Sermon Summary

This week, Pastor Chris continued in our Empowered series with a powerful word on the Holy Spirit. Chris sought to answer who the Holy Spirit is, how he works, and how he relates to us in our daily lives. He explained what the work, fruit and gifts of the Spirit are present-day. The Holy Spirit show us Jesus when we are in times of need. The very spirit that rose Jesus from the dead lives inside of each of us, and the faster we yield to him, the more fruit we will see in our lives. 

“. . . in all the book there is nothing which is unrelated to the Holy Spirit.” F.F. Bruce

Who is the Holy Spirit?

1.  The Holy Spirit is a Person.

  • The Holy Spirit is referred to with personal grammar.

John 16:13–15 (ESV)

13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. 14 He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. 15 All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.

  • The Holy Spirit has personal characteristics.
    • Mind—1 Co. 2:10-13
    • Emotion—Eph. 4:30
    • Will—1 Co. 12:7-11.
  • The Holy Spirit is given personal treatment.
    • He is to be obeyed—Ac. 8:29-31
    • He is to be respected—Mt. 12:28-32.

2.  The Holy Spirit is God.

  • He is called God.

Acts 5:1–4 (ESV)

1 But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, 2 and with his wife’s knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles’ feet. 3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? 4 While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God.”

  • He is eternal, as only God is.

Genesis 1:1–2 (ESV)

1 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.

  • He has the characteristics of God.
    • Omniscience (1 Co. 2:9-11)
    • Omnipotence (Psalm 104:24-31; Ro. 8:9-11)
    • Omnipresence (Psalm 139:7-12)  
  • He is equal in the trinity of God.
    • Equal to the Father (Mt. 10:19-20)
    • Equal to the Son (Jn. 14:15-17; Ac. 16:7; Ro. 8:9)
    • Equal within the trinity (Mt. 28:19; 2 Co. 13:14)

What is the relationship of the Holy Spirit to the created earth?

1.  The General Work of the Holy Spirit.

  • He is an influence (convicts, inspires, illumines, & restricts people). 

John 16:7–11 (ESV)

7 Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. 8 And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; 10 concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; 11 concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.

  • He is a giver (gives life, power, regeneration, fruit, & gifts to people).

John 3:3–5 (ESV)

3 Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 4 Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” 5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.

  • He is a companion (with us in our growth, need, & continuation in our Christian life). 

John 14:15–17 (ESV)

15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, 17 even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.

2.  What are Some of the Names of the Holy Spirit?

  • Holy = different/separate: other/different/distinct Spirit. Spirit = breath/living One.
  • Pledge / Guarantee / Seal
  • Fire
  • Water
  • Wind
  • Paraclete: Comforter or One called alongside. 

Cessationism vs Continuationism

1 Corinthians 13:8–12 (ESV)

8 Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. 11 When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. 12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.

  • Cessationism – the early Church had some extra spiritual-gifts (ex. miracles, healing, prophecy, tongues) until the N.T. writings were completed.  
  • Continuationism – the supernatural sign gifts continue to operate on earth until the Second Coming of Jesus Christ & establishment of the Kingdom on earth.

Work of the Holy Spirit:

   1.  Co-Creating (Ge. 1:1-2)

   2.  Kingdomizing (Ro. 14:17)

  3.  Convicting (Jn. 16:7-11; Ac. 2:36-37; 16:13-14)

  4. Drawing (Jn. 6:44, 63-65)

  5. Regenerating (Jn. 3:5-8)

  6.  Justifying (2 Co. 3; 5:21)

  7. Indwelling (1 Co. 6:19-20)

  8. Baptizing (1 Co. 12:13)

  9. Sealing (Eph. 1:13-14)

10. Sanctifying (Eph. 4:29-32)

11. Fruiting (Gal. 5:16-25)

12.. Filling (Eph. 5:18)

13.  Healing (1 Co. 12:7-11; Gal. 3:1-5; Jm. 5:13f)

14. Gifting (Co. 12:1-11; 14:1-40)

15. Illuminating (1 Co. 2:11-16)

16. Teaching (Jn. 14:26)

17. Guiding (Ac. 15:23-29)

18. Demonstrating (Mt. 12:28)

19. Testifying (Ro. 8:15-17)

20. Interceding (Ro. 8:26-27)

21.  Evangelizing (Ac. 1:1-8)

22.  Glorifying (Ro. 8:10-11, 16-25)

Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-25)

1. Love = Giving to others without any conditions (unselfishly)—even to enemies.

2. Joy = A deep & abiding satisfaction in Christ, even if facing suffering.

3. Peace = A heart of resting/trusting in Christ, even if outward problems occur.

4. Patience = The ability to wait for God to answer or deliver.

5. Kindness = A desire to show mercy to others.

6. Goodness = An attitude that desires to see good occur in all things.

7. Faithfulness = A continuing belief & trust toward God & persistent service toward others.

8. Gentleness = A sensitive care toward others.

9. Self-control = The power to deny the old nature so the new nature can operate.

Gifts of the Holy Spirit:

A spiritual gift = a spiritually based ability for edifying/strengthening & showing the church of Christ. 

Discovering Your Spiritual Gift

1. Serving gifts (deeds) 

2. Speaking gifts (words) 

3. Supernatural gifts (signs)

We are created for a dynamic relationship with our Father. 

1 Corinthians 14:1, 5, 12, 39-40 (ESV)
1 Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. 5 Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be built up. 12 So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church. 39 So, my brothers, earnestly desire to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. 40 But all things should be done decently and in order.

  • Christian Grace:  Supernatural ability for all believers to hear God’s voice. (John 10:27)
  • Gift of Prophecy:  Supernatural grace given to a believer to minister revelation from God with greater clarity and power. (1 Corinthians 12:8-10)
  • Prophet:  Supernatural gift given to the body of Christ for her edification and maturity; an individual equipped with a higher level of grace in the prophetic anointing, evidenced by a history of maturity, fruit, accuracy, and are frequently prophesying. (Ephesians 4:11-14)   

Everything is to subject to the Word of God. 

1 Thessalonians 5:19-21 (AMP)
19 Do not quench (suppress or subdue) the [Holy] Spirit; 20 Do not spurn the gifts and utterances of the prophets [do not depreciate prophetic revelations nor despise inspired instruction or exhortation or warning]. 21 But test and prove all things [until you can recognize] what is good; [to that] hold fast.

  1. Is it in harmony with Scripture? 
  2. Does it glorify Christ? 
  3. Does it show any signs of manipulation? 
  4. Does it carry a peaceful and righteous spirit? 
  5. Do those to whom I am accountable agree? 

Discussion Questions

  1. What is the role of the Holy Spirit in the Godhead?
  2. What is cessationist vs. continuist theology?
  3. What is the difference between serving gifts, speaking gifts, and supernatural gifts?
  4. Do you know what our spiritual gifts are? Share yours with the group.
  5. Have you ever received a prophetic word? What did Pastor Chris share we are supposed to do when we receive one?

Application Questions

  1. If you don’t know what your spiritual gifts are, take our Spiritual Gifts Assessment on the app this week! 
  2. Do you walk with the Spirit in your daily life? If not, ask for a fresh indwelling of the Spirit in your heart this week.