From Strength to Strength Spirit
From Strength to Strength: Spirit
Moment of Silence:
- Misdirected beliefs about your spiritual worth
- Misunderstood truths about the Holy Spirit
“He had by the Holy Spirit” This is the first mention of “the Holy Spirit,” who is so important in Acts. In the OT “the Spirit of God” (ruach) was a force which accomplished YHWH’s purpose, but there is no hint that it was personal (OT monotheism). However, in the NT the full personality and personhood of the Spirit is documented.
1. He can be blasphemed (Matt. 12:31; Mark 3:29)
2. He teaches (Luke 12:12; John 14:26)
3. He bears witness (John 15:26)
4. He convicts, guides (John 16:7–15)
5. He is called “who” (hos, Eph. 1:14)
6. He can be grieved (Eph. 4:30)
7. He can be quenched (I Thess. 5:19)
Trinitarian texts also speak of three persons
1. Matt. 28:19
2. II Cor. 13:14
3. I Pet. 1:2
The Spirit is linked to human activity.
1. Acts 15:28
2. Rom. 8:26
3. I Cor. 12:11
4. Eph. 4:30
5. I Thess. 5:15
At the very beginning of Acts the Spirit’s role is emphasized.
- Pentecost was not the beginning of the work of the Spirit, but a new chapter.
- Jesus always had the Spirit.
- His baptism was not the beginning of the work of the Spirit, but a new chapter.
- Luke prepares the church for a new chapter of effective ministry.
- Jesus is still the focus,
- the Spirit is still the effective means
- and the Father’s love, forgiveness, and restoration of all humans made in His image is the goal!
[1]
This initiating work of the Spirit is delineated in John 16:8–11. In my understanding the works of the Holy Spirit are:
1. Convicting of sin
2. Revealing the truth about Christ
3. Leading to acceptance of the gospel
4. Baptizing into Christ
5. Convicting the believer of continuing sin
6. Forming Christlikeness in the believer
[2]
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OT Old Testament
NT New Testament
[1]Utley, Robert James Dr. Vol. Volume 3B, Luke the Historian: The Book of Acts. Study Guide Commentary Series, Page 8. Marshall, Texas: Bible Lessons International, 2003.
[2]Utley, Robert James Dr. Vol. Volume 3B, Luke the Historian: The Book of Acts. Study Guide Commentary Series, Page 11. Marshall, Texas: Bible Lessons International, 2003.