(Matthew 28:19) “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizinging them in
the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:”
the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:”
In our lesson today, we want to look at the Holy Spirit, the third Person of the Divine
Holy Trinity. As we study God’s Word, we will see that the Holy Spirit is not just an
influence, but He is a Person. He is not an “it,” but He is a person. He is God. He is
not just a name and character; He is not just a power or attribute of God, but He is a
divine Person, truly God.
Now let us look first, at some of the attributes that confirm the personality of the Holy
Spirit.
Holy Trinity. As we study God’s Word, we will see that the Holy Spirit is not just an
influence, but He is a Person. He is not an “it,” but He is a person. He is God. He is
not just a name and character; He is not just a power or attribute of God, but He is a
divine Person, truly God.
Now let us look first, at some of the attributes that confirm the personality of the Holy
Spirit.
The Holy Spirit has a Mind
The Bible says in (Romans 8:26-27) “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our
infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit
itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he
that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh
intercession for the saints according to the will of God.” Here we see that the Holy
Spirit has a mind in which He makes intercessions for us in the will of God, that is He
helps us pray, because we don’t always know how to pray about things. This is truly a
blessing for every child of God. We have the Lord Jesus Christ as our great High
Priest representing us at the throne of God, and we have the Holy Spirit making
intercession, and helping us in prayer. This shows us clearly that the Holy Spirit is a
Person with an intelligent mind.
infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit
itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he
that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh
intercession for the saints according to the will of God.” Here we see that the Holy
Spirit has a mind in which He makes intercessions for us in the will of God, that is He
helps us pray, because we don’t always know how to pray about things. This is truly a
blessing for every child of God. We have the Lord Jesus Christ as our great High
Priest representing us at the throne of God, and we have the Holy Spirit making
intercession, and helping us in prayer. This shows us clearly that the Holy Spirit is a
Person with an intelligent mind.
The Holy Spirit Possesses Knowledge
We see in (1 Corinthians 2:10) “But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for
the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.” Here the Spirit is said to
search all things, even the deep things of God. The word “search” means to examine
and investigate, and this is just what the Holy Spirit does. He examines the deep
spiritual things of God and reveals them to God’s children. This is how we are able to
understand the Word of God as we study and grow in the knowledge of God.
the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.” Here the Spirit is said to
search all things, even the deep things of God. The word “search” means to examine
and investigate, and this is just what the Holy Spirit does. He examines the deep
spiritual things of God and reveals them to God’s children. This is how we are able to
understand the Word of God as we study and grow in the knowledge of God.
The Holy Spirit has Intellect
No human being can know the thoughts of God until the Holy Spirit makes them
known to us. Even if we read the Bible we cannot fully understand and grasp the
meaning until the Holy Spirit makes it known to us. It is the Holy Spirit that knows the
mind of God, and then makes them known to us. The Bible says in (1 Corinthians 2:
11) "For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in
him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.” If the Holy
Spirit knows the deep things of God, then that means He has all knowledge, He is
omniscient, knowing all things. This not only proves that He is a Person, but that He is
also God.
known to us. Even if we read the Bible we cannot fully understand and grasp the
meaning until the Holy Spirit makes it known to us. It is the Holy Spirit that knows the
mind of God, and then makes them known to us. The Bible says in (1 Corinthians 2:
11) "For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in
him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.” If the Holy
Spirit knows the deep things of God, then that means He has all knowledge, He is
omniscient, knowing all things. This not only proves that He is a Person, but that He is
also God.
| The Holy Spirit |
The Holy Spirit has Emotions
This means that He has feelings. He has the awareness and the ability to respond to
things. In (Ephesians 4:30) the Bible says, “And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God,
whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.” Just a mere force or influence
cannot be grieved because it doesn’t have emotions. But the Holy Spirit can be
grieved, showing that He has emotions, thus proving that He is a Person.
things. In (Ephesians 4:30) the Bible says, “And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God,
whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.” Just a mere force or influence
cannot be grieved because it doesn’t have emotions. But the Holy Spirit can be
grieved, showing that He has emotions, thus proving that He is a Person.
The Holy Spirit has a Will
The Holy Spirit has the power of sovereign choice and decision. He is said to
distribute spiritual gifts as He will. In (1 Corinthians 12:11) “But all these worketh that
one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.” Beloved,
these scriptures clearly teach us that the Holy Spirit is a Person, the Third Person of
the Divine Holy Trinity.
distribute spiritual gifts as He will. In (1 Corinthians 12:11) “But all these worketh that
one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.” Beloved,
these scriptures clearly teach us that the Holy Spirit is a Person, the Third Person of
the Divine Holy Trinity.
| Now the second thing that we want to look at concerning the Holy Spirit, is His works. These works prove from the Scriptures that the Holy Spirit is Eternal God the Holy Ghost. |
The Holy Spirit Teaches
The Bible says in (John 14:26) "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom
the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things
to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” Notice the Lord Jesus said
that He would send “another” Comforter. He was going to send another helper as He
Himself was their comforter and helper. Now that he was going back to the Father in
heaven, He would send them another Comforter, a divine Companion, just as He was.
This “Another” was the Holy Spirit. And when He was come, He would teach them
all things, and He would bring to their remembrance the things that He had taught
them. The Holy Spirit would do the same teaching ministry as Christ did. The Holy
Spirit would confirm the things that Jesus taught. This again shows us clearly the Deity
of the Holy Spirit.
the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things
to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” Notice the Lord Jesus said
that He would send “another” Comforter. He was going to send another helper as He
Himself was their comforter and helper. Now that he was going back to the Father in
heaven, He would send them another Comforter, a divine Companion, just as He was.
This “Another” was the Holy Spirit. And when He was come, He would teach them
all things, and He would bring to their remembrance the things that He had taught
them. The Holy Spirit would do the same teaching ministry as Christ did. The Holy
Spirit would confirm the things that Jesus taught. This again shows us clearly the Deity
of the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit Would Testify of the Lord Jesus
The Holy Spirit would testify, or bear witness of the Christ. Jesus mentions this in
(John 15:26) where He said, “But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto
you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he
shall testify of me:” This is a very important work of the Holy Spirit. His purpose is to
glorify the Lord Jesus Christ, not Himself. Beloved, there are many spirits in the
world today that are trying to deceive God’s people and lead them in the wrong
spiritual paths. The Bible teaches us this in (1 John 4:1-3) where it says, “Beloved,
believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many
false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every
spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every
spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and
this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even
now already is it in the world.” One of the ways we can try the spirits is to see who
they are testifying of. The Holy Spirit will always testify of the Lord Jesus Christ. His
work is to bring the person and work of Christ to preeminence. Any spirit that leads
away from Christ is a false spirit. Any spirit that glorifies himself is a false spirit. Any
spirit that teaches anything that is contrary to the teaching of Christ is a false teacher.
Now remember, spirits use people to do their false teaching. People who have a false
spirit will end up teaching things that are contrary to the Word of God. Many of them
start false religions, teaching another way of salvation other than through the Lord
Jesus Christ. Yes, the Holy Spirit will always testify of Christ.
(John 15:26) where He said, “But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto
you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he
shall testify of me:” This is a very important work of the Holy Spirit. His purpose is to
glorify the Lord Jesus Christ, not Himself. Beloved, there are many spirits in the
world today that are trying to deceive God’s people and lead them in the wrong
spiritual paths. The Bible teaches us this in (1 John 4:1-3) where it says, “Beloved,
believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many
false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every
spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every
spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and
this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even
now already is it in the world.” One of the ways we can try the spirits is to see who
they are testifying of. The Holy Spirit will always testify of the Lord Jesus Christ. His
work is to bring the person and work of Christ to preeminence. Any spirit that leads
away from Christ is a false spirit. Any spirit that glorifies himself is a false spirit. Any
spirit that teaches anything that is contrary to the teaching of Christ is a false teacher.
Now remember, spirits use people to do their false teaching. People who have a false
spirit will end up teaching things that are contrary to the Word of God. Many of them
start false religions, teaching another way of salvation other than through the Lord
Jesus Christ. Yes, the Holy Spirit will always testify of Christ.
The Holy Spirit Regenerates
When a person is born again, he has been born of the Holy Spirit; he has been
regenerated by the Spirit. The Bible says in (John 3:6-8)
“That which is born of the fleth is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is
spirit. Marvel not that 1 said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth
where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof but canst not tell whence it
cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.” When we
were born of the flesh, it was from our mother and father. But when our spirit is
regenerated, it is the work of the Holy Spirit. We are spiritually born of the Spirit.
regenerated by the Spirit. The Bible says in (John 3:6-8)
“That which is born of the fleth is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is
spirit. Marvel not that 1 said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth
where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof but canst not tell whence it
cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.” When we
were born of the flesh, it was from our mother and father. But when our spirit is
regenerated, it is the work of the Holy Spirit. We are spiritually born of the Spirit.
We are not to Grieve the Holy Spirit
| These are just a few of the works of the Holy Spirit that proves His personality and deity. Now let us look at the practical application of the Holy Spirit to us as individual Christians. |
We Are Not to Quench the Spirit
The Bible says in (I Thessalonians 5:19) “Quench not the Spirit.” The context of this
verse is speaking about the Christian duties and responsibilities. In verse 17, we are
instructed to pray without ceasing. In verse 18, we are to be thankful in everything; in
verse 20 we are not to despise prophesying; and in verse 21 we are to prove all things,
hold fast that which is good; in verse 22 we are to abstain from all appearance of evil.
These are duties and responsibilities of the Christian, and when submitted to the Lord
to carry them out, it becomes the work of the Spirit. So then, we are not to quench the
Spirit. This means that the ministry of the Spirit through the believer is not to be
hindered by hindering those the Spirit is working through.
verse is speaking about the Christian duties and responsibilities. In verse 17, we are
instructed to pray without ceasing. In verse 18, we are to be thankful in everything; in
verse 20 we are not to despise prophesying; and in verse 21 we are to prove all things,
hold fast that which is good; in verse 22 we are to abstain from all appearance of evil.
These are duties and responsibilities of the Christian, and when submitted to the Lord
to carry them out, it becomes the work of the Spirit. So then, we are not to quench the
Spirit. This means that the ministry of the Spirit through the believer is not to be
hindered by hindering those the Spirit is working through.
The Bible says in (Ephesians 4:30) "And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby
ye are sealed unto the day of redemption." When a believer sins he grieves the Holy
Spirit. When a person lies, harbors anger, bitterness and an unforgiving spirit, and lets
corrupt communications proceed out of his mouth, these things grieve the Holy Sprit.
These things we are not to do.
ye are sealed unto the day of redemption." When a believer sins he grieves the Holy
Spirit. When a person lies, harbors anger, bitterness and an unforgiving spirit, and lets
corrupt communications proceed out of his mouth, these things grieve the Holy Sprit.
These things we are not to do.
We are to be Filled with the Spirit
We see this in (Ephesians 5:18) "And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but
be filled with the Spirit;" You see, the nature of the Christian life is to be in direct
contrast, or the opposite of, the uncontrolled drunkard. To be filled with the Spirit
means to be controlled by the Spirit. Beloved, the Holy Spirit of God is the One who
should be in continual control of the Christian's life. The carnal person is a person who
walks after the things of the flesh; that is, he follows the lusts and desires of the old
man, the flesh. A spiritual person is a person who is controlled by the Spirit. It is the
spiritual person that is blessed of God. It is the spiritual person that lives by the power
and influence of the Holy Spirit. This is the duty, and yea, the privilege of every child
of God.
be filled with the Spirit;" You see, the nature of the Christian life is to be in direct
contrast, or the opposite of, the uncontrolled drunkard. To be filled with the Spirit
means to be controlled by the Spirit. Beloved, the Holy Spirit of God is the One who
should be in continual control of the Christian's life. The carnal person is a person who
walks after the things of the flesh; that is, he follows the lusts and desires of the old
man, the flesh. A spiritual person is a person who is controlled by the Spirit. It is the
spiritual person that is blessed of God. It is the spiritual person that lives by the power
and influence of the Holy Spirit. This is the duty, and yea, the privilege of every child
of God.
We are to Walk in the Spirit
We see in (Galatians 5:16) "This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill
the lust of the flesh.” Walking in the Spirit means that our behavior and conduct is
controlled by the Spirit rather than the old nature, the flesh. We see the works of the
flesh in (Galatians 5:19-21)
"Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication,
uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations,
wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and
such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that
they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” But when we walk
in the Spirit we bear His fruit which is described in (Gal 5:22-23) “But the fruit of the
Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness,
temperance: against such there is no law.”
Beloved, we all need to look at our lives and see how we are living. Are we living for
the Lord by walking in the Spirit, letting the Spirit bear His fruit in and through us?
This truly is the walk of peace and happiness with God, and with each other.
There is one more thing that I would like to mention concerning the Holy Spirit, and
that is, Where does He dwell? This to me, is one of the greatest privileges of the child
of God. The Holy Spirit dwells in the body of the Believer. Every person who is
regenerated by the Holy Spirit has the Spirit dwelling in him. The Bible says that if we
do not have the Spirit, we are not saved. We see this in (Romans 8:9)
"But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in
you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” We receive the
Holy Spirit the very moment He regenerates us, and our bodies become the temple of
the Spirit. The Bible says in (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) "What? know ye not that your
body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye
are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your
body, and in your spirit, which are
God's."
Beloved, have you stopped to think just how much God has loved us in Giving His
only begotten Son on the cross for our sins, saving us by His grace, and giving us His
Spirit to dwell in us so that we may have the power, protection and joy to live and
work for Him? There’s no question about it, this is more than any sinful creature
deserves. What a privilege to be saved and in the family of God!
All these things that we have looked at in this lesson today give us Biblical proof of the
Deity and Personality of the Holy Spirit. If we all will submit our lives, everything we
have, to the Lord to be used for His glory and honor, we will be greatly blessed, and
greatly rewarded in the future when we stand before the Lord Jesus in the day of our
judgment.
the lust of the flesh.” Walking in the Spirit means that our behavior and conduct is
controlled by the Spirit rather than the old nature, the flesh. We see the works of the
flesh in (Galatians 5:19-21)
"Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication,
uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations,
wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and
such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that
they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” But when we walk
in the Spirit we bear His fruit which is described in (Gal 5:22-23) “But the fruit of the
Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness,
temperance: against such there is no law.”
Beloved, we all need to look at our lives and see how we are living. Are we living for
the Lord by walking in the Spirit, letting the Spirit bear His fruit in and through us?
This truly is the walk of peace and happiness with God, and with each other.
There is one more thing that I would like to mention concerning the Holy Spirit, and
that is, Where does He dwell? This to me, is one of the greatest privileges of the child
of God. The Holy Spirit dwells in the body of the Believer. Every person who is
regenerated by the Holy Spirit has the Spirit dwelling in him. The Bible says that if we
do not have the Spirit, we are not saved. We see this in (Romans 8:9)
"But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in
you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” We receive the
Holy Spirit the very moment He regenerates us, and our bodies become the temple of
the Spirit. The Bible says in (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) "What? know ye not that your
body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye
are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your
body, and in your spirit, which are
God's."
Beloved, have you stopped to think just how much God has loved us in Giving His
only begotten Son on the cross for our sins, saving us by His grace, and giving us His
Spirit to dwell in us so that we may have the power, protection and joy to live and
work for Him? There’s no question about it, this is more than any sinful creature
deserves. What a privilege to be saved and in the family of God!
All these things that we have looked at in this lesson today give us Biblical proof of the
Deity and Personality of the Holy Spirit. If we all will submit our lives, everything we
have, to the Lord to be used for His glory and honor, we will be greatly blessed, and
greatly rewarded in the future when we stand before the Lord Jesus in the day of our
judgment.
The Holy Spirit Guides.
Jesus said in (John 16:13) “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will
guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself, but whatsoever he shall
hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.” Here we see that the
holy Spirit will guide us into all truth. He will guide us in the ways God wants us to
walk. There will come times in our lives that we won’t know which way to go.
Sometimes we will have to make some very important decisions, but won’t know
which way to turn. The Holy Spirit will guide us in the direction that we should go.
The Bible says in (Proverbs 3:5-6) “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean
not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall
direct thy paths.” What a blessed thing this is! You can’t go wrong when God guides
you.
guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself, but whatsoever he shall
hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.” Here we see that the
holy Spirit will guide us into all truth. He will guide us in the ways God wants us to
walk. There will come times in our lives that we won’t know which way to go.
Sometimes we will have to make some very important decisions, but won’t know
which way to turn. The Holy Spirit will guide us in the direction that we should go.
The Bible says in (Proverbs 3:5-6) “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean
not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall
direct thy paths.” What a blessed thing this is! You can’t go wrong when God guides
you.
|
Blessed Hope
A Continuing Ministry of Milford Cecil
A Continuing Ministry of Milford Cecil
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