Trinity namely, Creation, Redemption, and Sanctification, applying to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit respectively. The Father sent the Son into the world for the work of redemption, The Son having ascended to the Father sent the Spirit. He that sends is obviously greater than the one sent. It is in this context that Jn.14:28 may be understood. Subordination in no way affects equality. It must be borne in mind that when each of the three persons is specifically responsible for His function, the other persons are inseparably present and active in Him.

What was the role of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament? Some people allocate the work of Trinity as Father worked in the Old Testament, Son in the Gospels and the Holy Spirit in the Present time. The Holy Spirit has been active in all time - from eternity to eternity. In the Old Testament the Spirit had a "come and go" ministry. His ministry in the OT was selective and temporary. The limitations of the Spirit’s work in the OT can be summed up in three statements - Limited to certain people, Limited to certain period, Limited to certain purposes. From the day of Pentecost a “new era” of the Spirit’s work began (Jn.14:16). In the OT we see Holy Spirit in creation, revelation, enabling people, restraining sin etc.

The major role of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament can be seen in relation to Creation, in relation to Revelation and in relation to People.

Various aspects of Sprit's role in creation is seen in many verses of the Old Testament (Gen.1:1-2, Job.26:13; 27:3; Ps.33:6; 104:30 etc). ‘Elohim’ Gen.1.1 is a plural of majesty that suggests the role of the Trinity in the active role of creation.

Elohim is plural of majestry that suggests the role of the Trinity in the active role of cration. 'Ruach' is the same Hebrew word as used in Genesis 1:2 for God's Holy Spirit. The Spirit of God moved upon …earth (Gen.1:2); By His spirit …. (Job.26:13); Thou sendest forth… (Ps.104:30)

§ Animal world: - Thou sendest forth (Ps.104:17,21,30). He hath formed the crooked serpent (Job.26:13b)

® Spirit Organized He gave order in the universe (Ps.104:5,30; Isa 40.12-14; Jb.26.13; Gen.1.2)

® Spirit Sustains: He gives renewal and sustenance (Isa. 40.7; Job.34:14-15; Ps. 104:5,30)

® Spirit Gave the Word: The Holy Spirit was the agent of revealing and recording God's message to man in the Old. "For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost" (2 Pet.1:21)

® Prophets spoke by means of the Sprit: Prophets spoke by means of the Spirit (2 Sam.23:2; Mic.3:8; Dan.4:8-9). "Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon me, and he told me to say" (Ez.11:5)

® Spirit Illuminates the Word (1 Cor.2.14-16): The Holy Spirit instructs and guides (Neh.9:20,30) The Holy Spirit gives understanding (Job.32:8)

® Christ confirms the Role of the Spirit in Revelation: Christ attested it by quoting Ps.110 in Mat.22:43-44

® Apostles Attested: Peter quoted Ps.41 concerning Judas (Act.1:16-17); Paul quoted Act.28:25-27 from Isa.6:9-10); Writer of Hebrews also confirmed Spirit role in revelation (Heb.3:7-11; 10:15-16)

In the Old Testament Spirit's dealing with people was limited. The Spirit “came upon” such Old Testament people. The ministry of the Holy Spirit in Old Testament was not the same as it has been in the New Testament (Jn.14:16 - abide fore ever)

® Spirit Indwelt: The indwelling in the Old Testament was selective and temporary. Joshua (Num.27:18) David (1 Sam.16:12-13)

® Spirit came “upon” The Sprit came upon certain people for certain purposes.

® Spirit Filled Bazalel was filled to receive wisdom for craftsmanship (Ex.31:3,25)

The Bible is God's word - inspired, inerrant and infallible word of God. Holy Spirit has a great role in revealing and recording the Holy Scripture. He gave the revelation of the word and guided the writers to record it. The Holy Spirit inspired the Word, He gives the illumination and He applies the word into our practical life. The role of the Holy Spirit in relation to the word of God can be summed up in three statements. He is the divine author of the Bible, He is the divine teacher and He is the divine helper of the word to apply to our life.

Holy Spirit is the divine author of the Bible. He is the source and revealer. Human authorship of some books has been a subject to controversy. But the divine authority of the bible has never been questioned. That is why the bible is inspired (God breathed), inerrant (free from error), infallible (incapable of error). God inspired the writer to record His message for man.

® Inspiration simply means 'God breathed' (Greek 'Theopneustos'). Bible is the result of the breath of God. God breathed out the word. God superintended the human authors, so that they composed and recorded without error His message. Therefore the word of God is inerrant (Jn.17:17 - thy word is truth). People attack the inspiration of the word. Satan has attacked from the beginning - "hath God said"? (Gen.3:1)

® The Holy Spirit used prophets and apostles to record His message. He inspired the holy men to record His word. "…holy men moved by the Holy Ghost" (2 Pet. 1:21b). Same verb is used in Act.27:15 - driven, directed or carried about by the wind. The Holy Spirit guided the writers to write (2 Sam. 23:2-3)

® In the method of inspiration people hold different views, like natural inspiration (Godly men wrote, not God breathed), Partial inspiration (only part inspired), Mechanical inspiration (God dictated every word), Concept inspiration (only the concept is inspired) etc.

® Bible teaches the verbal, plenary inspiration of the bible. That means entire bible is inspired, every word of the bible is inspired. Verbal Inspiration: not just the concept but each word is inspired. The Holy Spirit gave the right word to the writers to record the message (Ex.24:4; 34:27; Jer.1:9; Ex.2:7-8). Plenary Inspiration: bible is inspired fully and completely. Not any part of the bible but the entire bible is inspired. All scripture is inspired (2 Tim 3:16),

® The inspired word is given for the profit of man – for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.

® The ultimate motive is that "That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works".

Holy Spirit is not only the author of the Bible but He teaches and the word to His people. He enables His people to comprehend the truth of the bible. Bible is divine so we need a divine help. Natural mind cannot grasp the truth, Holy Spirit illuminates the word (1Cor.2:13; 1 Jn.2:20,27; Jn.14:26)

® Illumination means to give light. Illumination is a process by which God's Holy Spirit enables us to understand His word (1 Cor.2:13)

® It is not a giving of new revelation, canon is completed, no more revelations (Rev.22:18)

® Inspiration not repeated but illumination is repeated. Illumination, which is a lifelong ministry of the Holy Spirit to Christians.

® "But you have been anointed by the Holy One … But as his anointing teaches you about everything …" (1Jn.2:20, 27); "For the Holy Spirit shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say" (Lk. 12:12)

® The Scripture is the word of God. With human wisdom man cannot comprehend it. It is the Holy Spirit who enlightens the believer to comprehend the truths (Jn.16:12-15; 1 Cor. 2:11) "The inspiration of the Almighty giveth understanding" (Job.32:8)

® Man cannot understand God's truth apart from God's divine enablement 2 Cor.4:4; Eph. 4:18)

® The experience of illumination is not by direct revelation, the Canon is closed'.

® Illumination is not for natural man, it is only for believer. "But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God" (1 Cor. 2:14)

® Need to trust the authority of the word. "O Lord thy word is settled in heaven (Ps.119:89)

® Need to allow the Holy Spirit to give us the understanding – to be submissive

® Need to read and meditate the word lovingly, carefully, reverentially and prayerfully.

® Spirit not only the author and the One who illuminates, It is He who helps us to apply the revealed truths.

® He guides to all truth. "the spirit of truth is come he will guide you into all truth" (Jn. 16:13)

The Holy Spirit and the Lord Jesus Christ are members of the divine Triunity of Godhead. Each member of the Trinity maintains a unique role in carrying out the eternal purpose. The Three Persons in the Godhead are distinct in person but equal in essence (Jn. 10:30-33; 17:21). Christ means 'The anointed One', relates to His messianic position. Isaiah prophesied that God would anoint the promised Messiah with His spirit (Isa.61:1). The work of the Holy Spirit is to present Christ and magnify Him (Jn.14:26; 16:14). In the Person and ministry of the Lord Jesus we see the active working of the Holy Spirit. Being the members in the trinity the Holy Spirit and the Lord Jesus Christ have a unique inseparable relationship. The work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Lord can be seen in four areas of His life – In His birth, life, death and resurrection.

Jesus Christ was miraculously born by the Holy Spirit. Biblical history records many extraordinary births. For example - Sarah who was old and barren gave birth to Isaac, Manoah's wife who was barren gave birth to Samson, Hannah gave birth to Samuel, Elizabeth to John the Baptist etc. But the virgin birth of Jesus Christ surpasses all of those.

® The doctrine of the Virgin birth is on of the fundamental truth to us. But the mystery of the incarnation or the virgin birth is more than we would able to explain. It was a supernatural act of God. Many doubted, rejected, amazed, and puzzled at this doctrine. Example of William Barclay.

® The Virgin birth of Jesus was the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophesies. Isaiah predicted - "a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel" (Isa.7:14). Even before we have an hint of the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ - the seed of the woman (Gen.3:15)

® The narration of the birth of Jesus Christ is given in Mathew 1:18-25. Mary, who was betrothed to Joseph, was found with the child of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit involved in the conception of Jesus Christ, in the womb of the Virgin Mary, the result was His incarnation (Lk.1:35). Holy Spirit acted as an agent at the birth of Jesus. Mat.1:20: "… for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost"; Lk.1:35: "The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, shall overshadow thee…"

® Some people reject this doctrine saying that Mary was not a virgin because of the use of the word wife. Jewish marriage had three steps. (1) Engagement (2) betrothal (3) marriage proper. Engagement often made when the couple were only children, it can be broken. Betrothal is the ratification of the engagement, once the betrothal was entered into, it was absolutely binding, it could not be terminated in any other way than by divorce. Marriage proper takes place at the end of the year of betrothal.

® Technical details are omitted in the scripture, but the Bible clearly attributes her pregnant condition to the Holy Spirit (Mat.1:18,20). The virginal conception was supernaturally caused, but the nine months pregnancy and subsequent birth was basically natural.

- The incarnation doesn’t involve dual parenthood for Jesus. Jesus was not born of Mary and Joseph, but born of Mary only, "by whom" (Mt.1:16) - the pronoun is feminine singular, indicating clearly that Jesus was born of Mary only not of Mary and Joseph

- The incarnation doesn’t cause Mary to become the mother of God, nowhere in the Scripture we find such a title for Mary.

- We could see Immanuel, the revelation of God to us, though veiled (Jn.1:18;14:7-11)

- The human nature of Jesus came into existence. The human nature of Jesus was sinless, He was Holy from eternity, Holy in His birth and life, faultless within or without, and every aspect of His Person was guarded by the Holy Spirit.

- The human nature of Jesus brought human limitations. Christ was tired (Jn.4:6); became thirsty (4:7); slept (Mt.8:24); wept (Jn.11:35)

- The human nature of Jesus made him dependant on the Father. The prayer life of Jesus is an example.

- Incarnation caused us to see the 'theanthropic' person, one person with both a divine and human nature.

® The Old Testament Prophets prophesized that the Spirit would be active in the life of the Lord Jesus Christ (Isa.42:1). John 3:34 says "for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him". (NIV - "God gives the Spirit without limit"). Only Jesus Christ experienced the full, infinite omnipotent ministry of the Holy Spirit.

® All through the Gospels we see the power of the Holy Spirit upon Christ in His earthly ministry. That doesn’t mean that Jesus had no power in Himself. The fact that He had ministered in the power of the Holy Spirit stresses the unity of the Trinity (Jn.5:31-44; 6:29;8:18).

® Holy Spirit anointed Christ (Lk.4:18; Act.4:27), probably at the time of the baptism of the Lord Jesus. The Holy Spirit's anointment on Jesus was the fulfillment of the prophecy of Isaiah the prophet (61:1). The anointing introduced Jesus to His public ministry (Act.10:38)

® Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. He was filled by the Spirit - thus it was in the will of God for Jesus to be tempted (Mat. 4:1-11; Mak.1:12,13; Lk.4:1)

® The Spirit was upon Him to proclaim the favorable years of the Lord (Lk.4:18)

® The Holy Spirit had played a part in the death of Christ. Usually Heb.9:14 is referred to as evidence that our Lord offered Himself in His death through the Spirit.

® There is some controversy whether the Holy Spirit is meant by this verse, since the definite article is not present in the text. Some suggests this is a reference to the personal spirit of Christ. However, many think that the absence of the definite article does not require us to conclude that this does not refer to the Holy Spirit.

® Examples can be given where the Person of the Holy Spirit is in view but the definite article is not in the text, such as Gal.5:25; 1 Pet.1:2; Act.19:2 etc.

® 1Pet 3:18 may also refer to the act of the Spirit with respect to the death of Christ.

® Each member of the godhead had a particular part in the resurrection of Christ.

® Three references seem to link the Holy Spirit with the resurrection of Christ. They likewise are subject to different interpretations whether the Holy Spirit Himself is being referred to.

- Rom.1:4 - "according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead"

- Rom 8:11 - " but if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you"

- 1 Pet.3:18 - " being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit"

Salvation is the deliverance from sin and its curse. Fall of man necessitated salvation. It is for the body, soul and spirit. It is in the past, present and the future aspects. Salvation was God's eternal plan. It is by the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. God desires all men to be saved (1Tim.2:3-4), because all have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Rom.3:23). Trinity in Salvation:

Planned by God the Father - In the Eternity Past (Act.20: 28) - Father Designed

Powered by God the Spirit - On Pentecost (Act.2: 1-4) -Spirit Transformed

Here we are concerned with the work of the Spirit. We can brief it in the following seven steps.

The Holy Spirit prepares us to hear the gospel. This is the pre conversion sanctification. That is, the Spirit bringing us to the hearing of the gospel. 'Sanctification is to set apart' - Spirit separates us to hear the gospel. Even before a person is saved, the Holy Spirit has been working in his life, setting him apart from the world for salvation. The order of events connected with salvation is 'chosen by God', 'sanctified by the Spirit', 'obedience to the Lord' (1 Pet.1:2). Paul reminds the Thessalonian believers that they were chosen by God, sanctified through the Spirit… (2 Thes.2:13). In eternity God chose us to be saved. In due time the Holy Spirit set us apart for the Lord.

The Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin, righteousness and judgment (Jn.16:7,8-11). The Spirit applies the gospel to our minds to convince them we are sinners. Responding to that conviction brings salvation. Of sin - It is He who convicts the people about their sinful state; Of righteousness - about the righteousness of Christ; Of judgment - the judgment coming on unbelief.

Holy Spirit is the agent of regeneration. The Holy Spirit regenerates a sinner to Christ (Jn.3:5). "by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost" (Tit.3:5-7). This is the impartation of life. Though regeneration and the response to the gospel call happen simultaneously, the former precedes the latter logically. "It is the spirit that quickeneth" (Jn.6:63). By the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit, we have received eternal life (Tit.3:5).

The moment we accept Christ, Spirit indwells us (Jn.14:17; 1 Cor.3:16). One receives the indwelling by obedience to the gospel (Acts.5.32). Our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor.6:19). It is foundational for all other ministries of the Spirit

- It is unconditional, in every believer regardless of his/her spiritual condition. Example of Corinthian believers

One who accepts Christ, is sealed with the Spirit of promise (2 Cor.1:22; Eph.1:13). We are sealed for the day of redemption (Eph.4:30). All believers are sealed, it occurs when we believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Holy Spirit is given as the earnest (2 Cor.1:22; 5:5). It means an advance payment. (Eph.1:14) "earnest of our inheritance". The gift of the Spirit to believers is a down payment that guarantees our heavenly inheritance. What we received just a shadow of things to come. We who were debtors receive advance payment!!

These seven steps cover all the three aspects of our salvation, past, present and future. Thus the Spirit has a ministry and part in our salvation unto its completion. Salvation as described in the New Testament has three tenses - past, present and future. If we are born again, we have already been saved from the PENALTY of sin. We are now to be saved from the POWER of sin. And one day, when our Lord returns in glory, we will be saved from the very PRESENCE of sin.

Baptism with the Holy Spirit is a unique work of the Holy Spirit particular to the church age only. The baptizing work of the Holy Spirit has become a point of many controversies. Some people see the passages refer to the Spirit Baptism as a reference to water baptism. Some people consider the baptizing work of the Holy Spirit as a second blessing. All true believers in Christ are baptized in the Holy Spirit into the Body of Christ (1 Cor.12:13). Church's formation is by the baptizing work of the Spirit. The baptism of the Holy Spirit should not be confused with other ministries of the Holy Spirit.

Baptism in the Holy Spirit is a divine work, whereby a believer is placed into the Body of Christ (Church) to have a permanent union with Christ and with other believers in the Body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:13). To baptize means to 'dip', or 'immerse'. Thus, ‘Baptism in the Spirit’ means to be dipped in the Spirit’ The Baptism of the Spirit takes place in regeneration (Tit.3:5). It takes place only once, when a sinner believes in the Lord Jesus and is then made a member of His Body.

Baptism in the Holy Spirit is not an experience as some teach, but it is a doctrine which confirmed in the Holy Scripture. There are seven clear references to the Baptism in the Spirit which can be grouped under three heads. Baptism of the Holy Spirit was predicted by John the Baptist, guaranteed by Lord, declared by Peter and defined by Paul.

® Prophetical: John the Baptist mentioned the Spirit Baptism (Mt.3.11; Mk.1.8; Lk.3.16; Jn.1.33). Christ predicted the baptism as 'not many days from now' (Act.1:5)

® Historical: The fulfillment of the prophesy of the Spirit baptism was taken place on the day of Pentecost. Acts.11.15-17. Peter declared. The Spirit Baptism began on the day of Pentecost historically, which resulted in the formation of the church.

® Doctrinal: Paul explains the doctrinal aspects of the Spirit baptism (1 Cor.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'.

® Baptizer is the Lord Himself. Element is the Holy Spirit. As water was the element in the John’s baptism Spirit is the element here.

® It is operative only in this dispensation. No OT prophecy, no one experienced this in the life time of Jesus. It happened on the day of Pentecost (Act.1:5)

® It is experienced by all believers, 'all have been baptized' (1Cor.12:13). It is for all believers, no mater their spiritual condition. It is not a special privilege for some believers.

® It occurs at Salvation, it has never been repeated in the life of a believer.

® 'Be baptized' - passive voice of the verb indicates that the baptism in Holy Spirit is divine act. Nowhere in the scripture we are exhorted to wait and receive the Spirit or be baptized by the Spirit by praying, pleading or tarrying; because one is not a believer if he has not had the baptism of the Spirit.

® Even some of the great men of God had confusion in this area of Spirit's work. Men like R.A. Torrey and D.L. Moody were unclear in this doctrine.

® Some people have a vague concept of the church that results in much confusion concerning the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

® Some people believe that the baptism of the Spirit is an experience different than salvation. They see it as a second blessing that gives a person much greater spiritual power and confidence.

® The usual Charismatic thought is that it is subsequent to the salvation experience. Some groups teach that the baptism is accompanied by such signs as speaking in tongues. Every Christian is baptized by the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 12:13), but not every Christian has the gift of tongues (1 Cor.12:29,30)

® Some people teach the baptism of the Holy Spirit as the baptism by fire in Mat.3:11. Baptism with fire speaks about the final judgment, in which the Lord will separate the chaff from the corn. All believers receive baptism with the Spirit; all unbelievers receive baptism with fire.

® Baptism and Indwelling: Old Testament believers could be indwelt by the Spirit, but they never were baptized in the Holy Spirit. We were in the Spirit when we were baptized in the Holy Spirit, in dwelling the Spirit is in us. Baptism is non repeatable event that occurs at the point of salvation, but the indwelling of the Spirit continues on (Jn.14:17).

® Baptism and Filling: Baptism occurs only once, Filling repeated many times. Baptism results in position, Filling results in power (Act.4:31). Baptism is non experiential, but filling a reality to be experienced. No commandment to be baptized, but we are asked to be filled (Eph.5:18). The effect of baptism is the formation of the church, the outcome of filling is fruit bearing (Gal.5:22)

® The result of the baptism is the formation of the church. It joins us to the body of Christ (1Cor.12:13). As one can be immersed in water so a believer is immersed spiritually into the body of Christ.

® Unity brought by baptism should be expressed. 1 Cor.1.10; 12.24; Eph.4.3; Phil. 2.1-4. Paul writes this in the context of the exercise of the spiritual gifts for the edification of the whole body the church, 1 Cor.12-14.

® Baptism in the Holy Spirit identifies us spiritually with the death and resurrection of Christ. Baptism of the Holy Spirit joins us to the body of Christ and identifies us as united with other believers.

® We are risen with Him to newness of life (Rom.6:4). Old man is crucified (Rom.6:6), reckon ourselves dead to sin ((6:11), became servants of righteousness (6:18), bearing fruit unto holiness and everlasting life (6:22)

The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is one of the basic doctrines of the New Testament. It is foundational to all other ministries of the Holy Spirit to a believer in this New Testament age. The indwelling Spirit is a gift from God to all believers. The Holy Spirit is given to all believers without exception (Rom.8:9, 15, 16, Gal.3:2, Eph.1:13,14). Every believer in Christ is indwelt by the Spirit (Jn.14:17, Rom.8:9, 1Cor.6:19).

® Prophetical description made by Jesus Christ that He would send another comforter ('Parakletos' which means 'Call alongside') to be with you forever (Jn.14:16,17). The Lord asked the disciples to wait at Jerusalem to receive the promise of the Father (Act.1:4,8)

® Historical description is seen on the day of Pentecost in Act. 2. See also 1:4, 5:32. The disciples received the Holy Spirit, the promise of the Father on that day. Later Peter the apostle confirmed it (Act.5:32; 2:38)

® Doctrinal description made by Paul the apostle in his epistles. (1 Cor.3:16; 2 Cor.6:19; Rom.8:9). He clarifies that every child of God should have the Spirit of God.

Indwelling of the Holy Spirit is a unique work of the Holy Spirit whereby He makes a permanent abode in a believer at the time of salvation and it continues irrespective of his / her spiritual condition (1Cor 6:19-20, 3:16). It is universal (Rom.8.9; Jude 19). It is permanent (Jn.14.16; Eph.4.30)

® The dwelling of the Holy Spirit is Exceptional in the New Testament. In the Old Testament God walked with man (Garden of Eden), He dwelt in the Tabernacle and Temple. He was among the people. He led them from the front; He chastened them from behind, but in the New Testament He is in the believers.

® The dwelling of the Holy Spirit is Foundational to all other ministries of the Holy Spirit. (Jn.16.13; Rom.8.16; 8.15; Gal.4). Everything begins with the dwelling of the Spirit.

® The dwelling of the Holy Spirit is Universal. Every believer in Christ is indwelt by the Spirit (Jn.14:17, Rom.8:9, 1Cor.6:19).

® The dwelling of the Holy Spirit is Permanent. The indwelling of God the Holy Spirit begins immediately at salvation and is permanent. Holy Spirit will never depart a believer in the New Testament.

When the Spirit begins His residence in a believer? How long the spirit will be with a believer?

® In the Old Testament the Spirit was often present with believers, but He did not dwelt with them permanently. It was conditional (1 Sam.16:14; Ps.51:11).

® In the NT every believer is indwelt by the Holy Spirit, the moment he/she is born again (Jn.14:17, Gal.3:2, Rom.8:9,11). We are sealed by the Holy Spirit (Eph.4:30). He has a permanent residence in believer (Jn.14:16-17, Eph.2:13, Rom.8:9, 1 Cor.6:19).

® He indwells even in a carnal believer who is sinning. Example of Corinthian believers who had divisions (Ch.1) fornication (1 Cor.5), legal disputes (1 Cor.6). The security of Salvation and permanence of the Holy Spirit are inseparable doctrines.

® The only requirement to receive the dwelling of the Holy Spirit is to have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, if any one does not have the Spirit of God, he is not a Christian (Rom.8:9; 1 Cor.12:3)

® One receives the indwelling by obedience to the gospel. Acts.5.32; 2 Thes.1.7,8

® The dwelling of the Holy Spirit is not experienced by the unsaved. The absence of the Holy Spirit is a proof of unsaved condition.

There are passages related to the indwelling which we find difficult to understand.

® Will Holy Spirit depart a from believer? Holy Spirit departed Saul (1 Sam.16:14), David prayed not to take the Holy Spirit (Ps.51:11). These passages are dispensationally misapplied. The permanent dwelling is unique in the New Testament age of grace.

® Is obedience a requirement for indwelling? (Act.5:32) 'Whom God has given to those who obey Him (Act.5:32). The context shows the obedience here is the command to believe in Jesus Christ. See Act.6:7.

® Is indwelling a subsequent blessing to salvation? (19:1-6). They were the disciple of John the Baptist. They did not become believers of Jesus Christ by believing John's message. Only when Paul explained them, then they became believers.

God the Father dwells in believer (1 Jn.4:12), God the Son dwells in us (Col.1:27) and God the Holy Spirit dwells in us (1Cor.3:16). We are the carriers of the triune God. That demands much.

® The dwelling of the Holy Spirit makes a believer the temple of God as church collectively (1 cor.3:16), as believer individually (1Cor.3:16,17;6:19). We are now separated, from this world, because God has taken residence with us. Duty of a Holy Life (Lev.11:44; 1 Pet. 1:15)

® 1 Cor.6:19,20: your body is the temple… ye are not your own…. Bought with a price... therefore glorify God in your body. Duty of a Grateful Life.

® Power and Holy Spirit mentioned together in Act.1:8. … ye shall be my witness…Power to have a witnessing life. Duty of a Witnessing Life.

'Be filled with the Holy Spirit is a command from God to all believers'. It is not a choice but a compulsion. Spirit filling signifies being controlled by the Holy Spirit, just as a drunkard is controlled by the drink. All other ministries of the Holy Spirit in relationship to salvation are not repeatable; they are once-and-for-all actions which occur at the moment one believes, but filling is repeatable. Spirit filling means to give each area of our life into the control of the Holy Spirit.

® The basic concept of 'filling' means 'to be controlled by'. For example 'filled with wrath' (Lk.4:28); "with fear" (Luke.5:26); 'with envy' (Act.13:45). To be filled with the Spirit means sovereignty for Him to occupy every part of our lives, guiding and controlling us.

® The verb used here is passive that means we do not fill ourselves, but permit the Spirit to full us.

® The filling has nothing to do with quantity. Filling is not how much Spirit we have but how much of us the Spirit has (Jn.3:34)

A believer is never commanded to be regenerated, indwelt, baptized, sealed, or anointed by the Holy Spirit. But he is commanded to be filled with the Spirit.

® "Be filled" in Eph.5:18 is a command from God. It is a must. 'Be filled' is an imperative mood.

® This command is plural. So it applies to all, and not just to a select people. Filling is for every believer who is born again.

All the ministries of the Holy Spirit in relationship to salvation are not repeatable; they are once-and-for-all actions which occur at the moment one believes.

® The verb is in present tense – keep on being filled. It is an experience we should enjoy constantly and not just on special occasions.

® The repeated filling we see in the life of apostles. (Act.2:4; Act.4:8; 4:31). Stephen was filled at least twice (Acts 6:3; 7:55). Paul was filled in different times (Acts 9:17; 13:52 etc).

® In none of these cases was the previous filling lost. In every case, a new area needed to be under the Spirit’s control, so in each of those areas, they were filled with the Spirit.

Sin is what hinders the filling of the Holy Spirit. The following sins can hinder us from Spirit filling.

® For a person to be filled by the Spirit, first he needs to receive the Spirit of God (or be indwelt by God’s Spirit) (1 Cro.2:12, 14). Spirit filling is only for believers.

® Filling of the Holy Spirit is conditional. We should be completely yielded to the Holy Spirit, so that He can possess us fully.

® Only our obedience to God's commands allows the Spirit freedom to work within us. In short for filling we need a: A dependant life, Gal 5.16; a holy life, Eph 4.30; an obedient life, 1 Thes. 5.19

® Filling of the Holy Spirit is not unusual experience. Some teach that the Filling of the Holy Spirit manifests itself through some strange behaviors (e.g. laughing, barking, strange languages, etc.). The Bible does not support this teaching.

® Filling of the Holy Spirit is not Baptism of the Holy Spirit (Act.2). Some charismatic groups confuse Spirit baptism with Spirit filling, which they claim is manifested by speaking in tongues.

® Filling is not a sign of spiritual maturity. Eg. John the Baptist was filled when he was in his mother's womb.

A Spirit filled life brings forth fruit of the Spirit (Gal.5:22,23). In a Spirit filled life the fruits of the Spirit shall be evident. Christ likeness will be expressed, in:

® Personal life: Joyfulness (Act.13:52; Eph.5:18-19) making melody in his heart to the Lord. Thankfulness (Eph.5:20) - always gives thanks for all things in the name of Christ.

® Family Life: Love and Submission in husband and wife relationships (5:21-33), obedience and honor in children and non- provocation in parents (6:1-4)

® Ministerial Life: in ministries - sings psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs (Eph.5:19), Bold preaching - Luke 1:15-16, Acts 4:8, Acts 4:31, Acts 9:7-20

The Spirit is thus leading us, preparing and perfecting till we shall be presented before our Lord. Then we shall be perfectly like Him whom we love 1 Jn.3.2.

Perhaps no other doctrine concerning the Holy Spirit has been more misunderstood than that of the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Every true believer in Christ has received the anointing of the Holy Spirit (2 Cor.1:21,22, IJn.2:20,27). Christ is the Anointed One. In the OT, the priests, prophets and kings were anointed. But the NT portrays Christ as the Priest, the Prophet and the King. In Christ, we have received the anointing. Hence all believers have the position of priest, prophet and king.

® Anointing in the Bible means to consecrate a person or a thing for a holy or sacred use. Things and people could be anointed: Moses anointed the Tabernacle and its equipments (Ex.30:22).

® Anointing was also associated with the gift of God’s special power or gift of the Spirit, for carrying our special task. (Isa.16:13).

® When we become the members of His Body by faith (ICor.12:13), and born again, we automatically receive the anointing which is on the HEAD-Christ, as the oil poured flows down the whole body (Ps.133:2).

® In the O.T only a few were anointed but in NT all true believer are anointed by God. (Heb.1:9, 2Cor.1:21)

® Anointing takes place only once, at the time of one’s conversion. Anointing is not repeated (1 Jn.2:20,23,27)

® The anointing of the priest took place at the beginning of his ministry, the anointing of the king took place at the beginning of his reign and the anointing of the prophet took place at the beginning of his work.

® So it could be said that the anointing of the Holy Spirit is concurrent to the baptism of the spirit, which is concurrent to the time of our salvation.

® It is not something that we receive after salvation, after a period of waiting..

® In the OT prophets (1 Kg.19:16), priests (Lev.8:12), and kings (1 Sam.16:13) were anointed.

® It was common practice to appoint them to their office by the ceremony of anointing. Holy oil was poured over the head of the person as a sign that he was set apart for the service of God.

® He now had the right and responsibility to perform the duties that his position required. (Ex.28:41, Num.3:2-3, Ps.28:8, 105:15.

® Official anointing carried along with it the authority of God and no one could challenge the appointment.

® In a special sense, Christ is the Anointed One. In the OT, the priests, prophets and kings were anointed. But the NT portrays Christ as the Priest, the Prophet and the King. In Christ, we have received the anointing. Hence all believers have the position of priest, prophet and king.

® Since our Lord Jesus was a priest and king and prophet, then He was anointed. (Luke 4:18; Act.4:27; 10:38)

c) Security (The origin of anointing was from a practice of shepherds. Lice and other insects would often get into the wool of sheep, and when they got near the sheep's head, they could burrow into the sheep's ears and kill the sheep. So, ancient shepherds poured oil on the sheep's head. This made the wool slippery, making it impossible for insects to get near the sheep's ears because they would just slide off. From this, anointing became symbolic of blessing, protection, and empowerment.)

Holy Spirit has many other works in the life of a believer. The Sprit of God is the helper and continues His work with the believer all through his life. He is active in a believer. He gives conviction of sin, He seals, He guides, He teaches, He stand along with as a helper. Holy Spirit's role in a believer is unique.

o Sealing takes place at the time of conversion (Act.2:38; Gal. 3:14; 2 Cor.1:22; Eph.1:14)

o The sealing ministry of the Spirit sets up a firm foundation for the security of the believer.

o Possession (Ownership). The presence of the Spirit in an individual is proof that he belongs to God

o Perfection (Finished Transaction). In the ancient world, the seal was a guarantee or a transaction, e.g., a signet impression on a ring.

o The believer is sealed as a guarantee of his eternal security (Eph.2:8; Jn.10:28,29; Phil.1:6; Rom.8:23)

o Man cannot understand God's truth apart from God's divine enablement (Eph. 4:18)

o Bible is divine so we need a divine help. Natural mind cannot grasp the truth.

o The Holy Spirit is the divine author of the word and He teaches us the word (John.14:26)

o Sprit teaches us by illumination, it is a process by which Holy Spirit enables us to understand His word (1 Cor.2:13)

o It is not a giving of new revelation; canon is completed, no more revelations. Illumination means to give light.

o The purpose of the teaching ministry of the Sprit is to glorify Christ (John.16:14)

o The word 'sanctify' basically means to 'set apart', it has the same root as the words 'saint' and 'holy'.

o Sanctification has three aspect past, present and future - positional, progressive and perfect.

o Positional sanctification was based on the work of the Lord on the Calvary's cross. We are positionally sanctified at our salvation.

o Prefect sanctification will in the future when God the Father presents us perfect to His son.

o We need to be submissive to the Spirit for His work in our life. Allow the Spirit to work in us.

o Holy Spirit is the prominent agent in the outworking of our progressive sanctification.

o By the sanctifying work of the Spirit we are changed from glory to glory to be more and more like Christ (2 Cor.3:18)

o We need the Spirit’s intercession because of “our infirmities” (v. 26a).

o We are weak in our mortal bodies that we experience even though our souls have been saved.

o It means that while we pray audibly the Spirit is making intercession for us inaudibly. The Spirit helps the Christian to direct his petitions to God.

o In other words, the Spirit translates for us by praying for us what we should be praying.

o Here nothing about speaking in ecstatic tongues, as some claim praying in the Spirit.

o God knows the mind of the Spirit and therefore understands His unspoken groanings.

o Those unspoken groanings of the Spirit are intercession for us according to the will of God.

Walking in fellowship with the Spirit produces the fruit of the Spirit. A Spirit filled life brings forth fruit of the Spirit. This present work of the Spirit is to bring us to the conformity to Christ. The Christ likeness will be seen in the fruit of the Spirit. In a Spirit filled life the fruits of the Spirit shall be evident. The fruit of the Spirit is a physical manifestation of a Christian's transformed life. The Spirit progressively molds us into the image of Christ and, in turn, reproduces the character of Christ in us - the fruit of the Spirit.

There is a contrast between the "works" of the flesh (5:19) and the "fruit" of the Spirit (5:22). There are two principles at work in a believer- the flesh and the Spirit. One is contrary to the other. The “works of the flesh are contrary to the fruit of the Sprit. The flesh produces the works, Gal.5.19. These can be divided into three heads:

o Sexual sins - The first four, adultery, fornication, uncleanness and licentiousness

o Social sins - All the rest of the items in the list fall under this category. The list ends with the words “and the like’ indicating that the list is endless

® Such “shall not inherit the kingdom of God”. This means that they shall never prove to be heirs. They are Ishmaels not Isaacs.

® ‘Works’ are in plural. ‘Fruit’ is in singular. The plural usage ‘works’ also denotes that all the items in the products of the flesh may not be seen in a single person.

® ‘Works’ can be performed even by lifeless objects. ‘Works’ does not have life within. But think about the ‘fruit’. There is seed within it that helps to produce its own kind.

® ‘Works’ are labor and toil. But ‘fruit’ is the unfolding of life within. Work is effort but fruit is comes from naturally from within.

® These are not individual "fruits" from which we pick and choose. Rather, the fruit of the Spirit is one nine-fold "fruit" that characterizes all who truly walk in the Holy Spirit.

® These are indivisible fruits. They are the unfolding of the life within. Here it is in singular, it should be seen wholly in every believer’s life.

® Fruit is something produced by living organisms such as trees or vines. Human beings can produce living organisms called children.

® The singular form of "fruit" suggests that the Holy Spirit produces a package of character. Love, joy and peace do not stand alone but in relation to each other. All nine manifestations of fruit stand in relation to each other.

® The works of the flesh are mutually antagonistic to each other but the fruit of the Spirit is the natural, coalescing result of the Holy Spirit controlling our lives.

® The Spirit-filled believer always manifests a unity of nine character qualities.

® There are nine divine grapes hanging together in one cluster that come from the Spirit filled life.

® Walking in the spirit is the condition. The Christian who walks in the Spirit produces the fruit of the Spirit.

® Walking in fellowship with the Spirit yields the fruit of the Spirit. The Christian does not produce this fruit. He is not the source of the fruit but the Holy Spirit Himself.

There are nine items in this ‘fruit’. These also can be divided in three groups.

o Godward (love, joy and peace) the first three shows our Godward character.

o Manward (longsuffering, gentleness, goodness) second three shows our manward character

o Selfward (faith, gentleness, temperance) Last three shows our selfward character.

1. Love: Love leads the list because it is the supreme virtue (1 Cor.13:13). It is the Agape Love (divine love) – the sacrificial love which we have (Rom.5:5) Biblical love is not emotional but volitional. Unconditional love.

2. Joy: The word "joy" means a state of delight. Spirit-filled believers living with joy do not depend on circumstances (Rom.8:28; Hab. ). Joy is not happiness. Happiness depends on circumstances.

3. Peace: Peace is a sense of quietness (1 Cor. 16:11). A person who lives in the Spirit's peace is free from anxiety and inner turmoil (Rom.15:13) The Greek word “peace” means to bind together (Phil.4:6-7)

4. Longsuffering: Longsuffering carries the idea of patience and perseverance toward people under provocation. It will not retaliate when treated unjustly (Eph.4:2; Col.3:12).

5. Kindness: carries the idea of goodness, generosity. Kindness is benevolence in action. Kindness is compassion in action (Rom.2:4; Eph.2:7)

6. Goodness: Goodness is moral excellence an act of grace toward someone else (Rom.15:14; Eph.5:8-10). Barnabas was a “good man (Act.11:24)

7. Faithfulness: “Faithfulness” here is the character of reliability. Faithfulness is the quality that renders a person trustworthy or reliable.

8. Gentleness: Meekness is not weakness but unselfishness. A meek person is a powerful person. Moses was a strong leader but at the same he was the meekest. Jesus called Himself “meek” (Mat. 11:28, 29)

9. Self control: Self-control implies that a Spirit-filled Christians can control their desires. “Self-control” is self-mastery over a person or thing.

What is produced in a person depends on what he cultivates and nurtures in his life.

® All those nine items in the ‘fruit of the Spirit are seen in its perfection only in the Person of the Lord Jesus. Those characters essentially pertain to Him.

® This means that when one increases in the characters found in the ‘fruit of the Spirit’ he is becoming more like Christ.

® This is the ultimate purpose in God’s calling. The Spirit is working in all believers toward this conformity.

The doctrine of the Spiritual Gifts has been more misunderstood and mistreated. In order to equip and edify the church God gives gifts (Eph.4:12). Believers are anointed (2 Cor. 1.21; 1 Jn.2.20; 2.27). It elevates us to the position of kings, prophets and priests. Thus He has saved us to serve. We are enabled to serve by the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Spiritual gift may be defined as a God-given ability for service. His gifts include gifted men (Eph.4: 11) and Spiritual Gifts (1 Cor.12: 7-11, Rom.12: 6-8). It is not something that the believer does by the aid of the Holy Spirit. Gift is a manifestation of the Spirit (1 Cor.12:7. The Fruit of the Spirit is inward, but the gift is outward.

® The Scriptural description of the Spiritual gifts is seen in four passages of the New Testament, They are 1 Cor.12.4-11; Rom.12.6-8; Eph.4.11; 1 Pt.4.10,11.

® In 1 Corinthians 12 the giver is the Spirit (Spirit is mentioned 7 times between vs.7-11);

® A spiritual gift is any ability that is empowered by the Holy Spirit and is used in any ministry of the Church to serve the Body of Christ, wherever and however He may direct.

Spiritual Gifts are to be distinguished from Fruit, Talents and spirituality etc.

® Spiritual gifts are not the 'gift of the Spirit' Gift of the Holy Spirit is the Holy Spirit Himself (Act.2: 38)

® Spiritual gift is not the fruit of the Spirit. Fruit of the Spirit is the result of the indwelling of Holy Spirit. (Gal.4: 22)

® Spiritual gift is not an indicator of spirituality. Example of Corinthians believers (1 Cor.1:7; 3:1).

® Spiritual gift is not natural talents. Talents are natural, by birth, for unbelievers, result of heredity, acquirable. The Spirit may use a natural talent, but re-in forced by His grace.

Given by God thru our parents Given by God independent of parents Given at birth Evidently given at our conversion

Distributed By: The Father (Rom.12:3, The Son (Eph.4:7, 11), The Spirit (1 Cor.12:7-11). Triune God is involved in the giving of Spiritual Gifts

Distributed To: 'Each one' (1 Cor.12:7; 1 Pet.4:10a) No one is left without a gift. Every Christian is the recipient of some gift (ICor.12:7,13).

Distributed Until: 'all come to the unity of the faith…' (Eph.4:13). Israel was given manna until they entered Canaan. Similarly spiritual gifts also given be given we come to the fullness of Christ (Eph.4:12,13). Spiritual gifts are given to equip the church to carry out its ministry until Christ return (Cor.1:7; 14:2)

® Gifts are manifold (1 Pet.4:10), and diverse (1Cor.12:6) for which we are kept as stewards.

® Spiritual gifts can broadly divide into two - Temporal Spiritual gifts and permanent Spiritual gifts.

® Permanent gifts are for the edification, temporal gift for the confirmation of the word of God.

® It can also be divided into two - speaking gifts and serving gifts (gift of word and gift of work).

® These gifts include gifted men and gifts. Each can be further divided into foundational and permanent.

® For our study purpose we can divide the gifts into Ministerial (Eph.4:11), Manifestation (1 Cor.12:7-11) Motivational (Rom. 12:6-8; 1 Pet.4:11).

Ministerial (Eph.4:11) Manifestation (1Cor.12:7-11) Motivational (Rom.12:6-8)

1) Apostles	1) Gift of Wisdom	1) Gift of Prophecy
2) Prophets	2) Gift of Knowledge	2) Gift of Helps
3) Evangelists	3) Gift of Faith	3) Gift of Teaching
4) Pastors & Teachers	4) Gift of Healing	4) Gift of Exhortation
	5) Gift of Miracles	5) Gift of Giving
	6) Gift of Prophecy	6) Gift of Leading
	7) Gift of Discernment	7) Gift of Mercy
	8) Gift of Tongue
	9) Gift of Interpretation

Spiritual gift is received at the time of regeneration. This doesn’t mean that immediately after the regeneration he is in employment of the gifts. But there is a time of training and then the service. It is seen in the case of Levites in OT, Joshua, Moses, Elisha, Paul, Timothy and many others.

® Examine our ability, get advice from godly elderly people. Examine the past successes.

In all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ (1 Pet. 4:11b). In our position of salvation and practice of spiritual gifts we should be humble and thankful. We are stewards of the manifold grace of God. We ought to be good stewards (C Cor.4:2). Purposes of gifts are the following.

The Application: we are stewards of the manifold grace of God (1Pet.4:10, 1Cor 9:16 & 17)

Ascended Christ gave gifts to the church. Spiritual gifts are not only for individuals but also for the Church. The Church belongs to Christ. He is the founder (Mat. 16:18) and He is the foundation (1 Cor. 3:11). He is the maker of the Church (Mat.16: 18). He loves, nourishes and cherishes (Eph.5: 25,29). This includes giving gifts to equip and build up the church (4:12,13). His gifts include spiritual gifts and gifted men (Eph.4: 7,11). The gifted men to the church are apostles, prophets, evangelists and pastor teachers. These can be divided into two. Foundational (Apostles and prophets) and Permanent (Evangelists and pastor-teachers)

1. apostles - The term ‘apostle’ means 'Sent Ones'. Sent on a mission or a commission. This word is also translated as 'Messenger' (2 Cor.8: 23; Phil.2:25).

· Of Apostle Paul (Gal.1:15-17; 2 Cor.11:5) - Uniquely set apart apostle to the gentiles

· Of a wider sense - Barnabas (Act.14:4) James (Gal.1:19) Andronicus and Junia (Rom. 16:7)

· Power to perform miracles (Act.5:12-15; 2 Cor.12:12) to confirm the word (Heb.2: 4)

· To lay foundation of the church (Eph.2:20; 1 Cor.3: 11). This is the doctrines they taught.

· No more foundation is needed - one corner stone, one foundation. The church compared to a building. Jesus himself is the chief cornerstone, apostles and prophets make up the rest of the foundation (Eph.2:20; 1 Cor.3:11). In Eph.4:11 it is used of the twelve in a restricted sense.

· No one to day is qualified to be an apostle in the strict sense (three basic qualifications)

· The order is first apostles … second prophet… third Teachers… (1Cor.12:28).

· Today only apostle in a broader sense" As my Father sent, even so send I you" (Jn.20:21).

® A prophet is a spokesman for God (Ex.7:1-2). A prophet was one whom God spoke through.

® Prophets often declared this fact by saying "Thus saith the Lord" (1 Kg. 20:13)

® He is the mouthpiece of God. The recipient of the revelation to pass on (Eph.3:5).

® "For the prophecy came not … as they were moved by the Holy Ghost" (2 Pet. 1:21)

® A New Testament prophet is a person who proclaims the word of God (Act.11:28; Eph.3:5)

® Believers in the New Testament did not possess Bible, God revealed them the truth and mysteries (1 Cor.13:2)

® The office of the Apostles and of the prophets is foundational and thus temporary - no longer exists (Eph.2: 20, 3:5; 1 Cor. 13:8-10).

® There are many warnings in the Bible about false prophets. "Many false prophets are gone out into the world" (1 Jn.4:1; Mat.7:15, 24:11)

® The only man in the New Testament spoken of as being an evangelist was Philip (Acts 21:8).