Creeds and Confessions, cont'd: The Holy Spirit Handout!

“I believe in the Holy Spirit”

I.         The creed up to this point leaves us in absence, with Jesus leaving us

A.   John 14:18-20, 25-26

B.   The Holy Spirit is sent to us

C.   Jesus is with the disciples for 40 days after his resurrection, he leads them to a mountain… Acts 1:6-11.

II.       Where does the Holy Spirit Come from?

A.   The Holy Spirit was always around

1.    Numbers 11:17-29 - The Spirit of the Lord upon Moses and given to 70 to help Moses deal with the Israelites in the wilderness

2.    Nehemiah 9:20 - The Spirit of God instructs

3.    Psalm 104:30 - God sends God’s spirit which creates - i.e. Genesis 1:2

III.      The disciples were given the “power” of the Holy Spirit so that they could be witnesses. (Acts 1:8)

A.   The Holy Spirit comes upon the disciples -

1.    Acts 2:1-4 - The Holy Spirit (in tongues of fire) appeared on all the disciples present (more than just the 12) and they began to speak in other languages

2.    And others

a)    Acts 8:15-17 - Peter and John pray that the Samarians receive the HS

b)   Acts 10:44 - Peter speaking to Cornelius: the Holy Spirit came to the gentiles who heard and they spoke in other languages

3.    This was a power not to control others, but to share with others - the power is that of God (not given to one particular person or people group) - to spread the message, sometimes even using amazing feats such as speaking in other languages, or performing miracles.

IV.    What is the Holy Spirit?

A.   The Holy Spirit is called the Advocate or Counselor - the παράκλητον

1.    The paraclete is someone who would stand by the side of someone in court and defend them, or in times of pain mourn with the bereaved, a faithful companion, even to use 12 step language a sponsor

B.   So the question is not really “what” is the Holy Spirit, but “WHO” is the Holy Spirit.

V.      Why is the Spirit “Holy”

A.   1a) it is sacred - has a special connection with God (Trinity)

B.   1b) and it is “Spirit” - the word in Greek and Hebrew means wind or breath

1.    Hebrew = ruach (ְר֣וּחַ)

2.    Greek = pneuma (πνεῦμα)

3.    This play on words in John 3:8 when Jesus is speaking with Nicodemus

a)    The Spirit has both power and freedom

C.   2) Holy = purity, perfection, sanctity, obedient

VI.    What does the Holy Spirit do?

A.   Ezekiel 36:26-27 - Put a new heart of flesh - and God’s Spirit to help us follow God’s decrees

1.    1 John 3:24 - The Spirit allows us to obey Christ’s commands

B.   Joel 2:28-29 - The day of the Lord - God’s Spirit is poured out = dreams/visions

C.   Haggai 2:4-5 - God’s Spirit remains among God’s people

D.   Matthew 10:20, Mark 13:11 - The Spirit of the Father speaks through us in our defense

E.    John 16:7, 12-15 - It is good that the Spirit comes to us - It teaches/guides us in truth

1.    Acts 1:2, Acts 15:28, 1 Corinthians 2:10

F.    Romans 8:11 - The Spirit which raised Jesus is in you

1.    Giving your bodies life - The Spirit makes God with us forever

G.   Acts 1:8 - Receive power to witness

1.    1 John 5:6-8 - The Spirit is truth and testifies to Jesus Christ

H.   John 6:63-65 - The Spirit (given by the Father) gives life and Faith

I.      1 Corinthians 12:3 - Cannot proclaim Jesus is Lord except by the Spirit

1.    1 John 4:1-6

J.     1 Corinthians 3:16 - God’s Spirit lives in the church (God’s temple)

K.    2 Corinthians 1:22 - God gives us the Spirit as a deposit/down payment - allows us to stand firm in Christ, and set’s God’s ownership of us.

L.    Galatians 4:6-7 - God sends the Spirit into our hearts, and it is by that Spirit that we can cry out ‘Abba’ Father - in this way we are sons and heirs with Christ.

M.  Ephesians 3:16 - We are strengthened by the Spirit ( to endure suffering)

1.    1 Thessalonians 1:5-7  When we are chosen by God we receive the Spirit which allows us to accept the gospel, imitate the Lord, and be joyful in the midst of suffering.

VII.   Lot’s of people think that you have to display certain/specific “fruits of the Spirit” to be a true disciple (i.e. speaking in tongues, prophesy) - although certainly some fruits of the Spirit should be seen.

A.   One cannot have faith unless by the Holy Spirit.

1.    Other fruits of the Spirit:

a)    Galatians 5:22-23 - Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Gentleness, Faithfulness, Self-control

b)   1 Corinthians 12:7-11, 27-30 - many gifts which are given by the Spirit which make up the body of Christ.

B.   Calvin “The HS is the bond by which Christ effectually unites us to himself.” (Institutes 3.I.i)

C.   If you have faith in Christ, you’ve got the Holy Spirit, if you’ve got the Holy Spirit, you’re united with Christ.