Session 30 - The Holy Spirit in the New Testament

The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity. He has come to establish the Church.

THE HOLY SPIRIT AS A "PERSON"

The Holy Spirit has a personality (not an "it", or a force). He has:

He is able to do things that only a "person" can do:

He is distinct from God the Father and Jesus Christ the Son - Matthew 28:19; 2 Cor. 13:14; 1 Peter 1:2; Acts 10:38; 15:28.

HIS NAMES AND TITLES

The names and titles of the Holy Spirit (or "Holy Ghost", which was adopted for the Authorized Version of 1611, but is less helpful today given contemporary usage of the term "ghost") describe His character and attributes.

Spirit of God -called God - Acts 5:3, 4; Ephesians 4:30

The same Holy Spirit supernaturally brings us to Jesus Christ (John 6:44); reveals the truth of Christ to us (John 16:13); lives in us, energizing, directing, empowering us as the children of God. We need to submit to His presence, authority, will and be led by Him; kept by Him (cf Jude 20, 21).

Spirit of Christ - Romans 8:9

Spirit of Glory - He helps us glorify God.

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

Parakletos = one who is called to come along side of us. (Latin uses "Advocatus, or advocate, a term used in 1 John 2:1 in reference to the role of Jesus Christ.)

Teacher - He is our teacher: John 16:12, 13.

(This does not infer that we do not need human teacher; but in the ultimate sense what we receive from God needs to be spiritually imparted.)

Holy Spirit, or Spirit of Holiness - Luke 11:13; Romans 1:4

Spirit of Wisdom - Exodus 28:3; Ephesians 1:17.

He imparts God's eternal wisdom to us (as distinct from human wisdom, which is compromised, cf 1 Corinthians 2 and 3).

Holy Spirit of Promise

Spirit of Truth

John 14:17, 27; 16:13 He is the personification of Truth. He:

Distinguished from the "spirit of error" (1 John 4:6) in the world, inspired by Satan.

Spirit of Grace

Referred to in Hebrews 10:29. He imparts God's grace to us:

Spirit of Life

Makes us free from the "law of sin and death". Gives us abundant life. Romans 8:2; Revelation 11:11. He also gives us life as the Creator, the "breath of God.

The letter of the law "kills", but the Spirit gives life - 2 Corinthians 3:6.

Spirit of Adoption

The "agent" of our adoption, or incorporation in the family of God as His legal heirs- Romans 8:15, Galatians 4:5, 6. Confirms our sonship in our hearts.

SYMBOLS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Fire - Matthew 3:11; Luke 3:16

He gives us burning zeal, boldness.

Wind - Job 33:4

Spirit means: "breath" or "wind:" Greek "Pneuma". Acts 2:2 Jesus used the illustration of wind to signify the work of the Holy Spirit in conversion - John 3:8. He subsequently "breathed" on the disciples and imparted the Holy Spirit (John 20:22).

Water -John 4:14; 7:38, 39

Water in the Bible symbolizes life, renewal. The Holy Spirit is the source of life. Human religion is like "clouds without water" (Jude), promising but not delivering. Water:

Seal - Ephesians 1:13; 4:30; 2 Corinthians 1:22

Oil - Hebrews 1:9; Luke 4:18; Acts 10:38

Oil was used for anointing (priests, kings, one prophet). Jesus was anointed (Acts 10:38). Also used for food, light, healing. The Holy Spirit in us produces these things (2 Corinthians 1:21).

Dove

Speaks of grace, gentleness, purity, peace, patience. In form of a dove at Jesus' baptism (Matthew 3:16 and the 3 other Gospels).

Earnest - Ephesians 1:14;

Down-payment, deposit, guarantee of outstanding balance still to come.

INSPIRER OF THE SCRIPTURES

"Men spoke from God, being moved (lit. carried along) by the Holy Spirit - 2 Peter 1:21.

The Holy Spirit was the Author of the Bible.

THE HOLY SPIRIT IN JESUS' LIFE

The Holy Spirit (the "Spirit of Christ") was active throughout Jesus' life on earth. Jesus needed the guidance and anointing of the Holy Spirit to carry out the mission for which the Father sent him, we also need the Holy Spirit to fulfil God's plan for our lives.

1. He was Identified by the Prophets

Simeon knew from the Spirit that he would see the Messiah - Luke 2:26, 27. Guided to the temple courts, with Prophetess Anna, when Joseph & Mary came to present Jesus.

John the Baptist was filled with the Holy Spirit from before his birth - Luke 1:15.

The Gospels record John's prophecy that the coming One would baptize people with the Holy Spirit - Matthew 3:11; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; John 1:33 (Matthew and Luke add "fire").

2. He was Conceived by the Holy Spirit

Matthew 1:20 tells us Jesus was conceived in Mary by the Holy Spirit. The virgin birth was an act of creation as God bypassed a key link in the normal chain of birth. No explanation is given - it is a miracle.

In effect, Jesus ability to be both God and man simultaneously was the work of the Holy Spirit, not possible through the natural laws of procreation, cf Hebrews 10:5.

3. The Holy Spirit Descended on Him like A Dove at His Baptism

Jesus' baptism in water was the means by which:

All four Gospels record the fact of the Holy Spirit descending on Jesus in the form of a dove - Matthew 3:16, 17; Mark 1:10, 11; Luke 3:21, 22; John 1:32-34. This occurred when he prayed after leaving the water. Jesus' baptism in water was distinct from the Holy Spirit coming on Him.

3. After His Baptism He was Led by the Spirit into the Wilderness

The Holy Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness - Matthew 4:1; Luke 4:1. Mark:" "drove" (lit. cast Him out, drove him out). As a man, for Jesus to disobey the Holy Spirit would have been sin.

Jesus was so full of the Spirit he did not feel hungry till after 40 days - Matthew 4:2. The Holy Spirit filled Jesus to prepare Him to do all God's work.

Being full of the Holy Spirit does not prevent temptations. But the strongest temptation cannot rob us of God's anointing either. Some people fear the temptations and trials they go through are signs of their being removed from God's will and anointing. Obviously this was not true of Jesus, and it will not be true of us if we, "live in the Spirit, and ... not gratify the desires of the sinful nature" - Galatians 5:16.

Jesus defeated the Devil (facing temptation was part of His ministry - Hebrews 2:17-18) by using the power of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God- available to us today (cf 1 John 5:4).

4. His Ministry was Launched in the Power of the Holy Spirit

After this Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee. His life and ministry were thereafter characterized by the power of God in action.

Jesus' repeatedly affirmed His works (healing, delivering, binding/loosing, preaching) were not something He did by himself, but as a man empowered by God, anointed by the Holy Spirit - John 5:19, 30. He is our example in ministry.

5. He was Anointed by the Spirit for Ministry

Jesus' entire ministry shows a close cooperation with the Holy Spirit, who anointed Him for ministry (Acts 10:38).

6. The Holy Spirit's Power in His Ministry was Challenged

The Pharisees claimed Jesus cast out demons by the power of Beelzebub. This was blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, an unpardonable sin.

Jesus made it clear He was casting out demons by the Spirit of God - Matthew 12:24-32; Mark 3:22-30; Luke 11:15-20; 12:10. Indicated this manifestation of the Spirit showed the Kingdom of God was in operation among them and for their benefit - Matthew 12:28.

7. The Holy Spirit was Present Through the Crucifixion

The Holy Spirit was with Jesus as He died on the cross, making possible the commitment that enabled Him to submit Himself as our sacrifice. He was also with Him when He presented His blood "without spot to God" - Hebrews 9:14. That sacrifice on our behalf was accepted by God as being fully efficacious for our sin and redemption.

9. He was involved in the Resurrection of Jesus

The Bible makes it clear the Holy Spirit was involved in the resurrection of Jesus - Romans 1:4; 8:11; 1 Peter 3:18. He makes us alive spiritually (and will resurrect us at the coming of Jesus).

8. He was also involved in the Post-Resurrection Ministry of Jesus

Between His resurrection and ascension Jesus gave instructions to His Disciples.

He did so through the Holy Spirit - Acts 1:2 (consistent with His ministry prior to the crucifixion, eg John 14:10, 14).

THE HOLY SPIRIT IN JESUS' TEACHING

Jesus taught His disciples about the Holy Spirit (little was to the crowds).

The life and ministry of Jesus Christ show what the Holy Spirit can do in a yielded life. As we learn to live in the Spirit, He will reveal Himself to us in all His fullness, and His power will work through us in our lives

1. The Inspirer of the Word of God

Jesus taught the Old Testament was inspired by the Spirit, eg Matthew 22:43, 44; Mark 12:36.

2. The Father's Good Gift

The climax of Jesus teaching on prayer was a promise that the Father would give the Holy Spirit - Luke 11:9-13 (implied in Matthew 7:7-11).

3. Present to Help in Time of Persecution

Jesus sent the disciples out with the promise the Holy Spirit would be with them to provide help in persecution - Matthew 10:16-20; Mark 13:9-11; Luke 12:11, 12; 21:12-15. The promise applies (and works) in the persecuted church today (cf John 15:16; 16:2; Matthew 28:20).

4. Active in The New Birth

Jesus described the new birth (conversion, becoming a Christian) as the work of the Holy Spirit. "Born of the Spirit" - John 3:5, 6, 8.

5. Like Springs of Living Water

Jesus described the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives as "springs of living water" - John 7:37-39. This began to be fulfilled when the Holy Spirit came on the church on the Day of Pentecost.

(During the earthly ministry of Jesus the Holy Spirit was with the disciples, but not yet in them, cf John 14:17.)

6. Enabling Worshippers in the Spirit

Jesus taught that true worshippers worship the Father in Spirit and in Truth - John 4:23-24.

We are the temple of the Holy Spirit (Jesus even indicated this about Himself - John 2:19).

7. Comforter

"Para" = "to the side of"; "kletos" = "to call or summon", ie one called to help, aid, advise, counsel.

The Spirit of Truth, to teach us, guide us into all truth - John 14:16; 16:12, 13. He would bring everything to the memory of the Disciples, so that their witness to the Gospel would be true. He gives us illumination, not just intellectual understanding.

John calls the Holy Spirit's teaching work an anointing - 1 John 2:20, 27. What is the proof of this anointing? Jesus is glorified! As the comforter the Holy Spirit teaches us and convinces sinners of the truth.

8. Convicting and Convincing the World

The purpose of convicting men is to bring them to repentance.

9. Breathed on the Disciples

Read John 20:19-23. Three interpretations:

Jesus treated the impartation as real when it occurred. He had already returned to the Father and been glorified (cf John 16:7, 16-22; 20:22).

The disciples were already in right relationship to God when this happened.

10. Baptism in the Name of the Holy Spirit

Jesus commanded the disciples to include the Holy Spirit in the formula for baptism - Matthew 28:19.

11. Power to be Witnesses

Disciples commanded to wait for the Holy Spirit's power, to make them witnesses - Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8. When we go out we do so in Jesus' authority.

THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

1. Enduement with Power Promised

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you..." (Acts 1:8).

A promise:

Also enables:

Supernatural power, accompanied in the NT by supernatural manifestations, eg Acts 2:4. Initially evidenced in Acts by speaking in other tongues. Described as a "baptism" (βαπτίζω = baptizō = dip, submerge, immerse) seven times in the New Testament, eg Acts 1:5; Matthew 3:11, 12; Luke 3:16.

2. Subsequent to Conversion

"Have you received the Holy Spirit since you believed? (Acts 19:2)

In the case of the household of Cornelius (sometimes called the "Gentile Pentecost"), there was no time lapse between the two - Acts 10:43-48.

3. The Initial Evidence

Speaking in unlearned language/s was the initial sign in Acts (2:4; 10:44-46; 19:1-6). Implied in 8:14-19. Pentecostal Christians believe that the initial sign of the baptism in the Holy Spirit is always/usually speaking in tongues.

4. Pre-conditions

4. Its Continuous Aspect

Being "filled with the Spirit" is not a climax in and of itself. Ephesians 5:18b refers to being "filled" in the present continuous tense, ie "be being filled". In Acts, some people were referred to be as being "full of the Holy Spirit" - Acts 6:3; 7:55; 11:24. Others received supplementary fillings, eg Acts 4:31. Remember, the purpose was power for service.

THE GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT

1. The General Nature of the Gifts

Important to distinguish between the gifts and the Giver. The Holy Spirit is the gift of the Father, through Christ - Acts 2:33. He distributes His gifts (charismata 17 times) according to the mind of God - 1 Corinthians 12:4, 7, 11.

The gifts of the Holy Spirit are in place to build up the church (individually and corporately). It is therefore important that we focus on the giver, and not the gifts.

2. The Variety of the Gifts

There is no standard order in which the Bible lists or characterizes the gifts of the Holy Spirit. However, some are described as "spiritual gifts" (lit. "spirituals", cf nine gifts listed in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10), while others are gifts for service and outreach.

Can be grouped and classified as:

a) The Word of Wisdom

Supernatural use of God's wisdom, to meet particular situations. In the Bible referred to:

Different from human wisdom, learning. A "word" (logos) rather than a skill.

b) The Word of Knowledge

Supernatural awareness and utterance of facts, not the normal possession of the user, eg:

c) Faith

Different from saving faith, or faithfulness (the "fruit" of the Spirit).

Impartation of faith by the Holy Spirit for special circumstances. For example, faith given by the Holy Spirit for protection in times of danger, or for divine provision.

Paul exhibited this gift on a number of occasions (probably in conjunction with other gifts), eg

d) Gifts of Healings

Supernatural ability to apply healings in a number of circumstances, or different illnesses/afflictions. Does not make people "healers" - the focus is on Jesus Christ.

Instrumental in attracting people to the Gospel, eg

e) The Workings of Miracles

Lit. "works of power". Distinct from gifts of healings.

May be involved in connection with the conflict between God and Satan, eg casting out demons. Purpose is to demonstrate the power of God, the reality of the Gospel, the preeminence of Christ, eg Acts 19:11, 12; 5:12-15. "Gifts" is plural in the Greek, ie variety of forms or manifestations of the gift.

f) Prophecy

Supernaturally inspired utterance (προφητεία - prophēteia = divinely inspired declaration of the purposes of God), which may involve the future, but also be about current issues, eg Agabus' prophecies about Paul - Acts 21:10-11, and a great famine - Acts 11:27, 28. Not to be confused with the "office" of prophet (cf Ephesians 4:11, Acts 15:32)

The Bible encourages all to seek the gift of prophecy. There is variety in the expression of the gift, in connection with edification, exhortation and comfort - 1 Corinthians 14:3. Also for teaching - 1 Corinthians 14:31. It is a vehicle the Holy Spirit uses to speak to Christians and to bring people to faith in Christ - 1 Corinthians 14:24.

Prophecy must be tested - 1 Corinthians 14:29, but not despised - 1 Thessalonians 5:20.

g) Discernings of Spirits

Again, note plural. Bible speaks of three spirits: Spirit of God; spirit of man; Satan &evil spirits. We are surrounded by angels, evil spirits, etc. The gift of discernment (διάκρισις - diakrisisis = distinguishing, discerning, judging) is given to help the church discern between good and evil spirits (implying that such discernment requires a gift of God).

Examples of this gift in the New Testament include:

h) Tongues

Ability to speak in a tongue the user has never learned (may or may not be a human language, cf Acts 2:6-11; 1 Corinthians 13:1; however in documented New Testament cases they were recognized as languages, supernaturally enabled nevertheless; the Greek word means "languages". 1 Corinthians 13:1 refers to the "tongues of men and of angels").

Some words may be uttered to God alone - 1 Corinthians 14:2; some may be for the church at large - 1 Corinthians 14:5.

Not all who speak in tongues are exercising the gift of tongues for the church.

i) Interpretation of Tongues

Renders understandable utterances in other tongues.

Two meanings: to give a translation; to explain meaning and application.

Tongues and interpretation used together are somewhat equal to prophecy - 1 Corinthians 14:5.

3. Other Gifts

The gifts of the Holy Spirit to the church are diverse. 1 Corinthians 12:28-3 and Romans 12:4-8 identify gifts of the Spirit over and above those listed in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10:

4. Regulation of the Gifts

There have been many excesses during the history of the church. The Corinthian Christians to whom Paul wrote his first letter were exercising gifts without a concern for or recognition of the unity of the Body of Christ.

5. Requirements for Receiving the Gifts

6. Testing the Gifts

The gifts need to be tested as false manifestations do occur; Satan counterfeits the genuine work of God - Matthew 7:23; 2 Thessalonians 2:9; 1 John 4:1. All of the gifts can be copied eg "faith" healers; speaking in tongues in Inuit communities; false prophecies (in Christ's name), witchdoctors casting out demons.

Need to ensure "testing" is not based on misunderstanding of the gifts, fear or interpersonal issues.

Look for:

THE WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE CHURCH

Apart from the Holy Spirit, the Church would not exist.

The Holy Spirit has come to give the church:"

The Bible encourages us to claim the power and presence of the Holy Spirit in our personal experience. The key is seeking Him.

The Birth of the Church

The Day of Pentecost has been called the "Birthday of the church". Not because there were no Christians till then (the disciples were effectively Christians, after Jesus' resurrection) but because Body of Christ did not exist till then apart from the band of Jesus' followers. The Holy Spirit was "with" and "in" every believer in a new way.

Since then He has been the "Administrator of the Church" in the world. It is He who gives "increase" in the work of God - 1 Corinthians 3:7.

Building up the Church

The Holy Spirit is building a "temple in the Lord" - Ephesians 2:21, 22. He gives the church unity - 2 Corinthians 2:13; Ephesians 4:3. This unity is not the result of organized ecumenism but the work of God. How does He do it?

(a) Conviction

The first step God takes in bringing a soul back to Himself is conviction. Sin alienates us from God, cuts us off, blinds us; the initiative to come back must therefore come from God. Jesus said the Holy Spirit would convince people of:

Without conviction we do not know we are sinners, needing Christ's righteousness, and that the world will be judged. When we realize these things, we are drawn to a Saviour, not through our own volition but by the work of God.

(b) Regeneration (being born again)

God is not far from any one of us - Acts 17:27; however, to have salvation we need to be "born anew" - John 3:3, 6. This is not the work of denominations/man - John 1:13; it is the work of the Holy Spirit -Titus 3:5; Ephesians 2:1.

(c) Assurance

We know we are children of God because of the inward personal assurance of the Holy Spirit. He has sealed us; the "earnest (arabon; down payment, deposit) of our eternal inheritance - 2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 4:30.

(d) Indwelling

"He dwells with you and will be in you" - John 14:16, 17.

When we become Christians:

(e) Sanctification

Separation, holiness, making us like Christ; a spiritual experience, not a product of human effort. We are changed "with ever-increasing glory" by the work of the Holy Spirit - 2 Corinthians 3:18; 1 Peter 1:2, 22

The Holy Spirit produces "fruit" in each of us - Galatians 5:22, 23.

This sanctification is both:

"The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death" - Romans 8:2. The problems arise when we try to carry out in our own strength what only the Holy Spirit can do - Galatians 3:3.

(f) Empowerment

"Our Gospel came not to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit..." - 1 Thessalonians 1:5.

Through the Holy Spirit the Christian is given:

Preaching, teaching, witnessing are powerless if the Holy Spirit is "absent".

The Anointing of the Holy Spirit is Essential

"Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us..." - 2 Corinthians 1:21.

Jesus attributed His power and results to the Holy Spirit - Luke 4:18. He promised we would do the things He did ("and greater"). Through this anointing He was able to:

  1. Preach the Gospel to the poor. This includes:
    1. the poor and feeble of the world;
    2. those who have nothing;
    3. those who have everything they need but are spiritually poor.
  2. Heal the broken-hearted - those whose lives are crushed by problems, have no answers, are in despair, depression.
  3. Preach deliverance to the captives - those who are held prisoner by forces stronger than themselves, eg demonic powers, fears, habits, guilt or captivating sins.
  4. Recovering of sight to the blind - physical or spiritual blindness
  5. Liberty to the bruised- freedom from being crushed, hurt and wounded in body and spirit.

Without the anointing of the Holy Spirit, serving God and living the Christian life is a struggle. Many Christians and churches are not as effective as they could be because they do all their work for God in their natural ability. Their hearts are sincere, their motives are good, but they lack that anointing that brings life to all they do. Only the anointing of the Holy Spirit can "break the yoke" and secure the right results - Isaiah 10:27.

What Do We Mean by the "Anointing of the Holy Spirit"?

For Christians, the "anointing" is an enabling that comes from God. It is by the anointing (consistent with their calling) that people qualify for the work of God.

Without the anointing, there are limited results. The anointing separates the true Gospel from all other religion or man-made methods. True preaching and other ministries are anointed ministry. For example, the anointing of the Holy Spirit:

"Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit..." - Acts 4:8

"Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John and realised that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled, and they took knowledge of them that they had been with Jesus" - Acts 4:13. The anointing made the Word powerful. It drew and convicted people.

(g) Guidance

Christians need not feel uncertain as to God's will for their lives. Even mature believers sometimes feel discouraged by circumstances or their inability to discern God's will in particular situations. However, the same Holy Spirit who directed the early Church has come to guide us - Romans 8:14. We can "rest" in know that.

Since we are human, our prayers for guidance may be affected by our own desires or prejudices. If we walk in daily surrender He will not permit us to stray from the right path; our spirits are attuned to His voice. He will check, correct and direct us as we carry out His will.

Examples in Acts. The Holy Spirit:

As Christians we need to allow the Holy Spirit to lead us - Galatians 5:16, 25. If we do this we will not be continually falling into sin (the "works of the flesh").

We need to be able to distinguish between the revealed will of God and our own desires when we say, "the Lord told me".

The Holy Spirit does not lead us into legalism and form, but liberty - 2 Corinthians 3:17 (as long as things are done "in order" - 1 Corinthians 14:40).

It is important that we "wait" on our ministry and other aspects of Spirit-filled daily living. - Romans 12:7-8. The Holy Spirit will develop and gifts and ministries as we continue to step out (or hold back) by faith in obedience to His voice.

(h) Worship

The Holy Spirit helps us to be true worshippers, not paying lip service (cf Matthew 15:7-9); John 4:23-24; we worship "by the Spirit of God" - Philippians 3:3 (literal).

Even with the content/style of worship - Ephesians 5:18, 19. Worship without the presence and touch of the Holy Spirit is simply human effort.

(i) Prayer

The Holy Spirit helps us (even when we are weak) to pray the way we should - Ephesians 6:18; Romans 8:26. God knows we are weak when we pray and we often encounter practical and spiritual difficulties in doing so. The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness and makes up for our deficiencies. This encourages us to yield ourselves to Him and allow Him to pray through us. The more fully we surrender, the more Christ-centred we become and the more truly God is glorified in us.

Praying "in the Spirit" may mean allowing the Holy to guide our thoughts as we pray in our own language/s. It may also involve the use of speaking in tongues, or even involve unspoken cries (inward groans) to God for the need that is on His heart.

If we want our prayer live to be richer, deeper, more meaningful, we need to surrender to the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

(j) Teaching

The Holy Spirit does not bring new teaching, but gives understanding of the meaning and application of Jesus' teaching (John 14:26). How could the disciples remember (and agree) all the things Jesus taught them? They let the Holy Spirit refresh their memory. He teaches us by:

Do we need to be taught by people if we have the Holy Spirit? Yes, because He has given teachers to the church. However, teachers must submit to Him; the church is not the source of revelation (1 Corinthians 2:13). We emphasize being taught by men. Churches want educated, cultured leaders. God can use our education to great advantage, however the most important element is not our learning or experience, but the Holy Spirit's impartation, impact, anointing. No Christian can be "spiritual" (cf Romans 8:66) without the Holy Spirit.

(k) Comfort and Joy

The Holy Spirit gives "comfort" to the church in a hostile, anti-Christian world- Acts 9:31.

Just as Jesus experienced the joy of the Holy Spirit in His ministry, the Bible promises us that the Kingdom of God consists of "righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit" - Romans 14:17. This is a supernatural dimension of joy.

(l) Love

If we are to live in ways that please God it is essential for us to grow in love toward God and man. Many Christians find it difficult to love other people and their love for God waxes and wanes. Romans 5:5 tells us that the love of God is "shed abroad" in our hearts by the Holy Spirit. This love, kindled in us by the Spirit, reaches toward God in commitment, to the Body of Christ in acceptance, and to lost humanity in compassion for their salvation (cf Romans 9:2,3).

(m) Fruit of the Spirit"

The characteristics of the Fruit of the Spirit are produced in our lives as we surrender to His Lordship - Galatians 5:22, 23.

One-by-One

Romans 8 is a good case study of the ministry of the Holy Spirit in the life of the individual believer; mentioned 17 times in 39 verses, eg He:

The Holy Spirit has come to have koinonia, or fellowship, with us - 2 Corinthians 13:14; Philippians 2:1. "Normal" Christian living therefore involves an ongoing relationship with Him. As a Person He is active on behalf of every believer, to fulfil the work of Jesus Christ in our lives.

THE HOLY SPIRIT AND WORLD MISSION

The coming of the Holy Spirit was the key to the release of the power of God, the expansion of the Christian church and the demonstration of His life-transforming work in the world.

Preaching in the New Testament era resulted in great numbers of people turning to the Lord and the visitation of the Holy Spirit (eg Samaria, Acts 8). This preaching was not carried out by "professionals", but ordinary men and women who "proclaimed Christ" (Acts 8:15). The ministry of the Gospel in Samaria was Christ-centred, with the conviction that the coming of the Holy Spirit was one of the mighty acts of God, not human institutions.

The early Christians usually had limited wealth, no national support, stately buildings, or media; yet they were aglow with the fullness of the Holy Spirit in their preaching, church life, ministry to others and testimony, even before hostile rulers.

The Holy Spirit still gives gifts to members of the Body of Christ for the purpose of building up the Body and reaching out to the world. He uses:

The Holy Spirit prepares us for mission in different cultures to people of other faiths and ideologies by:

Churches filled with the Holy Spirit will respond joyfully, faithfully, eagerly to the evangelisation of the unreached peoples of the world.

The New Testament Pattern

"The Lord's hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord" - Acts 11:21.

The New Testament shows us:

The Holy Spirit has a direct role in mission in the following ways:

  1. He prepares peoples' hearts for the Word of God- John 16:8; He does not merely accuse them; He brings them to an inescapable sense of guilt so that they seek the forgiveness Christ offers;
  2. He calls out and sets apart individuals for the task of mission. While all Christians are "missionaries", nevertheless the Holy Spirit calls some for specific tasks - Acts 13:2. The sense of the call" of God is a significant factor in raising up missionaries;
  3. He empowers believers as witnesses- Acts 1:8;
  4. He equips believers through supernatural "gifts", in order to further the work of mission as a demonstration of "power"- 1 Corinthians 12; Ephesians 4;
  5. He accompanies the declaration of the Gospel with manifest demonstrations of His power - 1 Corinthians 2:4. healings, deliverances, other signs and wonders convince men to let their faith rest on God's power, not men's' wisdom;
  6. He gives specific direction for believers in the spread of the Gospel, eg led Philip out of Samaria to the road to Gaza to meet the Ethiopian Eunuch - Acts 8:

John closed the Revelation with the invitation: "Come". It is given by the Spirit and the bride - Revelation 22:17. How refreshing to hear the Spirit and the Church speaking with one voice! This is how revival is maintained and touches the world. When the Holy Spirit's concerns are ours, His life will flow through us. Souls will be gathered in. Our community will be ablaze with the light that shines from Spirit-filled lives. The Word of God will grow mightily and prevail and the world will come to know Jesus Christ.

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