12) The Holy Spirit
The third person of the Trinity and His work in us
The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Godhead, who works in our hearts to transform us. In this lesson, we will study who the Holy Spirit is and how He works in our lives.
The Person of the Holy Spirit
Is the Holy Spirit a person or just a force?
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Answer: A divine person: the Comforter who teaches and brings to remembrance
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."
What proves that the Holy Spirit is God?
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Answer: To lie to the Holy Spirit is to lie to God
Acts 5:3-4: "But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God."
“The Holy Spirit is a person, for He beareth witness with our spirits that we are the children of God.” — Ellen G. White, Evangelism, Ev 616.6
The Work of the Holy Spirit
What is one of the main works of the Holy Spirit?
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Answer: To convict the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment
John 16:8: "And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:"
Where does the Holy Spirit guide believers?
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Answer: Into all truth
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."
What does the Holy Spirit do in relation to Jesus?
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Answer: Testifies of Jesus
John 15:26: "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:"
The Fruit and Gifts of the Spirit
What are some characteristics of the fruit of the Spirit?
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Answer: Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control
Galatians 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."
For what purpose does the Holy Spirit distribute gifts?
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Answer: For the common good of the church
1 Corinthians 12:7: "But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal."
Receiving the Holy Spirit
To whom does God give the Holy Spirit?
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Answer: To those who obey Him
Acts 5:32: "And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him."
What must we do to receive the Holy Spirit?
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Answer: Ask our heavenly Father
Luke 11:13: "If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?"
“The power of God awaits their demand and reception. This promised blessing, claimed by faith, brings all other blessings in its train.” — Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, DA 672.1
What happens when we are filled with the Holy Spirit?
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Answer: We receive power to be witnesses of Jesus
Acts 1:8: "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."
Now What?
The Holy Spirit is essential to our Christian life:
- He is a divine person: The third person of the Trinity
- He convicts and guides: He shows sin and leads to truth
- He produces fruit: He transforms our character
- He gives power: He enables us to witness
My Decision
I recognize the Holy Spirit as a divine person and desire His presence in my life. I ask that He convict me of sin, guide me into truth, and produce His fruit in me. I open my heart to be filled with the Holy Spirit.