The Spirit's Personhood

Spirit’s Personhood Discussion Follow-up by John Beene, June 2024 I. Main Point: The Holy Spirit is a person with characteristics and action. A. The English Bible refers to the Spirit consistently as “he” not “it.” B. The Spirit has character, takes action, and is affected by sin. C. The Spirit’s character draws and moves people closer to God. II. Scriptures from Sunday’s sermon: The Spirit’s Personhood A. He not it: John 16:13 B. Spirit’s character: Deut 34:9; Isa 11:22; Zech 12:10; Jn 14:17; Rom 1:4; Gal 5:22-23; 2 Tim 1:7; Heb 9:14, 10:29 C. Spirit’s actions: Ps 104:30; Isa 63:10; Lk 2:27; Jn 16:13; Gal 5:25; Rom 15:16; 1 Cor 6:11; Gal 4:6; 1 Cor 2:10-11; Gal 3:5; Heb 2:4; Rom 15:30; 1 Tim 4:11; Lk 12:12; Jn 14:26; Acts 13:2; Rom 8:26; Acts 9:31; Heb 10:15; 1 Cor 6:11; Eph 3:16 D. Affected by sin: Isa 63:9-10; Eph 4:30; Heb 10:29; Acts 5:3 E. Spirit in action: Zech 12:10; 13:1; Jn 19:33-37; Acts 2:1-4, 16-18, 36-38 F. Spirit’s purpose: Rev 22:17, 1 Cor 12:10-12; Rom 8:27; Rom 8:15-16 III. Spiritual Discipline: A. Continue studying the Spirit in Luke, Acts, John, Galatians, & Romans, in community. B. Morning meditation: Spend 5-10 minutes visualizing the Spirit with you in your day. C. Evening prayer: Practice the prayer of Examen in the evening: 1. Give thanks 2. Ask for open eyes to see the Spirit in your life 3. Review the day looking for the Spirit’s actions 4. Ask for forgiveness 5. Pray for tomorrow IV. Group Discussion A. John 16:13 1. Have you view the Holy Spirit as a person or a thing? 2. How does it change your engagement with the Spirit to see him as a person? B. Acts 5:1-11 1. Why did Ananias and Saphira lie? 2. Why did Peter accuse them of sin against the Spirit? 3. How would considering the Spirit’s grief impact your view of sin and the Spirit? C. Romans 8:15-16 1. How does the Spirit remove fear? 2. How does the Spirit draw us closer to God? Visit johnbeene.com for more resources.