HOLY SPIRIT: Lesson #3

 

Editors' Note:

The New Testament has appeared in this blog formatted to reflect its version as The Amplified Bible. Chelsa and I discussed that version's use in our blog. We realized that instead of revealing The LORD'S Glory we have caused confusion with our use of The Amplified Bible. We confess that we may have hidden The LIGHT we wished to illuminate. To rectify that, the New Testament scriptures now included will appear in the New Living Translation. Chelsa and I have also concluded that the appearance of footnotes from within the biblical text need to be included but in an altered manner from those previously added to the blog lessons. Any footnotes from the biblical text, such as further biblical cross references will remain within the appropriate lesson, but they will now be shown at the end of each blog entry. Each footnote, now an end-note will be as this example: [*a, *b, etc.] corresponding to its place in the text; the Old Testament in the New International Version and the New Testament in the New Living Translation.

How Does GOD Work On Our Behalf

• GOD is omnipresent...GOD is everywhere.
• GOD is omniscient...GOD knows all and sees all
• Through all of history, GOD has revealed HIMSELF to mankind in different ways.
• In the Old Testament, how did GOD make HIMSELF visible?

Before the fall, HE walked in the garden with Adam and Eve.

After the fall but before JESUS walked the earth:

• The LORD appeared as Fire.

The Burning Bush

Exodus 3:2 NIV

There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up.

The Pillar of Fire leading the Israelites in the wilderness

Exodus 13:21 NIV

By day the LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night.

• The LORD appeared as Smoke.

Revelation 15:8 NLT

The Temple was filled with smoke from God’s glory and power. No one could enter the Temple until the seven angels had completed pouring out the seven plagues. [*a, *b, *c]

• The LORD appeared as a Person to:

Abram

Genesis 18:16-19 NIV

When the men got up to leave, they looked down toward Sodom, and Abraham walked along with them to see them on their way. Then the LORD said, "Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do? Abraham will surely become a great and powerful nation, and all nations on earth will be blessed through him. For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just, so that the LORD will bring about for Abraham what he has promised him." [*d]

And to:

Jacob

Genesis 32:24-30 NIV

So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak. When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob's hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man. Then the man said, "Let me go, for it is daybreak."

But Jacob replied, "I will not let you go unless you bless me."

The man asked him, "What is your name?"

"Jacob," he answered.

Then the man said, "Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel [*e] , because you have struggled with God and with men and have overcome."

Jacob said, "Please tell me your name."

But he replied, "Why do you ask my name?" Then he blessed him there.

So Jacob called the place Peniel [*f] , saying, "It is because I saw God face to face, and yet my life was spared."

• In the Gospels, JESUS became flesh and lived among humanity.

John 1:1-5, 9-14 NLT

Prologue: Christ, the Eternal Word

In the beginning the Word [*g]already existed./The Word was with God[*h],/and the Word was God [*i]./He existed in the beginning with God.[*j]/God created everything through him,/and nothing was created except through him./The Word gave life to everything that was created,[*k]/and his life brought light to everyone./The light shines in the darkness,/and the darkness can never extinguish it.[*l]

The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. [*m] He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God. So the Word became human[*n] and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness.[*o] And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.

• From JESUS'S Ascension into heaven, The HOLY SPIRIT lives and makes HIS Dwelling Place within the believers and followers of HIS BEST FRIEND, JESUS CHRIST.

Romans 8:9-11 NLT

But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.) And Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life[*q] because you have been made right with God. The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.

• And since The SPIRIT lives in believers, how important is it to really know Who HE Is?

Very Important!

• What does HE do?

What does The HOLY SPIRIT do and how does HE work?

What is HIS Purpose, especially in relation to Who HE is?

[*a]I Kings 8:10 (When the priests withdrew from the Holy Place, the cloud filled the temple of the LORD.); [*b]Isaiah 6:4 (At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke.); [*c]Ezekiel 44:4 (Then the man brought me by way of the north gate to the front of the temple. I looked and saw the glory of the LORD filling the temple of the LORD, and I fell face down.)

[*d]Or will use his name in blessings (see Genesis 48:20 He blessed them that day and said, “In your name will Israel pronounce this blessing: ‘May God make you like Ephraim and Manasseh.’” So he put Ephraim ahead of Manasseh.)

[*e] Israel probably means he struggles with God. [*f] Peniel means face of God.

[*g] Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born,/to us a son is given,/and the government will be on his shoulders./And he will be called/Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,/Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.; [*h] Or and nothing that was created was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything. [*i] Or and the darkness has not understood it. [*j] Isaiah 56:4-5 For this is what the LORD says: “To the eunuchs who keep my Sabbaths,/who choose what pleases me/and hold fast to my covenant—/to them I will give within my temple and its walls/a memorial and a name/better than sons and daughters;/I will give them an everlasting name/that will endure forever.[*k] In John's vision, he sees Christ returning as Warrior-Messiah-King, and "the title by which He is called is The Word of God... and Lord of lords." Revelation 19:13, 16 [] [*l] Charles B. Williams, The New Testament: A Translation in the Language of the People: "God" appears first in the Greek word order in this phrase, denoting emphasis--so "God Himself." [*m] Isaiah 49:5-6 And now the LORD says— he who formed me in the womb to be his servant/to bring Jacob back to him/and gather Israel to himself,/for I am honored in the eyes of the LORD/and my God has been my strength—/he says:/“It is too small a thing for you to be my servant/to restore the tribes of Jacob/and bring back those of Israel I have kept./I will also make you a light for the Gentiles,/that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.” [*n]Isaiah 40:5 And the glory of the LORD will be revealed,/and all people will see it together./For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.” [*o] Greek became flesh. [*p] Or grace and truth

[*q] Or your spirit is alive.

The HOLY SPIRIT: Lesson 1

What do we think about when contemplating The HOLY SPIRIT?

Chelsa:

“I feel like we haven't given enough time and attention to who The HOLY SPIRIT is and how significant HE can really be in our lives and in the life of the Church. The HOLY SPIRIT is a gift JESUS promised to all believers, and ... as such we need to find out all we can about HIM. What should we do with this gift?”

GOD is omnipresent...HE is everywhere.

GOD is omniscient...HE knows all and sees all.

Understanding these concepts has everything to do with an understanding the work of The HOLY SPIRIT as the Presence of GOD in your life.

HE longs to be especially present with each one of us.

HE longs to be personally related to and engaged in an intimate relationship with each person on the earth and each person who has never lived.

The LORD is not satisfied with being some big eyeball in the sky.

The Gift of The HOLY SPIRIT

• Have you ever received a gift from someone, but you didn't know exactly what it was or how to use?

Personal Example: When my Mother opened some really big boxes one Christmas, and had no idea what the gift was until Bruce revealed that they were high quality sky lights.

• Aren't some of this type of gift meant to sit on a shelf and not used [like a “Blessings Jar”]; while some of these gifts are meant to be helpful in your activities [like a lap desk/breakfast tray]?
• NOW

Imagine GOD giving you a really special gift to use, but at the time of its presentation you really don't understand what to do with it.

• What should you do?

Should you ask others what this gift is?

When you talk to others about this gift and ask for advice, should you rely on what they tell you its use is?

Should you rely on what they tell you about their experiences with this gift GOD has given to them as well?

Even well-intended people can be mistaken or have invalid opinions in their testimony of how this gift is useful in this life, like those who have written “tracts” for new believers which are in churches even today.

• Ultimately, where should we look to learn for the absolutely true instructions of how to use the gift GOD has given you?

The BIBLE

The HOLY SPIRIT As “Alka Seltzer™”

• Why don't you read a package of Alka Seltzer sometime?

It claims to claims to has power; it claims to provide relief; and is claims to heal. Can these two quarter-sized tablets really do all that?

Well, maybe for a little while.

• Are releases of power, relief production and healing possible?

Yes, GOD Can Do All of This.

• BUT

What would happen to you if I gave you some Alka Seltzer and told you to take it and neither of us knew how to use it, nor did we have the correct directions?

Could it hurt you or cause problems?

• Compare The HOLY SPIRIT to Alka Seltzer

When you talk to someone about The HOLY SPIRIT and HIS Power and how HE helped you or someone you know, but you don't really understand what the Scripture say about HIM, what could happen?

Could it hurt you and your faith or cause other problems like: confusion and discouragement?

• Look at the Alka Seltzer pack again.

How is the “power” released?

Just add it to water and the active ingredients come alive.

What does that look like?

It bubbles up.

Is it effervescent?

• What does effervescent mean?

Lively & High-Spirited.

• Once more look at the tablets' packaging label.

What are its inactive ingredients?

There Aren't any!

• Similarly, are there any inactive ingredients in The HOLY SPIRIT?

When a believer is filled with The HOLY SPIRIT and living a life fully within HIM, what should that look like?

Effervescent? Lively and High-Spirited?

• Is The HOLY SPIRIT like the Alka Seltzer with no inactive ingredients?

In your life does the Power of The HOLY SPIRIT shine through?

• Have you ever wondered if you even have The HOLY SPIRIT ?

How can you know for sure?

Baptism

• Have you been baptized as a believer?

Acts 2:38

And Peter answered them, Repent (change your views and purpose to accept the will of God in your inner selves instead of rejecting it) and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of and release from your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Galatians 5:25

If we live by the [Holy] Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. [If by the Holy Spirit we have our life in God, let us go forward walking in line, our conduct controlled by the Spirit.]

• How do you know what to do with The HOLY SPIRIT?

Follow The Directions.

• Where are The Directions for knowing GOD and to live a healing relationship with GOD found?

The BIBLE

• According to the above two Scripture passages, baptism [like the Alka Seltzer: just add the tablet (yourself) to water] and keeping in step with The HOLY SPIRIT lead to power being released in you.

So, what about those pamphlets available to anyone who comes to that church?

• How do you know who is telling The TRUTH?

Didn't the ones who wrote these pamphlets read the Bible religiously?

The Pharisees were also known for memorizing Scripture and knowing the details of GOD'S Law.

• So how do we know The TRUTH?

Do we pray?

Do we ask GOD to help us as we read HIS WORD?

Do we keep an open mind when reading Scripture?

Do we read to understand Scripture or do we read to prove a theological, often legalistic point?

PRAY NOW, PRAY OFTEN, PRAY ALWAYS!

First of Many, We Pray

with corrections

As we study The Holy Scriptures, we want to share what we ponder in our hearts and share how we grow in our lives lived for The LORD. Currently, we are studying the Life of The HOLY SPIRIT and how HE moves in our hearts, lives, relationships and church.
Note: Usually Old Testament scripture is quoted from the New International Version and New Testament scripture is quoted from the Amplified Bible.

A Study of The HOLY SPIRIT

Where is a student of the Bible to begin such a study?

Relationship

Genesis 1:1-2 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.

The Hebrew word for GOD in this Scripture is “ELOHIM,” a plural noun, but the word for “created” is a singular verb.

Genesis 1:26-27 Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

“Let US” again is a plural noun.

John 1:1-3 IN THE beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself. He was present originally with God. All things were made and came into existence through Him; and without Him was not even one thing made that has come into being.

Trinity:

the word itself in not used within the Scriptures but the reality of the concept is.

But it is not an easy concept to grasp and hold onto. A good example is:

One Woman can be:

a daughter          a wife         and       a mother

all at the same moment in time.

*So is GOD HIMSELF:

FATHER             SON          and      SPIRIT

at all times inseparable?

You Betcha!

Ultimately the idea of Trinity tells us:

GOD Is Relational at All Times, and in every way HE addresses us!

John 16:13-15 But when He, the Spirit of Truth (the Truth-giving Spirit) comes, He will guide you into all the Truth (the whole, full Truth). For He will not speak His own message [on His own authority]; but He will tell whatever He hears [from the Father; He will give the message that has been given to Him], and He will announce and declare to you the things that are to come [that will happen in the future]. He will honor and glorify Me, because He will take of (receive, draw upon) what is Mine and will reveal (declare, disclose, transmit) it to you. Everything that the Father has is Mine. That is what I meant when I said that He [the Spirit] will take the things that are Mine and will reveal (declare, disclose, transmit) it to you.

John 17:4-5 I have glorified You down here on the earth by completing the work that You gave Me to do. And now, Father, glorify Me along with Yourself and restore Me to such majesty and honor in Your presence as I had with You before the world existed.

*What does “Glorify” mean?

To praise, to enjoy and to delight in.

*What is the ultimate joy of best friends? Each Other's Pleasure? Each Other's Happiness?

*What are best friends willing to do to attain each of these for the other friend?

*Is each willing to sacrifice their own self interests?

*How does this apply for the Trinity? How do THEY EACH glorify The OTHERS?

*Do we as people always glorify our best friends?

No! Every person on earth since Adam and Eve was and continues to be self-consumed and self-centered, and each believes all of life orbits around themselves alone....

But in the Trinity, EACH personality voluntarily circles [orbits] around The OTHERS, pouring perfect love and delight into THEM.

Ponder: What would GOD be like without having HIS BEING in the Trinity?

*How would love look?

*What is power?

*If The LORD was one personality alone, could HE have been loving for all eternity?

Chelsa: I don't think so because HE would be impersonal with no love because in order to truly love there has to be another.

'Chel agrees.

*If one believes the world was created by a GOD Who Is In Community with PERSONS Who have Loved EACH OTHER for all eternity ['eternity' is a idea which 'Chel thinks no human in history has or can ever fully comprehend because it is so mind-boggling] and every person is made in The LORD'S IMAGE as stated in Scripture, as an individual does it change one's perspective of self and others?

*Ponder: What am I made for?

As a Christian, I should practice a self-giving love directed onto others..

*What does self-centeredness do to my personal purpose and to my Godly purpose?

Destroys It!! Self-centeredness destroys all purposes except that of self-gratification.

*Consider: One's Best Friend

*Is one's best friend the person one admires more than any other in entire world?

*Is one willing to do anything in the world possible for this best friend?

*Will the admired also do anything in the world for the admiring?

A best friendship is entered into as a life-long friendship.

*Does that sound like Heaven?

*It Is!*

John 17:20-24  Neither for these alone do I pray [it is not for their sake only that I make this request], but also for all those who will ever come to believe in (trust in, cling to, rely on) Me through their word and teaching, That they all may be one, [just] as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be one in Us, so that the world may believe and be convinced that You have sent Me. I have given to them the glory and honor which You have given Me, that they may be one [even] as We are one: I in them and You in Me, in order that they may become one and perfectly united, that the world may know and [definitely] recognize that You sent Me and that You have loved them [even] as You have loved Me. Father, I desire that they also whom You have entrusted to Me [as Your gift to Me] may be with Me where I am, so that they may see My glory, which You have given Me [Your love gift to Me]; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.

GOD made us to share together in HIS PERFECT LOVE, centering our lives on HIM. We were created to know, serve and resemble HIM and to share that with all of those around us.

That sounds so beautiful and wonderful, but “I” have seen how life works....So obviously, we cannot have this by the strength of our own power. It is also obvious what we do have by our own power. So...

*How can we feel this lifelong friendship and love?

*If we can't do that by ourselves, how can we get it?

How Does GOD Works

GOD has revealed HIMSELF to mankind in many different ways.

Old Testament:

*GOD HIMSELF Is Visible, but How?

HOLY SPIRIT: Lesson #2

Relationship

The LORD longs to be especially present with with each one of us.

HE longs to personally relate to and to engage in an intimate relationship with every person.

GOD is not satisfied with being some big eyeball in the sky, and HE does not live in the moon.

Understanding this has everything to do with the work of The HOLY SPIRIT, Who alerts us to The PRESENCE of The LORD in our lives.

Genesis 1:1-2 NIV

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.

• The Hebrew word used for GOD here at the beginning of the Bible is “ELOHIM.”

This word is plural.

However,

The word used for the verb “created” is singular, like “a potter shaped a jar.”

Genesis 1:26 NIV

Then GOD said, “Let US make man in OUR IMAGE, in OUR LIKENESS, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”

• The use of the personal pronoun “US” is also clearly plural.

John 1:1-5, 14 AMP

IN THE beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself. He was present originally with God. All things were made and came into existence through Him; and without Him was not even one thing made that has come into being. In Him was Life, and the Life was the Light of men. And the Light shines on in the darkness, for the darkness has never overpowered it [put it out or absorbed it or appropriated it, and is unreceptive to it].

And the Word (Christ) became flesh (human, incarnate) and tabernacled (fixed His tent of flesh, lived awhile) among us; and we [actually] saw His glory (His honor, His majesty), such glory as an only begotten son receives from his father, full of grace (favor, loving-kindness) and truth.

• “Trinity”

This word never appears in Holy Scripture.

However,

The reality of 3-in-1 is very much a part of Scripture.

The Concept is just hard to really explain or understand.

I and many others are examples, however poor they may be, of three existing in one and of the three working harmoniously in continual patterns.

• OK, so THE PERFECT EXAMPLE

Rachel is a:     Chelsa is a:     GOD IS:

Sister              Daughter      FATHER

Aunt              Wife               SON

Best Friend  Mother           HOLY SPIRIT

• What does the idea of Trinity tell us about The LORD?

HE IS RELATIONAL.

John 16:13-15 AMP

But when He, the Spirit of Truth (the Truth-giving Spirit) comes, He will guide you into all the Truth (the whole, full Truth). For He will not speak His own message [on His own authority]; but He will tell whatever He hears [from the Father; He will give the message that has been given to Him], and He will announce and declare to you the things that are to come [that will happen in the future]. He will honor and glorify Me, because He will take of (receive, draw upon) what is Mine and will reveal (declare, disclose, transmit) it to you. Everything that the Father has is Mine. That is what I meant when I said that He [the Spirit] will take the things that are Mine and will reveal (declare, disclose, transmit) it to you.

John 17:4-5 AMP

I have glorified You down here on the earth by completing the work that You gave Me to do. And now, Father, glorify Me along with Yourself and restore Me to such majesty and honor in Your presence as I had with You before the world existed.

The word “Glorify” is used here, what does it mean?

To Praise

To Enjoy

To Delight In

• Now consider your own personal best friend.

You enjoy her/his company, don't you?

What is your ultimate joy in being around them?

Don't you want to please your best friend?

Don't you want her/him to be blessed?

What is your response to these feelings?

Don't you often sacrifice your own interests, material and immaterial?

• Compare that relationship to the relationship each MEMBER of The Trinity has to The OTHERS.

What does it mean then, that FATHER, SON & HOLY SPIRIT glorify each other?

• When someone is self-centered everything orbits around them. In The Trinity, each personality voluntarily circles around the other two, pouring love and delight into them
• Consider what GOD would be like if HE did not exist within The Trinity.

Would HE be LOVE?

If HE was just ONE PERSONALITY, could HE have been so loving for all of eternity?

If there was no other part to GOD: how could HE participate personally with love; how could HE express that love?

In our humble opinion, HE couldn't. HE would be impersonal as some of the founding fathers of America thought [note: Rachel's college degree is in history] GOD with no love because there has to be an object of affection for love to sprout.

• If you believe the world was made by a GOD who is in a community of PERSONS who have loved each other for all eternity; and if you consider yourself to be made in HIS IMAGE, what conclusions can you arrive at in regards to who you are; and what is your purpose here?
• What are you made for?

Are we made to pour out love, a mutual self-sacrificing kind of love onto others?

• How do we destroy this GOD-Given purpose?

Being self-centered destroys The LORD'S PRESENCE in our lives.

• Consider your relationship with your best friend again.

Don't you admire them more than anything in the world?

Won't you do anything you can for them?

[If you have to imagine, then do so] Now, does your friend think about you the same way you do about her/him?

When the two of you agree to enter into a life-long relationship, are you not agreeing to work together for each other's benefit?

• Don't you think this is what heaven is like? Believe us, this is what heaven is like!, Only Better!

John 17:20-24 AMP

Neither for these alone do I pray [it is not for their sake only that I make this request], but also for all those who will ever come to believe in (trust in, cling to, rely on) Me through their word and teaching, That they all may be one, [just] as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be one in Us, so that the world may believe and be convinced that You have sent Me. I have given to them the glory and honor which You have given Me, that they may be one [even] as We are one: I in them and You in Me, in order that they may become one and perfectly united, that the world may know and [definitely] recognize that You sent Me and that You have loved them [even] as You have loved Me. Father, I desire that they also whom You have entrusted to Me [as Your gift to Me] may be with Me where I am, so that they may see My glory, which You have given Me [Your love gift to Me]; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.

• GOD made us to share ourselves together in HIS Perfect LOVE, centering our lives on HIM. We were created to know, serve and resemble HIM in all we do, especially sharing HIS LOVE with those who do not know HIM or HIS LOVE for them.

• But can we do this beautiful thing with our own power alone? Have you noticed what you can do? Can you exist in a perpetual state of selfless love for others?

No! No person can do this by his/her own power.

• Is there a way to live like this?

If so, how can we develop that life affirming relationship?

Preface

A Better late than Never Preface

For this Scripture Study

For This PERSON Study

Chelsa

In our very first post, Rachel and I neglected to mention some very important people, and we would like to remedy that now.

Rachel

Chelsa and I need to say a very big thank you to Chris Seidman, the preacher at Farmers' Branch. He was inspired by The HOLY SPIRIT to share his research about The HOLY SPIRIT in a series of sermons which he entitled, “MP3: FATHER, SON & HOLY SPIRIT.” We also say thank you to Farmer's Branch for serving by sharing these sermons.

We would like thank The LORD for leading Creg, Chelsa's husband, to share his belief that The SPIRIT continues to move and to change & grow individuals, families and churches. Thank you, Creg, for demonstrating how a true man of GOD leads his family through the Power of The HOLY SPIRIT.

Creg, besides physical ones, you especially plant seeds of faith and water them particularly with your preparation of a study guide that introduced us to The PERSON Of THE HOLY SPIRIT Who is reaping the harvest of our spiritual growth, Chelsa's, mine and the ladies we study HIM with weekly.
 Note: This preface refers to items we had previously posted on our blog. They have temporarily been removed. Rest assured they will be re-posted by lesson order over the next few days.