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There Is One Spirit
Introduction:
1. In Ephesians 4:4-6, seven unique subjects are listed. 2. We are presently studying a series of lessons designed to help us know the truth concerning these subjects. 3. Jesus revealed the key to knowing the truth concerning these subjects in John 8:31-32. 4. In this lesson we are focusing our attention on the "one Spirit" mentioned in vs.4. Discussion: I. ACCORDING TO THE LORD'S WORD, THE "ONE SPIRIT" IS THE HOLY SPIRIT A. The "one Spirit:" 1. is a member of the Godhead (Matthew 28:19-20) 2. was present at the Creation (Genesis 1:1-2, 26a) 3. is eternal -- He is referred to as "the eternal Spirit" in Hebrews 9:14. B. The "one Spirit" is known by a variety of names, including: 1. "the Comforter" (John 14:26) 2. "the Spirit of truth" (John 16:13) 3. "God" (Acts 5:3-4). II. ACCORDING TO THE LORD'S WORD, THE "ONE SPIRIT" SPEAKS A. The way He speaks is revealed in Hebrews 3:7-11 (Psalm 95:7-11). B. This helps us to understand how God's Word is "the sword of the Spirit" (Ephesians 6:17). C. We must listen to the "one Spirit" as He speaks through the Word (Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22). III. ACCORDING TO THE LORD'S WORD, THE "ONE SPIRIT" PROVIDES SPECIAL BLESSINGS TO GOD'S PEOPLE A. In Acts 2:38 the Bible reveals when we gain access to the blessings He provides. B. One blessing is revealed in Romans 8:26-27 -- He intercedes for Christians when we pray. C. Through God's Word, the "one Spirit:" 1. leads Christians (Romans 8:14) 2. strengthens Christians (Ephesians 3:16) 3. is a witness to Christians (Hebrews 10:15-17). IV. ACCORDING TO THE LORD'S WORD, GOD'S PEOPLE HAVE RESPONSIBILITIES THAT RELATE TO THE "ONE SPIRIT" A. Positive responsibilities include: 1. walking in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16-17) 2. bearing the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) 3. living in the Spirit (Galatians 5:25) 4. sowing to the Spirit (Galatians 6:7-8) 5. being filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). B. Activities that must be avoided include: 1. grieving the Spirit (Ephesians 4:30) 2. quenching the Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:19) 3. doing despite unto [insulting] the Spirit (Hebrews 10:29). | ||