What Else Does the Holy Spirit Do? (College Notes Version)

This ministry of the Holy Spirit resulted in tongues and prophesying.

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

Introduction

Moody was to have a campaign in England. An elderly pastor protested, "Why do we need this 'Mr. Moody'? He's uneducated, inexperienced, etc. Who does he think he is anyway? Does he think he has a monopoly on the Holy Spirit?" A younger, wiser pastor rose and responded, "No, but the Holy Spirit has a monopoly on Mr. Moody."

Source Unknown.

We now know, having studied, that the Holy Spirit IS A PERSON, a being.

The Spirit is also God.

The Spirit lives in PERFECT community within the Trinity, within the Godhead. He submits, willingly to the Father’s authority. He glorifies the Son.

We know he was involved in the creation of the world.

We know he is involved in revealing truth to man.

We have seen and considered his role and working in the OT, one that was NOT a permanent indwelling, but one that he would COME UPON specific people, for specific tasks, for a specific amount of time. Usually upon the leaders that God would call.

We have seen The Spirit’s work in gospels, His role with Christ, and throughout Christ’s ministry and life time.

NOW, we turn to the time period AFTER Christ ascended and SENT the Spirit back to permanently indwell man.

BodyWork Related to Acts

Introductory Material

Luke used two distinct phrases to describe the Spirit’s activity in Acts (and Gospel of Luke)

The two phrases describe the activities of the Spirit

The phrases are:

Pleres pneumatos agiou - Full of the Holy Spirit

Pimplemi Pneumatos agiou - Filled with the Holy Spirit

Full of the Holy Spirit - Pleres pneumatos agiou

Acts 6:3-8; 7:55.

Acts 6:3–8 ESV

3 Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. 4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5 And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. 6 These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them. 7 And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith. 8 And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people.

Acts 7:55 ESV

55 But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.

Seven Hellenistic Jews were selected to assist the Apostles

One requirement was that they were to be “full of the Holy Spirit.”

In the book of Acts, this expression of BEING FULL of the Spirit is connected to one’s character rather than a momentary empowerment that results in some specific task of ministry.

Being FULL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT is an expression of one’s character.

However, both Stephen and Philip performed miracles (also used of Christ)

Stephen - Acts 6:8.

Philip - Acts 8:6.

Summary of Dr. Arp’s view

The phrase “full of the Spirit” describes a permanent condition.

It appears to refer to a characteristic of a person’s life.

The use of “full of” with other nouns in Acts supports this. Stephen was full of grace and power in 6:8. In Acts 13:10, Elymas was full of deceit and villany. In Acts 19:28, the silversmiths were full of rage.

In each case, Luke is describing a characteristic, and not a temporary condition.

Filled with the Holy Spirit -Pimplemi Pneumatos agiou

Acts 2:4

On the Day of Pentecost, the disciples were suddenly filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues.

The verb “filled” in verse four is used in the NT of believers who are enabled to speak in tongues.

The speaking in tongues was the direct result of being filled with the Spirit.

Acts 4:31.

Peter and John were told by the Sanhedrin not to speak or teach in the name of Jesus

While praying with other believers, the believers were filled with the Holy Spirit.

This filling gave them the boldness to continue to preach in the face of persecution.

Acts 9:17.

Paul was filled with the Holy Spirit in the house of Judas

This filling enabled Paul to speak in the Synagogues (Vs. 20).

This filling was necessary for the prophetic service that Paul would have as indicated in verse 15.

Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, was endowed to speak or preach as well as having miracles.

Acts 13:9.

Elymas the sorcerer was attempting to turn Sergius Paulus from listening to the Word of God.

Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, judged Him.

He discerned the intent and nature of his heart and rebuked him for his attempt to turn the proconsul away from the Lord.

Some argue this ministry of judgment came from a temporary filling with the Holy Spirit.

Acts 11:15 (10:44) fell upon and filling

The Holy Spirit fell upon Cornelius and friends

The ministry of the Holy Spirit is related to what happened to the disciples at Pentecost

Luke uses fell upon and filled interchangeably in this context.

Both phrases refer to supernatural activity resulting from the work of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 19:1-7.

Saved disciples of John the Baptist are preaching the gospel of the kingdom at Ephesus.

After learning about the Holy Spirit and Christ (vs 2) they were baptized in water.

Paul laid hands upon them and the Holy Spirit came upon them.

This ministry of the Holy Spirit resulted in tongues and prophecying.

C/B like filling at Pentecost

C/B like fell upon in Acts 11:15.

Summary

The phrase “filled with the Spirit” in Acts apparently described a ministry of the Spirit which conveys the power of the preaching.

It has also been defined as an instantaneous filing of the Spirit resulting in inspired utterances.

It appears that this experience in Acts is limited to the apostolic community.

Filled with the Spirit refers to a momentary experience of the Spirit coming upon someone for a specific period of time and a specific ministry.

The Phrase “Filled with the Spirit’ appears to describe a sudden filling of the Holy Spirit which results in miraculous activity.

This describes the activity of the Holy Spirit empowering men

It involves enablement for a task.

The apostles were equipped for the purpose of communicating the Word of God.

Now, moving this FILLING ministry INTO to the church age AFTER Jesus has ascended and the SPIRIT has come to indwell permanently (Which we will discuss momentarily).

Work Related to the Church

The Filling Ministry

The control view of Ephesians 5:18.

Lewis Sperry Chafer states:

While the Scriptures are clear that a regenerated person can sin, and does sin, the lapse is traced to the sin nature, even though the act is that of the whole person. This must not be confused with various statements to the effect that a Christian can be sinless or unable to sin. The state of sinless perfection can never be reached until the sin nature is cast out, and this is accomplished only through the death of the physical body or the transformation of the body without death at the rapture. Even the new nature, though never the origin of sin, does not have the ability sufficient to conquer the old nature. The power for victory lies in the indwelling presence of God. The new nature provides a will to do the will of God, and the power of God provides the enablement to accomplish this end in spite of the innate sinfulness of the sin nature.

(Vol. VI Systematic Theology, p. 121)

He later adds

Anticipating the relationship that would obtain between the Holy Spirit and the believer after His coming into the world on Pentecost, and declaring the relationship which the Holy Spirit then sustained to the disciples throughout the dispensation in which He was speaking, Christ said, "and I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you"John 14:16- 17). To this is to be added the further instructions given the disciples after He had breathed on them and said "Receive ye the Holy Ghost" (John 20:22), namely, that they were to tarry in Jerusalem-that is, undertake no mission of service--until the Spirit came upon them (Luke 24:49).

Later, He said that, the Spirit coming upon them, they would be His witnesses unto the uttermost part of the earth (Acts 1:8). The reference to the Spirit descending upon the believer is thus seen to be identical with His filling. In the second instance - he that is spiritual - is made to the estate of the one who is Spirit-filled. He alone is to be esteemed spiritual (1 Cor 2:15). In the third instance - filled with the Spirit - the phrase indicates a full and unrestrained manifestation of the indwelling Spirit. The Spirit’s filling is accomplished as a part of salvation, nor is it a receiving of more of the Spirit.

Don’t agree - He relates “coming upon” “miracles filling” with the filling we have.

There are two different fillings - He groups them all as one.

Chafer suggests each believer is responsible for filling:

Of al the five ministries of the Spirit to the believer- regenerating, indwelling, sealing, baptizing, and filling-the last-named is alone commanded and expected of the believer. The implication is that this ministry, quite unlike the other four, depends upon human cooperation and adjustment. It is clear that beyond the one responsibility of believing on Christ unto salvation, no obligation rests upon the Christian respecting the first four ministries named. The command to be filled with the Spirit (Eph. 5:18), being addressed to the child of God, not only indicates that it is an experience subsequent to salvation, but that the Christian's own faithfulness determines the degree of filling.

In dealing with human responsibility, Chafer also states:

To be Spirit-filled is not to have gained some extraordinary concession from God; it is to be enabled normally to fulfill the will of God in the sphere of that which is divinely intended for each individual. It could not itself be extraordinary since it is enjoined upon every Christian and, apart from it, all must remain carnal. It is everywhere to be seen in the New Testament that God expects all who witness for Him to be empowered for this service by the filling of the Spirit.

Contradicts Romans 6.

Charles Ryrie States

There seem to be two facets to Spirit-filling. The first may be described as a sovereign act of God whereby He possesses someone for special activity This is expressed by the Greek phrase “pimplemi pneumatos agoiou”, and highlights the event of being filled rather than the resultant state of fullness. It occurs in Luke 1:15 (John the Baptist), 41 (Elizabeth), 67 (Zacharias); Acts 2:4 (the group on the Day of Pentecost); 4:8 (Peter), 31 (the believers); 9:17 (Paul); and 13:9 (Paul). Observe that this facet of filling was experienced by some of the same people more than once and without sin between which might necessitate a repeated filling. The repetition was caused by a new need for special service, not intervening sin (2:4; 4:8, 31). Too, God did this as His sovereign act without imposing conditions on those to be filled.

The second facet of Spirit-filling may be described as the extensive influence and control of the Spirit in a believer's life. It evidences an abiding state of fullness rather than the specific event. It produces a certain character of life, and seems to be a close synonym to spirituality. It is indicated by the Greek phrase plere or pleroo pneumatos agiou. It occurs in Luke 4:1 (Christ); Acts 6:3, 5 (the first helpers of the apostles); 7:5 (Stephen); 1:24 (Barnabas); 13:52 (the disciples); and Ephesians 5:18 (believers). This facet of the Spirit's filling is the finest character reference one could have. It seems to be something every believer can experience (Acts 13:52) but not something every believer does experience (Acts 6:3). Though specific conditions are not mentioned in these contexts, the normal requirements for Christian growth would be implied conditions for attaining this kind of character. The only time Paul wrote of filling (Eph. 5:18), he emphasized this aspect of being filled. Since he commanded it, apparently he did not think all his readers had experienced it.

Definition

The verb pleroo “be filled” is interpreted to mean “be controlled” (Chafer)

The Holy Spirit is viewed as the agent who does the filling

Each and every believer is commanded to be continually controlled by the Holy Spirit

This continuous filling is viewed as necessary for growth in one’s spiritual life.

Col 3:16 - Teaching; admonishing (present participle). We need to be indwelt with the Word of God as we teach for the purpose of growth, etc.

In order for a believer to be filled, conditions must be met. (Grieve not) (Quench not) (Walk by the Spirit)

Filling refers to a continuous process which is repeated many times in the life of a believer.

A walk in the Spirit will of necessity be a walk in accordance with the Word the Spirit has inspired. The parallel between Eph 5:18-21 and Col 3:15-17 is significant. The same results are said to flow from being filled with the Spirit in the first cast, and being filled with the Word in the second. To remain filled with the Spirit, and thus enjoy His continuing sanctifying work, will mean continuing to be filled with the Word. The relationship is obvious.

J.O. Sanders, Enjoying Intimacy with God, Moody, p. 91.

Difficulties to be addressed

This view assumes that pleroo means “control.”

Many who hold this view do not think that the pleroo itself means “control” but in Ephesians 5:18 it does simply because of the contrast with wine.

This assumption is not universally agreed upon.

This view assume en means “with” or “by.”

This would denote “spirit” as the agent who does the filling.

However, many authors believe that en may mean “in.”

Paul’s contrast between “en flesh” and “en spirit” may indicate that the preposition indicates realm or sphere of filling. (in spirit)

This view assumes pneumati refers to the Holy Spirit

Spirit is without the definite article and any qualifying adjectives

The Greek text does not conclusively prove that the Spirit in Ephesians 5:18 is the Holy Spirit

Some interpret “spirit” in this verse as the human spirit.

It is concluded by some that what is commanded in Eph 5:18 is the same things that happened in Acts

Three different Greek constructions are used to describe the experiences.

The 2 phrases found in Acts describe miraculous activities of the Spirit

When the phrase “filled with the Spirit” was used in Acts, the result was that the apostolic community performed miracles

If Eph 5:18 paralleled “filled with the Spirit” in Acts, every believer should be continually manifesting some supernatural evidence of this filling.

Chafer’s view assumes conditions must be met in order for the believer to be filled.

According to many who hold this view, a believer cannot be spiritual unless he is filled by the Holy Spirit.

According to this view, one must fulfill certain conditions to be filled, but the conditions can only be met by one who is already spiritual.

Dr. Ryrie does recognize two “fillings,” one for special service and one for all believers.

The “human spirit” view of Ephesians 5:18.

Gal 5:16.

Context of Eph 5:18.

The phrase "be filled in Spirit" is found in a paragraph (5:15-21) expressing a concern that the believer walk accordingly.

In v. 15 Paul admonishes the Ephesians not to be unwise, or senseless. Instead, they were to understand "what is the will of the Lord." (v. 17)

Paul joins v. 18 to v. 17 with the conjunction kai, which allows for v. 18 to further explain v. 17.

V. 17-18 could read "be not foolish but understand what is the will of the Lord; in particular, be not drunk with wine but be filled in spirit."

Paul’s use of Proverbs 23:31.

“Be not drunk with wine” is a quotation from the LXX of Prov 23:31.

Proverbs view drunkenness as an impediment to wisdom and careful living

Paul wants the original readers to refrain from drunkenness because it leads to foolishness and contradicts walking accurately .

Prov 16:32; 25:28.

Solomon also points out the importance of a man controlling his spirit

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Dr Arp records:

"Paul's command to be filled 'in spirit' could have arisen out of this concept. Because of the importance of controlling and ruling one's spirit, he directs the Ephesians to be filled 'in spirit.' This filling would then help them to control and rule their spirits. Therefore, they would not be defenseless against influences contrary to a wise walk. Instead, their spirits would be able to help them walk wisely." ("An Interpretation of B' e Filled in Spirit' in Ephesians 5:18")

Ephesians 5:19 is consistent with Colossians 3:16.

Dr. Arp points out that the participles “teaching” and “admonish” in Col 3:6 (or 16) are more explicit that “speaking” in Eph 5:19. Therefore the meaning of the clause in Colossians clarifies the meaning of the clause in Eph 5:18.

The Colossians were to teach and admonish in all wisdom. As they allowed the word of Christ to live in them, they would have been able to teach and admonish each other wisely.

Music was a means whereby they could edify one another.

The hymns in Colossians and Ephesians were didactic - instructive.

Pleroo in Eph 5:18.

The primary meaning is “to fill”

Paul uses his verb to indicate someone filling someone else with something such as joy or peace, or someone being filled with something, like knowledge.

It appears that Paul is commanding a filling which enabled a person to understand the will of the Lord.

Paul does not use this verb with the sense of control in any other context.

Conclusion

The Ephesian believers were commanded to be filled in their spirit, while speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.

The content of the psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs is that which is to fill them.

The music, assuming doctrinal integrity, would minister to them.

The content of the music would help in their understanding of “the will of the Lord.”

This is based on the relationship between Ephesians 5 and Colossians 3.

The present tense of the participle indicates that the filling and speaking occur simultaneously.

They were to be filled in their spirit by means of ministering to each other with spiritual music.

Didactic

Understanding the desires of God by which means results in right conduct, which is contrasted by what drunkenness leads to in Proverbs.

Regeneration

Definition: Regeneration is a supernatural instantaneous act of God, which imparts new life to the believer. (Also - Eternal Life)

Usage

The word regeneration, paliggenesia is found twice in the NT.

Titus 3:4-7.

Matthew 19:27.

The term means, to be born again.

Amplification

It is the work of the Holy Spirit

Titus 3:5 - Stresses impartation of new life.

2 Peter 1:4.

Eph 2:1-10.

It happens instantaneously, but has abiding results.

Propitiation - 1 John 2:1-6; 3:4-6; 4:7-5:13.

Indwelling

The Spirit permanently takes up residence within every believer in Christ

1 Cor 3:16 - Not good for individual believers/not individual but body of Christ, the Church - verses 10-16.

1 Cor 6:19-20.

Romans 8:9.

Gal 4:5.

This holds true for sinning believers in Christ

1 Cor 6:19-20.

Absence of the Spirit indicates an unsaved condition.

Rom 8:9.

Jude 19.

When did indwelling begin?

At Pentecost - John 14:17; Acts 11:14-17.

What is the difference between indwelling and omnipresence?

Baptism

Definition - Every believer is baptized with the Holy Spirit, which places the believer into the body of Christ

Scripture

1 Cor 12:13.

Gal 3:27.

Eph 4:5.

The baptism of the Holy Spirit began at Pentecost - John 14:17; Acts 11:14-17.

The Spirit places us in the the Body of Christ, the church

Gal 3:27.

1 Cor 12:13.

This doctrine is only found in the NT and is unique to the church age.

Sealing

The believer is sealed with, or in the Spirit at the moment of regeneration.

The Holy Spirit is the seal.

Sealing is not commanded of us, nor something to be sought after, it occurs automatically when the individual is regenerated.

Sealing conveys the idea of ownership, but is also guarantees the believer’s security.

Summary

The work of the Holy Spirit in regeneration, indwelling, baptizing, and sealing relates to the believer’s standing.

These doctrinal truths are not abolished by any failures in our daily walk

Spirit is involved in everyday walk.

Eph 4:30 - Eternal security

Eph 1:13 - Future inheritance

Spiritual Gifts

Definition - Spiritual gifts are God-given abilities for service

Scripture

Rom 12:6-8.

1 Cor 12:8-10, 28-30.

Eph 4:11-12.

Three Main Views

All gifts are in operation today

Some gifts are in operation today

No gifts are in operation today

Distribution: The Holy Spirit sovereignly distributes spiritual gifts

Development

The primary responsibility of every believer is not to try to discover his gift, but to seek to grow in grace.

2 Peter 3:18 - As each believer grows in grace, his abilities for service will become evidence to everyone.

The belief that one possesses a spiritual gift does not relieve one of the responsibility to develop this ability for service.

Charismata

Means gift of grace

Spiritual gifts =

Charisma

Mata

Charismata

Grace gift

Used in salvation

Rom 5:15.

Rom 6:23.

Single state was considered a gift of grace - 1 Cor 7:7.

1 Timothy 4:14.

Gift is not known

Could it be ordination? yes

Was the gift given/produced or merely recognized at this point?

Other passages

1 Peter 4:10.

Rom 11:29.

Rom 12:6.

1 Cor 1:7.

1 Cor 12:4.

1 Cor 12:9.

1 Cor 12:28.

1 Cor 12:30-31.

2 Tim 1:16.

Work Related to the Future

His restraint will be removed at the rapture - 2 Thessalonians 2:6-7.

He will be involved in the salvation of many during the tribulation - Zech 12:10; Is 44:3; Eze 36:25-27.

He will be at work during the millennium

Upon the King - Is 11:1-3.

Upon the subjects - Is 32:15.

Conclusion

Application