The Holy Spirit: Empowering Prophets, Apostles, and Jesus
Summary
### Summary
Welcome to the final session of our eight-week Bible study on the person and work of the Holy Spirit. Today, we delve into the Holy Spirit's work in prophets, apostles, and Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, is fully God and has been active from all eternity. This study aims to help you understand how the Holy Spirit operates uniquely in the lives of prophets and apostles, and how it worked in the life of Jesus Christ.
The Holy Spirit imparts special gifts to apostles and prophets for specific purposes. These gifts are not titles but are meant to edify and uplift the church. For instance, the Holy Spirit reveals mysteries to apostles and prophets, as seen in Ephesians 3:3-5. The Holy Spirit acts as an agent of revelation, much like an agent for a professional athlete, revealing God's truth to believers. This revelation is not based on human understanding but is a divine impartation.
Prophets spoke from God, not from their own thoughts, as evidenced in 2 Peter 1:21. The Holy Spirit carried the word of God to them, enabling them to reveal divine truths. This process is similar to how the Holy Spirit reveals truths to us today, guiding us in our spiritual journey. The Holy Spirit uses our language and understanding to communicate God's will, making it accessible and comprehensible.
In the life of Jesus, the Holy Spirit played a crucial role. Jesus was begotten of the Holy Spirit, led a sinless life, and was empowered by the Holy Spirit to perform miracles and preach the gospel. The Holy Spirit anointed Jesus, enabling Him to fulfill His mission on earth. This same Spirit is available to us, empowering us to live holy lives and serve God effectively.
As we conclude this series, remember that the Holy Spirit is at our disposal to help us live without spot or wrinkle, offering ourselves back to God. Let us not nullify the word of God by our traditions but live as Jesus did, guided by the Holy Spirit.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Holy Spirit Reveals Mysteries: The Holy Spirit reveals divine mysteries to apostles and prophets, enabling them to understand and convey God's will. This revelation is not based on human wisdom but is a divine impartation that guides believers in their spiritual journey. [12:12]
2. Agent of Revelation: The Holy Spirit acts as an agent of revelation, much like an agent for a professional athlete, negotiating and revealing God's truth to believers. This divine revelation is essential for understanding and living out God's will. [14:03]
3. Prophets Spoke from God: Prophets did not speak from their own thoughts but were carried along by the Holy Spirit. This divine guidance ensured that the messages they conveyed were directly from God, providing a reliable source of divine truth. [17:11]
4. Jesus and the Holy Spirit: Jesus was begotten of the Holy Spirit, led a sinless life, and was empowered by the Holy Spirit to perform miracles and preach the gospel. This same Spirit is available to us, empowering us to live holy lives and serve God effectively. [39:14]
5. Living by the Spirit: The Holy Spirit uses our language and understanding to communicate God's will, making it accessible and comprehensible. This divine guidance helps us live as Jesus did, offering ourselves back to God without spot or wrinkle. [35:00]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[03:51] - Opening Prayer and Announcements
[06:56] - Introduction to the Holy Spirit's Work
[08:31] - The Holy Spirit in Prophets and Apostles
[10:25] - Gifts to the Church
[12:12] - Revelation of Mysteries
[14:03] - Agent of Revelation
[17:11] - Prophets Spoke from God
[22:28] - Words and Thoughts Guided by the Spirit
[27:47] - Spiritual Realities Explained
[35:00] - Language and Understanding
[39:14] - The Holy Spirit in Jesus
[42:45] - Jesus Anointed by the Holy Spirit
[47:43] - Jesus' Instructions to Apostles
[49:43] - Application and Final Thoughts
[53:13] - Closing Prayer and Farewell
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Ephesians 3:3-5: "That is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets."
2. 2 Peter 1:21: "For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit."
3. Luke 1:35: "The angel answered, 'The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Ephesians 3:3-5, what role does the Holy Spirit play in revealing mysteries to the apostles and prophets?
2. How does 2 Peter 1:21 describe the process by which prophets received and conveyed their messages?
3. In Luke 1:35, what is the significance of the Holy Spirit's role in the conception of Jesus?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean that the Holy Spirit reveals mysteries to the apostles and prophets, and how does this impact our understanding of divine revelation? [12:12]
2. How can we understand the concept of the Holy Spirit acting as an "agent of revelation" in our own spiritual journeys? [14:03]
3. Why is it important to recognize that prophets spoke from God and not from their own thoughts, as stated in 2 Peter 1:21? [17:11]
4. How does the Holy Spirit's involvement in Jesus' life, from conception to ministry, demonstrate the Spirit's power and purpose? [39:14]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt the Holy Spirit revealing something to you. How did it guide your actions or decisions? [12:12]
2. The sermon mentioned that the Holy Spirit acts as an agent of revelation, much like an agent for a professional athlete. How can you be more attentive to the Holy Spirit's guidance in your daily life? [14:03]
3. Considering that prophets spoke from God and not from their own thoughts, how can you ensure that your own words and actions are guided by the Holy Spirit rather than personal desires? [17:11]
4. Jesus was empowered by the Holy Spirit to perform miracles and preach the gospel. In what ways can you seek the Holy Spirit's empowerment to fulfill your own mission and calling? [39:14]
5. The Holy Spirit uses our language and understanding to communicate God's will. How can you make yourself more open and receptive to the Holy Spirit's communication in your life? [35:00]
6. The sermon emphasized living by the Spirit and offering ourselves back to God without spot or wrinkle. What specific steps can you take this week to live a life more aligned with the Holy Spirit's guidance? [49:43]
7. How can you support others in your small group or community to recognize and respond to the Holy Spirit's work in their lives? [51:24]
Devotional
Day 1: The Holy Spirit Reveals Divine Mysteries
The Holy Spirit reveals divine mysteries to apostles and prophets, enabling them to understand and convey God's will. This revelation is not based on human wisdom but is a divine impartation that guides believers in their spiritual journey. The Holy Spirit's role as a revealer of mysteries is crucial for the edification and growth of the church. It allows believers to access divine truths that are beyond human comprehension, providing a deeper understanding of God's plan and purpose.
In Ephesians 3:3-5, Paul speaks about the mystery made known to him by revelation, which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God's holy apostles and prophets. This passage highlights the unique role of the Holy Spirit in imparting divine knowledge and wisdom. As believers, we are invited to seek the Holy Spirit's guidance in our own lives, trusting that He will reveal God's will to us in ways that are clear and comprehensible. [12:12]
Ephesians 3:3-5 (ESV): "How the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel uncertain or confused? Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal God's will and guidance to you in this area today.
Day 2: The Holy Spirit as an Agent of Revelation
The Holy Spirit acts as an agent of revelation, much like an agent for a professional athlete, negotiating and revealing God's truth to believers. This divine revelation is essential for understanding and living out God's will. The Holy Spirit's role as an agent of revelation ensures that believers have access to the truths necessary for their spiritual growth and maturity. By revealing God's will, the Holy Spirit helps believers navigate their spiritual journey with clarity and purpose.
In 1 Corinthians 2:10-12, Paul explains that God has revealed His wisdom to us through the Spirit, who searches all things, even the deep things of God. This passage underscores the importance of the Holy Spirit in revealing divine truths that are beyond human understanding. As believers, we are encouraged to rely on the Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth, trusting that He will reveal God's will to us in a way that is clear and comprehensible. [14:03]
1 Corinthians 2:10-12 (ESV): "These things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For who knows a person's thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God."
Reflection: Think of a decision you need to make. How can you invite the Holy Spirit to reveal God's truth and guidance in this decision today?
Day 3: Prophets Spoke from God
Prophets did not speak from their own thoughts but were carried along by the Holy Spirit. This divine guidance ensured that the messages they conveyed were directly from God, providing a reliable source of divine truth. The role of prophets in conveying God's messages is crucial for the spiritual growth and edification of the church. By speaking from God, prophets provide believers with a trustworthy source of divine guidance and instruction.
In 2 Peter 1:21, Peter emphasizes that prophecy never had its origin in human will, but prophets spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. This passage highlights the importance of the Holy Spirit in guiding prophets to convey God's messages accurately and faithfully. As believers, we are encouraged to seek the Holy Spirit's guidance in our own lives, trusting that He will lead us into all truth and help us understand God's will. [17:11]
2 Peter 1:21 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt God was speaking to you. How can you be more attentive to the Holy Spirit's guidance in your daily life?
Day 4: Jesus and the Holy Spirit
Jesus was begotten of the Holy Spirit, led a sinless life, and was empowered by the Holy Spirit to perform miracles and preach the gospel. This same Spirit is available to us, empowering us to live holy lives and serve God effectively. The Holy Spirit's role in the life of Jesus serves as a model for believers, demonstrating the importance of relying on the Holy Spirit for guidance, empowerment, and strength.
In Luke 4:18-19, Jesus declares that the Spirit of the Lord is upon Him, anointing Him to proclaim good news to the poor, freedom for the prisoners, recovery of sight for the blind, and to set the oppressed free. This passage highlights the crucial role of the Holy Spirit in empowering Jesus to fulfill His mission on earth. As believers, we are invited to seek the Holy Spirit's empowerment in our own lives, trusting that He will enable us to live holy lives and serve God effectively. [39:14]
Luke 4:18-19 (ESV): "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."
Reflection: In what ways do you need the Holy Spirit's empowerment to live a holy life and serve God effectively? Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you with His power and guidance today.
Day 5: Living by the Spirit
The Holy Spirit uses our language and understanding to communicate God's will, making it accessible and comprehensible. This divine guidance helps us live as Jesus did, offering ourselves back to God without spot or wrinkle. The Holy Spirit's role in communicating God's will ensures that believers have access to the guidance and instruction necessary for their spiritual growth and maturity.
In John 16:13, Jesus promises that the Spirit of truth will guide us into all truth, speaking not on His own authority but declaring what He hears from the Father. This passage underscores the importance of the Holy Spirit in guiding believers into all truth and helping them understand God's will. As believers, we are encouraged to rely on the Holy Spirit to guide us in our spiritual journey, trusting that He will communicate God's will to us in a way that is clear and comprehensible. [35:00]
John 16:13 (ESV): "When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come."
Reflection: How can you be more attentive to the Holy Spirit's guidance in your daily life? What steps can you take to ensure that you are living in alignment with God's will?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "You know, I'm raising her son Elijah, he's 10 now, and so I just want to thank you for continually to support me through this difficult time that I have to go through year after year. It never gets easier, but it calms down a bit, but it's never easy." [05:33] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "It's nothing like showing a horse how to get water, but that horse have to learn to drink for himself. So I'm trying to help you to drink the word of God, to eat the word of God for yourself, but not only that, you have to be able to digest it. I want you to understand it as well." [08:31] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity. He is fully God from all eternity. I hope by week eight you understand that the Holy Spirit is the third Trinity, the third person in the Trinity: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Three people in one are three persons in one." [08:31] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The Holy Spirit provides power, the Holy Spirit provides wisdom, and the Holy Spirit provides knowledge. Those are the core, the core backbone of the Holy Spirit and what the Holy Spirit does for us: provides power, provides us wisdom, provides us with knowledge." [29:35] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit. I just said that he was full of the Holy Spirit. He left Jordan once he was baptized by John the Baptist. He left Jordan, the River Jordan, and the Holy Spirit led him into the wilderness where he was tempted by the devil." [42:45] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "The Holy Spirit imparts to apostles and prophets a special gift for a special purpose. And we know that when you go and read Ephesians chapter four, I think it's verses four through eleven, you understand that Jesus left gifts. Now they're called, now in the post-resurrection, apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers are gifts to the church. They're not titles." [10:25] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The Holy Spirit reveals mysteries to the apostles and to the prophets. How do we know that? We can go to Ephesians chapter three, verses three through five, and it says, 'That is the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly.' Well, who wrote Ephesians? Paul. So what is Paul saying? In reading this, then you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ." [12:12] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The Holy Spirit is the agent of revelation of truth. So you know, football players, sports players, they have agents who speak on their behalf, who negotiate their contracts. Gymnasts, you know, like Simone Biles, her contract has to be negotiated over and over again. She's a professional athlete. Well, the Holy Spirit, we are professional Christians. Once you become saved, you have become a joint heir to the throne of God." [14:03] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The Holy Spirit uses the language, uses your language to speak through you. That's what the Holy Spirit, you know, my language is English, North Carolina English as a matter of fact, parts of mixed in with a little Virginia dialect. But when Paul was talking, the Holy Spirit used the Pauline language. When John was speaking, the Holy Spirit used the Johannine language." [35:00] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Jesus Christ is the one perfect manifestation in history of the complete work of the Holy Spirit in man. What does that mean? Jesus was 100% man because he was born of the Virgin Mary, but he was also 100% deity because he came from God." [39:14] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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