A Study of The Holy Spirit

#1 - Who Is The Holy Spirit?

Introduction;

1. The rise of mysticism and emotionalism has played a large role in attributing to the Holy Spirit things that we can be certain should not be.

a. Professed miracles –
b. Professed Divine revelation
c. Professed spiritual contacts and direct faith
d. Professed direct leading

2. True spirituality is – Fearing God, and keeping His commandments as defined by His word.

I. There are two sources of information regarding the Holy Spirit –

A. Subjective Information - Fallible Men

1. Charisma tics’ such as, Benny Hinn; Kenneth Hagin; Joyce Meyer; . . . Pat Robertson, Jimmy Swaggart, John Hagee, etc.

2. Calvinist’s such as - Charles Swindol, Billy Graham, Charles Stanley, or Rex Horne.

3. Unreliable!! - Ministers of MISINFORMATION

a. These men teach doctrines which conflict with one another.
b. These men teach doctrines that contradict the clear teaching of the Bible
c. They perform acts of worship and work, as well as advocating organizations which are foreign to the Word of God – But yet they claim to be guided by the same Spirit – HOW CAN THAT BE?

4. The Holy Spirit Will Not Guide ...

a. Men To Teach Conflicting Doctrines
b. Men To Teach Doctrines Contrary To The Word Of God
c. Men To Perform Acts Contrary To, Or Different From, The Word Of God

5. God is not the author of confusion 1 Cor. 14:33

a. Men who teach doctrines contrary to scripture are false teachers! (Matthew 7:15; 2 Corinthians 11:13-15; Matthew 7:21-23; 1 Timothy 4:1,2; 1 John 4:1)

B. Source Of Valid Information

1. The word of God is the ONLY valid and objective source for information concerning the Holy Spirit! - The Holy Spirit has revealed ALL the truth about Himself – (Cf. John 14:26; 15:26; 16:12-13; Romans 8:2; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:3; Jude 3)

a. The teachings of men are to be examined by the word of God. 1 Cor. 4:6
b. We can understand what the Holy Spirit revealed to the apostles - Ephes. 3:3-4
c. The Inspired Revelation By The Holy Spirit Was Supernatural, Verbal, And Final! (Gal. 1:6-9)
d. Where is the room for more divine instruction?

2. Are we satisfied with what the Spirit has said about himself, and other things?

II. How Is The Word Spirit Used?

A. The Human Spirit – (James 2:26)

B. Attitude -

1. Bondage/Adoption (Rom. 8:15)

2. Stupor / Slumber (Rom 11:8)

3. Antichrist (1John 4:3)

4. Truth (1 John 4:6)

5. Gentleness / Meekness (Gal 6:1)

6. Wisdom (Exo 28:3)

C. Holy Spirit - (John 14:26)

1. Empowered - (Acts 2:1-4,17,33)

2. Revealed – (Eph. 3:3-5)

3. Confirmed - (Heb. 2:4)

III. The Holy Spirit Is A Person

A. Definition: “Person”

1. “A self conscious rational being” (Webster Encyclopedic Unabridged dictionary English Language, 1989 edition, pg 1075).

2. Definition: “Being”

1) “Existence as opposed to non existence; that which exists in any form, whether actual or ideal” (Webster)
2) “Conscious existence” (Am. College Encyl. Dict.)

3. Basic Idea: An Individual With Conscious Existence

B. Personal Pronouns Are Used in Reference to the Holy Spirit -

John 14:26; 15:26; 16:7-15

C. Possesses personal characteristics –

1. A “Person” -- With “Life, Thought, Volition, Action, Influence”

1) Can Be Lied To (Acts 5:4)
2) Can Be Grieved (Eph 4:30)
3) Can Be Resisted (Acts 7:51)
4) Forbids (Acts 16:6)
5) Speaks (1 Tim 4:1)
6) Searches (1 Cor. 2:10)
7) Judges (Acts 15:28)
8) Teaches (John 14:26)

D. Is Divine, possesses Divine Nature - (Acts 5:1-4)

Conclusion

1. Source Of Information?  - The Scriptures!

2. The Word Spirit is Used in Reference to:

a. The Human Spirit –
b. Attitude -
c. Holy Spirit

3. The Holy Spirit Is A Person –He is DIVINE!

4. There is one God, (Divine Nature), comprised of three distinct Divine Persons – The Father, Son, & Holy Spirit.