EDD Le Saint-Esprit
The late Dr. A. J. Gordon, eminent Bible teacher, told of an Englishman visiting an American friend. The American said to him, “Come. Let me show you the greatest unused power in the world.” When they looked at Niagara Falls, the man from England said, “No, the greatest unused power in the world is the Holy Spirit.”
The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of power. He glorifies Jesus Christ and is our guide to doing God’s will and glorifying Him. We need to let the Spirit of God fill us and use us for His purposes. Let’s review a few truths about the Holy Spirit found in the Bible.
1. Genesis 1:2. God’s Spirit hovered over chaos and brought order into being at the time of creation. What does this say about the Holy Spirit? What can He do for you and me?
2. Genesis 6:1–6. How were people living in Noah’s day? Why did God say His Spirit would not always strive or contend with man? Why is it dangerous to resist the Holy Spirit?
3. Matthew 12:31–32. Is the Holy Spirit a person? What is the sin against the Holy Spirit? Why can’t that sin be forgiven? How can people commit that sin today?
4. Luke 4:16–19. What did Christ’s anointing by the Spirit prepare Him to do? What is the meaning of spiritual anointing? How does the Spirit anoint a believer?
5. John 14:26. Who sent the Holy Spirit to live within God’s people? When did that happen? What is the ministry of the Holy Spirit within us now? (Romans 8:26).
6. John 16:8–14. What is the Holy Spirit doing in the world today? How does the Holy Spirit bring about conversion? How does the Holy Spirit glorify Jesus?
7. Acts 1:4–8. Why did Jesus tell the apostles to stay in Jerusalem? What happened to them when the Holy Spirit came? How does He equip us to witness?
8. Acts 2:1–12. When Jesus returned to heaven, He sent the Holy Spirit, who lives in God’s people. Discuss the events of Pentecost and how the Holy Spirit came upon the worshipers.
9. Acts 8:26–34. An angel of the Lord gave specific directions to Philip as to where he should go. As he obeyed, he met an Ethiopian official. How did the Holy Spirit direct Philip regarding the man? Do you think the Holy Spirit leads people to places of service today?
10. 1 Corinthians 12:3–12. (See also Romans 12:6–8; 1 Peter 4:10–11.) Discuss some gifts of the Spirit. Why does God give spiritual gifts? Do you know what your gifts are? Do these lists include all the spiritual gifts? Are there others you could name?