Welcome to Day 13. of our devotional study, Who Is The Holy Spirit And What Does He Do online Bible study. Today's Bible study asks a very important question, Is The Holy Spirit The Spirit Of God?
This study explores various Bible verses to understand the nature and identity of the Holy Spirit, confirming that the Holy Spirit is indeed the Spirit of God. We will be studying 1 Corinthians 6:19, 2 Peter 1:21, 2 Timothy 3:16, 1 Peter 1:2, Acts 5:3-4, Psalm 139:7-8, and Genesis 1:2.
Is The Holy Spirit The Spirit Of God?
Oh, what a serious and deep question to ask!
Is the Holy Spirit the Spirit of God?
Yes, the Holy Spirit is indeed God. This is a core belief in Christian theology. God exists as three persons but one essence: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit.
Each person of the Trinity is fully God, co-equal, and co-eternal, sharing the same divine nature.
The relationship between God and the Holy Spirit is essential to understanding the nature of God as revealed in the Bible. The Holy Spirit is not only a divine helper and counselor but is also God Himself, actively working in and through us.
Most mainstream Christian denominations, including Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, and many Protestant branches, believe that the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God. They affirm the doctrine of the Trinity, which states that God is one Being in three persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. This belief is rooted in Scripture and the early creeds of Christianity, such as the Nicene Creed.
The Pentecostalism and Charismatic Movements also believe in the Trinity. They place a strong emphasis on the active and experiential presence of the Holy Spirit. They believe in the Holy Spirit as the Spirit of God who empowers believers through spiritual gifts, such as speaking in tongues, prophecy, and healing.
However, the Jehovah's Witnesses do not believe in the Holy Trinity. They view the Holy Spirit not as a person but as God's active force or power, similar to electricity. They do not believe the Holy Spirit is a distinct person but rather an impersonal force that God uses to accomplish His will.
....the most important thing that can be said about the Holy Spirit: that He is God. Fully God. The Holy Spirit is fully God as the Father is God and as Jesus the Son is God.
Join me in studying the following six Bible verses to understand the nature and identity of the Holy Spirit, confirming that the Holy Spirit is indeed the Spirit of God.
1. The Indwelling of the Holy Spirit
Read 1 Corinthians 6:19:
Click on the Bible verse to read it in various translations at Biblegateway.
"Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own" 1 Corinthians 6:19.
I Corinthians 6:19 captures the reality that the Holy Spirit is not merely an abstract force or an impersonal power, but the very Spirit of God living within us. The indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit transforms our bodies into sacred spaces where God's Spirit dwells. Unlike the Old Testament where God's presence was confined to the temple, under the new covenant, every believer's body becomes a temple of the Holy Spirit.
Always remember the Holy Spirit in you is God in you. You can worship the Holy Spirit, you can pray to the Holy Spirit, and you can sing to the Holy Spirit. Also, don't forget our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit which should lead us to a life of holiness and purity!
2. The Inspiration of Scripture by the Holy Spirit
Read 2 Peter 1:21, and 2 Timothy 3:16
"For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit." 2 Peter 1:21 ESV
"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness," 2 Timothy 3:16
The Bible is the inspired Word of God, given to humanity through the Holy Spirit. 2 Peter 1:21 tells us that the prophecies and writings of the Bible did not come from human initiative. Instead, they originated from God, communicated through humans who were moved by the Holy Spirit. This process highlights the Holy Spirit's role in guiding and inspiring the authors of the Bible.
2 Timothy 3:16 affirms that all Scripture is "God-breathed." This means that every part of the Bible is inspired by God and carries His authority. It is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness.
Understanding that the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God who inspired the Scriptures should deepen our reverence for the Bible. It should also motivate us to engage with it regularly and seek the Holy Spirit's guidance in our study and application of God's Word.
Get in the word daily!
3. The Role of the Holy Spirit in Sanctification
Read 1 Peter 1:2
"according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood:" 1 Peter 1:2 ESV.
The Holy Spirit is incredibly important in helping believers become more holy and devoted to God. This process, called sanctification, shows that the Holy Spirit is truly part of God's plan to save us, highlighting His divine nature. Recognizing that the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God who makes us holy and helps us follow Jesus should encourage us to rely on Him more deeply. The Holy Spirit is essential to our spiritual journey. He transforms us, guides us to live in obedience, and fills our lives with grace and peace.
4. The Deity of the Holy Spirit
Read Acts 5:3-4
"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? 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.” Acts 5:3-4 ESV.
Peter equates lying to the Holy Spirit with lying to God, directly affirming the deity of the Holy Spirit. The sin of Ananias and Sapphira was not merely in holding back some of the money but in lying about it, attempting to deceive the community and the Holy Spirit. This act of deceit was a serious offense because it showed a lack of respect and reverence for God. As a consequence, Ananias and his wife were struck dead.
R. T Kendall says this about Ananias and Sapphira in His book 40 Days With the Holy Spirit:
The Holy Spirit was present in the earliest church at a very high level. They were in a "revival situation". So when God is manifest as powerfully as He was at that time, it became dangerous to lie in His presence. Lying to the Holy Spirit was like tampering with high-voltage electricity with wet hands.
The Holy Spirit, as the Spirit of God, calls us to live lives of integrity and truth. His presence within us and within the community of believers is real and powerful.
5. The Omnipresence of the Holy Spirit
Read Psalm 139:7-8
"Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!" Psalm 138:7-8 ESV.
The psalmist acknowledges the omnipresence of God's Spirit, indicating that the Holy Spirit is everywhere and that there is no place where God's presence does not reach. This omnipresence is a divine attribute, solidifying the Holy Spirit as God's Spirit.
The Holy Spirit, as the Spirit of God, possesses perfect knowledge of our thoughts, actions, and words. His omnipresence means that there is no place we can go where He is not already present. Be encouraged, the Holy Spirit is always aware of your needs and concerns.
6. The Creative Power of the Holy Spirit
Read Genesis 1:2
"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." Genesis 1:2 ESV.
From the very beginning of creation, the Spirit of God is depicted as active and present, hovering over the waters. This creative activity signifies the Holy Spirit's involvement in the creation process, further demonstrating His divine nature and confirming that He is the Spirit of God. We discussed the role of the Holy Spirit at creation on Day 2 of our 25 Day Bible study, Who is the Holy Spirit And What Does He Do?
Summary:
From all the above scriptures that we have examined, it is evident that the Holy Spirit is indeed the Spirit of God. The Holy Spirit indwells believers, inspires the Scriptures, sanctifies, possesses deity, is omnipresent, and is actively involved in creation. These divine attributes and activities affirm that the Holy Spirit is not a separate entity but the Spirit of God Himself, actively working in the world and in the lives of believers.
Here are cross-references for further study:
1 Corinthians 3:16-17, John 14:17, Romans 8:9, Jeremiah 1:9, Romans 15:4, 2 Peter 1:20-21, Hebrews 4:12, Ephesians 1:4-5, 2 Thessalonians 2:13, Ephesians 4:30, 1 Corinthians 3:16, Jeremiah 23:24, Psalm 33:6.
Prayer acknowledging the Holy Spirit as the Spirit of God
Heavenly Father, we honor You, recognizing the Holy Spirit as Your Spirit, dwelling within us. We thank you for the guidance and inspiration from the Holy Spirit through scripture and His sanctifying work in our lives.
Help us to live with integrity. Thank You for Your omnipresence and that You bring order to our chaos. Fill us afresh with Your Spirit, that we may bear fruit that glorifies You. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Who Is The Holy Spirit And What Does He Do? Online Bible Study and Printable Journal
Dive even deeper into this study with our printable journal. This journal is designed to guide you through personal reflections and insights, enhancing your experience as you engage with the Scriptures and listen to the Holy Spirit. Grab your journal HERE.
Here are some questions to consider as you study the person of the Holy Spirit:
What is the most important truth I learned about the Holy Spirit?
Did the Holy Spirit convict me of anything that I need to change in my life?
Come back tomorrow as we study The Holy Spirit intercedes for us
Thank you for joining me on this journey. May the Holy Spirit continue to lead you into a deeper relationship with God and empower you to live out your faith boldly and effectively.
Resources used in today's study on, Is the Holy Spirit the Spirit Of God?
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