The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit

Summary

Tonight begins a ten-week journey into the study of the Holy Spirit—His personhood, His work, and His relationship to us as believers. The Holy Spirit is not a created being or a mere force, but the eternal third person of the Trinity, distinct from the Father and the Son, yet fully God. From the opening verses of Genesis to the closing words of Revelation, the Spirit is present, active, and personal. He is the one who brings order out of chaos, who completes the works of God, and who dwells within every believer, making the presence of God not just near, but within.

The Holy Spirit is a person, not an impersonal force or attribute. He thinks, wills, acts, and relates. Scripture consistently refers to Him with personal pronouns and describes Him performing actions that only a person can do—teaching, guiding, comforting, interceding, and loving. He is trustworthy, rational, and resolute, acting freely and purposefully according to the will of God. The Spirit is also relational, eternally existing in perfect love and fellowship within the Trinity, and now pouring that same love into the hearts of believers.

Because the Spirit is rational, He knows the deep things of God and reveals them to us. He is our teacher and guide, illuminating the Scriptures and leading us into truth. As a resolute person, He acts with purpose, distributing gifts, calling people to service, and empowering the church. The Spirit is also affected by our actions—He can be grieved, resisted, and even blasphemed, yet He continues to intercede for us and unite us to the love of God.

The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is the greatest privilege of the Christian life. Through Him, we experience the love of God, the grace of Christ, and the fellowship of the divine. We are called to walk in the Spirit, to commune with Him in prayer, worship, and fellowship, and to rejoice in His presence. As temples of the Holy Spirit, our lives are to be marked by proclamation—declaring the good news of Christ, living in the power of the Spirit, and reflecting the love and holiness of God to the world.

Key Takeaways

- The Holy Spirit is the eternal, distinct third person of the Trinity, not a created being or impersonal force. He was present at creation, actively bringing order and life, and continues to complete the works of God throughout redemptive history. This truth grounds our faith in the unchanging and personal nature of God, who is both transcendent and intimately involved with His creation. [01:43]

- The personhood of the Holy Spirit means He is not an “it” but a “He”—a divine person who can be known, trusted, and related to. He is not merely an influence or attribute, but one who thinks, acts, and loves. This challenges us to cultivate a real relationship with Him, seeking His guidance and trusting His presence in our daily lives. [08:40]

- The Spirit’s rationality and omniscience mean He knows the deep things of God and reveals them to us. He is the perfect teacher, illuminating the Scriptures and guiding us into truth, even when we are confused or uncertain. We are invited to seek His illumination and depend on His wisdom, especially when we face difficult decisions or spiritual challenges. [14:45]

- As a resolute person, the Holy Spirit acts with sovereign will and purpose, distributing gifts, calling people to service, and empowering the church. Walking in the Spirit means aligning our will and actions with His, allowing Him to lead us away from the desires of the flesh and into the fullness of God’s purpose for our lives. This is a call to active dependence and obedience, not passive spirituality. [19:30]

- The relational nature of the Holy Spirit is seen in His eternal fellowship within the Trinity and His outpouring of love into our hearts. He unites us to God and to one another, making love the defining mark of the Spirit-filled life. Communion with the Spirit happens as we read the Word, pray, worship, and fellowship with other believers, experiencing and expressing the love of God in tangible ways. [24:00]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:43] - The Holy Spirit’s Eternal Existence
[03:54] - Distinction Within the Trinity
[05:29] - The Spirit’s Role in the Godhead
[06:44] - The Personhood of the Holy Spirit
[08:40] - The Spirit Is Not a Force
[10:37] - The Spirit’s Power and Personal Pronouns
[12:02] - The Spirit as Teacher and Guide
[13:21] - Trustworthiness of the Spirit
[14:45] - The Spirit’s Rationality and Knowledge
[16:25] - The Spirit’s Wisdom in the Old Testament
[17:25] - Seeking Guidance from the Spirit
[19:30] - The Spirit’s Will and Purposeful Action
[21:40] - Walking in the Spirit
[23:17] - The Spirit’s Relational Nature
[24:00] - The Spirit Pours Out Love
[25:42] - The Spirit’s Work in Salvation
[27:32] - Communion with the Spirit
[28:14] - Worship and Fellowship in the Spirit
[29:46] - The Spirit’s Distinction at Jesus’ Baptism
[32:07] - Rejoicing in the Spirit
[33:01] - The Spirit’s Personal Actions
[35:05] - The Spirit Teaches and Guides
[36:53] - The Spirit Can Be Grieved and Resisted
[38:33] - The Spirit’s Love and Intercession
[39:24] - The Spirit Unites Us to God
[40:19] - Proclaiming the Good News by the Spirit
[42:09] - Closing and Blessing

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Personhood and Work of the Holy Spirit

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### Bible Reading

1. Genesis 1:1-2
"In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. 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."

2. John 14:26
"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you."

3. Romans 5:5
"And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us."

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### Observation Questions

1. In Genesis 1:2, what is the Spirit of God doing at creation, and how is this described in the sermon? [[01:43]]
2. According to John 14:26, what are two specific actions the Holy Spirit will do for believers?
3. The sermon says the Holy Spirit is not an “it” but a “He.” What are some actions or qualities mentioned that show the Holy Spirit is a person, not just a force? [[08:40]]
4. In Romans 5:5, what is poured into our hearts, and through whom does this happen?

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### Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon describes the Holy Spirit as bringing order out of chaos at creation. What does this suggest about the Spirit’s ongoing role in the world and in our lives? [[01:43]]
2. Why is it important that the Holy Spirit is described as a person who teaches, guides, and comforts, rather than just a power or influence? [[12:02]]
3. The Holy Spirit is said to be able to be grieved, resisted, and even blasphemed. What does this reveal about our relationship with Him? [[36:53]]
4. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is called the greatest privilege of the Christian life. How does this change the way believers should view their daily lives and identity? [[39:24]]

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon challenges us to cultivate a real relationship with the Holy Spirit, not just see Him as a distant power. What is one practical way you can seek the Spirit’s guidance in your decisions this week? [[17:25]]
2. The Holy Spirit is described as trustworthy and rational, knowing the deep things of God. When was the last time you depended on the Spirit for wisdom in a confusing or difficult situation? What happened? [[14:45]]
3. The Spirit can be grieved or resisted by our actions. Is there an area in your life where you sense you may be resisting the Spirit’s leading? What would it look like to surrender that area? [[36:53]]
4. The Spirit pours out God’s love into our hearts and unites us to other believers. Can you think of a recent time when you experienced or shared the love of God in a tangible way? How might you intentionally do this in your church or community this week? [[24:00]]
5. The sermon says we are temples of the Holy Spirit, called to proclaim the good news. What is one way you can reflect the love and holiness of God to someone in your life this week? [[40:19]]
6. Walking in the Spirit means aligning our will and actions with His. Is there a specific habit or pattern you want to change so you can better “walk in the Spirit”? What step can you take this week? [[21:40]]
7. The Spirit is our teacher and guide, especially when we read Scripture, pray, and worship. What is one new practice you could try to become more aware of the Spirit’s presence in your daily routine? [[27:32]]

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Devotional

Day 1: The Holy Spirit is the Eternal and Distinct Person of the Trinity
From the very beginning, Scripture reveals the Holy Spirit as eternally existing, not as a created being but as the third person of the Godhead—distinct from the Father and the Son. He is present at creation, hovering over the waters, bringing order out of chaos and completing the work of God. Throughout both Old and New Testaments, the Holy Spirit is shown as a unique person within the Trinity, working in perfect unity yet with distinction. This eternal Spirit is not merely an impersonal force but God Himself, who comes not just to, but into, the believer, making His dwelling within us and mediating the presence of the Father and the Son. [01:43]

Genesis 1:1-2 (ESV)
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. 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.

Reflection: How does knowing the Holy Spirit is both eternal and personally present in your life change the way you approach your relationship with God today?


Day 2: The Holy Spirit is a Divine Person, Not a Mere Force
The Holy Spirit is not an impersonal force or a mere attribute of God, but a divine person who can be known, who thinks, relates, acts, and wills. He is referred to as “he” in Scripture, not “it,” and is described as an advocate, helper, and teacher. The Holy Spirit’s personhood means He is trustworthy, perfectly reliable, and actively involved in the lives of believers. Unlike any created thing or impersonal power, the Holy Spirit is God Himself, worthy of our trust and dependence as He leads, teaches, and empowers us. [08:40]

John 14:26 (ESV)
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.

Reflection: In what area of your life do you most need to trust the Holy Spirit as a personal guide and teacher, rather than relying on your own understanding or strength?


Day 3: The Holy Spirit is Rational and Guides Us into All Truth
As a rational being, the Holy Spirit knows all things, searches the deep things of God, and reveals them to us. He is the Spirit of wisdom, understanding, and knowledge, and He alone can illuminate the truths of God’s Word to our hearts. The Spirit’s omniscience means that He is the perfect teacher, able to guide us when we are confused, uncertain, or in need of direction. Believers are encouraged to seek the Spirit’s illumination and guidance, trusting that He knows both God’s will and our needs perfectly. [15:30]

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: What is one area where you need the Holy Spirit’s wisdom or guidance today? Will you pause and ask Him to reveal God’s truth to you in that situation?


Day 4: The Holy Spirit is Relational and Pours Out God’s Love
The Holy Spirit is deeply relational, both within the Trinity and with believers, especially His church. At the heart of His personhood is the capacity for infinite love, which He pours into our hearts, enabling us to love God and one another. Through the Spirit, we experience communion with God, fellowship with other believers, and the fruit of love in our lives. The Spirit’s presence is the assurance of God’s love, and He invites us to commune with Him through prayer, the Word, and fellowship, so that we may be rooted and grounded in love. [24:00]

Romans 5:5 (ESV)
And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

Reflection: How can you intentionally open your heart to the Holy Spirit’s love today—whether through prayer, reading Scripture, or showing love to someone in your church family?


Day 5: The Holy Spirit Acts and Speaks as a Person
The Holy Spirit performs actions that only a person can do: He speaks, teaches, commands, guides, helps, and intercedes. He is not a passive influence but the active agent of God’s work in the world and in the hearts of believers. The Spirit directs, empowers, and moves us toward God, and He is affected by our responses—He can be grieved, resisted, or welcomed. As the one who indwells us, the Holy Spirit calls us to proclaim the good news, to walk in step with Him, and to recognize His personal involvement in every aspect of our lives. [33:59]

Acts 8:29 (ESV)
And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.”

Reflection: When was the last time you sensed the Holy Spirit prompting you to act or speak? How can you be attentive and responsive to His leading today?

Quotes

This is the incredible thing about the Holy Spirit. It's that God himself and the person of his spirit dwells within us. And it's because of that, that it can be said that both the Father and the Son abide within us through the agency of the Holy Spirit. [00:06:44] (00:00:18 seconds) Edit Clip

We often don't know which way to turn. We often are stumped at the things of God. We often don't even know how to pray right. But the Holy Spirit, he is a wonderful teacher. For he's rational. He knows all things. And only a person is rational. He's a divine person who leads and guides us into all truth. [00:18:00] (00:00:25 seconds) Edit Clip

If we walk in the spirit, which means to keep in step with the spirit, to walk according to his will, to walk according to the acts that he has set aside for us to fulfill, then we're not going to fulfill the lust of the flesh. We're going to be fulfilling his will. [00:22:34] (00:00:19 seconds) Edit Clip

The Holy Spirit is a principle of all movement towards God. Just as Christ is the revelation of God, all the outgoing revelation of God, the Holy Spirit is the organ of all internal revelation of all movement towards God. [00:34:46] (00:00:19 seconds) Edit Clip

The idea behind this is the Messiah was anointed with the Holy Spirit to preach the gospel. How much more should we? We have the Holy Spirit deposited within our hearts. So let's proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord. Let's proclaim liberty to the captives. Let's proclaim that God has given us joy instead of mourning, that he has taken the light and has shown it in darkness in our hearts. And let our lips be filled with the words of God, just as our hearts are filled with the spirit of God. [00:41:57] (00:00:38 seconds) Edit Clip