Wednesday Bible Study

The Holy Spirit: Who He Is and What He Does

I. Who Is the Holy Spirit?

• The Holy Spirit is not an impersonal force or power; He is a person.
• As a person, He has a will, thoughts, speaks, and acts.
• He is God, the third person of the Trinity.
  • Co-equal and co-eternal with the Father and the Son.
  • Unique and distinct, but one being with God.
• The Holy Spirit is the person of the Trinity we interact with most in our lived experience.

II. The Work of the Holy Spirit

1. Before Salvation

   • He convicts us of sin, leading us to repentance and faith in Jesus.

2. At Salvation

   • He regenerates us, making us a new creation in Christ.
   • He washes us clean with the blood of Jesus.
   • He seals us with the mark of Jesus.
   • He indwells us permanently.

3. After Salvation

   • He leads, guides, teaches, and empowers us.
   • His work always points to Jesus, conforming us to His image.
   • Philippians 2:13 – It is the Holy Spirit working within us for God’s good pleasure.

III. Our Response to the Holy Spirit

• Since He convicts, we must listen, repent, and confess.
• Since He leads, we must follow.
• Since He empowers, we must act.
• Since He gifts, we must serve.

The Gifts of the Holy Spirit

• The Holy Spirit gifts believers—not just giving a gift (noun), but actively gifting (verb).
• 1 Corinthians 12 – The Spirit distributes gifts as part of the unified plan of God.
• What defines a true spiritual person?
  • Not self-proclaimed spirituality, but proclaiming the Lordship of Jesus by walking in the Spirit.

1. Purpose of Spiritual Gifts

   • Gifts are given for assignments—not for personal recognition but for service.
   • Variety of gifts, ministries, and effects all come from the same God.
   • Gifts are meant to be used, not just possessed.
   • Gifts function in humility—they are for service, like a table waiter.

2. Misconceptions About Gifts

   • No single gift is guaranteed to every believer.
   • Gifts are not for personal glory or comparison.
   • Gifts without love are meaningless (1 Corinthians 13).

The More Excellent Way: Love

• 1 Corinthians 13 – Gifts without love are worthless.
• Love is:
  • Patient, kind, not envious, not arrogant.
  • Not self-seeking, not easily provoked, does not keep a record of wrongs.
  • Does not rejoice in unrighteousness but rejoices with the truth.
  • Bears, believes, hopes, and endures all things.
  • Love never fails.
• Gifts will pass away, but love is eternal.
  • Prophecy, tongues, and knowledge will cease.
  • Faith and hope will be fulfilled, but love remains.

How to View and Use Spiritual Gifts

1. Gifts Are for the Church – Their purpose is to build up the body of Christ.
2. Gifts Should Be Used in Order – God is not the author of confusion but order.
3. Gifts Should Promote Unity and Maturity – Not division or immaturity.
4. Gifts Should Point to Jesus – Not to ourselves or the gift itself.

Correction of the Corinthian Church (1 Corinthians 14)

• Some in Corinth became fixated on the gift of tongues.
• Paul emphasizes that prophecy is more beneficial because it edifies the church.
• Tongues are a sign for unbelievers, while prophecy builds up believers.
• If tongues are spoken in the church, there must be interpretation for edification.
• Gifts should not cause disorder—the goal is unity, growth, and pointing to Christ.

Final Challenge: Living Out the Spirit’s Work

• Every believer is gifted for a specific purpose in the church.
• Gifts are not for personal gain but for serving others.
• Love must be the foundation of how we serve.
• The impact of a believer is not in how gifted they are, but in how they love and serve.
• We are called to use our gifts boldly and confidently in service to one another.