The Holy Spirit according to the Bible Teaching

The Bible teaching about the Holy Spirit and Christians is rather astonishing – but true. It is astounding in that He loves us so much, and is so intimately involved with our personal lives. It is amazing that the God of the universe is interested in you and me. 

Sometimes when I look at the stars in the sky, or the sand on a beach, I wonder how God could even find me – let alone care about me. Have you ever wondered the same thing? After all, God must have a lot on His mind! But the fact is, He does love, care, and seeks us out. 

What makes this so marvelous is the relationship between the Holy Spirit and Christians. I invite you to click here to learn about the Person and work of the Holy Spirit, and here to learn of His filling. In this study, I will introduce you to seven exalted truths. 

He Regenerates Christians

Paul explains, “He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5; cf. John 3:3-8). 

The Bible says that we are spiritually dead in our trespasses and sin, but by His grace He made us alive in Christ (Ephesians 2:1, 5). By this interaction between the Holy Spirit and Christians, He energizes us with eternal life. This transaction is sometimes called being, “born again”.

Wherever I have traveled, whether to the hills, cities, or villages, I have always found graveyards. They are occupied by dead bodies that can never give life to themselves. Have you noticed? Likewise, we are spiritually dead, and can never give life to ourselves. God knows this, and that is why He must give us life.

Spirit Baptisms

Regarding the Holy Spirit and Christians, He enacts something called, “Spirit baptism” (1 Corinthians 12:13; Romans 6:1-4; Galatians 3:27). There are two major events that happen to us in this unique and dramatic experience. 

First, we are literally placed into Christ, and spiritually united as one with Him. This experience gives us the basis for victory in the Christian life. Almost sounds like science fiction, doesn’t it? But, it is real!

Second, we are placed in the “body” of Christ, which is the church. It includes all believers from the day of Pentecost until Christ comes again (cf. 1 Corinthians 12:12, 13; Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 4:3-6). This unites you and me with the community of believers. 

He Seals Christians

This procedure between the Holy Spirit and Christians gives great hope. Paul relates, “In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation – having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise” (Ephesians 1:13; cf. 4:30; 2 Corinthians 1:22).

A seal indicates possession, protection, and a guarantee of the security of our salvation. You belong to God. He owns you forever. He will keep you because He has given you His permanent pledge and promise – if you are a Christian.  

His Indwelling

This is extraordinary regarding The Holy Spirit and Christians! We are told that He actually dwells within the believer, “…the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him” (Romans 8:9; cf. John 14:16, 17; 1 Corinthians 6:19; 2 Timothy 1:14). Whoa! Can you believe this? God dwells within every believer all the time!

This occupancy coincides with the moment you become a Christian! It is permanent and constant (Hebrews 13:5). He came upon Old Testament people on a selective and temporary basis for a special endowment. However, the case of The Holy Spirit and Christians during this present age is different.  

You possess an intimate and personal relationship with God. How important to live our lives in such a way as not to offend Him. If a King came to live with you, you would live in such a manner as to not offend or cause him grief and sorrow. Much more should you and I live to please Him who dwells within us. 

He Guides Christians

In this remarkable relationship between The Holy Spirit and Christians, He guides us (Romans 8:14, 16, 26; John 16:12-15; Psalm 138:8; 139:10, 16, 23, 24). This involves teaching, giving assurance, assisting in prayer, using the Bible, counseling other Christians. He leads by circumstances, subjective impressions, and giving resources for tasks He sets before you and me. 

He directs our thoughts to focus on areas of ministry. Praise Him that He is a personal God who deals with you in a personal way – but always in a way that is in keeping with His written Word, the Bible. 

This is critical. Your Christian life experience must always be legitimized and guided by the Bible. Do not legitimize your experience by another experience. Worst of all, never legitimize the Bible by anyone’s experience. The Bible always has the final word as to whether or not your experience is true and from God.

He Bestows Spiritual Gifts

The Bible teaching about the Holy Spirit and Christians demonstrates that He dispenses what are known as spiritual gifts. These are special abilities for service in His work (1 Corinthians 12; 1 Peter 4:10, 11; Romans 12:3-8; Ephesians 4:7-12). 

Every Christian has at lest one special ability. Your gift(s) can be developed. One practical way of discovering your gift is to get busy for God. What you are good at, love to do, gains God’s blessing, and is recognized by others is your gift. 

Dealing With Sins

This relationship between the Holy Spirit and Christians can be spoiled. Believers can quench Him (1 Thessalonians 5:19), which is to hinder His ministry. We can grieve Him by being bitter, angry, hateful, vengeful and unkind toward others (Ephesians 4:30, 31). We can also lie against Him (Acts 5:3), which is a sin involving hypocrisy and cheating.

These sins involve a heart attitude and relationships with other people. You and I cannot fool God about our attitudes, words, feelings, and actions. Sin harms our fellowship with God (Ephesians 6:5-9). Remember, He lives in you and me. 

When you realize that you have sinned against God (and we all sin), confess your sins, put them away and walk by faith with Him in fellowship (1 John 1:9; Proverbs 28:13; Galatians 5:16, 25, 26). He forgives you.

His Companion

To keep things in balance regarding the Holy Spirit and Christians, you can gain comfort. He knows of your heartaches, troubles, and struggles (Hebrews 4:15, 16). He is tender, compassionate, understanding, merciful, and sympathetic of your weaknesses. He is your friend, and desires your fellowship. God is for you, not against you (Romans 5:8-11; 8:31-39).

With this study regarding the Holy Spirit, Esmie and I wish you the very best in your continued walk and service to God. May God bless you in every way.

Dr. Willis and Esmie Newman

BIBLE STUDY QUESTIONS

1. Study John 1:12, 13; 3:5, 6; Ephesians 2:1, 5. Describe the experience, and the interaction between The Holy Spirit and Christians.

2. Based on the verses in question one, how does this experience affect your relationship with God?

3. How would you describe Spirit baptism?

4. How does Spirit baptism alter your position in Christ?

5. Describe how being “sealed” in the Holy Spirit impacts your eternal destiny.

6. What is your opinion on how 1 Corinthians 6:19 relates to our behavior?

7. Which is more important in determining what is of God: our personal experience? 

The Bible? Someone else’s opinion? Explain you position.

8. What do you think is your spiritual gift? Explain how you know.

9. What can you do to gain God’s forgiveness when you sin (1 John 1:8, 9)? Explain.

10. What stands out to you the most in this Bible teaching about The Holy Spirit and Christians?