The Promises of God - Lesson 18 To Send the Holy Spirit
Introduction:
1. God has given "exceeding great and precious promises" to His people (2 Peter 1:4). 2. This lesson is the first in a series based on "God's promise to send the Holy Spirit."
Discussion:
I. THE BIBLE REVEALS NUMEROUS DETAILS CONCERNING THIS PROMISE
A. God revealed through the prophet Joel that He would pour out His Spirit (Joel 2:28-32). 1. This would occur at a later time. 2. Miraculous signs would accompany the outpouring of God's Spirit. 3. God's Spirit would be poured out in Jerusalem when deliverance became available to those who call on the Lord's name. B. God's promise to send His Spirit would be fulfilled after Jesus left the earth. 1. John 7:39 2. John 14:15-17, 26 3. John 15:26-27 4. John 16:7, 12-14 5. Luke 24:49 6. Acts 1:4-8 C. Peter stated that Joel's prophecy was fulfilled on Pentecost (Acts 2:16-21). 1. He and the other apostles had earlier been baptized in the Spirit (Acts 2:1-4). 2. He said that the Father's promise of the Holy Spirit had been received (Acts 2:33). D. Paul referred to the Spirit as the "Holy Spirit of promise" (Ephesians 1:13). E. From these verses we learn that God promised to send His Spirit, and He kept His promise.
II. THE BIBLE REVEALS THE SPIRIT'S IDENTITY
A. According to Ephesians 4:4, there is "one Spirit." B. The Spirit: 1. is a member of the Godhead (Matthew 28:19-20; 2 Corinthians 13:14) 2. was present at the beginning (Genesis 1:1-2, 26) 3. is eternal (Hebrews 9:14). C. The Spirit is known by various names, including: 1. "the Holy Ghost" (John 7:39 KJV) 2. "the Comforter" (John 14:26) 3. "the Spirit of truth" (John 16:13) 4. "God" (Acts 5:3-4).
III. GOD BLESSED HIS PEOPLE BY SENDING HIS SPIRIT
A. The Spirit speaks to God's people (1 Timothy 4:1). 1. The manner in which He speaks is revealed in Hebrews 3:7-11 (Psalm 95:7-11). 2. In Ephesians 6:17, God's Word is identified as "the sword of the Spirit." 3. We must listen to Him (Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22). B. The Spirit: 1. leads Christians (Romans 8:14) 2. strengthens Christians (Ephesians 3:16) 3. is a witness to Christians (Hebrews 10:15). C. The Spirit makes intercession for Christians (Romans 8:26-27). D. In Acts 2:38, Peter showed how and when we receive access to the special blessings provided by the Spirit.
