Let’s Talk About the Holy Spirit

Again, for this series, it will be more teaching, more interactive style than even my usual. Given the design of this, it fits best to have it laid out as such.

Over the next several weeks, we will work though the…

Personality of the Holy Spirit

Deity of the Holy Spirit

The Work of the Spirit

As we consider the word of the Spirit, we will consider His work during different stages and periods of time throughout history. You will see that his role, his work has changed over the course of time and has not remained the same. BUT, you will see HE HAS ALWAYS been active in the creation of all things.

Body

Personality of the Holy Spirit

What do we refer to when we say “The personality of the Holy Spirit?” What is personality?

Attributes of Personality

What attributes reveal personality?

(Don’t read or reveal the trait titles until AFTER the texts are read…then have THEM answer).

Intelligence

Read 1 Cor 2:11—12

1 Corinthians 2:11–12 ESV

11 For who knows a person’s thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God.

Read Romans 8:26-27

Romans 8:26–27 ESV

26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 27 And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

What attribute do these passage reveal about the Spirit?

Intelligence - 1 Cor 2:10-12; Rom 8:26-27; Eph 1:17.

Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, Tenth Edition intelligence

in•tel•li•gence \in-ˈte-lə-jən(t)s\ noun

[Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin intelligentia, from intelligent-, intelligens intelligent]

(14th century)

1 a (1) : the ability to learn or understand or to deal with new or trying situations : REASON; also : the skilled use of reason

(2) : the ability to apply knowledge to manipulate one’s environment or to think abstractly as measured by objective criteria (as tests)

b Christian Science : the basic eternal quality of divine Mind

c : mental acuteness : SHREWDNESS

2 a : an intelligent entity; especially : ANGEL

b : intelligent minds or mind 〈cosmic intelligence〉

3 : the act of understanding : COMPREHENSION

4 a : INFORMATION, NEWS

b : information concerning an enemy or possible enemy or an area; also : an agency engaged in obtaining such information

5 : the ability to perform computer functions

The Spirit has intelligence, intellect. He has a mind that thinks, comprehends, reasons.

This intelligence is what separates us from the animal kingdom. While they may be trained and conditioned, while they can learn, to a degree, they are not able to comprehend, reason, or think as man can.

That the Spirit possesses makes him more than a “force” or a “power.” It makes him more than an animal. It makes him a sentient being.

Will

Read 1 Corinthians 12:11

1 Corinthians 12:11 ESV

11 All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.

Read Acts 16:6-11

Acts 16:6–11 ESV

6 And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. 7 And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them. 8 So, passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas. 9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing there, urging him and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” 10 And when Paul had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them. 11 So, setting sail from Troas, we made a direct voyage to Samothrace, and the following day to Neapolis,

What attribute do these passage reveal about the Spirit?

Will - 1 Cor 12:11; Acts 16:6-11.

Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, Tenth Edition will

1will \wəl, (ə)l, əl, ˈwil\ verb

past would \wəd, (ə)d, ˈwu̇d\ present singular & plural will

[Middle English (first & third singular present indicative), from Old English wille (infinitive wyllan); akin to Old High German wili (third singular present indicative) wills, Latin velle to wish, will]

(before 12th century)

transitive verb

: DESIRE, WISH 〈call it what you will〉

verbal auxiliary

1 — used to express desire, choice, willingness, consent, or in negative constructions refusal 〈no one would take the job〉〈if we will all do our best〉〈will you please stop that racket〉

2 — used to express frequent, customary, or habitual action or natural tendency or disposition 〈will get angry over nothing〉〈will work one day and loaf the next〉

3 — used to express futurity 〈tomorrow morning I will wake up in this first-class hotel suite —Tennessee Williams〉

4 — used to express capability or sufficiency 〈the back seat will hold three passengers〉

5 — used to express probability and often equivalent to the simple verb 〈that will be the milkman〉

6 a — used to express determination, insistence, persistence, or willfulness 〈I have made up my mind to go and go I will〉

b — used to express inevitability 〈accidents will happen〉

7 — used to express a command, exhortation, or injunction 〈you will do as I say, at once〉

intransitive verb

: to have a wish or desire 〈whether we will or no〉

The Spirit has DESIRES, INTENT.

He has willingness to act.

He has the capability to act

The Spirit not only has intelligence, but he has A DESIRE and ABILITY act upon those desires.

Emotions

What emotion do these passage reveal about the Spirit?

Ephesians 4:30 ESV

30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

Grieved - Eph 4:30.

Sorrow, disappointment, hurt, anger.

The Spirit can feel them.

Romans 15:30 ESV

30 I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf,

Love - Rom 15:30.

Of course we know that love is MORE than an emotion.

Love is NOT PRIMARILY an emotion

BUT, it is still an emotion.

One that the Spirit knows.

Activities of Personality

What activities or action would you expect from someone who is alive, who is a person?

What activities or actions does the Spirit perform that you are familiar with?

Testifies

Read John 15:26

John 15:26 ESV

26 “But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me.

Read Romans 8:16

Romans 8:16 ESV

16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,

Testifies - Jn 15:26; Rom 8:16.

Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, Tenth Edition testify

tes•ti•fy \ˈtes-tə-ˌfī\ verb

tes•ti•fied; tes•ti•fy•ing

[Middle English testifien, from Latin testificari, from testis witness]

(14th century)

intransitive verb

1 a : to make a statement based on personal knowledge or belief : bear witness

b : to serve as evidence or proof

2 : to express a personal conviction

3 : to make a solemn declaration under oath for the purpose of establishing a fact (as in a court)

transitive verb

1 a : to bear witness to : ATTEST

b : to serve as evidence of : PROVE

2 archaic

a : to make known (a personal conviction)

b : to give evidence of : SHOW

3 : to declare under oath before a tribunal or officially constituted public body

— tes•ti•fi•er \-ˌfī(-ə)r\ noun

This activity, as do all of them, expose the reality of His attributes

To testify is to expose the reality of a personality.

Reproves/Corrects

Read John 16:7-8

John 16:7–8 ESV

7 Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. 8 And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment:

Reproves/Convicts Sin - John 16:7-8.

To reprove and convict is to expose the reality of sin, to reprove wrong behavior and call one to right behavior, is an attribute of personality.

No animal has ever done that for me. In fact, sometimes, MAN has rarely done that.

Restrains

Read Genesis 6:3

Genesis 6:3 ESV

3 Then the Lord said, “My Spirit shall not abide in man forever, for he is flesh: his days shall be 120 years.”

Most translations here say that the Spirit will not STRIVE with man forever.

The Spirit will not CONTEND with man forever.

It indicates that the Spirit appears to have some RESTRAINING influence over men.

Restrains Sin - Gen 6:3.

Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, Tenth Edition restrain

re•strain \ri-ˈstrān\ transitive verb

[Middle English restraynen, from Middle French restraindre, from Latin restringere to restrain, restrict, from re- + stringere to bind tight — more at STRAIN]

(14th century)

1 a : to prevent from doing, exhibiting, or expressing something 〈restrained the child from jumping〉

b : to limit, restrict, or keep under control 〈try to restrain your anger〉

2 : to moderate or limit the force, effect, development, or full exercise of 〈restrain trade〉

3 : to deprive of liberty; especially : to place under arrest or restraint

Perhaps we see this better in Galatians 5:16-17.

Galatians 5:16–17 ESV

16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.

The Spirit restrains sin. He CONTENDS with it, strives against it.

Certainly, we can resist that influence, even sear our conscious and harden our hearts to it, if we so desire, but the Spirit does contend against it. He does stand opposed to it.

AND for any true follower of Jesus, this contention will be relentless, as will God’s discipline and rebuke, until we respond humbly to it.

But, it appears, even with unbelievers, he has some resisting and retraining sin.

Through the conscience he gives to every living human being, through his work to impress a universal moral standard, etc. The world is not as bad as it could be, because the Spirit’s work of restraining sin.

Miracles

What is a miracle?

mir•a•cle \ˈmir-i-kəl\ noun

[Middle English, from Old French, from Late Latin miraculum, from Latin, a wonder, marvel, from mirari to wonder at]

(12th century)

1 : an extraordinary event manifesting divine intervention in human affairs

2 : an extremely outstanding or unusual event, thing, or accomplishment

3 Christian Science : a divinely natural phenomenon experienced humanly as the fulfillment of spiritual law

Read Acts 8:26-40.

Acts 8:26–40 ESV

26 Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is a desert place. 27 And he rose and went. And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship 28 and was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah. 29 And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.” 30 So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” 31 And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. 32 Now the passage of the Scripture that he was reading was this: “Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter and like a lamb before its shearer is silent, so he opens not his mouth. 33 In his humiliation justice was denied him. Who can describe his generation? For his life is taken away from the earth.” 34 And the eunuch said to Philip, “About whom, I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?” 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus. 36 And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?” 38 And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. 39 And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing. 40 But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he passed through he preached the gospel to all the towns until he came to Caesarea.

Performs Miracles - Acts 8:39.

What miracle did he perform?

The Lord carried Philip away in an instant so that the Eunuch saw him no longer. He skipped the travel time and the Spirit just moved him from one place to another, for the Lord needed him elsewhere. (We can surmise - PLUS, it would have been a mighty impression and influence on the Eunuch.)

Directs

Read Acts 8:29

Acts 8:29 ESV

29 And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.”

Read Acts 13:1-2

Acts 13:1–2 ESV

1 Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”

What is the Spirit doing in these passages?

Directs Individuals - Acts 8:29; Acts 13:1-2.

Do you think that the Spirit directs us today? I DO.

Part of our problem is that we are not familiar enough with his voice, his prompting to recognize it when it comes.

We live in a world of noise and distraction. God often comes in the stillness.

We are too busy, too torn in multiple directions that we often fail to sense or even seek his promptings and directing.

Often, we do not even want it. We think we are fine without.

OR we consider the tasks and circumstances too mundane to bother the Spirit with it.

I do believe that if we are walking in intimacy with God, if we are setting ourselves to discerning the Spirit, if we are striving to make ourselves aware of his presence constantly, I believe we will be aware of his daily directing.

Intercedes

Read Romans 8:18-30.

Romans 8:18–30 ESV

18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. 23 And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. 26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 27 And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.

What does the Spirit do for us?

Intercedes - Romans 8:26.

What does it mean to intercede?

Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, Tenth Edition intercede

in•ter•cede \ˌin-tər-ˈsēd\ intransitive verb

in•ter•ced•ed; in•ter•ced•ing

[Latin intercedere, from inter- + cedere to go]

(1597)

: to intervene between parties with a view to reconciling differences : MEDIATE

synonymy see INTERPOSE

The Spirit INTERCEDES for us. He pleads FOR US.

The Spirit acts as the go between God and us. When we do not know how to pray…meaning, when we are at a loss, he prays for us. BUT, I believe it could mean more as well. When we do not pray the desires that are best, that are in line with God’s will…when we do not pray according to the will of God, the Spirit prays FOR US, that the will of God would be accomplished in us.

I have often understood this to mean that when I do not know how to pray or what to pray for, the Spirit prays for us.

And I am sure it means that.

But I am also convinced that this could mean that the Spirit often prays IN A CONTRARY way to what I pray because I do not know how I ought to pray and pray for the wrong things.

Thus, the Spirit intercedes.

“Father, he doesn’t know what he needs. He doesn’t know what is right. His prayer does not match yours. So, here is what I ask on his behalf and for your glory…help him to see the wisdom of your will and the answer to the prayer for which he prays, though he does not even realize what that true need is right now.”

The Spirit advocates BOTH for God’s glory AND our good in his intercession.

Taught Disciples

Read John 14:26.

John 14:26 ESV

26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.

John 16:13.

John 16:13 ESV

13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.

What activity was the Holy Spirit engaging in here?

Taught Disciples - John 14:26; 16:13; 1 Cor 2:13; 1 Jn 2:27.

The Spirit TAUGHT the disciples.

He probably DOES NOT do the same for us. We have the completed canon of scripture to draw from. So, I do not think that the Spirit teaches us in the same way.

He will draw application.

He will convict and rebuke

He will draw to remembrance what we have learned

But I do not believe he teaches in terms of giving us something new, something previously unknown.

Ascriptions of Personality

What is an ascription?

It means to ascribe something to a person or thing

To ascribe something is to refer to a supposed cause, source, or author.

In other words, you assign certain actions, certain behaviors, certain things to something else or FROM something else.

I can ascribe the HEAT of the day as coming from the sun.

I can ascribe my feeling loved to my wife who just gave me a passionate hug.

You assign or identify a certain action, behavior, cause, or source of something to someone or something else.

So what can be ASCRIBE to the Spirit that speaks of personality?

Obeyed

Read Acts 10:19-21

Acts 10:19–21 ESV

19 And while Peter was pondering the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are looking for you. 20 Rise and go down and accompany them without hesitation, for I have sent them.” 21 And Peter went down to the men and said, “I am the one you are looking for. What is the reason for your coming?”

Can be obeyed - Acts 10:19-21.

Let’s see if you can track with my question here…

What must be true for obedience to be present?

One must comply with the request

Heart attitude must be right

THERE HAS BE A COMMANDER - someone with intelligence AND AUTHORITY that has the right to give the command and expect it to be followed.

Something that can be obeyed HAS to be something that has personality, that has a defined sense of PERSON to be obeyed or disobeyed.

I cannot disobey my dog, because my dog has no sense of person (or authority) to command me.

I cannot disobey my sofa, for it also has no ability to command me.

Something that can be obeyed or disobeyed ALSO has authority. I cannot disobey someone that has no authority to command me. I can IGNORE or REFUSE to cooperate but disobedience only happens when one WHO HAS THE AUTHORITY TO COMMAND ME gives me a command to follow and I reject that command.

THEREFORE when OBEDIENCE or DISOBEDIENCE are ascribed to the Spirit, it means that not only IS HE A legitimate being who can issue a command AND he has the authority to make such demands with the expectation of them being followed.

Lied To

Read Acts 5:3-4

Acts 5:3–4 ESV

3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? 4 While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God.”

Can be lied to - Acts 5:3-4.

In fact, so serious was this, that God struck them dead instantly.

The Holy Spirit, as we will see in a bit IS FULLY GOD, and to lie to the Spirit, is to lie to God.

What is the intent of a lie?

Mislead

Make someone else believe something that is contrary to the truth

Protect oneself

Protect someone else

When you lie, you are trying to convince the person you are lying to that what you are telling them is actual truth. This requires an intellect, a mind that can be convinced in the first place…which is…an ascription of personality. It means that the Spirit IS a living being with a mind that can reason.

One does not bother lying to their pets…it does not make a difference. They cannot understand or reason.

Resisted

Read Acts 7:51

Acts 7:51 ESV

51 “You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you.

Can be resisted - Acts 7:51.

His leading, convicting, prompting, teaching, reproving, rebuking, etc…

CAN BE RESISTED.

For how long, that is the question, but He can be.

Again, the point is…to resist someone means that you work against, refuse to obey, refuse to yield to, refuse to cooperate with.

It is an ascription of personality.

Grieved

We saw earlier, that the Spirit can be grieved.

Can be grieved - Eph 4:30.

We mention it again here as an ascription of personality. You cannot grieve something that is not alive, that does not have self awareness, that is not a PERSON. The fact that you can grieve Him, he is more than a mere “power” or “force” as some religions today want to assert.

Blasphemed

Read Mt. 12:22-32

Matthew 12:22–32 ESV

22 Then a demon-oppressed man who was blind and mute was brought to him, and he healed him, so that the man spoke and saw. 23 And all the people were amazed, and said, “Can this be the Son of David?” 24 But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, “It is only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, that this man casts out demons.” 25 Knowing their thoughts, he said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand. 26 And if Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand? 27 And if I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. 28 But if it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. 29 Or how can someone enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? Then indeed he may plunder his house. 30 Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. 31 Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. 32 And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.

Can be blasphemed - Mt. 12:30-32

The Spirit can be blasphemed against, a sin that according to this text is unforgivable.

This is often referred to as the unforgivable, unpardonable sin.

Before we get into what this actually means, let me as least state that the fact that the Spirit CAN BE blasphemed, is an ascription of personality that reveals his personhood.

NOW…

What does this text actually mean? What does it mean to blaspheme the Holy Spirit? What is this unforgivable sin all about?

This has probably been one of the most misunderstood and misinterpreted texts throughout time, causing much angst for many and being mis-properly applied and used.

Definitions

Blaspheme generally means defiant irreverence. It is a conscious denouncing and rejecting of God. It is an intentional and open speaking against God, defaming, or mocking Him.

Context

Jesus had just healed a demon possessed man who was both blind and mute. Clearly, part of this healing was the removal of these demons from the man’s body.

The Pharisees, intent on denouncing Jesus, on disproving his claims, his authority, his work, say that it must have been by the work of the devil himself that he accomplished this exorcism and healing.

Jesus’ response…if was working for the devil, my works would not counter him, go against him, or work against him. This would unsettle the house and derail his own efforts at what he is trying to accomplish.

THEN he goes on to say that EVERY sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people…when they repent….EXCEPT that blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven.

Whoever speaks a word against Jesus (blasphemy) will be forgiven (if they repent) but whoever blasphemes the Spirit will not be forgiven, now or in the age to come.

TWO ARGUMENTS

Which I think have the most merit and accuracy.

Not repeatable in this age

One argument goes that this type of blasphemy CANNOT BE duplicated today.

The Pharisees lived in a unique time of history. They had the Law and the Prophets. They had the writings of the OT and prophecies given there. They had the Holy Spirit pressing upon their hearts. They had Jesus in the flesh and blood, performing miracles, enlightening them as the true meaning of the texts that even they had failed to understand or misunderstood.

They had SO much divine insight and help, that they SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN BLIND.

However, they CHOSE to be defiant and blind. They had proof. They just refused to accept it. Their defiance and rejection WAS IRREVERENT, it was DEFIANT. It was a conscious mocking and denouncing of Jesus…which for sure, some/many do today as well.

HOWEVER, what made their situation unique from us…they had Jesus in the flesh. We do not. Instead of attributing Jesus work to the Spirit that was within Him, they attributed it to the devil. You and I will never witness Jesus in the flesh to make such a claim, a rejection. None in our world and time will. This was unique to their time period of history. Therefore, the sin of blaspheming the Spirit by attributing His works in the person of Jesus to the devil, cannot be duplicated today.

We cannot, nor will we, see Jesus in the flesh performing miracles and teaching. We cannot attribute his work or teaching from the Spirit to the work of the devil…and thus commit the unpardonable sin.

This is one way to understand this unpardonable sin. It is a newer train of thought to me but perhaps does bear some credence.

HOWEVER, the way I have long understood this passage and I believe the stronger interpretation of this, that CAN be committed today falls more in line with the reality of a defiant and willful rejection of God.

Defiant, Willful Rejection

We have already seen that the Spirit testifies, reproves, corrects, restrains, etc. We will see again that one of the works of the Spirit is that he convicts man of sin and leads them to repentance and salvation. He is involved intimately in the salvation process for all who come.

A defiant irreverence towards the Spirit rejects such involvement. If he is the agent and means of salvation, to reject that IS THE VERY DEFINITION of the unforgivable sin.

Blasphemy against the Spirit not only reflects unbelief, but it shows, as MacArthur put it, “determined unbelief.” It is a belief that WON’T believe, because it has decided not to. This is more than being unconvinced. This is a being convinced AGAINST God and refused to even entertain thoughts that you might be wrong.

As MacArthur goes on to explain…

Matthew, vols. 1-4 (The MacArthur New Testament Commentary) The Anathema

It reflected determined rejection of Jesus as the Messiah against every evidence and argument. It reflected seeing the truth incarnate and then knowingly rejecting Him and condemning Him. It demonstrated an absolute and permanent refusal to believe, which resulted in loss of opportunity ever to be forgiven … either in this age, or in the age to come. Through this age (all of human history), such rejection is unforgivable. The age to come implies that through all of eternity there will be no forgiveness. In the age of human history and in the age of divine consummation, no forgiveness.

Point is…the unpardonable, unforgivable sin of blaspheming the Holy Spirit is seen in a determined REJECTION of Him, after seeing and beholding, and yet choosing to reject it in favor of what one’s own self wants.

This is of blaspheming the Holy Spirit is not one we can accidentally commit.

It is a terrifying one…but one that is made with willful decision to denounce, reject, and refuse the Spirit to draw you to Christ.

When one does this…there simply is no forgiveness…and it is by the individuals choice.

All of these…the attributes of personality, the activities of personality, and the ascriptions of personality ALL reveal that the Holy Spirit is, in fact, a person.

But there is also the pronouns of personality.

Pronouns of Personality

The Greek word for “spirit” is pneuma.

This is a neuter (neither masculine nor feminine) gender word and therefore makes it a neuter pronoun.

This grammatical rule is deliberately contradicted by several N.T. authors, and masculine pronouns are used in reference to the Spirit instead of neuter pronouns.

John 16:13-14.

John 16:13–14 ESV

John 15:26.

John 16:7-8.

Why is the existence of masculine pronouns in reference to the Holy Spirit significant?

The evidence exists…The Holy Spirit IS A PERSON, a being with intellect and will that is defined, by His very nature as a person.

You do not apply masculine pronouns to an inanimate object, to a non-person (unless you are trying to personify that thing…and by the very act of adding masculine or feminine pronouns to an inanimate object, you are attempting to give that thing a personality.)

A few other texts to consider….

The scriptures view the Holy Spirit as having personality.

Matthew 28:19-20.

2 Corinthians 13:14.

Acts 15:28.

John 14:16.

Zechariah 4:6.

NOT ONLY is The Holy Spirit a PERSON, a being, but He is God.

Deity of the Holy Spirit

The doctrine has to do with the being and eternality of the Holy Spirit in His relation to the Father and the Son.

It states that the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, is the same in substance and essence, and equal in power, eternity, and glory as the Father and the Son.

The Spirit proceeds eternally from the Father and the Son.

Some deny that reality today and as such, we need to understand what the bible teaches and DEFEND it.

Jehovah Witnesses for one, deny both the deity of Jesus Christ AND the Holy Spirit. They claim that God created the Son and that the Son created the Spirit. They deny the eternality of both the Son and the Spirit.

Some teach that the Spirit is a force eternally proceeding from Christ but deny any personality associated to Him.

He is called God

Acts 5:3-4.

Acts 5:3–4 ESV

He calls him by name, Holy Spirit, in verse 3 and then calls him God in verse 4.

It honestly does not get much clearer than that.

The Holy Spirit is God.

However, if you want more evidence….

He has divine attributes.

Omniscience - 1 Cor 2:10-11.

1 Corinthians 2:10–11 ESV

10 these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. 11 For who knows a person’s thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.

What does omniscience mean?

Omniscience means that God is ALL KNOWING. He knows all things. Not just knows them, but understands, comprehends, and discerns the true nature and reality of everything.

There is nothing that is mystery to God.

Nothing He does not know AND understand COMPLETELY.

Hebrews 4:12-13.

Hebrews 4:12–13 ESV

12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

God’s knowledge, the Spirit’s knowledge is perfect and complete in EVERY WAY.

Meaning, he understands and knows us BETTER THAN WE EVEN DO OURSELVES. We have a penchant for self deception and often our understanding is limited. NOT SO with God. This is often why God puts us through trials and testings, to expose and reveal what is truly in our own hearts. Not because He does not know, but because sometimes we do not know.

The Spirit possesses the same omniscience as the Father and Son. This is a divine attribute they all share.

Omnipresence - Ps 139:7-10.

Psalm 139:7–10 ESV

7 Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? 8 If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! 9 If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, 10 even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.

What does omnipresence mean?

Omnipresence means that God, in His entirety, is present EVERYWHERE at the same time.

All of God is HERE

All of God is in Exton

All of God is in Lancaster

All of God is in China.

All of God is in Russia

AT THE SAME TIME.

It is not that God is so big that he stretches from here to there but that only his legs are here and his chest in Lancaster, and his head Harrisburg.

All of God, in HIs entirety is here….NOW

All of God, in His entirety is in Lancaster….NOW

God, in his fullness, is present, everywhere, at the same time.

All of God is with us ALL of the time.

Omnipotence - Job 33:4; Gen 1:2.

Job 33:4 ESV

4 The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.

What does omnipotence mean?

The Spirit of God’s involvement in creation proves He is omnipotent.

Omnipotent means ALL POWERFUL.

There is nothing too hard, to difficult for the Spirit.

There is nothing impossible for the Spirit.

Truth - 1 John 5:7-8.

1 John 5:7–8 ESV

7 For there are three that testify: 8 the Spirit and the water and the blood; and these three agree.

Three that testify….THE SPIRIT.

The Spirit testifies TO TRUTH.

The Spirit IS TRUTH, as is the Father and Son.

Life Giver - Rom 8:2-11.

Romans 8:2–11 ESV

2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. 3 For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. 6 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. 7 For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. 8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. 10 But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.

The Spirit IS LIFE.

The Spirit gives Life.

Eternal - Heb 9:14.

Hebrews 9:14 ESV

14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God.

The Eternal Spirit…

Like the Father and Son, He is ETERNAL…having no beginning and no end.

He has all the attributes of divinity, in addition to being called God.

He performs divine works

We will return to these in more detail later, but for now, I am going to list them merely as evidences of divine works that reveal his deity.

The Work of Creation - Gen 1-2.

Genesis 1:1–2 ESV

1 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.

Job 33:4.

Job 33:4 ESV

4 The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.

The Spirit was involved in the creation of all things. As was the Son and the Father.

The Work of Inspiration - 2 Pt 1:21.

2 Peter 1:21 ESV

21 For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

We have the scriptures because of the working of the Holy Spirit.

The Act of Begetting Christ - Luke 1:35.

Luke 1:35 ESV

35 And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God.

We have a Savior because of the work of the Holy Spirit.

Work of Regeneration - Titus 3:5; Jn 3.

Titus 3:5 ESV

5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,

We are being sanctified, cleansed, and made more righteous BECAUSE of the work of the Holy Spirit.

The Work of Resurrection - Rom 8:11.

Romans 8:11 ESV

11 If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.

We have life, victory over death because of the work of the Spirit.

He does works that only God can do.

We will consider more of what the Holy Spirit actually does in weeks ahead, but for now, these works indicate his deity because they are works that only a divine being can do.

Conclusion

Big Idea: The Holy Spirit is God, a living being with personality and the essence of a person.

Personality of the Holy Spirit

Attributes of Personality

Activities of Personality

Ascriptions of Personality

Pronouns of Personality

Deity of the Holy Spirit

He is called God

He has divine attributes.

He performs divine works

The Work of the Holy Spirit

Work Related to the Trinity

Work Related to Creation

Work Related to Revelation

Work Related to Old Testament

Work Related to the Gospels

Work Related to Acts

Work Related to the Church

The Filling Ministry

Regeneration

Indwelling

Baptism

Sealing

Spiritual Gifts

Work Related to the Future

The Holy Spirit possesses all the attributes of both personality and deity.

In this, we ought to stop, worship, and adore Him for being God, and give him the proper place of worship and submission in our lives.

As we are ever growing together to become more like Jesus for the glory of God, may we honor, adore, submit to, and worship the glory of our Triune God.

Application

Why is the Holy Spirit so misunderstood and confused in our day?

Lack of sound Biblical teaching on it

Subjective, experiential teaching that has put out ideas that do not come from scripture

Some hyper charismatic teachings have led to hyper conservative teachings.

Why is it important we know and understand the Spirit and His role in our lives and creation?

In any relationship, knowledge of the one you are in relationship with is essential. To better know God, fear God, love God, we have to know God, in all three of His persons.

To protect against unbiblical applications and teachings that lead us to unbiblical ways of living.

To worship Him in spirit and IN TRUTH.

Why must we insist upon the reality of the Spirit’s personhood? His deity?

Some deny both. Scripture affirms them both. For that reason alone, we need to insist upon it.

If he is not BOTH a person and God, then scripture lies and everything we hold dear falls apart.

It is an essential part of who God is. To deny or reject even part of it is to deny and reject God as a whole.

What did you learn about the Spirit today that you previously did not know?

How does that understanding impact your relationship to God and your obedience?

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