bobyoungresources.com

The presence of the Holy Spirit among God’s people is to be a source of unity. Christians are to maintain the “unity of the Spirit” (Eph. 4:3). The HS binds God’s people together in a bond of peace.

Every Christian has access to God through the same Spirit (Eph. 2:19), another evidence that all are equal in Christ, that the body of Christ is a place of peace and unity, because Christ is our peace (2:14). Barriers, divisions, and enmities are destroyed in Christ, and the Holy Spirit is part of that process. God dwells in the church, the peaceful body of Christ, so the church is described as the dwelling place of God through the Spirit (2:20).

The Holy Spirit dwells in each Christian individually (see previous lessons, also 1 Cor. 6:19-20). The Holy Spirit also dwells in Christians corporately, that is in the body or the church (1 Cor. 3:16).

In John 17, the Father and the Son are one (a unity) because they share the same thinking, goals, and glory. The unity of believers depends on their receiving the word (17:14), which is truth (17:17). That word empowered the testimony of the early believers so that even more came to believe (17:20). There is no explicit mention of the Holy Spirit in John 17, but the principle is clear.

The unity of the Father, Son and Spirit is the model for the unity of the church today.

In Acts, the HS clearly has a role in expectation, a role that continues throughout the New Testament since the new Christian era is to be characterized by the continuing presence and work of God’s Spirit. The HS is connected with water baptism (2:38; 19:1-3). The promise of the HS is connected with baptism and the presence of the HS in the life of the believer is affirmed in various NT texts (1 Cor. 3:16; 6:18-20; Eph. 2:20-21; et.al.).

The presence of the HS in the life of a Christian is accepted and considered sufficient in the early experience of the church without a special emphasis on or evidence of the presence of the HS. The HS is described as a seal and as a down payment on the promise of God (Eph. 1:14; 2 Cor. 1:20).

The work of the HS in expectation relating to the promises of God is to insure the security of the promise. This work of the HS in the book of Acts continues past the initial events of the new Christian era so that the presence of the HS is security of the certainty of the promises of God. The new Christian era is to be characterized by the continuing presence and work of God’s HS. This is signified in the reception of the HS at baptism, and in the promise that the HS is for all obedient believers (5:32). Sufficient as security for the promise (the HS as seal or promise in 2 Cor. 1:20; Eph. 1:14) is the presence of the HS in our lives, guaranteeing the certainty of God’s eternal intention as reality in our lives.

In Acts 16, positive direction from the Spirit came by means of a vision to Paul. The text says that a conclusion was drawn based on various factors that converged in Paul’s second missionary journey. Did Paul know that the Holy Spirit was involved? Did Paul recognize the leading of the Holy Spirit? Luke, who joined the missionary group at Troas, is the one writing the report, several years after the events occurred. What principles can we legitimately draw from Paul’s experience to help us know that God is guiding us?
To answer these and other questions of the same type, we will turn to some New Testament passages that Paul wrote later in his life, several years after he had received the Macedonian call and expanded the gospel to Macedonia and Achaia.

• Acts 16:6-10
o This text hardly serves as a model to be applied to every Christian today. The questions raised above are not satisfactorily answered in the text. How Paul was prohibited by the Holy Spirit from speaking or from entering the locations mentioned is not made clear. The vision was recognized by the missionaries as a communication from God, and Luke does not mention the Holy Spirit with relation to the vision.
• Romans 8
o Every text must be studied and understood in its context. In the book of Romans, Chapters 1-8 deal with the question of salvation, specifically the salvation available to the Gentiles. The primary point is that a righteousness from God has been revealed apart from the law, and that this new righteousness of God motivates faithful living and negates God’s wrath (compare 1:17-18 with 3:20).
o In Romans 4-8, Paul describes how this righteousness by faith connects to justification in Christ and enables the Christian to avoid the sinfulness that was unavoidable under the Old Testament law. In Romans 6, Paul makes clear that we Christians no longer serve sin but that we serve Christ and that the result is righteousness. The former person (literally, old man) with the body of sin has been destroyed. What the law could not do, Christ has done, making possible life in the Spirit with no condemnation.
o Romans 7 must be understood in context as the transition between the promise of Romans 6 that Christians are freed from sin and are no longer servants of sin, and the reality of Romans 8 that those who life according to the Spirit do not live according to the flesh. What was not possible “then” under the law is “now” possible in Christ.
o Romans 8 explains what it means to walk according to the Spirit and to put to death the deeds of the body. In the context of Romans 8, being led by the Spirit of God is synonymous to living according to the Spirit. Being led by God brings adoption and freedom from sin rather than slavery, powerlessness, and fear. Romans 8 suggests that one way to know whether one is led by the Spirit is by the way one walks according to the Spirit rather than according to the flesh.
o To repeat, in the context of Romans 8, being led by the Spirit is the same as living according to the Spirit, choosing the desires of the Spirit rather than the desires of the physical being. There is nothing in the passage that says how this is done. Perhaps the closest reference is to the pattern of teaching in 6:17, so that being led by the Spirit means following the teaching.
• Romans 8:26-27; Ephesians 6:18. These two passages are related to prayer and the role of the Holy Spirit in prayer. Romans 8:26-27 says the Spirit helps our weakness, literally our infirmity or debility. We pray in the Spirit—the probable meaning is according to what the Spirit desires, and we are helped in our prayers when we can hardly understand what life according to the Spirit demands. Clearly, the Holy Spirit is a factor as we pray because we are seeking spiritual life and spiritual realities. The Holy Spirit is also intercessor when we cannot unravel life’s mysteries so that we do not know exactly which direction we should go.

What is the difference between being controlled by a human spiritual leader and being controlled by the Holy Spirit? What does it mean to be filled with the Holy Spirit? How can it be true that those who live in the Spirit do not fulfill the longings of the fleshly human being?
• Ephesians 5:15-21. How is control or influence exercised? The answer always has to do with words—actual or implied. Control over human beings is exercised by influencing the mind or thinking. We respond to others (in a sense, are controlled by them) through our thoughts. This is the primary method of control or influence. Why would we understand that the influence of the Holy Spirit would somehow come to us mysteriously, supernaturally, or even miraculously. How does the Holy Spirit influence us? Is it not through his words?
o The text of Ephesians 5 speaks of being filled with the Spirit. One who is filled with the Spirit exhibits at least five actions—speaking to one another, singing and psalming in the heart, giving thanks in the name of Christ, and submitting to one another.
o Those who live in the Spirit are able to control their actions. Those who live in the Spirit are obedient. The idea that we cannot control ourselves by God’s Spirit makes obedience or disobedience a moot point. Why would we be urged to obedience if it is not a possibility and we cannot control what we do?

When people in Acts were filled with the Holy Spirit, the first thing they did was speak!

An important part of the work of the HS in Acts and in the NT deals with the need to equip the early church with special gifts to assist with the spread of the gospel. This may be a confirming work, but given the intense interest and emphasis in today’s religious world on the gifts of the HS, this theme must be explored and explained. The gifting work of the Spirit is certainly in view in the NT, but there may be fewer texts than one would be led to believe given the contemporary emphasis on the HS. The gifting work of the Spirit provided support for any or all of God’s purposes in the early church — especially in fulfillment, confirmation, and expectation. The gifting work of the HS always corresponded to the what the church needed to accomplish God’s purpose, and in the NT the HS supplied many spiritual gifts that were non-miraculous.

A word must be said about modern claims of miraculous gifts. There is little justification in the NT for the contemporary focus on spiritual (miraculous) gifts. If modern day miraculous gifts serve as confirmation, one might legitimately inquire why the revealing, speaking, and communicating function of the HS cannot serve as confirmation today as it did in the first century. There is even less justification for seeing the modern church as ill-equipped for ministry without special visible endowments of the Holy Spirit. The presence of God in this world has never depended upon his visibility in supernatural manifestations.

What is most surprising is how few NT references there are which can be certainly applied to the gifting or equipping role of the HS. What activities may be thought to involve the HS, even though there are not specific references to the HS? Did the HS inspire preaching? If so, how? How did the HS guide in selecting the apostles and Judas’ replacement? What was the role of the HS in working miracles? What part did the HS play in providing wisdom? How did the HS help people speak boldly? How did he comfort or encourage? The list of questions may also be brought into the present to provide profitable reflection upon what it means that the HS is involved in the work of God’s church today, e.g. does the HS inspire preaching? etc.

While the HS has a role in gifting God’s people, the task of equipping the early church with miraculous or non-miraculous gifts is not as visible as we are often led to believe. This emphasis is more read into the NT (eisegesis) than out of the NT (exegesis).

The Spirit Empowers
Acts 6:1-15; 7:54-60

The Spirit Equips
1 Corinthians 12 (2 lists), Romans 12, 1 Peter 4, various other NT texts

The role of the Holy Spirit in salvation can be summarized in three concepts: Renewal, Transformation, and Liberation. These three concepts we will study, using three pairs of NT texts.

The Spirit Renews
In John 3, Jesus talks about two births — the first a birth of the flesh (a fleshly birth), the second a birth of the spirit (a spiritual birth). The Holy Spirit plays an important role in the new birth. If that truth is less than obvious in John 3:1-8, it is abundantly clear in Titus 3:4-7. Salvation is regenerative; newness comes and the Holy Spirit is an important part of that renewal.
• John 3:1-8
• Titus 3:4-7

The Spirit Transforms
Salvation is transformative. As Christians, we have been set free in Christ. Biblically, liberty in Christ includes limitations. How is that possible? The presence of the HS in the life of a Christian is both transforming and liberating (2 Cor. 3:16-18). Living in the HS is God’s antidote to ungodliness: “live in the Spirit and you will by no means fulfill earthly desires.” The spiritual life is lived “in the spirit.” The HS is the transforming power needed to win the struggle between the carnal being and the spiritual being (compare 1 Cor. 2-3).
• 2 Cor. 3:16-18
• Gal 5:13-26; 6:1-6

The Spirit Liberates
The Spirit of God liberates the human spirit from bondage to the old masters of sin and death. If we are no longer under obligation to the previous masters, why do we choose so often to recognize their authority? The liberating presence of the HS is essential to our continued experience in salvation.
• 2 Cor 3:16-18
• Romans 8:1-27

A careful study of the Holy Spirit in the book of Acts focuses on three aspects of the work of the Holy Spirit — confirmation, empowerment, and expectation. This lesson explores the way the Holy Spirit worked in fulfillment, to confirm and validate God’s word for the first century believers.
[If you have not already done so, now is time to read my extended essay about the activities of the Holy Spirit in the Book of Acts: Role of the Holy Spirit in Acts and in the Early Church.]

One aspect of the confirming role of the Holy Spirit in the Book of Acts is fulfillment—-the Holy Spirit speaks with God’s authority to confirm, to reveal, to communicate, and to instruct.

The HS is a divine person. When the HS speaks, God is speaking. The words of the Father, the words of the Son, and the words of the HS are the same words. Therefore, the words of the HS have authority. The words of the HS were given to the apostles. Since the apostles are not physically present to speak to us directly, where do we find the “words taught by the Spirit?”

Many today expect the HS to speak directly. Some believe the HS will somehow be understood by carnal people who are controlled by natural impulses. In 1 Cor. 2:11-16, Paul says that the only way to know and understand God’s wisdom is by the revelation received from God, which God has freely given by giving us his Spirit. The spiritual things of God cannot be explained by human wisdom. The context of 1 Cor. 2:13 clarifies the meaning: explaining spiritual things to spiritual people, in spiritual terms or concepts, i.e. with the words the Spirit gives. Considering the contextual reference to the natural person, v. 13 is most likely a reference to spiritual people. The natural (unspiritual) person does not receive the things of the Spirit because they are foolishness to such a person. The lack of understanding is because the things of the Spirit are spiritually discerned. The spiritual person evaluates (discerns) all these things, and is not evaluated (discerned) by others.

When Paul describes the work of the Holy Spirit in 1 Corinthians 2-3, he uses a powerful contrast between carnality and spirituality. He answers the question raised above: “Since Paul and the other apostles are no longer here to speak to us directly, where can we find these ‘words taught by the Spirit’?” We turn to Scripture, seeking understanding.

In 1 Corinthians 2-3, Paul explains the contrast between the spiritual and the natural (physical, carnal). (See also Gal. 5:16-18). The basic idea of the adjectives is that of sharing the nature of something, or having the characteristics. Spiritual and carnal relate to one’s nature or characteristics.
• The Spirit’s power is demonstrated in the message and preaching, 1 Cor. 2:4
• The powerful words that reflected the Spirit’s power were the basis of a faith that rested on God’s power and wisdom, and not on human wisdom, 1 Cor. 2:5
• The Spirit participates in God’s communication, giving words that communicate spiritual meaning. These words communicate God’s truth, and are authoritative because they are divine. They reveal and instruct, 1 Cor. 2:6-10
• The words of the Spirit are not understood as long as one tries to understand them with human wisdom or in physical, natural thought patterns. In fact, such spiritual things are considered foolishness by the natural or unspiritual person, 1 Cor. 2:12-14
• The lack of understanding is due to the fact that spiritual things are discerned with spiritual concepts or orientation, 1 Cor. 2:14-15
The early believers saw in the work of the Spirit the confirmation that Scripture was being fulfilled. They saw the confirmation of God’s purpose and plan, and the confirmation of God’s word as revealed in the prophets.

Spiritual vs. carnal (1 Cor. 3:1-4)
• Solid food or milk
• Ready to receive, or incapable of receiving
• Spirit of Christ, or worldly striving
• Spiritual character, or that of mere men
• Christ followers, or followers of men

The Holy Spirit Makes Clear the Presence of the Spiritual World in the midst of this Physical World!

God has powerful ways of announcing his plans. He has powerful ways of accomplishing his will. Holy men of God spoke through the Spirit (2 Pet. 1:20-21). As God prepared a few reluctant, doubting disciples for the task of taking the gospel to the world, he promised to send the Holy Spirit. The new order God was bringing to the world was to be characterized by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. There is a renewed focus on the Holy Spirit in many contemporary churches along with an emphasis on gifts and miracles; in the midst of much talk about the Spirit it is easy to forget that a primary reason for sending the empowering Holy Spirit was to enable and advance God’s plan for taking his message to the world. The first task of the Holy Spirit when he was sent to earth was evangelism. The first works of the Holy Spirit in the infant church described in the book of Acts were confirmation of God’s plan, equipping for God’s people, and guaranteeing God’s promises. In these can be seen a progression–past, present, and future. The Holy Spirit Confirms the fulfillment of God’s past actions and words, the Holy Spirit equips for the present, and the Holy Spirit serves as guarantee of God’s future promises.

Several phrases are used in the Bible to describe the coming of the Holy Spirit in the New Age. Jesus promised the apostles that the Holy Spirit would come so that they could be witnesses. In Acts 1:5 the promise to the apostles is described as baptism of the Spirit. In Acts 2:1-4, the idea of baptism of the Holy Spirit is absent; the text simply says that they were filled with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit was also promised for all people in the new order that was to be established in the last days. Whether in reference to the promise to the apostles, or in reference to the promise for all people, when people in Acts were filled with the Holy Spirit, the first thing they did was speak! (We will explore this point further in Study Five when we consider the role of the Spirit to empower and equip.)

This study focuses on Acts 2-11. The Holy Spirit brings words so that God’s people can speak. The Holy Spirit had been promised by the Old Testament prophets as part of the last days, a promise that extended to all people. Separate and specific promises concerning the coming of the Holy Spirit were given to the apostles, with specific mention of the purpose of his coming. In the early chapters of Acts, the Holy Spirit was promised, the Holy Spirit came, the Holy Spirit was poured out, the Holy Spirit was given so that the gift of the Holy Spirit was received, Christians who received the Spirit were filled (and re-filled) with the Spirit. We have numerous biblical descriptions of the presence of God’s Holy Spirit.

The coming of the Holy Spirit was proclaimed at Pentecost, and from that point onward the Spirit was present to do his work. To understand the coming of the Holy Spirit, first one must note the differences in the promises that were made (the promise to the apostles, and the universal promise). Second, one must correlate the different descriptions of the coming of the Holy Spirit with the biblical purposes for his coming. The focus of this study: in the book of Acts, the Holy Spirit acted in confirmation, equipping, and expectation. These three concepts provide the main points for this study.

Note: In the early chapters of Acts, we find two very important concepts related to the HS: the promise or gift of the HS, and the filling of the HS. I have written essays on both of these topics to assist those who have a desire to dig deeper.
The Gift of the Holy Spirit
Filled with the Holy Spirit

Overview
In these studies, I hope you will find encouragement in the fact that the Holy Spirit is eager to work in your life to draw you closer to God. I have previously demonstrated in an academic paper (link appears below) that the primary roles of the Holy Spirit in the book of Acts were in confirmation, expectation, and equipping. I encourage you to take time to read two other essays. The first explains the gift of the Spirit that is received by every Christian at baptism–baptism in water and in the Spirit; the second is about being filled with the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit in Acts and the Early Church
The Gift of the Holy Spirit
Filled with the Holy Spirit

Introduction: Getting the Most Out of this Study
This lesson introduces an extended study of the Holy Spirit.
Consider these items from a Christianity Today survey (Dec. 2015): 96% affirm doctrine of Trinity, but almost one-fifth believe or are not sure whether the Holy Spirit is less divine than the Father and the Son. Most troubling is that 58% agree or are not sure (accept the possibility) that the “Holy Spirit is a force, not a personal being.”
Our language and vocabulary should reflect that the HS is a person, not a mere force. Our language should also reflect that the HS is divine, a part of deity. When we affirm that the Holy Spirit does something, we should be able to point to specific actions and show that these are possible or to be expected biblically. This requires that we study what the Bible says about the Holy Spirit and what the Holy Spirit does.

Study One: Meet the Holy Spirit!
The Holy Spirit is a person. He can be treated as a person. In the Bible, personal pronouns are used to describe him. The Holy Spirit has specific works to do. The Holy Spirit was sent as a comforter. The Holy Spirit ministers and consoles. In the New Testament, the Holy Spirit is said to do several things: he ministers, speaks with God’s authority, confirms, renews, liberates, transforms, empowers, equips, guides. influences and leads, and unites.
The Holy Spirit is God, the Holy Spirit is a person (personality) who shares the divine nature. He is deity. We begin in the New Testament with Jesus’ explanation that the Holy Spirit would come after he left. We begin before the Holy Spirit arrives. In what ways was it to the disciples’ advantage that Jesus would go away and the Spirit would come? Of the different activities of the Holy Spirit described above, which one have you heard about most often? Which one do you need most in your life right now?

This study focuses on John 14-16. We cannot study every text in every book. The goal is to include enough texts to make the point of the lesson clear. In the Gospel of John, those seeking further study will want to look especially at John 6 and John 17.

Primary Text: John 16:5-15 — the Spirit has a ministry, Jesus introduces the ministry of the HS as he prepares to leave his disciples; he promises he will send the Comforter.

What will the Holy Spirit do in/for the world? (John 16)
• Convict the world of sin. This relates to the identity of Jesus, the necessity of believing in Jesus. The Holy Spirit points to Jesus, making clear the contrast between Jesus and the sinful world.
• Convict the world of righteousness or justice. Jesus’ resurrection and ascension shows his righteousness, the need for righteousness, and the inability to be righteous by one’s own power. Again, the Holy Spirit points to Jesus.
• Convict the world of judgment. The prince of this world (Satan) is condemned in light of the Jesus story, leading one away from an alignment with Satan. The Holy Spirit points the world to Jesus.

What will the Holy Spirit do for believers?
• John 14:17-18; He is with us. Be with them forever, live in them, be in them, represent God’s presence. What does this mean?

o Presence, ability to know him, understand him
o Comfort
o Affirms for us life

• John 14:26-27; He teaches us. Teach all things, remind of Jesus’ teachings, guide into all truth (16:13). What does this mean?

o 2 Tim. 3:16-17
o Holy Spirit will say the same things Jesus said, Jesus is superior — not the Holy Spirit. Purpose of Holy Spirit is to point to Jesus, as he does for the world.
o The word of God is truth (17:17), Jesus lived consistent with that truth and is thus that truth (14:6), so also the Holy Spirit will point to the same truth.

• John 15:26; this teaching validates, testifies about Jesus. Testify about Jesus, Jesus’ identity

o Another way of saying what we have said. Holy Spirit points to Jesus, testifies about Jesus
o Can do that after he comes, is not in list of John 5.
o The time of the Holy Spirit had not come, the HS had not yet been given, but when he comes, he will testify about Jesus.

• John 15:27; the Holy Spirit empowers our testimony. The Holy Spirit gives people the power to testify about Jesus (15:27 may be primary reference to apostles, given the qualifications of Acts 1). Application is then by extension, secondary. Reminder of Jesus’ promise: the words you need to speak will be given you.

o We are empowered to testify about Jesus
o This testimony keeps us faithful; the Holy Spirit has a part in our faith, so it will not fail.

• John 16:13-15; this teaching secures the promise of our future. The Holy Spirit will speak of future, things yet to come.

o What the Holy Spirit says about the future will be the same as what Jesus said.
o The Holy Spirit will bring glory to Jesus by continuing the task and purpose of Jesus, so do we.
o The Holy Spirit will bring glory by making Jesus known

HOLY SPIRIT #1
It’s Sunday Again–Thinking about the Holy Spirit
I am wonderfully blessed to have time to study, write about, and share God’s word. The Holy Spirit has for too long been a mystery to many Christians. I want to know, understand, and enjoy the presence and power of the Spirit in my life today. What does the Holy Spirit do? What does the Holy Spirit do in the New Testament? Concepts, future lessons. The biblical texts are not exhaustive–only beginning points.
The Spirit ministers (John 16:5-15); the Spirit speaks with God’s authority, often to confirm (1 Cor 2; 2 Tim. 3;16-17); the Spirit renews (John 3:1-8; Tit 3); the Spirit liberates (2 Cor 3:16-18); the Spirit transforms (Gal. 5:13-26; 2 Cor 3); the Spirit empowers (Acts 6:1-15); the Spirit equips (1 Cor 12); the Spirit guides (Acts 16:1-15); the Spirit influences and leads (Eph. 5:15ff); the Spirit unites (Eph. 4:1-3).

HOLY SPIRIT #2
Sermon: “Young in Spirit”
Today’s sermon is a Bible study, two texts, two extremely important texts to unpack and apply. Important because they are not in our purview when we think about the Spirit, and because they have not been thoroughly studied, understood, and lived out. We study and read through three lenses: What is God doing in the text? What was and is the message? What was and is the meaning?
Gal. 5:16-26, walk in the Spirit so you will not fulfill the longings of the fleshly human being
2 Cor. 4:16-18, the power for life is renewed within, like an artesian well, as God’s Spirit dwells in us

HOLY SPIRIT #3
Sermon: “The Spirit Gives Me What I Need”
Ogilvie, in his book about the Holy Spirit, wrote about things that every Christian needs to have. All of us need help in our relationship with God, our relationships with others, life, and with ourselves. His list motivated me to make my own list. In my introduction to this series of studies of the Holy Spirit (#1 above), I noted some things the Holy Spirit does: he ministers, speaks, confirms, renews, liberates, transforms, empowers, equips, guides, influences, leads, and unites.
Today’s sermon looks at these concepts from a different perspective. Every Christian needs…
• The sword of the Spirit, the word of God inspired by the Spirit—to know God’s will and to have strength for the obedient life
• The gift of the Spirit—to be reminded and assured of our salvation, our unreserved loyalty to God and God’s loyalty to us
• The presence of the Spirit—to help us in our daily walk of discipleship, the result of renewal, transformation, and liberty in Christ
• To be filled with the Spirit—to be able to speak, to empower evangelism; to see opportunities to love, care, and share faith, evidences of being empowered, equipped, and led by the Spirit
• To walk in the Spirit—to sensitively respond to the influences of the Spirit, so we do not fulfill the longings that are based in this world
• To know the unity of the Spirit—the basis for our concern for the needs of others [spiritual needs, physical needs, social issues] so that we can go forth as God’s hands in ministry and service