Understanding the Holy Spirit: Promise and Presence

 

Summary

In our journey through understanding the Holy Spirit, we have reached a pivotal moment. Our focus has been on the identity of the Holy Spirit rather than solely on His actions within us or the church. Many Christians find the Holy Spirit mysterious, unlike the more familiar concepts of God as Father or Jesus as Savior. We've explored the Spirit's role in the Old Covenant and His relationship with Jesus. Now, we transition to understanding how Jesus gives the Holy Spirit to His disciples, as promised in John 14: "You know the Spirit, because he is with you, and he will be in you."

This promise was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost, a unique, once-for-all event in the history of redemption. It is not a personal experience to be replicated but a monumental act where Jesus poured out the Holy Spirit on the church. This same Spirit, who was Jesus' companion throughout His ministry, now indwells all believers. The day of Pentecost, described in Acts 2, marks the beginning of a new era where the Spirit is experienced in a special way, different from the Old Covenant.

In John 7:37-39, Jesus speaks of the Spirit as living water flowing from Him to believers. This imagery, though not a direct scripture quote, signifies the Spirit's life-giving presence. The Spirit was not yet given because Jesus had not been glorified. His glorification at the cross and subsequent exaltation allowed Him to send the Spirit to His followers.

Acts 2 describes the Spirit's arrival with a mighty rushing wind, symbolizing a new creation and the reversal of Babel's division. The Spirit unites believers from diverse backgrounds into one community, fulfilling God's promise to Abraham that all nations would be blessed. The Spirit's outpouring democratizes access to God, allowing all believers to know Him intimately.

The Spirit's coming fulfills Jesus' promise and empowers believers to live transformed lives. As we drink deeply from these rivers of living water, we experience the fullness of God's covenant blessings, drowning in the grace of the Holy Spirit from our ascended Lord.

Key Takeaways:

- Understanding the Holy Spirit's identity is crucial for Christians. He is not just a force or influence but a person who was with Jesus and now indwells believers, fulfilling Jesus' promise in John 14. This understanding deepens our relationship with God and enriches our spiritual lives. [00:56]

- The day of Pentecost is a unique, historical event where Jesus poured out the Holy Spirit on the church. It is not a personal experience to be replicated but a foundational moment in the history of redemption, marking the beginning of a new era for the church. [03:15]

- Jesus' promise of living water in John 7 signifies the life-giving presence of the Holy Spirit. This promise is fulfilled through Jesus' glorification, allowing believers to experience the Spirit's transformative power in their lives. [10:46]

- The Holy Spirit unites believers from diverse backgrounds into one community, reversing the division caused by Babel. This unity fulfills God's promise to Abraham that all nations would be blessed through his seed, ultimately realized in Christ. [19:51]

- The Spirit's outpouring democratizes access to God, allowing all believers to know Him intimately. This fulfillment of Joel's prophecy signifies that every believer can experience the fullness of God's presence and power in their lives. [22:11]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:21] - Understanding the Holy Spirit's Identity
[00:56] - Transition to the Spirit's Indwelling
[01:39] - Jesus' Promise of the Spirit
[02:29] - The Significance of Pentecost
[03:15] - The Once-for-All Event
[04:07] - John 7 and the Promise of Living Water
[05:01] - The Feast of Booths Context
[06:31] - Rituals and Symbolism
[07:09] - Jesus' Proclamation
[08:33] - The Challenge of Interpretation
[10:01] - The Spirit's New Role
[11:37] - The Spirit from the Glorified Christ
[12:23] - Acts 2 and the Spirit's Arrival
[13:08] - The Transformative Power of the Spirit
[14:39] - The Spirit's Role in the Church
[15:27] - Seven Elements of Pentecost
[16:05] - The Mighty Rushing Wind
[17:40] - Reversing Babel's Division
[19:51] - The International Community of Believers
[20:37] - Fulfillment of the Abrahamic Promise
[21:24] - Joel's Prophecy Fulfilled
[22:53] - The Promise of Salvation
[23:35] - Experiencing the Spirit's Fullness
[24:21] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Understanding the Holy Spirit

Bible Reading:
1. John 14:16-17
2. Acts 2:1-4
3. John 7:37-39

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Observation Questions:

1. According to John 14:16-17, what does Jesus promise about the Holy Spirit's role in the lives of believers? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on the Spirit's identity? [00:56]

2. In Acts 2:1-4, what are the key events that occur on the day of Pentecost? How does the sermon describe the significance of this event? [03:15]

3. What imagery does Jesus use in John 7:37-39 to describe the Holy Spirit, and how does the sermon explain this imagery? [05:01]

4. How does the sermon describe the transformation of the disciples after receiving the Holy Spirit at Pentecost? [13:08]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does understanding the Holy Spirit as a person, rather than just a force, deepen a believer's relationship with God according to the sermon? [00:21]

2. The sermon mentions that Pentecost is a "once-for-all" event. What implications does this have for how Christians today should view their relationship with the Holy Spirit? [03:15]

3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the Holy Spirit unites believers from diverse backgrounds, and how does this fulfill God's promise to Abraham? [19:51]

4. How does the sermon interpret Jesus' promise of "living water" in John 7:37-39, and what does this mean for believers today? [10:46]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your understanding of the Holy Spirit. How has this sermon challenged or changed your perception of the Spirit's role in your life? [00:21]

2. The sermon emphasizes the unique nature of Pentecost. How can you ensure that your experiences with the Holy Spirit are grounded in biblical truth rather than seeking a "personal Pentecost"? [02:29]

3. Consider the ways in which the Holy Spirit unites believers. How can you actively contribute to unity within your church community, especially among those from different backgrounds? [19:51]

4. Jesus describes the Holy Spirit as "living water." In what areas of your life do you need to experience this life-giving presence, and how can you invite the Spirit into those areas? [10:46]

5. The sermon highlights the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. Identify one area of your life where you desire transformation. What steps can you take to open yourself to the Spirit's work in that area? [13:08]

6. How can you cultivate a deeper intimacy with God through the Holy Spirit, as described in the sermon? What practical steps can you take this week to foster this relationship? [22:11]

7. Reflect on the promise of salvation mentioned in Acts 2:21. How does this assurance impact your daily life and interactions with others? [22:53]

Devotional

Day 1: The Holy Spirit's Personal Presence
The Holy Spirit is not merely an abstract force or influence but a personal presence who was with Jesus and now indwells believers. Understanding the Holy Spirit's identity is crucial for deepening our relationship with God. This personal presence fulfills Jesus' promise in John 14, where He assured His disciples that the Spirit would be with them and in them. Recognizing the Holy Spirit as a person who actively participates in our spiritual journey enriches our faith and empowers us to live transformed lives. The Spirit's indwelling is a testament to God's intimate involvement in our lives, guiding, comforting, and empowering us to fulfill His purposes. [00:56]

Ephesians 1:13-14 (ESV): "In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory."

Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper awareness of the Holy Spirit's presence in your daily life, and what steps can you take to engage with Him more personally today?


Day 2: Pentecost: A Unique Historical Event
The day of Pentecost marks a foundational moment in the history of redemption, where Jesus poured out the Holy Spirit on the church. This event, described in Acts 2, is not a personal experience to be replicated but a unique, once-for-all occurrence that signifies the beginning of a new era for the church. On this day, the Spirit's arrival with a mighty rushing wind symbolized a new creation and the fulfillment of Jesus' promise to His disciples. The outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost empowered the early church to spread the gospel and live out their faith with boldness and unity. This historical event continues to impact believers today, reminding us of the Spirit's transformative power and presence in our lives. [03:15]

Acts 2:2-4 (ESV): "And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance."

Reflection: In what ways can you allow the Holy Spirit to empower you to live out your faith more boldly and authentically in your community?


Day 3: Living Water: The Spirit's Life-Giving Presence
In John 7, Jesus speaks of the Holy Spirit as living water flowing from Him to believers, signifying the Spirit's life-giving presence. This promise was fulfilled through Jesus' glorification, allowing believers to experience the Spirit's transformative power in their lives. The imagery of living water highlights the Spirit's role in refreshing, sustaining, and empowering us to live in alignment with God's will. As we drink deeply from these rivers of living water, we experience the fullness of God's covenant blessings and the grace of the Holy Spirit. This life-giving presence is available to all believers, inviting us to embrace the Spirit's work in our hearts and lives. [10:46]

Isaiah 44:3 (ESV): "For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants."

Reflection: How can you open your heart to receive the refreshing and sustaining presence of the Holy Spirit in areas of your life that feel dry or weary?


Day 4: Unity in Diversity: The Spirit's Unifying Work
The Holy Spirit unites believers from diverse backgrounds into one community, reversing the division caused by Babel. This unity fulfills God's promise to Abraham that all nations would be blessed through his seed, ultimately realized in Christ. The Spirit's outpouring at Pentecost brought together people from different languages and cultures, creating an international community of believers. This unity in diversity is a powerful testimony to the Spirit's work in breaking down barriers and fostering genuine fellowship among God's people. As members of this diverse community, we are called to embrace and celebrate our differences while remaining united in our shared faith and mission. [19:51]

Galatians 3:28-29 (ESV): "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise."

Reflection: How can you actively contribute to fostering unity and understanding within your church community, especially among those who are different from you?


Day 5: Intimate Access: The Spirit's Democratizing Presence
The Spirit's outpouring democratizes access to God, allowing all believers to know Him intimately. This fulfillment of Joel's prophecy signifies that every believer can experience the fullness of God's presence and power in their lives. The Holy Spirit's presence is not limited to a select few but is available to all who call on the name of the Lord. This intimate access to God empowers us to live out our faith with confidence and assurance, knowing that we are deeply loved and valued by our Creator. As we embrace this democratizing presence, we are invited to deepen our relationship with God and experience the transformative power of His Spirit in every aspect of our lives. [22:11]

Joel 2:28-29 (ESV): "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. Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit."

Reflection: In what ways can you cultivate a more intimate relationship with God through the Holy Spirit, and how can this relationship impact your daily life and interactions with others?

Quotes


Now, we’ve reached the midpoint, really, of our studies in the person and ministry of the Holy Spirit. I think you’ll remember that our focus, so far, has not been so much on what the Holy Spirit does in Christians or through Christians or in the church, but on the identity of the Holy Spirit. [00:00:21]

And we’re coming, now, to the turning point in our studies as we begin to move on from thinking about the way in which the Holy Spirit was with the disciples, in Christ, to the way in which Jesus now gives the Holy Spirit to the disciples so that the very same spirit who was in His life and ministry these 33 years would come and indwell Christian believers. [00:01:39]

The day of Pentecost is a monumental, epochal, once-for-all day in the history of redemption. It’s not something that happens to me in the 21st century. It’s something that Jesus did once and for all on that first day of Pentecost that’s described in the Acts of the apostles. [00:03:15]

When He poured out on the church the very same Holy Spirit who had been His companion, His friend, His helper, His counselor, His director, and His supporter throughout the whole course of His ministry. And what takes place on the day of Pentecost is that now Jesus gives the Holy Spirit, with that kind of identity, to the whole church of Jesus Christ. [00:03:42]

In John 7:37-39. The context of this is the feast of booths. And, that feast lasted for a week. On the last day of the feast, which was a particularly celebratory day, we’re told by John that Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scriptures have said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” [00:04:29]

Now, this He said about the Spirit whom those who believed in Him were to receive for as yet the Spirit had not been given. Literally, what John writes is, “As yet, the Spirit was not.” He doesn’t use the verb given. “As yet, the Spirit was not, because Jesus was not yet glorified.” [00:05:23]

The fire now comes in those tongues of fire that rest upon the disciples as they gather together. Then, the Holy Spirit comes in a mighty way to transform their lives. I remember a time in my Christian life when people often emphasized to me that it was the resurrection that transformed the disciples. [00:12:23]

Now, to a certain extent, that’s true. But the resurrection should never be separated on one hand from the crucifixion, and neither the crucifixion or the resurrection should be separated from the gift of the Holy Spirit at the day of Pentecost. Because it really was the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost that transformed these disciples. [00:13:08]

Not only is this the beginning of a new creation, but this is God, as it were, bringing into one new community those who had been divided from one another, because they stood under the judgment of God. We experience that blessing, don’t we? [00:18:20]

And so Luke tells us these different nations to underscore for us that the ancient promise to Abraham is now being fulfilled in Christ and through the Holy Spirit. And then, fourthly, notice what’s said in the quotation from the prophet Joel in verses 17 and following of Acts chapter 2. [00:20:37]

“In the last days, I’ll pour out my Spirit on all flesh. Your sons and daughters will all prophesy, your young men see visions, your old men dream dreams, even my male servants and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit and they shall prophesy.” [00:21:24]

God has given the Spirit once and for all. And then, individually, as we come to faith in Jesus Christ, we experience the reality of which Jesus spoke, that if anyone is thirsty and comes to Jesus to drink, then, from Jesus, they will flow to us, these glorious rivers of living water. [00:23:35]

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Transcript
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