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GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

This outline is from a paper by John B. Austin


INTRODUCTION

  1. There are several conflicting opinions about this subject.

  2. In summary there are three positions

    1. Holy Spirit really dwells in faithful Christians in a personal way

    2. He dwells in us in some other manner

    3. He does not dwell in us at all

  3. Position #3 contradicts clear and plain teaching in the NT.

  4. We will focus on the first two

NO NEED FOR STRIFE

  1. We can disagree without being disagreeable

  2. Since we accept the NT we all agree that the Holy Spirit dwells in us, we are in agreement.

  3. The only issue that remains is the manner of this indwelling.

CONSIDER OUR SPIRIT

  1. Each person has a soul / spirit dwelling in the fleshly body

  2. Matthew 10:28; 16:26; Micah 6:7; Daniel 7:15; James 1:21; 1 Peter 3:1-3; Acts 7:59; Revelation 6:9-11; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18; 5:6-8; Ecclesiastes 12:7; Hebrews 12:9

  3. The Bible clearly affirms that we have a spirit / soul dwelling in our body.

  4. Even if one is ignorant of having a soul, that does not exclude us from having a human spirit

THINGS NOT REVEALED

  1. There are many secret things that belong to the Lord. (Deuteronomy 29:29)

  2. What we know and understand, is what God has revealed to us.

  3. Here is what the Bible reveals about our subject.

DOES THE HOLY SPIRIT DWELL IN US?

  1. Acts 2:38

  2. Acts 5:32

  3. Romans 8:9-11

  4. 1 Corinthians 3:16

  5. 1 Corinthians 6:19

  6. 1 Thessalonians 4:8

  7. Jude 19

  8. Ephesians 1:13

  9. These are just a few of the many passages that teach that the Holy Spirit dwells in the faithful Christian.

WHEN DOES THE DWELLING BEGIN?

  1. Acts 2:38 teaches the series of events

    1. Repent

    2. Be baptized

    3. Receive the remission of sins

    4. THEN – receive the gift of the Holy Spirit

  2. NOTE: This is NOT Holy Spirit baptism. (That will be another study.)

  3. NOTE: Holy Spirit baptism and the miraculous works of the early Christians will be a topic to be studied later.

  4. Being filled with the Holy Spirit does not mean able to do miracles.

    1. John the Baptizer – filled with the Holy Spirit – Luke 1:15

    2. He did no miracles – John 10:41

  5. Acts 5:32 shows that the indwelling begins after we obey the gospel

  6. As Christians, the Holy Spirit dwells in us – 1 Corinthians 6:19

    1. We receive the Word – accept and believe the Bible teaching – James 1:21

    2. Then we act on that faith in obedience of repentance and baptism

    3. After that – we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit

 

PART 2 - HOW DOES HE DWELL IN US?

(The rest of the outline was written by Manly Luscombe.)


 

Fact of Indwelling By Faith

  1. God dwells in us 2 Corinthians 6:16 I John 4:16

  2. Christ dwells in us John 6:56 Ephesians 3:17

  3. Holy Spirit dwells in us 2 Timothy 1:14 Galatians 3:2


NOTE: The power is in proportion to our faith. More faith means more power. Less faith means less power in our lives.

 

WHAT DOES HE DO IN US / FOR US?

Power to Overcome Sin and Temptation

A. Romans 8:13

B. Galatians 5:16-26

C. Romans 8:1-8

 

Power to Overcome Doubt and Give Assurance

A. Ephesians 1:13-14 Sealed

B. Romans 8:18-23 Wait

C. Hebrews 12:1-3 Endure

D. I John 5:13 Assurance

E. I John 3:24 Abides


Power to Strengthen and Comfort

A. John 14:16-18

B. John 14:26

C. Ephesians 3:16

NOTES on John 14:26:

  1. "Comfortless" means the absence of support or strength. Same word is translated "fatherless" in James 1:27. The Greek word is "orphanos".

  2. "Comforter" is from the Greek word "paraclete". As a lawyer steps in beside us to plead our case, so the Holy Spirit steps in beside us to support, strengthen and comfort us.

  3. "Another" does not mean different. It means that another person of similar quality will be present.


The Power of the Testimony of Our Salvation

A. Romans 8:16

B. The Holy Spirit testifies WITH our spirit

C. There must be agreement between the two.

 

Holy Spirit Says Bible Text What Does My Spirit Say?
Believe John 8:24 I have/ OR I have not
Repent Acts 17:30 I have/ OR I have not
Confess Romans 10:9-10 I have/ OR I have not
Be Baptized Mark 16:16 I have/ OR I have not
Worship John 4:23-24 I have/ OR I have not
Serve Christ Matthew 25:40, 45 I have/ OR I have not

 

The Power which Marks Us As Genuine

  1. Ephesians 1:13

  2. 2 Corinthians 1:21-22

  3. Ephesians 4:30

  4. "Seal" is not like a "Ball Dome" lid.

  5. "Seal" describes:

    1. A proof that the item is genuine

    2. Power of ownership

    3. It says, “This one is authentic!”

THEREFORE DO NOT:

1. Resist Acts 7:51

Don't fight against the power.

Go with the flow of power.

2. Quench 1 Thessalonians 5:19

Do not try to put out the fire.

Do not smother the power.

3. Lie to Acts 5:3

Do not try to deceive the Holy Spirit.

You can only try to fool yourself.

4. Grieve Ephesians 4:30

Do not rebel against the power of the Spirit.

The Holy Spirit is sent to "HELP" you.

Do not make His work one of grief.

 

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