First Principles: The Holly Spirit

Purpose

 

To encourage the seeker that he or she will receive the gift of God's Holy Spirit. After baptism we are sustained by the help of the Spirit, who works powerfully in the life of every disciple of Christ. 

 

• Acts 2:36-38. At baptism, we are not only forgiven by Jesus' death to begin a new life, we are also filled with the Holy Spirit.
• John 3:1-8. Jesus taught that we must be born again via water and the Spirit to enter the kingdom of God.
• John 7:37-39. After Jesus' glorification (crucifixion, resurrection and ascension), God sent his Spirit to flow from within us like streams of running water. Previously (Old Testament), the Spirit came upon people. Now, he dwells within us.
• John 16:5-15. One of the primary roles of the Spirit is to convict us (and the world) with regard to sin, righteousness, and judgment. He does this in harmony with (though not exclusively through) his Word, which he gave to the Apostles as they were guided into all truth.
• Ephesians 1:13-14. The Spirit is God's mark of ownership on his children and a "deposit" of the blessings of the age to come.
• Ephesians 3:14-21. We are strengthened with real power through the Spirit who dwells within us. We cannot live the Christian life on our own strength, but God himself provides us with the power to live as followers of Jesus. Understanding Jesus' amazing love for us is a source of that strength.
• Ephesians 4:29-32. How do we "grieve" the Holy Spirit? Why is anger and anger-related sin so devastating? How is disharmony in our relationships incompatible with having the Spirit of God in us?
• 1 Thessalonians 5:16-20. How do we "put out the fire of" the Holy Spirit? Why is a life of faith the only one that is in keeping with God's Spirit living in us? What influences in the world around us can keep us from having a faithful, God-centered outlook?
• {bibel 31}Romans 8:5-17, 26-27{/bible}. A Spiritual mindset brings life and peace, and obedience to God's Word. The Spirit frees us from fear and confirms that we are fully God's children. The Spirit also aids in our life of prayer and devotion to God.
• Galatians 5:22-23. The fruit of the Spirit: Expect it! Pursue it! This is the best "evidence" that you have received the Holy Spirit, who is transforming us to become like Jesus. Decide to live according to the Spirit—and keep affirming that decision!

Additional Helpful Scriptures:

• Jeremiah 31:31-34
• Ezekiel 36:24-28
• Acts 1:4, 2:15-18, 32-33
• 2 Corinthians 3:17-18
• Galatians 3:26-29, 4:6-7
• Titus 3:3-7