Study 7: The Holy Spirit: His Person & Work
This study concentrates on the central features of the Holy Spirit’s person and work. It is important not to think of Him as a vague force or energy. The Holy Spirit is a person, He is divine, and He applies the saving work of Christ to believers.
Before moving through the study, it is worth pausing and asking what comes to mind when you hear the words “Holy Spirit”. Scripture helps us replace confusion, fear, or vagueness with truth, reverence, and hope.
Before you begin
It is important to look up the Bible references and think carefully about what they say, so that you can see for yourself the Bible’s teaching. This study is especially important because many people speak loosely about the Holy Spirit, while Scripture speaks clearly and reverently.
We are not dealing with an impersonal spiritual power that we can somehow control. We are dealing with the Holy Spirit, the divine person who points us to Christ, gives life, and dwells in believers.
This study at a glance
The Holy Spirit is a person
He is not a mere force or energy, but a real person who acts, speaks, and relates.
The Holy Spirit is divine
He is God, the third person of the Trinity, proceeding from the Father and the Son.
The Holy Spirit applies Christ’s work
He gives life, brings faith, sanctifies believers, and equips them for service.
The Holy Spirit’s person
He is a person, God, the third person of the Trinity, proceeding forth from the Father and the Son. Let us look at each of these ideas in turn.
The Holy Spirit is a person
It is most important not to think of Him as a “force” or energy. Scripture gives several clear reasons for believing that the Holy Spirit is a person.
He is referred to as a person
Read John 15:26. See also John 16:13-14 and Hebrews 3:7.
He is affected by the actions of others
Read Acts 5:3. See also Ephesians 4:30.
He performs acts proper to a person
Read Luke 12:12. See also Genesis 1:2-3.
His name is mentioned alongside other people
Read John 16:14.
He has personal characteristics
Read 1 Corinthians 2:10-11.
He is distinguished from His power
Read Luke 4:14.
The Holy Spirit is a divine person
Scripture does not merely present the Holy Spirit as personal, but as fully divine.
He is spoken of as God
Read Acts 5:3-4. See also 1 Corinthians 3:16 and 1 Corinthians 12:3-6.
Divine actions are associated with Him
Read Genesis 1:2-3.
Divine attributes are associated with Him
Read 1 Corinthians 2:11-12, Psalm 139:7, Romans 8:2, John 16:13, and Romans 15:30.
He is associated with the other persons of the Godhead
Read Matthew 3:16-17, Matthew 28:19, 2 Corinthians 13:14, and 1 Peter 1:2.
The Holy Spirit’s work
The Holy Spirit was promised to believers by Christ. Read John 14:16-26, and see also John 15:26 and John 16:7. He was specifically and historically poured out as promised at Pentecost. Read Acts 1:4-5 and Acts 2:1-13.
- The Father plans.
- The Son carries out the plan.
- The Spirit applies the work of Christ.
Aspects of the Holy Spirit’s work
His work in creation
Read Genesis 1:2-3.
His work in communicating God’s truth
Read 2 Timothy 3:15-16. See also 2 Peter 1:19-21, John 14:26, John 15:26, and John 16:13-14.
His main work is to testify to Christ
Read John 16:13-14.
He was involved in Christ’s work
Read Luke 1:35 and Matthew 3:16.
His work in human beings is extensive
He gives new birth, understanding, fruit, fullness, gifts, and help in prayer.
His work in believers
The new birth
Read John 3:1-8, Ephesians 1:14, and 1 Corinthians 12:13.
Giving understanding
Read 1 Corinthians 2:4. See also John 14:26 and John 15:26.
Producing fruit and holiness
Read Galatians 5:22-26 and 1 Peter 1:2.
Filling believers
Read Ephesians 5:18.
Giving gifts to believers
Read 1 Corinthians 12:4-7. See also Ephesians 4:7-14, 1 Peter 4:10-11, and Romans 12:6-8.
Helping in prayer
Read Ephesians 2:18 and Romans 8:26.
Questions to consider
Can you be a Christian and not have the Holy Spirit?
No. Without the Spirit there is no life and you cannot please God. Read Romans 8:9.
Does the Spirit of God live within Christians?
Yes, He does. Read 1 Corinthians 3:16 and 1 Corinthians 6:18-20.
How can you tell the Holy Spirit has produced the new birth in you?
He produces faith in Christ. Read John 3:1-15.
Are all Christians baptised in the Holy Spirit?
Yes. Read 1 Corinthians 12:13. The Holy Spirit is also received by faith. See Galatians 3:2, 3, and 14.
How can we tell we have the Holy Spirit?
It is not a matter of feelings or power, see 1 Corinthians 13:1-3, but of having faith in Christ. This produces a changed life. Read Galatians 3:14, Galatians 5:22-23, and 2 Peter 1:3-11.
Do all Christians have the same gifts?
No. Gifts are not primarily for the individual’s benefit, but for the benefit of the church community and therefore need to be varied and used for the good of the fellowship. Read Romans 12:4-8 and 1 Corinthians 12:10, 11, and 27.
Summary
- The Holy Spirit gives new life and brings a person to faith in Christ.
- He unites believers to Christ and all His benefits.
- He makes the believer part of Christ’s body.
- He indwells and seals the believer.
- As He lives in the believer, He produces growth in grace and holiness of life.
- He empowers the Christian for service by giving different gifts.
Reflection and response
Take time over these questions and answer them carefully from Scripture.
- Write about who the Holy Spirit is.
- On whom does the Holy Spirit focus our attention?
- What has He done in your life and what day-to-day relationship do you have with Him? Read Ephesians 5:18 and Romans 8:12-17.
A simple prayer before moving on
Keep going
Having considered the Holy Spirit, His person and His work, the next study turns to saving faith and the way sinners are united to Christ.
