The Holy Spirit: From Creation to Pentecost

 

Summary

The Holy Spirit's role and presence throughout biblical history is a profound and intricate subject. While some may perceive a contradiction in the scriptural accounts of the Holy Spirit's coming, a deeper examination reveals a harmonious narrative. The Holy Spirit was active long before Pentecost, as evidenced by Old Testament accounts. The Spirit was present at creation, sustaining the universe, and working through common grace. The Spirit endowed individuals like Samson, Moses, and Bezalel with unique gifts and abilities, and inspired prophets to speak God's truth. This activity demonstrates that the Holy Spirit was not absent before Pentecost but was working in specific and powerful ways.

However, the coming of Jesus Christ marked a pivotal shift in the Spirit's work. Jesus' life, death, and ascension introduced a new era of the Spirit's operation. The prophecy of Joel, quoted by Peter at Pentecost, emphasized the Spirit's outpouring on all flesh, signifying a broader and more inclusive work of the Spirit. This outpouring was not limited to the Jews but extended to all nations, highlighting the Spirit's largess and freeness.

The day of Pentecost was a significant event, marking the public inauguration of the church as the body of Christ. It was a moment when believers were baptized into one body by the Holy Spirit, creating a unity that transcended cultural and ethnic boundaries. This unity was further demonstrated in the events at Cornelius' house, where Gentiles received the Spirit, affirming their inclusion in the body of Christ.

The distinction between the Spirit's work before and after Pentecost is crucial. In the Old Testament, the Spirit came upon individuals for specific tasks, but in the New Testament, the Spirit indwells believers, abiding within them as members of Christ's body. This indwelling is a permanent and transformative presence, empowering believers to live out their faith.

Key Takeaways:

- The Holy Spirit's activity predates Pentecost, as seen in creation, sustaining the universe, and empowering individuals like Samson and Moses. This demonstrates the Spirit's ongoing work throughout history, preparing the way for the fuller revelation at Pentecost. [02:38]

- Jesus' life, death, and ascension marked a turning point in the Spirit's work, introducing a new era of outpouring and inclusion. The prophecy of Joel highlights the Spirit's broader work, extending beyond the Jewish people to all nations. [15:39]

- Pentecost was the public inauguration of the church as the body of Christ, where believers were baptized into one body by the Spirit. This unity transcends cultural and ethnic boundaries, affirming the church's universal nature. [26:38]

- The Spirit's indwelling presence in believers is a New Testament reality, contrasting with the Old Testament experience of the Spirit coming upon individuals. This indwelling empowers believers to live out their faith and witness boldly. [40:02]

- The events at Cornelius' house and the inclusion of Gentiles in the church demonstrate the Spirit's work in breaking down barriers and creating a unified body of Christ. This inclusion is a testament to the Spirit's transformative power. [29:59]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:08] - Introduction to the Holy Spirit's Role
[01:29] - Old Testament Evidence of the Spirit
[02:38] - The Spirit's Work Before Pentecost
[05:21] - Prophecy and the Spirit
[08:13] - David and the Spirit's Presence
[09:21] - New Testament Evidence
[12:26] - Jesus' Impact on the Spirit's Work
[15:39] - The Significance of Pentecost
[17:46] - The Spirit's Outpouring on All Flesh
[21:24] - Formation of the Church
[26:38] - Unity in the Body of Christ
[29:59] - Inclusion of Gentiles
[32:42] - Distinctions in the Spirit's Work
[38:54] - The Purpose of Pentecost
[42:32] - Conclusion and Prayer

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 1:2 - "The Spirit of God was hovering over the waters."
2. Acts 2:1-4 - The account of the Holy Spirit coming at Pentecost.
3. Joel 2:28-29 - "I will pour out my Spirit on all people."

#### Observation Questions
1. How does Genesis 1:2 illustrate the Holy Spirit's role in creation? [01:45]
2. What specific events at Pentecost marked the beginning of the church as the body of Christ? [26:38]
3. In what ways did the Holy Spirit empower individuals in the Old Testament, such as Samson and Moses? [03:12]
4. How does the prophecy in Joel 2:28-29 relate to the events of Pentecost? [15:52]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does the transition from the Holy Spirit's presence in the Old Testament to His indwelling in the New Testament signify for believers? [40:02]
2. How does the inclusion of Gentiles, as seen in the events at Cornelius' house, reflect the broader work of the Holy Spirit? [29:59]
3. What is the significance of the Holy Spirit's outpouring being described as "pouring out" in Joel's prophecy? [16:10]
4. How does the unity created by the Holy Spirit at Pentecost transcend cultural and ethnic boundaries? [26:38]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt empowered by the Holy Spirit. How did it impact your actions or decisions? [40:02]
2. In what ways can you contribute to the unity of the church, considering the Holy Spirit's role in breaking down barriers? [26:38]
3. How can you be more open to the Holy Spirit's transformative work in your life, especially in areas where you feel resistant? [29:59]
4. The Holy Spirit was active in the lives of Old Testament figures like Samson and Moses. How can you seek the Spirit's guidance in your daily tasks and responsibilities? [03:12]
5. Consider the prophecy of Joel and its fulfillment at Pentecost. How does this encourage you to share the gospel with people from different backgrounds? [15:52]
6. What steps can you take to ensure that the Holy Spirit's indwelling presence is evident in your interactions with others? [40:02]
7. How can you actively participate in the church's mission, knowing that the Holy Spirit empowers and unites believers across all nations? [26:38]

Devotional

Day 1: The Spirit's Eternal Work Before Pentecost
The Holy Spirit's activity is not confined to the New Testament; it is a continuous thread woven throughout the biblical narrative. From the very beginning, the Spirit was present at creation, actively sustaining the universe and working through common grace. In the Old Testament, the Spirit empowered individuals like Samson, Moses, and Bezalel, granting them unique gifts and abilities to fulfill God's purposes. Prophets were inspired by the Spirit to speak God's truth, demonstrating that the Spirit's work was both specific and powerful. This ongoing activity of the Spirit prepared the way for the fuller revelation that would come at Pentecost. [02:38]

"And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters." (Genesis 1:2, ESV)

Reflection: Consider how the Holy Spirit has been active in your life even before you were aware of it. Can you identify moments where the Spirit may have been preparing you for a deeper relationship with God?


Day 2: A New Era of the Spirit's Outpouring
The life, death, and ascension of Jesus Christ marked a significant turning point in the work of the Holy Spirit. This new era was characterized by a broader and more inclusive outpouring of the Spirit, as prophesied by Joel and emphasized by Peter at Pentecost. The Spirit's work was no longer limited to the Jewish people but extended to all nations, highlighting the Spirit's largess and freeness. This shift signifies a more profound engagement of the Spirit with humanity, inviting all to partake in the divine presence and power. [15:39]

"And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions." (Joel 2:28, ESV)

Reflection: How can you open yourself to the Spirit's work in your life today, recognizing that it is available to all people, regardless of background or status?


Day 3: Unity in the Body of Christ
Pentecost was a pivotal event that marked the public inauguration of the church as the body of Christ. On this day, believers were baptized into one body by the Holy Spirit, creating a unity that transcended cultural and ethnic boundaries. This unity was further demonstrated in the events at Cornelius' house, where Gentiles received the Spirit, affirming their inclusion in the body of Christ. The Spirit's work in unifying believers is a testament to the church's universal nature, calling all to live in harmony and love. [26:38]

"For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit." (1 Corinthians 12:13, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on any cultural or personal barriers you may have towards others in your church community. How can you actively work towards unity and inclusion in your interactions this week?


Day 4: The Indwelling Spirit's Transformative Presence
The distinction between the Spirit's work before and after Pentecost is crucial. In the Old Testament, the Spirit came upon individuals for specific tasks, but in the New Testament, the Spirit indwells believers, abiding within them as members of Christ's body. This indwelling is a permanent and transformative presence, empowering believers to live out their faith and witness boldly. The Spirit's presence within us is a source of strength and guidance, enabling us to reflect Christ's love and truth in our daily lives. [40:02]

"And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you." (John 14:16-17, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you rely more on the Holy Spirit's indwelling presence to guide your decisions and actions today?


Day 5: Breaking Down Barriers Through the Spirit
The events at Cornelius' house and the inclusion of Gentiles in the church demonstrate the Spirit's work in breaking down barriers and creating a unified body of Christ. This inclusion is a testament to the Spirit's transformative power, which transcends human divisions and prejudices. The Spirit calls us to embrace diversity and to see each person as a valuable member of God's family. As we allow the Spirit to work in us, we become agents of reconciliation and unity in a divided world. [29:59]

"So Peter opened his mouth and said: 'Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.'" (Acts 10:34-35, ESV)

Reflection: Identify a relationship or situation where you can be an agent of reconciliation. How can you invite the Holy Spirit to help you break down barriers and foster unity?

Quotes



The Holy Spirit was operative at creation the second verse in the Bible, for instance, the spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. Secondly, we pointed out that it is the holy spirit that sustains the universe including the life of men. [00:01:48]

The Holy Spirit has given special gifts to certain men. Take for instance a man like Samson. Samson was a man of unusual strength and physical vigor and power. Now that strength, we are told, was given to Samson by the Holy Spirit. [00:02:49]

The prophecy of Joel in that second chapter, which was quoted by You Remember by Peter in his sermon on the day of Pentecost at Jerusalem, the emphasis is placed upon the word pour out. It shall come to pass in the last days, sayth God, I will pour out my spirit upon All Flesh. [00:15:45]

In the Old Testament, it was something exceptional, it was something unusual, and these people on whom the Spirit came were Exceptional Persons. But the emphasis here is upon the generality, upon this whole idea of pouring out the largess and the freeness and the fullness of the gift. [00:16:36]

The day of Pentecost was the day of the public inauguration of the church as the body of Christ. There was something new there which had never been before. There is a sense in which you can speak of the church in the Old Testament, yes, but it isn't the same as the church was subsequent to this day of Pentecost. [00:26:49]

The events of the day of Pentecost, that was that all these Believers were baptized into one body, all these the apostles and then the 3,000 that believed their preaching and later in the house of Cornelius the Gentiles, Jew and Gentile, and all these other people from different parts of the world all baptized into one body. [00:25:53]

The Holy Spirit abides in us as members of the body. The spirit abides in us perfectly. Now that is, it seems to me, the essence of the teaching with regard to this matter. Confusion has often arisen because, in addition to all this, these people on the day of Pentecost were at the same time filled with the spirit. [00:40:06]

The Holy Spirit was with men or that he came upon them. He worked upon them from without, as it were, and what David even said, you remember, was take not thy Holy Spirit from me as if the Holy Spirit was with him. That's the Old Testament terminology. The New Testament terminology is in, within, and he works from within. [00:39:24]

The Holy Spirit abides in us as members of the body. The spirit abides in us perfectly. Now that is, it seems to me, the essence of the teaching with regard to this matter. Confusion has often arisen because, in addition to all this, these people on the day of Pentecost were at the same time filled with the spirit. [00:40:06]

The Holy Spirit abides in us as members of the body. The spirit abides in us perfectly. Now that is, it seems to me, the essence of the teaching with regard to this matter. Confusion has often arisen because, in addition to all this, these people on the day of Pentecost were at the same time filled with the spirit. [00:40:06]

The Holy Spirit abides in us as members of the body. The spirit abides in us perfectly. Now that is, it seems to me, the essence of the teaching with regard to this matter. Confusion has often arisen because, in addition to all this, these people on the day of Pentecost were at the same time filled with the spirit. [00:40:06]

The Holy Spirit abides in us as members of the body. The spirit abides in us perfectly. Now that is, it seems to me, the essence of the teaching with regard to this matter. Confusion has often arisen because, in addition to all this, these people on the day of Pentecost were at the same time filled with the spirit. [00:40:06]

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Transcript
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