Scripture Reading: John 14:15-31.
Memory Verse: Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Romans 8:26
Article 2. THE GODHEAD
We believe,
c) In the Holy Spirit, the Promised Comforter, sent by the Father and the Son to persuade the world of sin, of righteousness and of judgment to come. By this same Spirit of God and the Son, we are sanctified and sealed unto the day of redemption. For those who diligently seek God, the Spirit will lead and guide into all truth and empower them for witnessing and service. (John 14:16, 26; 16:7-14: Ephesians 1:13-14)
Introduction:
When our Lord Jesus Christ was preparing His disciples for His departure He promised them that He would not leave them forsaken. He promised to send them another Comforter, which was the Holy Spirit (John 14:16-17).
Down through the ages there has been much discussion and controversy over what the Holy Spirit is and what the Holy Spirit will accomplish in our lives. In this lesson we will explore what God’s Word has to say regarding the Holy Spirit.
A clue as to what the Holy Spirit is may be found in noting how often the Holy Spirit is referred to as God’s Spirit and Christ’s Spirit. The terms: “God’s Spirit,” and “Spirit of God,” “Christ’s Spirit,” “Holy Spirit,” “Holy Ghost,” and the “Comforter” seem to be interchangeable. If you will notice in John 14:16-18, after promising them a comforter, Jesus says, “I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.” It is evident from this and other scriptures that the concept of Jesus abiding in us is that He dwells in us through the agency of the Holy Spirit. In verse 23 Jesus pictures God as making His abode with us as well. This agrees with Ephesians 4:4 which states that there is only one Spirit.
The Holy Spirit is a must in our lives if we are to be fruitful in our Christian walk. It gives us strength to overcome sin, power to witness, and wisdom to know what to say in times of need and directions for our daily lives.
One of the functions of the Holy Spirit is to convict the world of sin. We can eloquently share our faith with others, we can prepare well-organized sermons, but if God doesn’t bless with His Spirit and bring conviction then we are helpless to bring people into the kingdom of God. “‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of hosts” (Zechariah 4:6). It should make us very humble to realize that we are dependent upon God’s Spirit for everything we accomplish as Christians.
Lesson Questions:
- In what capacity do we find the first mention of God’s Spirit? Genesis 1:2.
- What did Jesus promise the disciples to take His place? John 16:7. What will the comforter do? John 14:15-17; 15:26; 16:8-14.
- How will the Holy Spirit help us in time of need? Matthew 10:18-20; Luke 12:11-12.
- How is the Holy Spirit described in Luke 24:49? What did this power enable them to do? Luke 24:47-48; John 7:37-39; Acts 1:8.
- What are some ways in which the Holy Spirit will direct our lives? Acts 13:1-3; 16:6-7; 2 Peter 1:20-21.
- What are we individually and collectively supposed to be? 1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19-20; Ephesians 2:19-22; 1 Peter 2:5.
- Who does the Bible say is living in us through the Holy Spirit? John 14:23; 1 John 3:24; 4:12-13.
- What will the Spirit do for us? Ephesians 3:16-19. What kind of fruit will this produce? Galatians 5:22-23.
- If Christ lives in us through the Holy Spirit, what does this make us? Romans 8:14-17.
- Have there always been those who have had the Spirit dwelling within? Genesis 41:38; Exodus 31:3; Numbers 27:18; Psalm 51:11.