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PNEUMATOLOGY

A Study of the Holy Spirit in Scripture.

Grace Bible Institute

Fall 2012

Pastor Kevin Jeffrey, M.Div., instructor

INTRODUCTION

Pneumatology is the scientific treatment of any or all facts related to spirit.1 Normally, the course

would cover spirit beings, the human spirit and the Holy Spirit. We will focus upon the Holy Spirit

with some coverage of the human spirit. The study regarding spirit beings will be covered in a

class on “Spirit Beings”.

Perhaps no topic of theology has been more misunderstood than the ministry of the Holy Spirit.

Today, there seem to be two real issues that hinder a proper understanding of the work of the

Holy Spirit in God’s decree. Firstly, there exist a misunderstanding of the Holy Spirit’s ministry to

saints in other dispensations. Many wrongly believe that the same content of provisions given to

believers today were available to saints of all time. Secondly, there are many who fail to

understand the transitory nature of book of Acts. The consequence of this failure is that they

believe that the Day of Pentecost -- the day the Holy Spirit descended -- can occur over and

over again. The Azusa Street Revival in Los Angeles, Ca. in 1906 exemplifies this perception.2

The Holy Spirit is seen in Scripture functioning in different roles from dispensation to

dispensation. Believers in this dispensation, the Dispensation of Grace, have been provided

more understanding of the ministries of the Holy Spirit than any group of people that came

before us. We will see by a study of the Scriptures, that the Holy Spirit did not indwell Old

Testament saints. Under law, the Holy Spirit came upon some saints to empower them for

ministry. Some of the artisans were mentally controlled to fulfill their responsibilities. Even still,

the Spirit only came upon some believers anointed for services. Even the saints to whom

revelation was given, possessed limited fragmented understanding of God’s plan and purposes.

Peter commented on this fact in his first epistle. The apostle, stated that those who wrote about

the Grace that was coming to this dispensation had no understanding of what it all meant.3

1 Lewis Sperry Chafer Systematic Theology

2 The Azusa Street Revival was a historic Pentecostal revival meeting that took place in Los Angeles, California and is the

2 origin of the Pentecostal movement.[1] It was led by William J. Seymour, an African American preacher. It began with a meeting

2 on April 14, 1906, and continued until roughly 1915. The revival was characterized by ecstatic spiritual experiences

2 accompanied by miracles, dramatic worship services, speaking in tongues, and inter-racial mingling. The participants were

2 criticized by the secular media and Christian theologians for behaviors considered to be outrageous and unorthodox, especially

2 at the time. Today, the revival is considered by historians to be the primary catalyst for the spread of Pentecostalism in the 20th

2 century. (source: Wikipedia)

3 1st Pet. 1:10-12

2

During the Lord’s earthly ministry, The Lord told the disciples several times about His impending

death, burial and resurrection and they did not have the capacity, without the Spirit, to

understand the things He spoke to them.4

Yet, the Holy Spirit has played and is playing a tremendous role in God’s decree. From our first

introduction to Him brooding over the chaotic state of earth in the first chapter of Genesis; to His

taking up residence upon the earth at the day of Pentecost – the Holy Spirit’s ministry has been

misunderstood. We hope to this course provides a biblical foundation for your view of the Holy

Spirit. And, as a result, your appreciation for His ministry today would increase.

I. THE HOLY SPIRIT IS SEEN IN SCRIPTURE AS THE THIRD MEMBER OF THE GODHEAD.

A. The plurality of persons of the Godhead was seen throughout Old Testament

Scripture.

1. The existence of two Persons of the Godhead is seen in the Old Testament.

Gen. 1:26; Ps.2:3

2. Three different Persons are Identified as being God in the Old Testament.

a. The Father is identified.

b. The Son is identified.5

c. The Holy Spirit is identified as having the ability of deity. Gen. 1:2

3. The plural use of elohim. Gen. 1:1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8

B. In the New Testament, three Persons are seen possessing and using the nature of

God:

1. The Father.6

2. The Son. 7

3. The Holy Spirit is typically referred to as the Holy Ghost in the King James

version of Scripture.. Out of the nearly 100 references to the Spirit , only four in the new

Testament actually translate Holy Spirit.8 Ninety references to the Spirit use the term Holy

Ghost. Translators in the 16th century had questions about the use of the Holy Spirit in Scripture

-- even though the Greek and Hebrew make no such distinctions. The use of the neuter

pronoun “itself” in reference to the Holy Spirit has also birth controversy over the Personhood of

the Holy Spirit. Several times in the book of Romans the Spirit is referred to in the neuter. There

are however, many proofs that the Holy Spirit is a Person. Henry Thiessen in his Lectures on

4 Lk. 18:31-34

5 As referenced by the “Angel of Jehovah”; cf.. Jud. 13:1-22; Zech. 3:1-2

6 John 4:23; 14:31; Matt. 6:14; 6:6; Ja. 3:9

7 John 20:24-28; Rev.5:11-12; John 1:14, 20-31: 15:12; Eph. 4:6);

8 Lk. 11:13; Eph. 1:13; 4:30; 1Thess. 4:8

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Systematic Theology9 list the fact that the Holy Spirit’s reception of personal treatment as proof

of His personhood:

1. He can be tempted.10

2. He can be lied to.11

3. He can be grieved.12

4. He can be resisted.13

5. He can be insulted.14

6. He could be blasphemed.15

C.There are different name used to denote the Holy Spirit throughout Scripture.

1. The “Spirit of the Lord” is used often to identify the Holy Spirit.16

2. The Comforter, 17 which is the Greek word parakleetos, one who calls

alongside of; one who encourages, exhorts. The Lord used this term of the Holy Spirit during

His Upper Room discourse indicating the one of the purposes of the Holy Spirit’s ministry upon

the earth. The coming of the Holy Spirit was predicated upon the Son’s departure. During the

time of the Son’s earthly ministry, the Holy Spirit was seated alongside of the Father.

3. The Spirit of truth.18 Truth looks at the fact of One who sees things just as they

are. People do not have the capacity to see things the way that they really are. The Lord to the

disciples that the world is not able to receive the Spirit because it seeth19 Him not.

4. The “Restrainer” is a term used to identify the Holy Spirit’s role in holding back

Satan’s attempts to bring the “Man of Lawlessness” on the scene before God’s timing.20

9 (Copyright 1949, pp 97)

10 Acts 5:9

11 Acts 5:3

12 Eph. 4:30; Is. 63:10

13 Acts 7:51

14 Heb. 10:29

15 Matt. 12:31

16 Judg. 3:10;6:34; 11:29; 13:25;Lk. 4:18; Acts 5;9, 8:39; 2 Co. 3:17,18

17 John 14:26;15:26; 16:7

18 John 14:17;15:26; 16:13; 1st John 4:6; 5:6

19 Thereo -- to be a spectator, look at; view attentively; with mental consideration.

20 2 Thess. 2:6-8

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5. “Living Water”21 Twice the Lord compared the future regeneration ministry of

the Holy Spirit to living water. The passage in John 3:5 should read: “Except a man be born of

water and (even) the Holy Spirit”.

6. The Spirit of God is a term used in in the Old Testament and the New

Testament to emphasize the relationship of the Holy Spirit as being from God versus one from

Satan. 22

7. The Spirit of Grace23 denotes the Holy Spirit’s relationship to the grace from

God.

II. THE HOLY SPIRIT’S MINISTRY TO OLD TESTAMENT SAINTS DIFFERED FROM THAT

TO

BELIEVERS IN THE DISPENSATION OF GRACE.

A. The Holy Spirit’s ministry in the Old Testament begins with His brooding over a

chaotic

earth, thrown into a judged state due to the rebellion of Satan.24 Moses writes in the first verse

that God created (out of nothing) the heavens and the earth. That verse is not disputed inside of

christian circles. However, verse two has been the source of much discussion.

1. The word “and” is the Hebrew letter waw which is a conjunction that can be

translated “and”, joins the first and second verse. Verse 2 emphasizes the the fact the earth

being thrown into chaos. The verb used in this verse is crucial to understanding the Holy

Spirit’s involvement.

2. The earth “was” (came to be)25 . The emphasis in the Hebrew means that

something came to be that was not in existence before. To words describe the state of the

earth at that time.

a. The earth came to be “without form” The Hebrew word for “without

form is tohu.26

b. The earth came to be “void”. The Hebrew word bohou27

21

John 4:10; 7:38; John 3:5 22

1st John 4:2; 1st Co. 2:11-12 23

Heb. 10:29 24

Gen. 1:2 25

ht'îy>h' -- is the Hebrew word that notes to come to be.cf. Gen. 3:20; Ex. 8:15 26

Desolate, a formless, lifeless mass (Keil Delitzsch Commentary, pg. 48); cf. 1st Sa.

12:21;Job 26 26:7; Is. 45:18 27

Emptiness (Wilson’s Old Testament Word Studies pg. 499)

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3. “Darkness was over the face of the deep”, rather the sea was cloaked in

darkness. It is believed that the Holy Spirit played a role in the restoration of an earth thrown

into chaos as a result of the rebellion of Satan.28

B. The Spirit “strove”29 with men during the period before the flood. It appears that the

Holy Spirit spent time pleading the cause of condition of man during this time. The reason for

the ending of this striving is seen to be the decaying condition of mankind -- “he is also flesh”.

The flesh is basar which is used in the Old Testament to emphasize one who is frail or erring

(man against God).30

C. The Holy Spirit had a ministry to Old Testament saints that differed from His ministry

today. Today, believers are regenerated by the Holy Spirit. And, He activates the eternal life

possessed by the believer. This ministry was not imparted to the Old Testament saints.

1. The absence of the possession of eternal life and regeneration by Old

Testament saints is articulated by the apostle Paul in the both the books of Galatians and 2

Corinthians.31 Paul notes that the Mosaic law was not against the promises of God. The law had

a purpose of leading the nation Israel to God. Significant, however, was the stated fact that the

Mosaic law could not impart an eternal quality of life. Proof that the law could not impart eternal

life was seen in the fact that righteousness (before God) was not given by the law, but through

the Grace concerning Jesus Christ.32 Paul states further in the epistle to the Galatians that the

law had no ability to “give life” -- make alive is zopoieo, the same term used in 2 Corinthians to

note that the “letter killeth,but the spirit giveth life”. 33 So, it can emphatically be said that the

Holy Spirit did not impart life to Old Testament saints.34 Indeed, Old Testament saints looked to

the future, past the tribulation period, for receiving eternal life.35 Some similarities exist

between the terminology used for the life of the Old Testament saints verses New Testament

saints, but the distinctions are vastly different. as acting upon matters on their own accord. The

Old Testament saint was not regenerated.

2. The Old Testament saint moved in the realm of his soul.36 Not one Old

Testament saint experienced the provision of a new nature that believers in this dispensation

enjoy. Regeneration provides for the renewing of the mind. Israel did not have their mind

renewed. In fact, God promises a time in the future when He will give them a new mind.37

28

Job 26:13 29

The Hebrew word is “deen” -- to act as a judge, contend, plead a cause. 30

Strongs lexicon 31

Gal. 3:21(use of the 2nd Class condition notes there was no eternal life among Old Testament saints); 2 Co. 3:6 32

cf. Rom.8:3-4 33

2 Co. 3:6 34

Gal. 3:21;2 Co. 3:6; 1st Co. 15:22 35

Dan. 12:1-3; Lk. 21:27-28 36

Job 10:1; Ps. 6:3-4;34:2; 63:8;119:81 37

Hebrews 8:10; Jerm. 31:33-34

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Further proof of the absence of regeneration for Old Testament saints is seen in Nicodemus and

the apostle Paul. Nicodemus was “the teacher” in Israel during Christ’s earthly ministry. Yet, he

was told “you must be born again”38. Had he already been regenerated there would have been

no need for the new birth. Paul counted everything that he was before salvation to be “dung” in

order to “win Christ”.39

D. The Spirit caused men to “rest”. 40 This rest quieted the souls of the Old Testament

Saint.

E. There are instances when the Spirit was said to enter men.41 The Septuagint uses the

Greek preposition epi to translate the word “into”. Boa is the Hebrew word used denoting upon.

F. The Spirit was involved in revelation of things to men.42

G. Was involved in guiding Israel.43

H. Spirit empowered Israel.44

III. THE HOLY SPIRIT’S MINISTRY IN THE OLD TESTAMENT WAS FOCUSED UPON

EMPOWERING SAINTS TO ACCOMPLISH SUPERNATURAL PHYSICAL FEATS.

A. The Holy Spirit aided the artisans to construct the temple. 45 The word for “filled” is the

Hebrew word malee means to be filled with that which takes full possession of the mind. The

word is used in that context for an extraordinary and supernatural endowment and

qualification, in wisdom46 etc., i.e. consisting of wisdom, understanding, knowledge,and

every kind of workmanship, that is to say, for the performance of every kind of work. This

did not preclude either natural capacity or acquired skill, but rather pre-supposed them;

it is expressly stated in relation to his assistants, that God had put wisdom into all that

were wise-hearted” 47

38

John 3:3,10 39

Phil. 3:8 40

Is. 63;14; {noo'-akh} Meaning: 1) to rest 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to rest, settle down and remain 1a2) to repose, 40

have rest, be quiet; (Strong’s morphology) Josh. 22:4 41

Ez. 2:2 (Hebrew word boa means to come upon, fall or light upon, attack -- Strongs Word analysis) ; Note: the Septuagint uses 41

the Greek preposition epi in both passages. 3:24 42

Ez. 2:2; 3:12; 8:3;11:1,24; 37:143:5; 1st Pet. 1:11 43

Micah 2:7; Mal. 2:15 44

Micah 3:8 45

Ex. 31:3; 35:31 46

Judges 6:34 47

Keil Delitzsch (pg. 217); Ex. 38:3

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B. The Holy Spirit came upon some Old Testament saints to accomplish the things God

wanted to happen. The term upon is illustrated by the uses of the particle preposition ayin

lamed48 The Old Testament saints looked toward the day when the Spirit would be poured out

on “all flesh”.49

1. The Spirit came upon Othniel, Caleb’s brother to judge and deliver the

children of Israel in war.50

2. The Spirit came upon Gideon to lead Israel in battle. 51

3. The Spirit came “mightily” upon Samson to aid him in delivering Israel from the

Philistines.52

4. The Spirit came upon Saul to be King of Israel.53

5. The Spirit came upon David.54

C. There are instances where other preposition are used to express the relationship of

the Holy Spirit to Old Testament saints.55

1. The Spirit is seen as residing in.56

2. The Spirit is seen as going from. 57

3. The Spirit seen as being the instrument by how something occurred .58

D. The Holy Spirit intervened in physically sustaining Old Testament saints.59

E. The Holy Spirit caused Old Testament saints to prophesy about things to come. 60

1. David spoke as he was borne along by the Holy Spirit, though it is doubtful that

he understood the implications of all that he said.61

48

l[; Num. 11:17,25 49

Joel 2:28; Acts 2:17; Ez. 11:5 50

Judges 3:9-10 51

Judges 6:34 52

Judges 14:6,19,15:14 53

1st Sam. 10:6, 10 54

1st Sam. 16:13 55

Num. 27:18; Deut. 34:9 56

Nebuchadnezzar believed a “spirit from the holy gods” dwelt in Daniel. 57

1st Kings 22:24 58

1st Cron. 28:12; 2 Chron. 15:1; 24:20 59

1st Kings 18:12; 2 Kings 2:16 60

1st Pet. 1:12; 2 Pet. 1:21

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2. Isaiah spoke as He was borne along by the Holy Spirit.62

3. Ezekiel was shown things concerning the nation of Israel by the Holy Spirit.63

4. Micah was full of power by the Spirit.64

F. The Holy Spirit warned Israel against hardening their hearts.65

G. The result of the Holy Spirit’s ministry to Old Testament saints is varied throughout

the Old Testament. The consistent thing that is seen is that the Holy Spirit empowered Old

Testament saints to do amazing physical feats in contrast to the New Testament where the

Spirit energizes believers to accomplish spiritual things. Samson, as an example, had

extraordinary strength when the Spirit came upon him.66 The Spirit affected the speech of some

to say what was needed.67 The Spirit sustained saints.68

H. The Holy Spirit’s ministry in the Old Testament was distinct from the New Testament

ministry.

1. The chief difference is that the Holy Spirit only came upon certain individuals,

not all Old Testament saints. Furthermore, the Holy Spirit did not continually indwell believers

but would come and go as He needed to empower them.69 The word used for “came” in Judges

14:19 is tsalach which means to advance, prosper, make progress; to rush70. The Holy Spirit

is seen as being “upon” the New Testament saints, in a different way than the Old Testament

saints.71

2. The Holy Spirit did not minister under law in the way He does in the New

Testament. The apostle Paul informed the Corinthians that the “letter killeth”. The Mosaic Law

was a ministry of death. But, the Holy Spirit gives life.72 The ministration of the Holy Spirit is

seen as more glorious than that of the “letter”.

3. The Holy Spirit would come and go upon saints when necessary to perform

61

Acts 1:16; Ps. 41:9; 55:12-15 62

Acts 28:25 63

Ez. 11:24 64

Micah 3:8 65

Heb. 3:7 66

1st Sam. 15:14,16 67

2 Sam. 23:2 68

1st Kings 18:12 69

1st Sam. 16:14 70

Strong’s Hebrew Word Analysis. 71

1st Pet. 4:14 72

2 Co. 3:6,8

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God’s will. The presence and departure of the Holy Spirit from saints is illustrated in the life of

Samson. When the Spirit was upon him, he had abnormal strength.73 When the Spirit was

departed from him, he was a normal man. The Spirit would cease to come upon those who were

anointed for service due rebellion. The Spirit “departed” from Saul due to his rebellion. The

word “departed” -- soor, in the Hebrew means to retract or reject, abolish; to leave off,

desist. 74 David, after his affair with Bathsheba, prayed that the Holy spirit would not depart

from him as he did Saul.75

IV. THE HOLY SPIRIT’S MINISTRY IN THE GOSPELS DIFFERED FROM THAT IN THE OLD

TESTAMENT.

A. There are two key words that are used in the Gospels to understand the ministry of

the Holy Spirit during Christ’s earthly ministry.

1. The first word used for filling is pletho filling. This word is used of the filling

experienced by John the Baptist who was filled “out from his mother’s womb.”76

2. The second word used for filling is pimpleemi, a term used to not “to come to

an end.”77

B. The Holy Spirit played a pivotal role in Christ’s earthly ministry.

1. The Holy Spirit was responsible for the birth of Christ’s humanity.78

2. The Holy Spirit came upon the Lord to empower Him for ministry.79

3. The Holy Spirit led Christ into the wilderness to be tempted.80

4. The Holy Spirit empowered the Lord to return to Galilee after His temptation in

the wilderness.81

5. The Holy Spirit empowered Him to cast out demons.82

6. The Holy Spirit empowered Him to act up until the Day that he ascended into

73

Jud. 14:6; 15:14-15 74

1st Sam. 16:14; Strong’s Lexicon 75

Ps. 51:11 76

Lk. 1:16 77

Lk. 21:22 78

Matt. 1:18,20; Lk. 1:35; Heb. 10:5 79

Is. 61:1;Matt. 3:16; Mk. 1:10; John 1:33; Lk. 4:1,18; Acts 10:38 80

Matt. 4;1 81

Lk. 4:14 82

Matt.12:28

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heaven.83

7. The Holy Spirit led the Lord into the temple as a child.84

8. The Lord was justified by the Spirit85

C. The Holy Spirit was involved with the disciples.

1. The Holy Spirit completely filled John the Baptist out from His mother’s womb

to cause him to prepare the way for Messiah.86 John himself baptized with water as opposed to

the baptism the believer receives today which is by the Holy Spirit.87

2. The Holy Spirit “dwelleth” with the disciples during Christ’s earthly ministry.

The word “dwelleth” with is the Greek preposition para which means to be alongside of. Though

the Spirit was alongside of them during Christ’s earthly ministry, He was promised to be “in” the

disciples in the future.88means It was prophesied by the Lord that the Holy Spirit would bring

things to the remembrance of the disciples in the future.89 This remembrance is exemplified in

Peter’s recall of the statement made by the Lord concerning the Holy Spirit’s baptism versus

that of John the Baptist.90

3. The Holy Spirit empowered others to fulfill God’s purposes.91 He led Simeon

into temple to see the Lord.92 The Holy Spirit filled Elizabeth to prophesy.93

D. John the Baptist foretold of the Holy Spirit’s future ministry in the Dispensation of

Grace in a parenthetical Scripture that had implication for the Tribulation Period.94

E. Men could committed blasphemy against the Holy Spirit during Christ’s earthly

ministry.95 Blasphemy is attributing something to God that is not true. In this case, one would be

attributing to demons, the things done by the Lord through the power of the Holy Spirit.

83

Acts 1:2 84

Lk. 2:27 85

1st Tim. 3:16 86

Lk. 1:15 87

Acts 1:5 88

John 14:17; cf. Rom. 8:11; 1st Co. 3:11; 2 Tim. 1:14; Ja. 4:5 89

John 12:16; Matt. 10:20 90

Acts 11:16 91

Lk. 2:27 92

Lk. 2:25-26 93

Lk. 1:41 94

Matt. 3:11 95

Matt. 12:31-32

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F. The Father played a role in revelation during Christ’s earthly ministry that is left to

Holy Spirit to complete today.

1. The Father revealed the truth of Who His Son was to men.96

2. The Father “drew” men to Christ during the Lord’s earthly ministry.97 The

Greek word for “draw” is helkuo which is used in Scripture of dragging or pulling something

or someone. The word is used in Acts chapter 16 of Paul and Silas being dragged into prison

for the casting out of the demon possessed girl.

G. The disciples as they took the gospel out into all the world were to baptize in the

name of each of the Persons of the trinity, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.98

V. THE HOLY SPIRIT’S MINISTRY IN THE DISPENSATION OF GRACE IS UNIQUE FROM

HIS PAST MINISTRIES.

A. The entry of the Holy Spirit was different from any other dispensation. All in the room

were filled by the Holy Spirit. All evidenced their filling of the Spirit by speaking in “other”

tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.99

B. The Holy Spirit was resident in heaven at the time of the Lord’s earthly ministry.

1. Residency is the expression of the personality of a member of the godhead in

a particular place. The Holy Spirit is resident upon the earth, today. And, He indwells

believers.100

2. There are several ways to prove the Holy Spirit was not resident upon the

earth and functioning as He does today. The Lord talked about the fact of the Holy Spirit’s future

arrival on two different occasions. On the great day of the feast as recorded in John the seventh

chapter, the Lord promised that those who believed upon Him would have living waters flowing

out of their bellies, a reference to the ministry of the Holy Spirit.101 The Holy Spirit’s appearance

was tied to the glorification of the Lord in verse 39. The Lord, during the Upper Room

discourse, saw the coming of the Holy Spirit as a future event.102 A temporary bestowal of the

Spirit was given to the disciples until the Day of Pentecost.103 The disciples were told by the

Lord, before His ascensiont y the coming of the Holy Spirit who would empower them to be His

96

Matt. 16:17; John 6:38-44 97

John 6:44 98

Matt. 28:19 99

Acts 2:4 100

1st Co. 6:19; 2 Tim. 1:14 101

John 7:37-39 102

John 14:26 103

John 20:22

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witnesses “in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria and unto the uttermost part of the

earth.”104

3. Also there were many disciples during Christ’s earthly ministry who were

unfamiliar with the existence of the Holy Spirit, at all. The apostle Paul encountered some of

John’s disciples on his apostolic journey . He quizzed them as to whether they had received the

Holy Spirit when they believed. Their response was that “we have not so much as heard

whether there be any Holy (Spirit).”105

C. The Holy Spirit’s ministry in the Dispensation of Grace was discussed by the Lord

before His departure.106

1. The Lord told of the convicting work of the Holy Spirit. 107 The word “convict is

elegcho which means to refute, confute, generally with a suggestion of the shame of the person

convicted.108 The word has the connotation of exposure -- to cast a light upon a subject so that

that which has been hidden comes to the light. The Holy Spirit causes the unsaved man to see

his sins. Men are not told in Scripture to cause unsaved men to see their sins. Scripture does

not tell believers that the law will convict the unsaved men of their sins. Scripture states that it is

a ministry of the Holy Spirit, today, to convict unsaved men of their sin (singular). The sin that

He convicts them of is the sin of unbelief -- “Of sin, because they believe not on me”.109 The

notion that the unsaved man has to look at all his sins and deal with them before he is saved is

not Biblical. There is one sin that the unsaved man is committing that God convicts him of --

that of unbelief.

2. The Holy Spirit, it is told, would serve as a “guide” for believers. 110 The Greek

word for guilde is hodegeo which is defined by Louw-Nida in his lexicon as to direct, with the

implication of making certain that people reach an appropriate destination. The word is used by

the Ethiopian eunuch to emphasize the need for someone to guide him into understanding of

the Scripture he was reading. 111 The word is used of the Pharisees in a negative sense to

emphasize the bad influence upon those they were leading.

104

Acts 1:8 105

Acts 19:2 106

John 16:7; 14:17; 15:26 107

John 16:8; 1:29; 3:18; 8:24; 15:22 108

Joseph Thayer cf. John 3:20; Eph. 5:13(used of unbelievers 1st Co. 14:24; Hude 15); (used of those

under 108

law Ja. 2:9; Tit. 1:9,13); 109

John 16:9 110

John 16:13 111

Acts 8:31

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3. The Holy Spirit’s focus would not be on Himself.112 The Holy Spirit speaks

things that He desires to speak. The word “of” in the context of verse 13 translates the Greek

prepostion “apo” which means “from” rather than of. The Holy Spirit speaks only of the things

“He shall hear.”

4. The Holy Spirit’s focus would be to glorify Christ.113 Thayer express “glorify” to

mean: “ to cause the dignity and worth of some person or thing to become manifest and

acknowledged.” This was accomplished by the Holy Spirit in many ways. Through the spread of

the Word.114 Through speaking gifts.115 Through the transformation of believers into the image

of the Son.116

5. The Lord told Nicodemus that one had to be born by the Spirit to enter into the

Kingdom of heaven.117 The Holy Spirit regenerates men, a fact Nicodemus, the main teacher

among the nation of Israel, had no knowledge of.

6. The Lord told His followers that the Holy Spirit “quickens”118 -- that is, He is the

one who imparts life. The word used there is zoepoieo which is used in Scripture to emphasize

the impartation of life. Thayer defines it as to cause to live, make alive, give life. The word is

used by the Septuagint several times in the Old Testament to emphasize the impartation of

physical life.119 New Testament focus is upon regeneration.120 Before the impartation of life,

believers were “dead in trespasses and sins”.121 The believer is made alive together with

Christ.122

7. Those who believed upon Christ would have rivers of living waters flowing

from

them (the Holy Spirit).123

D The outworking of the Holy Spirit’s ministry in this dispensation is completely different

than that which came before. The Holy Spirit indwells each believer today.124 The Spirit’s

112

John 16:13 113

John 16:14 114

1st Thess. 3:1; 115

1st Pet. 4:11 116

2 Co. 3:18 117

John 3:5-8 118

John 6:63 119

Neh. 9:6; 2 Kings 5:7 120

2 Co. 3:6; Gal. 3:21 121

Eph. 2:1,6 122

Eph. 2:6; Col. 2:13 123

John 7:39; cf. 4:10,14 124

Rom. 8:10, 23; Eph. 1:6; 2 Co. 5:5

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indwelling ministry is a result of the faith of the believer at initial salvation.125 Each believer is not

only indwelt by the Holy Spirit,126 the Holy Spirit also seals the believer. The Spirit is a sampling

(firstfruits) of what the believer will receive in the future.Those who were initially filled by the

Holy Spirit were filled with the differed from the filling of John the Baptist and others during

Christ’s earthly ministry.127 The result of this filling (pimplhmi), was that they spake in “other”

tongues “as the Spirit gave them utterance”. Repentance proceeded the receiving of the Holy

Spirit.128 Possession of the Holy Spirit a testament of one’s salvation.129

E. The reception of the Holy Spirit is a subject that highlights the transitional nature of

the Dispensation of Grace from the Day of Pentecost to the present day.

1. The Holy spirit “fell” upon those who were present in the upper room on the

Day of Pentecost.130

2. Peter, later in a message to those in Jerusalem encouraged them to repent

and be baptized in order for them to receive the Holy Spirit.131

3. The believers at Samaria need the apostles to lay hands on them to receive

the

Holy Spirit.132

4. Cornelius’ household had the Holy Spirit “fall” upon them as Peter spoke to

them. 133 This was the first time that the Gentiles received the Holy Spirit. It was this reception of

the Holy Spirit that led the Jewish apostles to conclude that God had granted the Gentiles to

receive the Holy Spirit as He had given Him to them.134 Following the receiving of the Holy

Spirit, they were baptized.135 Peter was caused to remember the words of the Lord during His

earthly ministry which promised the baptism of the Holy Spirit in the future.136

5. A follower of “the way”, Ananias laid hands upon the apostle Paul and he

received his sight and the Holy Spirit.137

125

Gal. 3:2 126

Rom. 8:9; 1st Co. 3:16; 2 Co. 1:22 127

Acts 2:4 128

Acts 2;38 129

Jude 1:19; Rom. 8:9 130

Acts 2:4 131

Acts 2:38 132

Acts 8:14-15 133

Acts 10:44; 11:15 134

Acts 15:8 135

Acts 10:47 136

Acts 11:16 137

Acts 9:10,17

15

6. The apostle Paul met disciples of John the Baptist in Ephesus who years after

Pentecost had not known that there was a Holy Spirit. They received the Holy Spirit who had not

receive the Holy Spirit by the laying on of Paul’s hands.138

7. Today, believers are baptized by the Holy Spirit into the Body of Christ and

receive the Holy Spirit at salvation.139

F. Evidences of the Holy Spirit’s filling of saints in the early church is seen in the

activities of the believers.

1. They spake with boldness to those who had the authority to do them harm.140

2. They were gracious in suffering for the cause of Christ. 141

3. They spoke with wisdom that could not be withstood.142

4. They exhorted one another.143

5. They had discernment.144

6. They had joy.145

7. They spoke by the power of the Holy Spirit in order that men were not

dependent upon the words of men, but the power of God.146

G. Resistance to the Holy Spirit proved to be problematic for believers in the early

church.

138

Acts 19:1-6 139

1st Co. 12:13; Rom 8:11 140

Acts 4:8,13, 29, 31 141

Acts 7:55, 56-60; 142

Acts 6:10 143

Acts 11:22-24 144

Acts 13:7-9 145

Acts 13:52 146

1st Co. 2:4

16

1. Ananias and Sophira were put to death for lying to the Holy Spirit.147

2. Many of the Jews resisted the Holy Spirit’s appeal to them.148

H. The Holy Spirit directed the proper occasion for the renting of the veil at Christ

crucifixion.149

I. The Holy Spirit directed the apostles. He directed apostolic journeys of Paul and

Barnabas.150 The use of the article with “work” (Greek word ergon) is consistent with the Greek.

The use emphasizes a particular thing the Holy Spirit had for them to accomplish. This phrase is

used in several other places in Acts. It is used in the 14th chapter to emphasize the the things

they accomplished on their first apostolic journey.151 It is also used in

1. The Holy Spirit aided the apostles in formulated guidelines for the transition of

the Gentiles into the Body of Christ.152 The Holy Spirit revealed God’s plans to apostles and

prophets.153

2. The Holy Spirit closed doors that He didn’t want the apostles to go through.154

Having gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, Paul and Silas were “forbidden’ by

the Holy Spirit to go into Asia to preach. The word “forbidden” is the term koluo which means to

hinder, prevent; as keeping back something from someone, refuse, deny, withhold.155

3. The Holy Spirit gave them a preview on occasion as to what lay ahead.156 Paul

uses the word “witnesseth” which means to charge something as being true; to testify to;

give an account, warn.157

4. The Holy Spirit provided for overseers in the local churches for the purposes of

to “feed the church of God”.158 “Feed” is used metaphorically, of administrative and protective

147

Acts 5:3 148

Acts 7:51 149

Heb. 9:8 150

Acts 13:2,4 151

Acts 14:26 152

Acts 15:28 153

Eph. 3:5 154

Acts 16:6-7 155

aor. pass. part. cf. 1st Tim. 4:3(of eating meats); Acts 10:47 (of baptising) 156

Acts 20:23; 21:11; 157

cf. 1st Tim. 5:21; 2 Tim. 2:14 158

Acts 20:28

17

activity in relation to a community of believers; guide, car for, look after; with the

emphasis on the governing aspects of administration, rule.159

5. The Holy Spirit energized in the ministry of the apostle Paul to the

Thessalonians so that they believed.160

6. He caused them to do signs and wonders, and divers miracles, and gifts of the

Holy Spirit “according to His Own will.”161

7. Believers prayed by means of the Holy Spirit.162

8. The Holy Spirit warned the apostle Paul specifically concerning his planned

trip to Jerusalem.163

9. The Holy Spirit led Peter to follow Cornelius’ men.164

10. The Holy Spirit cautioned New Testament writers concerning things that

would happen in the last days. The Spirit warned that in the last days many would depart from

“the faith”, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils.165

11. The Holy Spirit gave revelation to the apostles concerning things that were to

come.166

VI. THE HOLY SPIRIT IS PERFORMING VERY SPECIFIC MINISTRIES IN THE

DISPENSATION

OF GRACE.

A. The Holy Spirit plays a pivotal role in initial salvation. He convicts the unsaved man of

sin, righteousness and judgment.167 The term “reprove” is used in Scripture of the Holy Spirit’s

ministry to the unsaved man that causes him to see his sin. The Greek word for “reprove” is

elegcho. The word is used in Scripture to emphasize “to convict, confute, refute, usually with

159

Friberg lexicon cf. Rev. 2:27 (of Christ shepherding the Gentiles) 160

1st Thess. 1:5 161

Heb. 2:4; Rom. 15:19 162

Jude 1:20 163

Acts 21:4, 11 164

Acts 11:12 165

1st Tim. 4:1 166

Rev. 2;7,11,17,29; 3:6; 14:13 167

see pg. 12 (C1)

18

the suggestion of putting the convicted person to shame”168 The Spirit regenerates the

human spirit of the one believing the facts of the gospel. 169 He baptizes those who believe into

the Body of Christ. He washed the believer. He justified the believer He sets believers apart.170

B. The Holy Spirit plays a significant role in the believer’s present tense salvation.

1. The Holy Spirit fills.171 The word for “filled” is pleerao which means to fill

up that which is lacking. The Holy Spirit produces the fruit necessary in the the life of the

believer in order that God’s life can be on display. The filling of the Holy Spirit produces the fruit

from the Spirit in the lives of believers.172

2. The Holy Spirit aids the believer in understanding the Word of God. He

teaches.173 He causes men to see the truth --things as they really are.174

3. The Holy Spirit causes the believer to maintain consistency with God’s

will for his life. The Holy Spirit intercedes for the believer in accordance with the will of God

when the believer is incapable of knowing what to ask for.175 The Holy Spirit leads the

believer.176 The word for “lead” in the Galatians passage is the present passive of “ago” which

means to lead or to guide. The Holy Spirit aids believer’s in communication with God.177 The

Holy Spirit provides the sword which is able to aid the believer to deflect the fiery darts of

satan.178 He comes to the believer’s aid in his infirmities.179 The Holy Spirit confirms the

believer’s relationship to the Son and to the Father.180 The Holy Spirit transforms the believer

into the image of Christ.181

4. The Holy spirit brings about communion among the brethren.182Sharing

168

Vines Complete Expository Dictionary (pp. 128-129) cf. Matt. 18:15;1st Tim. 5:20; 2 Tim. 4:2 169

Tit. 3:5 170

John 16:8-10; 1st Co. 12:13; 1st Co. 6:11; 2 Thess. 2:13; 1st Pet. 1:2 171

Eph. 5:18 172

Rom. 5:5; Rom. 14:17; 15:13; 2 Co. 6:6; 1st Thess. 1:6;Gal. 5:22; Eph. 5:9 173

1st Co. 2:10,12, 13 174

1st Co. 12:3 175

Rom. 8:27 176

Gal. 5:22; cf. Reom. 2:4; 8:14 177

Phil. 1:19 178

Eph. 6:17 179

Rom. 8:26 180

1st John 3:24; Rom. 8;16; Gal. 4:6 181

2 Co. 3:18 182

2 Co. 13:13,14

19

in common with the Holy Spirit is proof that one is a believer.183 The Holy Spirit aids believers in

keeping unity in the Body of Christ.184 The Spirit aids believers in fellowship with other saints.185

The Holy Spirit builds the Body of Christ.186

5. Holy Spirit immerses Grace Believers into the body of Christ.187 As a result of

this baptism, the Grace Believer has positions and possessions.188 These include the Grace

Believer, in Christ, being redeemed and sanctified.189 We are part of the New Creation,190 We

are given a spiritual gift.191 , placed as a priest.192 We are placed as Sons positionally.193 We

are forgiven by God.194 We are accepted in the beloved.195 Made near to God.196 Believers are

seated in the heavenlies.197counted to have died with Christ in His death, buried with Him and

resurrected with Him as a substitute198 and seen as having no condemnation.199

6. Other ministries of the Holy Spirit include:

a. His teaching ministry in which He teaches the believer;200

b. His sealing ministry in which He seals the believer in Christ until the

day

of complete redemption;201 His filling ministry in which He fills the believer ;202

c. His intercession ministry in which He intercedes for the believer in the

believer’s communication with the Father;203

d.His indwelling ministry in which He joins Himself to the believer as an

indwelling Person;204 and

e. His restraining ministry in which He is currently restraining the Man of

183

Heb. 6:4 Rom. 15:30; 184

Eph. 4:3 185

Phil. 2:1 186

Eph. 2:22 187

1 Co.12:13; Acts 1:4; 11:15-17 188

Eph. 1:6; 2:10, 13; Rom. 6:1-5, 8:1; Gal. 6:1-5 189

1 Co. 1:30; Eph. 1:7 190

2 Co. 5:17; Eph. 2:15 191

(1 Co . 12:4-8) 192

1 Pet. 2:5 193

Eph. 1:5 194

Eph 1:7 195

Eph. 1:6 196

Eph. 2:13 197

Eph. 2:6 198

Rom. 6:1-8 199

Rom. 8:1 200

1 John 2:27 201

Eph. 4:30; 1:13 202

Eph. 5:18 203

Rom. 8:26-27 204

John 14:17

20

Lawlessness until God’s appointed time.205

IV. A PRIMARY FUNCTION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IS PRODUCING FRUIT IN THE LIFE OF

BELIEVERS.

A. There are two types of lives that can be lived out by the Grace Believer: The life as

manifested by the flesh or God’s quality of life that is produced by the Holy Spirit. The life

produced by the Spirit is God’s quality of life that can be manifested as a result of the believer

reckoning the work Christ accomplished for him. This life is the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit

that is God’s life in activity. The apostle Paul referenced this life in Gal. 2:20 when he wrote: “I

am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me…” Three

characteristics highlight this life: 1.) Fruit directed at others; 2.) Fruit that stabilizes the believer

and 3.) Fruit that keeps the believer focused.

B. There are four parts of the fruit that are directed at others. Two of those four parts

produce a beneficent attitude towards others.

1. Love is a desire for and a delight in the well-being of the one loved even if

it cost you something – others centered, sacrificial. 206 Love (agape) is different from brother

love (fondness).207 Love is illustrated in the lives of believers in Scripture. The Hebrew believers

demonstrated agape love.208 The Thessalonians demonstrated agape love in action.209

Agape love prevents believers from doing evil towards another.210 Agape love is the motivation

by which believers serve one another as a slave.211

2. Goodness (Greek word agathos) is that quality in which one does as much

as ever he can and proves his moral quality by promoting the well-being of him with

whom he has to do. 212 Goodness is contrasted in Scripture with evil words.

a. Goodness is contrasted with porneros evil. Matt. 12:34-35

b. Goodness is contrasted with kakos evil. Rom. 7:19; 13:4

c. Goodness is contrasted with phalos evil. 2 Co. 5:10; Rom. 9:11

3. Goodness is not present in the sin nature. Rom. 7:18

4. The believer puts on goodness. Col. 3:12

5. Goodness is a proof of one’s legitimacy. 2 Co. 6:6

205

2 Thess. 2:6-8 206

Lavern Schafer (Maturing in Christ) 207

1st Tim. 5:10 208

Heb. 6:10 209

1 Thess. 1:3; 4:9-10 210

Rom. 13; 8-10; Eph. 5:25 211

Gal. 5:13 212

Herman Cremer Lexicon

21

C. Two parts of the fruit aids in the believer in relating to others.

1. Kindness is a sweetness of temper, putting others at ease.213 Kindness is

illustrated by God in Scripture towards men.214 Kindness is not a characteristic of the unsaved

man.215 Kindness is the means by which men are brought to repentance.216

2. Longsuffering is that quality of self-restraint in the face of provocation

which does not hastily retaliate or promptly punish.217 God illustrates longsuffering in

dealing with the unsaved.218 Longsuffering is illustrated in the life of Paul.219 Longsuffering is a

substitute for “slothfulness”. 220

D. Faith in the promises of God is a part of the fruit that gives the grace believer a stable

foundation.

1. Faith has two components. Heb. 11:1

a. Things hoped for.

b. Evidence of things not seen

2. Faith is based upon a promise from God.221 The word “staggered” (Rom. chp.

4) is diakrintho which means to doubt.222 The phrase “fully persuaded” is the word

pleerophareo which is to carry a belief to the point it fills up the mind, leaving no room for

doubt.223 The faith of as spiritual believer is seen in his works.224 The faith of the spiritual

believer will be tried.225 The spiritual believer walks by faith.226 Faith produces assurance in the

life of the spiritual believer.227

213

Laver Schafer (Maturing in Christ0 214

Rom. 2:4; 11:22; Tit. 3:4 215

Rom. 3:12 216

Rom. 2:4 217

Vines Expository Dictionary 218

2 Pet. 3:9, 15; 1 Pet. 3:20; Rom. 9:22 219

1 Tim. 1:12-16 220

Heb. 6:12 221

Rom. 4:20 222

(ill. Acts 10:20; Rom. 14:23; Ja.1:6) 223

(ill.Heb. 11:3; 10:22; 4:19) 224

Ja. 2:1-26; 1Thess. 1:4 225

1 Pet. 1:7; Ja. 1:6 (ill. Lk.22:32) 226

2 Co. 5:7 (ill. Eph. 5:8, 15; Phil. 3:17; Col. 4:5) 227

Heb. 11:3; 10:22;4:19 227

22

E. Joy is a stabilizing factor in the life of a spiritual believer in the face of dire

circumstances.

1. A couple of definition that would aide in understanding joy is:

a. Enjoying circumstances whatever they may be; a

mental willingness to accept and appreciate any circumstance without resentment or

frustration in these circumstances.228

b. Joy is the response of the mind to any pleasurable event or state

It

is both exemplified in life and character. And set forth in the teachings of Jesus. There

are many imitators that in spite of the profound elements of grief and tragedy in His life,

His habitual demeanor was gladsome, and joyous; certainly not gloomy or ascetic.229

2. Joy is contrasted with words of anguish.

a. Joy is contrasted with grief.230

b. Joy is contrasted with groaning. 231

c. Joy is contrasted with offended. 232

3. The Holy Spirit produces joy in the life of the spiritual believer.233 Abiding in

Christ is the means of joy.234 Joy can be experienced outside the realm of adversity. Joy can

be experienced by believers holding to Scripture. 235 Believers manifesting proper behavior

contribute to.236 Good events bring joy.237 Joy reaches its zenith when faced with adversity. 238

The believer can abound in hope due to joy.239

F. Peace stabilizes the heart and mind of the spiritual believer.

228

Laverne Schafer (Maturing in Christ) 229

Dictionary of New Testament Theology 230

John 16:20 231

Heb. 13:17 232

Matt. 13:19-21 233

Rom. 14:17; 1 Thess. 1:6 234

John 15:11 235

3 Jo. 4; 1Thess. 3:9; Phil. 1:4 236

Phil. 2:2; 4:1 237

Lk. 24:52; Jo. 3:29; Acts 8:8; 12:14 238

Ja. 1:2; Heb. 10:34; 1 Thess.1:6; Acts 13:52; 20:24 239

Rom. 15:13

23

1. Peace is an unruffled mind, lacking any timidity.240 -- “A state of

untroubled, undisturbed well-being; deliverance and freedom from all distress that are

experienced as the result of sin.241

2. Peace is the result of eternal life.242 Peace has an impact on the daily

activities of the Grace Believer. Peace guards the mind of the spiritual believer.243 Peace rules

over the heart of the spiritual believer.244 Peace can be multiplied.245 Believers are to pursue

peace.246

G. Meekness and self-control are two parts of the fruit of the Spirit that can keep the

believer grounded and prevent him from being swayed by the surrounding chaos that is the

American society.

1. Meekness has the potential to keep grace believers from being sidetracked

from God’s plan God’s plan and purposes. Meekness has been wrongly defined as spineless

passivity William Barclay notes meekness a gentleness in (meekness) but, behind the

gentleness there is a strength of steel, for the supreme characteristic of the man who is (meek)

is that he is the man who is under perfect control. It is not spineless gentleness, a sentimental

fondness, passive quietism. It is strength under control. Schafer notes meekness to be a

tameness of mind, or control of the mind (spirit) that keeps one focused on accomplishing an

objective.

2. There are good biblical illustrations of meekness. Moses was called the

meekest man on earth.247 The meek among the nation Israel were told they would inherit the

earth if they did not succumb to the pressures of the Tribulation period.248 The Lord Jesus

displayed meekness in His earthly ministry.249 The Lord focused on the objective. The

Pharisees did what seemed best for them.250 Meekness is a necessary component in the

believer walking worth of his calling.251 Meekness keeps the believer from being sidetracked in

his dealings with the unsaved. 252Meekness is one of several things that counters a focus on a

love for money.253 3. Meekness aids the believer in correcting an erring brother.254 Believers are

240

Laverne Schafer (Maturing in Christ) 241

Herman Cremer Lexicon 242

John 14:27; Rom. 8:6 243

Phil. 4:7 244

Col. 3:15 245

1 Pet. 1:2 246

2 Tim. 2:22; Heb. 12:14; 1 Pet. 3:11 247

Numbers 12:3 248

Matt. 5:5; Ps. 37:1-11 249

Matt. 21:5; 11:29 250

ill. Matt.23:4, 13 251

Eph. 4:2 252

Tit. 3:2 253

1 Tim. 6:11

24

instructed to put on meekness.255 Wisdom is helpful in the believer properly directing

meekness. 256

H. Self-control has the potential to help the believer accomplish God’s plans for his life.

Self-control is defined as control over one’s bodily appetites.

1. Lavern Schafer – control over bodily appetites.

2. Thayer – The virtue of one who masters his desires and passions,

especially his sensual appetites.

3. Context:

a. En – inside

b. Kratos – to grasp or hold

4. There are biblical illustrations of self-control. Self-control is seen in the one

soldering not getting involved with the affairs of this life.257 Self-control is illustrated in the

believer who abstains form fleshly lust. 258 Self-control is seen in the believer bridling his

tongue.259 The lack of self-control was one of the problems the apostle Paul said would be

evident in the latter days of the church.260 Self-control is necessary in mastering anything.261 It

is necessary to exercise self-control in all things to reach mastery in a thing. It is necessary to

run clearly in order to reach mastery in a thing. 262 It is necessary to lead the body around like

a bond slave in order to reach mastery in a thing. Self-control is necessary to be an effective

bishop. 263 The absence of self-control indicates the necessity of marriage.264 Satan can

manipulate one without self-control. The believer has to direct this fruit in order to be effective. 265

CONCLUSION

254

Gal. 6:1; 2 Tim. 2:25; 2 Co. 10:1 255

Col. 3:12 256

Ja. 3:13 256 257

2 Tim. 2:4 258

1 Pet. 2:11 259

Ja. 3:2-6 260

1 Tim. 3:3 261

1 Co. 9:25 262

1 Co.9:26 263

Tit. 1:8 264

1 Co. 7:5, 9 265

2 Pet. 1:6