the holy spirit (ii) a new power for god’s people: how the spirit works in christians

The Holy Spirit (II)

A New Power for God’s People: How the Spirit Works in Christians

Historical Perspective: Our Restoration Heritage

“Word-only” position:1. “The Spirit dwells in us only through

the word.”However:

– The Holy Spirit indwelling is distinct from the word:

2 Tim 1:14“Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you.”



the word.”However:

– Christ dwells in us through the instrumentality of the Holy Spirit (Eph 3.16; 1 Jn 3.24; Jn 14.16-18)

– Holy Spirit dwells in our bodies – 1 Cor 6.19-20

– A foretaste of heaven -- 2 Cor 1.22; 5.5; Eph 1.12-13


the word.”

2. “The Spirit works in us only through the word.”Removes the Holy Spirit as the

instrument of God’s presence.Removes him as the instrument of God’s

work in us.


How the Spirit Works in Christians

Works through the word:– The gospel message is the source

of faith and the power of salvation – Rom 1.16; 10.17; 1 Cor 1.21

Works through the word:– It is only through the word of God

that we know God’s general will – 1 Cor 2.11-13; 2 Tim 3.16-17


Works through the word:– Almost everything that is said of

the Spirit’s work, is also said of the word of God: Convicting sinners; causing us to be reborn; sanctifying us; bearing fruit, etc.


Works through the word:– The word of God is the sword of

the Spirit:

Eph 5:17“So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”


Empowers (energizes) the word within us:– Which statement is Biblical:

– “The Holy Spirit works only through the word”

– a. Scripture: _________– 2. “The word works only through the power

of the Holy Spirit” – a. Scripture: _________


Empowers (energizes) the word within us:– Which statement is Biblical:

– “The Holy Spirit works only through the word”

– a. Scripture: _________– 2. “The word works only through the power

of the Holy Spirit” – a. Scripture: 1 Thes 1.5


Empowers (energizes) the word within us:

1 Thess 1:5“for our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.”


Empowers Christians to live the word:

Eph 3:16“that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man.”


Empowers Christians to live the word:Justification cannot come by law alone:

Gal 3:21

Gal 3:21“Is the Law then contrary to the promises of God? May it never be! For if a law had been given which was able to impart life, then righteousness would indeed have been based on law.”


Empowers Christians to live the word:Justification cannot come by law alone

Gal 3:21Sanctification cannot come on word

alone1 Thes 1:5


Empowers Christians to live the word:The Spirit transforms us – Gal 5.22

Rom 5:5“and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”


Empowers Christians to live the word:The Spirit transforms us

2 Thess 2:13“But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth.”


1 Pet 1:2“according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood: May grace and peace be yours in the fullest measure.”


Empowers Christians to live the word:The Spirit transforms us

Aids us in understanding the word: A natural man, e.g., one who relies

solely on his own reasoning powers, cannot understand the things of the Spirit:

1 Cor 2:14“But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised.”


Aids us in understanding the word:An “anointing” that teaches us:

1 Jn 2:20,27“But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you all know…As for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him.”



Knowing all things.From the “Holy One,” (Christ)Abides in us.



Anointed with the Holy Spirit

2 Cor 1:21-22“Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and anointed us is God, who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge.”


Does the Spirit Work Apart From the Word?

The Spirit works through people:E.g. Teachers – Eph 4.11f;Gifted servers – 1 Cor 12; Rom 12Models and mentors -- 1 Thes 1.7;

Compare Rom 5.5 to Jn 13.35

The Spirit works through circumstances:

Phil 1:19“for I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ.”


Spirit works in and through prayer:

Eph 6:18“With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints.”



Jude 20“But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit.”



Rom 8:26-27“In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.”



Spirit causes us to cry to God, “Abba, Father”:

Rom 8:15“For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, " Abba! Father!”


Spirit causes us to cry to God Abba, Father:

Gal 4:6“Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, ‘Abba! Father!’”


Spirit causes us to cry to God, “Abba, Father”:

A New Power for God’s People: How the Spirit Works in Christians

• Works through the word.• Empowers the word within us.• Empowers Christians to live the word.• Aids us in understanding the word.• Works through people.• Works through circumstances.• Works in and through prayer.• Causes us to cry to God, “Abba, Father.”

the holy spirit (ii) a new power for god’s people: how the spirit works in christians

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