Define “act” - anything done, being done, or to be done; deed
The Book of Acts focuses on the deeds/activities of the apostles.
What is an apostle and how is an apostle different from a disciple? A disciple is a student/learner/ pupil. An apostle (Greek word- Apostolos) is a messenger sent to spread a message. In the case of the Book of Acts the message is the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Author – Luke, author of Gospel of Luke. He was a Greek which meant he was a Gentile (a non-Jew.) He played an active role in the growth of Christianity. Luke joined Paul on his missionary journeys. In Colossians 4:14, Paul referred to Luke as a physician which meant he was well educated. Luke’s educational background produced a well organized and detailed account of the birth and development of the Church.
When – Written about 70 A.D.
Where – Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and eastern Roman Empire.
Purpose – The purpose of the book of Acts was to tell the story of the origins of the Church for future generations to remember and reflect on. Abigail Adams, wife of John Adams, wrote in a letter to her friend during the dark days of the American Revolution: "Posterity, who are to reap the blessings, will scarcely be able to conceive the hardships and sufferings of their ancestors." In studying the roles played by the Founding Fathers and Mothers – sacrifices made (family, wealth, life itself) we gain a renewed appreciation/respect for what they did. We also answer the question, what have we, “the posterity,” done with the blessings that came from the hardships and sufferings of our ancestors? Consequently, through the study of history, we also learn about ourselves as Americans – the bad and good. Apply what we just talked about to the book of Acts. In studying the roles played by the Apostles and other individuals in the birth and development of the Church (Within 30 years, Christianity spread from 120 people in Jerusalem to thousands of people in the eastern Roman Empire.) – sacrifices made (family, wealth, life itself) we gain a renewed appreciation/respect for what they did. We also answer the question, what have we, “the posterity,” done with the blessings that came from the hardships and sufferings of our Christian ancestors? Consequently, through the study of history, we also learn about ourselves as Christians – the bad and good.
Outline -
I. Birth of the Church in Jerusalem (Acts 1-8:3)
II. The Church spreads to Judea and Samaria (Acts 8:4-12)
III. The Church spreads to rest of the world – the Journeys of Paul (Acts 13-28)
Key verse: but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth." (Acts 1:8)
Interesting facts – The followers of Jesus in the book of Acts were first referred to not as the Church or Christians but the Way. The term has its origins in John 14:6 - Jesus said … "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” That was message being spread by the first believers.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Holy Spirit pt. 6
Acts 2:1-13
15. When did the Holy Spirit arrive? Day of Pentecost. The word Pentecost in Greek means “fiftieth.” It refers to a Jewish spring festival (Feast of Weeks – Deuteronomy 16:9-12) celebrated fifty days after the beginning of the autumn grain harvest. Pentecost was the last day of grain harvest (late May, early June.) On Pentecost, all Jewish males were required to come to the temple in Jerusalem to give a freewill offering “in proportion to the blessings the Lord your God has given you” followed by community celebrations. Pentecost is comparable to our Thanksgiving. Remember, all Jewish males from wherever they called home in the world were requires to attend.
16. How did the Holy Spirit make known His arrival? A) a noise like a violent rushing wind. Remember the Greek word for Spirit? Pneuma – associated with a movement of air like breath or the wind which can be felt but not seen. B) tongues as of fire that separated themselves and rested on the heads of the believers gathered in the upper room. What is the significance of the Holy Spirit appearing as tongues of fire? a) Tongue in the Greek is glossa – 1) a member of the body used for speech; 2) a language or dialect. b) Fire represents cleansing. Burning away of impurities. The hearts of the believers were being refined/purified by fire to be an abode/house for the “Holy” Spirit of God.
17. After they were filled with the Holy Spirit, what did the followers of Jesus begin to do? Speaking other languages.
18. Who were in Jerusalem at the time? Devout Jews from every nation – Jews and Gentiles who converted to Judaism (see verses 9-11) Why were they there? To celebrate Pentecost ( see question 15) What was their reaction to the followers of Jesus speaking in other languages? Most were amazed. Others mocked. Accused the followers of Jesus of being drunk.
19. Who refuted the accusations of the mockers (vs. 14)? Peter. Read Acts 2:14-41 this week. Verses 16-21 – Peter declares that what was happening was a fulfillment of a prophecy made by Joel. Verses 17-36 – Preached the death and resurrection of Jesus. Pointed finger at Jews for putting Jesus to death but also offered them repentance and the gift of the Holy Spirit. Result – In one day, 3000 souls became followers of Jesus.
15. When did the Holy Spirit arrive? Day of Pentecost. The word Pentecost in Greek means “fiftieth.” It refers to a Jewish spring festival (Feast of Weeks – Deuteronomy 16:9-12) celebrated fifty days after the beginning of the autumn grain harvest. Pentecost was the last day of grain harvest (late May, early June.) On Pentecost, all Jewish males were required to come to the temple in Jerusalem to give a freewill offering “in proportion to the blessings the Lord your God has given you” followed by community celebrations. Pentecost is comparable to our Thanksgiving. Remember, all Jewish males from wherever they called home in the world were requires to attend.
16. How did the Holy Spirit make known His arrival? A) a noise like a violent rushing wind. Remember the Greek word for Spirit? Pneuma – associated with a movement of air like breath or the wind which can be felt but not seen. B) tongues as of fire that separated themselves and rested on the heads of the believers gathered in the upper room. What is the significance of the Holy Spirit appearing as tongues of fire? a) Tongue in the Greek is glossa – 1) a member of the body used for speech; 2) a language or dialect. b) Fire represents cleansing. Burning away of impurities. The hearts of the believers were being refined/purified by fire to be an abode/house for the “Holy” Spirit of God.
17. After they were filled with the Holy Spirit, what did the followers of Jesus begin to do? Speaking other languages.
18. Who were in Jerusalem at the time? Devout Jews from every nation – Jews and Gentiles who converted to Judaism (see verses 9-11) Why were they there? To celebrate Pentecost ( see question 15) What was their reaction to the followers of Jesus speaking in other languages? Most were amazed. Others mocked. Accused the followers of Jesus of being drunk.
19. Who refuted the accusations of the mockers (vs. 14)? Peter. Read Acts 2:14-41 this week. Verses 16-21 – Peter declares that what was happening was a fulfillment of a prophecy made by Joel. Verses 17-36 – Preached the death and resurrection of Jesus. Pointed finger at Jews for putting Jesus to death but also offered them repentance and the gift of the Holy Spirit. Result – In one day, 3000 souls became followers of Jesus.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Holy Spirit 101 pt. 5
Acts-present – God the Holy Spirit – God came to earth to abide (Meno – not to depart/continually dwell) in His followers. He no longer limits His fellowship to certain individuals as He did in the Old Testament. He is not limited by flesh to be in one place at one time as He was in the Gospels. God is presently in the hearts of all believers. God is personally able to teach, comfort, help, and counsel millions of people. There is a close, intimate bond between God and His followers beginning in Acts that continues to today that did not exist prior to Acts. Followers of God today have greater access to God than people who lived before the time of the Books of Acts. Why? The death of Jesus cleansed us of what separated us from God – sin. By taking upon Himself the punishment for our sins, Jesus made it possible for us to have a one-on-one relationship with God through the Holy Spirit.
Scriptures that describe the Trinity working together:
Matthew 28:19; John 1:1-5, 14; John 14:16, 25; John 15:26; John 16:14, 15; Romans 8:9-11.
Today, we acknowledge God in all His manifestations:
God the Father – He is our provider, protector, authority figure, rule maker, enforcer of rules (disciplinarian), teacher.
God the Son – He is our Savior. He came to earth in flesh to free us from the fear of death; to take upon Himself the punishment for our sins; to be the example of how to live life.
God the Holy Spirit –God in us. He is our teacher, comforter, helper, encourager, counselor, and intercessor.
Pentecost - Arrival of the Holy Spirit
Read Acts 1:1-14
11. What did Jesus command his followers? Do not leave Jerusalem until you have received the gift of the Holy Spirit. He will be arriving soon.
12. When His followers receive the power of the Holy Spirit, what are they to do? They were to be Jesus’ witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the rest of the world.
13. What happened to Jesus? Ascended into Heaven.
14. What did the followers of Jesus do afterwards? Went to an upper room where they were staying and prayed constantly/devoted themselves to prayer. Sabbath’s day journey – According to Jewish teachings, a faithful Jew could travel no further than ¾ miles.
Scriptures that describe the Trinity working together:
Matthew 28:19; John 1:1-5, 14; John 14:16, 25; John 15:26; John 16:14, 15; Romans 8:9-11.
Today, we acknowledge God in all His manifestations:
God the Father – He is our provider, protector, authority figure, rule maker, enforcer of rules (disciplinarian), teacher.
God the Son – He is our Savior. He came to earth in flesh to free us from the fear of death; to take upon Himself the punishment for our sins; to be the example of how to live life.
God the Holy Spirit –God in us. He is our teacher, comforter, helper, encourager, counselor, and intercessor.
Pentecost - Arrival of the Holy Spirit
Read Acts 1:1-14
11. What did Jesus command his followers? Do not leave Jerusalem until you have received the gift of the Holy Spirit. He will be arriving soon.
12. When His followers receive the power of the Holy Spirit, what are they to do? They were to be Jesus’ witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the rest of the world.
13. What happened to Jesus? Ascended into Heaven.
14. What did the followers of Jesus do afterwards? Went to an upper room where they were staying and prayed constantly/devoted themselves to prayer. Sabbath’s day journey – According to Jewish teachings, a faithful Jew could travel no further than ¾ miles.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Holy Spirit 101 pt. 4
c) judgment – vs. 11. The Holy Spirit will bring to light the fact that judgment has come against this world (kosmos). Evil/wickedness will be held accountable for its actions and God’s vengeance will be poured out upon it. Evidence – “the ruler of this world has been judged (convicted/found guilty and sentenced).” Who is the ruler of this world (kosmos)? Satan/the Enemy/the Adversary. Throughout Jesus’ life and ministry, Satan had labored to prevent Jesus from dying on the cross. Jesus’ death on the cross meant salvation for humanity from the power/authority of Satan. Read Hebrews 2:14-15. Once Jesus made the decision to die on the cross, it was “game over” for the slim/minuscule chance Satan had to defeat God’s plan of salvation. Because the ruler of this world (kosmos) has been judged and sentenced so has this world (kosmos) he has authority over. The Holy Spirit’s presence and activities in this (kosmos) is a constant reminder to the ruler of this world (kosmos) that He has been judged and sentenced.
8) vs. 12. What did Jesus say to the disciples? I have a lot more to talk to you about but you are not ready to receive it all now. There were many more things Jesus wanted to teach the disciples, including about the Holy Spirit. However, they were not mature enough to understand it all. They were still in spiritual kindergarten. They were having a hard time grasping everything Jesus had already shared with them. Their brains were about to explode.
9) vs. 13-15. What encouragement did Jesus give the disciples? The Holy Spirit will teach them truth (See question 5.) Where does the truth the Holy Spirit speak come from? Jesus. Read John 14:6. The Holy is not an independent player. He is not a rogue player who acts separate from God and Jesus. He acts and speaks in concert/unity with God and Jesus. In fact, all three are on the same page. All three are manifestations of God. Manifestation - One of the forms in which someone is revealed … which leads into our discussion of the Holy Trinity.
10. What is the Holy Trinity? A term given to describe the unique nature of God. The Holy Trinity is not a concept that is easily explained or understood. The key word to know in order to explain/understand the Holy Trinity is manifestation - One of the forms in which someone is revealed. In Scripture and in history, God revealed Himself to humanity in three ways: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
Old Testament – God the Father – God acted as a father to His Chosen people the children of Israel/Hebrews/Jews. What is the role(s) of a father? Provider, protector, authority figure, rule maker, enforcer of rules (disciplinarian), teacher. As God the Father, He limited His manifestation to individuals – Abraham, Moses, Samuel, the prophets (Elijah, Jeremiah, Jonah, Isaiah, etc.). Why? Don’t know for sure. Perhaps it had to do with the fallen nature of humanity. Prior to the Fall of Man in the Garden of Eden, God came down from Heaven to regularly fellowship with Adam and Eve. After the Fall, that fellowship became disrupted. Afterwards, God limited His manifestation to individuals of His choosing often as part of a call to carry out His purpose.
Gospels – God the Son – God came to earth in the form of a human being. Why? Author of Hebrews lists three reasons: 1) Through death He would free humanity from the fear of death. 2) Take upon Himself the bloody punishment for the sins of humanity. 3) To be an example of righteous living – doing what is right and avoiding what is wrong. While in flesh, God experienced every temptation known to man and successfully triumphed over them. In order to fulfill these purposes, God had to manifest Himself in a manner different from God the Father. God could not come down to earth in His full appearance. This world could not and cannot contain the fullness of God’s presence. Heaven itself is barely able to contain it. Moreover, God the Father cannot die; He cannot feel physical or emotional pain; He cannot be tempted. Therefore, God in a miraculous/seemingly impossible way put himself in human flesh and manifested Himself to humanity as God the Son. He experienced everything that humanity experienced – physical and emotional pain, temptation, and death. Consequently, we have a God who can relate to our life experiences – poverty, adversity, suffering, stress, joy, happiness, grief, sorrow, temptation.
8) vs. 12. What did Jesus say to the disciples? I have a lot more to talk to you about but you are not ready to receive it all now. There were many more things Jesus wanted to teach the disciples, including about the Holy Spirit. However, they were not mature enough to understand it all. They were still in spiritual kindergarten. They were having a hard time grasping everything Jesus had already shared with them. Their brains were about to explode.
9) vs. 13-15. What encouragement did Jesus give the disciples? The Holy Spirit will teach them truth (See question 5.) Where does the truth the Holy Spirit speak come from? Jesus. Read John 14:6. The Holy is not an independent player. He is not a rogue player who acts separate from God and Jesus. He acts and speaks in concert/unity with God and Jesus. In fact, all three are on the same page. All three are manifestations of God. Manifestation - One of the forms in which someone is revealed … which leads into our discussion of the Holy Trinity.
10. What is the Holy Trinity? A term given to describe the unique nature of God. The Holy Trinity is not a concept that is easily explained or understood. The key word to know in order to explain/understand the Holy Trinity is manifestation - One of the forms in which someone is revealed. In Scripture and in history, God revealed Himself to humanity in three ways: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
Old Testament – God the Father – God acted as a father to His Chosen people the children of Israel/Hebrews/Jews. What is the role(s) of a father? Provider, protector, authority figure, rule maker, enforcer of rules (disciplinarian), teacher. As God the Father, He limited His manifestation to individuals – Abraham, Moses, Samuel, the prophets (Elijah, Jeremiah, Jonah, Isaiah, etc.). Why? Don’t know for sure. Perhaps it had to do with the fallen nature of humanity. Prior to the Fall of Man in the Garden of Eden, God came down from Heaven to regularly fellowship with Adam and Eve. After the Fall, that fellowship became disrupted. Afterwards, God limited His manifestation to individuals of His choosing often as part of a call to carry out His purpose.
Gospels – God the Son – God came to earth in the form of a human being. Why? Author of Hebrews lists three reasons: 1) Through death He would free humanity from the fear of death. 2) Take upon Himself the bloody punishment for the sins of humanity. 3) To be an example of righteous living – doing what is right and avoiding what is wrong. While in flesh, God experienced every temptation known to man and successfully triumphed over them. In order to fulfill these purposes, God had to manifest Himself in a manner different from God the Father. God could not come down to earth in His full appearance. This world could not and cannot contain the fullness of God’s presence. Heaven itself is barely able to contain it. Moreover, God the Father cannot die; He cannot feel physical or emotional pain; He cannot be tempted. Therefore, God in a miraculous/seemingly impossible way put himself in human flesh and manifested Himself to humanity as God the Son. He experienced everything that humanity experienced – physical and emotional pain, temptation, and death. Consequently, we have a God who can relate to our life experiences – poverty, adversity, suffering, stress, joy, happiness, grief, sorrow, temptation.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Holy Spirit 101 part 3
Read John 16:5-15
6) vs. 7. Jesus said it is good that He was leaving the disciples, why? If He didn’t leave the Holy Spirit could not come to them.
7) When the Holy Spirit does come, what will He do in regards to the world?
Greek word for world is Kosmos. It is a world system made up people, technology, thoughts, activities, actions, words, philosophies, beliefs, desires. Things we can see and things we can’t see. Things that are tangible and things that are not tangible. They all interact with one another to produce a world system (kosmos). How would you characterize the world system (kosmos) we have created … that our technology, thoughts, activities, actions, words, philosophies, beliefs, desires has constructed? Evil; sinful; ungodly. According to Jesus, the one who rules this evil, sinful, ungodly world system (kosmos) is the Enemy, Satan. He dominates this world system (kosmos). He influences/molds people, technology, thoughts, activities, actions, words, philosophies, beliefs, desires to promote evil/wickedness. To create a world system (kosmos) that promotes evil/wickedness … makes evil/wickedness the norm.
Jesus says when the Holy Spirit comes into this world (kosmos) He will convict it. Convict in the Greek means “to expose; find fault with by bringing to light.” Holy Spirit is not only a defense attorney, He is also a prosecutor. The Holy Spirit is a defense attorney for the followers of Jesus. He is a prosecutor against the followers of Satan. In order to convict someone, what must a prosecutor do? Present evidence to prove his case against the accused. Bring to light proof that the accused is guilty. In John 16, who is the accused? This evil, sinful, ungodly world system (kosmos) that we live in ruled by Satan.
The Holy Spirit will convict the world (kosmos)concerning:
Reminder: Jesus is giving the disciples a short summary/outline/template of who the Holy Spirit is and His role in the lives of Jesus’ followers. He does not have a lot of time left. At this moment, Judas is leading a mob to arrest Jesus. Jesus does not have to time to go into detail about the Holy Spirit. Even if He did, the disciples were not spiritually mature enough to comprehend everything Jesus had to say. As we’ll see, Jesus assures the disciples that more information about the Holy Spirit will be forthcoming in the future.
a) sin – vs. 9. The Holy Spirit will expose/bring to light the sin of the world (kosmos). He will make lucid/plain/unambiguous/coherent what sin is. Exhibit number 1 in His case will be the fact the world (kosmos) does not believe in Jesus. This world (kosmos) does not believe Him to be the Son of God. You do not believe in Jesus, you are guilty of sin. You do, you are innocent. Read John 3:16
b) righteousness – vs. 10. Righteousness means to be in right standing with God/doing what is right according to God’s standards. Up to this point, it has been Jesus acting as prosecutor against the world (kosmos) – see Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (Matthew chapters 5-7) for an example. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus defined what it means to be truly righteous, a true follower of God, and how the world (kosmos) fell short of God’s definition of righteousness. He did so throughout his three years of ministry. But, soon Jesus is leaving to go be with the Father. So who will now act as prosecutor against the world (kosmos)? The Holy Spirit will take on the role of prosecuter against the world (kosmos) in regards to righteousness. He will confront this world (kosmos) with the definition of true righteousness and this world (kosmos) will be found sorely lacking. Example –What is the world view regarding sex outside of marriage, abortion, or pursuit of wealth? The Holy Spirit acts as prosecutor by presenting evidence (the Word of God) that condemns the world (kosmos) in this area. What the world (kosmos) tries to present to humanity as something enjoyable, fun, pleasurable, the Holy Spirit exposes as evil, putrid, ungodly. For a moment, imagine a world (kosmos) with no Holy Spirit to counteract the evil of this world (kosmos). It’s a scary thought.
6) vs. 7. Jesus said it is good that He was leaving the disciples, why? If He didn’t leave the Holy Spirit could not come to them.
7) When the Holy Spirit does come, what will He do in regards to the world?
Greek word for world is Kosmos. It is a world system made up people, technology, thoughts, activities, actions, words, philosophies, beliefs, desires. Things we can see and things we can’t see. Things that are tangible and things that are not tangible. They all interact with one another to produce a world system (kosmos). How would you characterize the world system (kosmos) we have created … that our technology, thoughts, activities, actions, words, philosophies, beliefs, desires has constructed? Evil; sinful; ungodly. According to Jesus, the one who rules this evil, sinful, ungodly world system (kosmos) is the Enemy, Satan. He dominates this world system (kosmos). He influences/molds people, technology, thoughts, activities, actions, words, philosophies, beliefs, desires to promote evil/wickedness. To create a world system (kosmos) that promotes evil/wickedness … makes evil/wickedness the norm.
Jesus says when the Holy Spirit comes into this world (kosmos) He will convict it. Convict in the Greek means “to expose; find fault with by bringing to light.” Holy Spirit is not only a defense attorney, He is also a prosecutor. The Holy Spirit is a defense attorney for the followers of Jesus. He is a prosecutor against the followers of Satan. In order to convict someone, what must a prosecutor do? Present evidence to prove his case against the accused. Bring to light proof that the accused is guilty. In John 16, who is the accused? This evil, sinful, ungodly world system (kosmos) that we live in ruled by Satan.
The Holy Spirit will convict the world (kosmos)concerning:
Reminder: Jesus is giving the disciples a short summary/outline/template of who the Holy Spirit is and His role in the lives of Jesus’ followers. He does not have a lot of time left. At this moment, Judas is leading a mob to arrest Jesus. Jesus does not have to time to go into detail about the Holy Spirit. Even if He did, the disciples were not spiritually mature enough to comprehend everything Jesus had to say. As we’ll see, Jesus assures the disciples that more information about the Holy Spirit will be forthcoming in the future.
a) sin – vs. 9. The Holy Spirit will expose/bring to light the sin of the world (kosmos). He will make lucid/plain/unambiguous/coherent what sin is. Exhibit number 1 in His case will be the fact the world (kosmos) does not believe in Jesus. This world (kosmos) does not believe Him to be the Son of God. You do not believe in Jesus, you are guilty of sin. You do, you are innocent. Read John 3:16
b) righteousness – vs. 10. Righteousness means to be in right standing with God/doing what is right according to God’s standards. Up to this point, it has been Jesus acting as prosecutor against the world (kosmos) – see Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (Matthew chapters 5-7) for an example. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus defined what it means to be truly righteous, a true follower of God, and how the world (kosmos) fell short of God’s definition of righteousness. He did so throughout his three years of ministry. But, soon Jesus is leaving to go be with the Father. So who will now act as prosecutor against the world (kosmos)? The Holy Spirit will take on the role of prosecuter against the world (kosmos) in regards to righteousness. He will confront this world (kosmos) with the definition of true righteousness and this world (kosmos) will be found sorely lacking. Example –What is the world view regarding sex outside of marriage, abortion, or pursuit of wealth? The Holy Spirit acts as prosecutor by presenting evidence (the Word of God) that condemns the world (kosmos) in this area. What the world (kosmos) tries to present to humanity as something enjoyable, fun, pleasurable, the Holy Spirit exposes as evil, putrid, ungodly. For a moment, imagine a world (kosmos) with no Holy Spirit to counteract the evil of this world (kosmos). It’s a scary thought.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Holy Spirit 101 pt. 2
b) Holy Spirit – Define holy – divine; sacred; without blemish; set apart. The Holy Spirit has a divine nature. There is no sin in Him. He has no part with sin. (5. Holy Spirit is a divine being not an earthly being.)
c) Parakletos – legal word. Definition - one who pleads another's cause before a judge, counsel for defense, legal assistant, an advocate. In other words, the Holy Spirit is a lawyer. English translators used English variations of the Greek word Parakletos.
Comforter – one who gives comfort, consolation, relief, encouragement. Remember, the disciples are sorely troubled/upset at the thought of Jesus leaving them. They are in dire need of comfort and Jesus knew that.
Helper – one who helps/assists/supports. As we’ll see in the book of Acts, the disciples are going to need a lot of help to overcome opposition to the Gospel in the form of persecution.
Counselour – an adviser who offers wisdom/counsel when making decisions. In the case of the Holy Spirit, decisions that relate to obeying God or not obeying God. Before you make your decision, the Holy Spirit will bring to mind everything you need to know in order to make the right choice. Specifically, the Word of God as well as the consequences from making the wrong choice.
Intercessor/Advocate – someone who acts on behalf of someone in difficulty or trouble. The Holy Spirit acts as an intercessor between the followers of Christ and God. He speaks on our behalf to God when we’re going through adversity, trials, tribulations or experiencing temptations. He pleads to God on our behalf for God’s power, grace, compassion, mercy, love, wisdom, healing, etc., to help us overcome. See Romans 8:26-27
If you were in legal trouble, wouldn’t you want a lawyer with the above qualities? Someone who is generally concerned about your plight and will use every means at his/her disposal to help you win your case. (6. Holy Spirit is our Comforter/Helper/Counselour/Intercessor/Advocate)
c) Parakletos – legal word. Definition - one who pleads another's cause before a judge, counsel for defense, legal assistant, an advocate. In other words, the Holy Spirit is a lawyer. English translators used English variations of the Greek word Parakletos.
Comforter – one who gives comfort, consolation, relief, encouragement. Remember, the disciples are sorely troubled/upset at the thought of Jesus leaving them. They are in dire need of comfort and Jesus knew that.
Helper – one who helps/assists/supports. As we’ll see in the book of Acts, the disciples are going to need a lot of help to overcome opposition to the Gospel in the form of persecution.
Counselour – an adviser who offers wisdom/counsel when making decisions. In the case of the Holy Spirit, decisions that relate to obeying God or not obeying God. Before you make your decision, the Holy Spirit will bring to mind everything you need to know in order to make the right choice. Specifically, the Word of God as well as the consequences from making the wrong choice.
Intercessor/Advocate – someone who acts on behalf of someone in difficulty or trouble. The Holy Spirit acts as an intercessor between the followers of Christ and God. He speaks on our behalf to God when we’re going through adversity, trials, tribulations or experiencing temptations. He pleads to God on our behalf for God’s power, grace, compassion, mercy, love, wisdom, healing, etc., to help us overcome. See Romans 8:26-27
If you were in legal trouble, wouldn’t you want a lawyer with the above qualities? Someone who is generally concerned about your plight and will use every means at his/her disposal to help you win your case. (6. Holy Spirit is our Comforter/Helper/Counselour/Intercessor/Advocate)
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Holy Spirit 101 pt. 1
Backround: Jesus is only hours away from being betrayed, put on trial, and put to death. John chapters 14-17 contain His farewell address to his disciples. He has much to share with them but little time to do it in. One of the important matters He wants to make known to the disciples is the Holy Spirit – who He is and what role He will play in their lives and the lives of all believers. Because of the limited time He has as well as the spiritual immaturity of the disciples, Jesus cannot and does not go into great detail about the Holy Spirit. Additional knowledge of the Holy Spirit would come with time. He shares just enough to give his disciples encouragement. So it will be with you and me in this study of the Holy Spirit. We will not be covering every facet of the Holy Spirit. Just as you don’t feed a 32 ounce porterhouse steak to a newborn baby and expect him to digest it, you don’t do an in depth theological exploration of the Holy Spirit in a Bible 101 class. In this study, I will be following Jesus’ example … I will share with you who the Holy Spirit is and what His role is in the life of a follower of Christ.
Read John 14:15-26; 15:26-27
1) In these verses, Jesus repeatedly says that a person who loves Him will do what? Will keep His commandments/word. A person who does not keep His commandments/word does not love Jesus. The key to knowing Jesus … to having a relationship with Jesus is to obey His word. The disciples were probably wondering if Jesus was about to go away, who will teach them His word … who will help them remember everything Jesus taught them? Was Jesus going to abandon them? In John 14:5, Thomas asked the question “Lord, we do not know where you are going, how can we know the way?”
2) After Jesus leaves His followers who will come to be with them? The Holy Spirit. For how long would he be with them? Forever. Jesus is not going to abandon His followers. They will not be orphans (vs. 18.) From whom will he come from? God the Father (14:16, 26; 15:26.) Just as God sent Jesus to earth to be with humanity (John 3:16), God will send the Holy Spirit to be with humanity. Unlike Jesus, who was on earth for a short period of time, the Holy Spirit will be with humanity forever. (1. Holy Spirit is eternal.)
3) vs. 17. Can the Holy Spirit be seen? No. (2. Holy Spirit is invisible.) Spirit in Greek is Pneuma – associated with a movement of air like breath or the wind which can be felt but not seen. The Holy Spirit will not be a physical being like Jesus. Despite that, a follower of Christ will know Him. How? See Question 4.
4) vs. 17. Where will the Holy Spirit dwell? In the followers of Christ. Greek word for abide/live is Meno – not to depart/continually dwell. The Holy Spirit will not be a transient visitor. He will take up residence within the followers of Christ. (3. Holy Spirit is omnipresent – Everywhere at once)
5) List the three titles Jesus gives the Spirit. What does each title tell us about the character and/or role of the Spirit?
a) Spirit of truth – teach truth and aid Jesus’ followers to remember truth (vs. 26) – The truth about what things? All things about God and Jesus – what it means to be a follower of Jesus. He will do so by 1) helping the followers of Jesus remember His words (14:26) so that they can do what we discussed in Question 1. (See Luke 12:11-12) for an example of Holy Spirit helping the followers of Jesus to remember His words.) The Holy Spirit will teach truth by 2) testifying about Jesus to His followers (15:26.) What does testify mean? Greek word is Martureo – to bear witness that one has seen, heard, or experienced something/someone. Because of the unique nature of their relationship, the Holy Spirit knows Jesus thoroughly. One of his primary responsibilities is to make known this knowledge of Jesus to His followers. (4. Holy Spirit is a teacher.)
Read John 14:15-26; 15:26-27
1) In these verses, Jesus repeatedly says that a person who loves Him will do what? Will keep His commandments/word. A person who does not keep His commandments/word does not love Jesus. The key to knowing Jesus … to having a relationship with Jesus is to obey His word. The disciples were probably wondering if Jesus was about to go away, who will teach them His word … who will help them remember everything Jesus taught them? Was Jesus going to abandon them? In John 14:5, Thomas asked the question “Lord, we do not know where you are going, how can we know the way?”
2) After Jesus leaves His followers who will come to be with them? The Holy Spirit. For how long would he be with them? Forever. Jesus is not going to abandon His followers. They will not be orphans (vs. 18.) From whom will he come from? God the Father (14:16, 26; 15:26.) Just as God sent Jesus to earth to be with humanity (John 3:16), God will send the Holy Spirit to be with humanity. Unlike Jesus, who was on earth for a short period of time, the Holy Spirit will be with humanity forever. (1. Holy Spirit is eternal.)
3) vs. 17. Can the Holy Spirit be seen? No. (2. Holy Spirit is invisible.) Spirit in Greek is Pneuma – associated with a movement of air like breath or the wind which can be felt but not seen. The Holy Spirit will not be a physical being like Jesus. Despite that, a follower of Christ will know Him. How? See Question 4.
4) vs. 17. Where will the Holy Spirit dwell? In the followers of Christ. Greek word for abide/live is Meno – not to depart/continually dwell. The Holy Spirit will not be a transient visitor. He will take up residence within the followers of Christ. (3. Holy Spirit is omnipresent – Everywhere at once)
5) List the three titles Jesus gives the Spirit. What does each title tell us about the character and/or role of the Spirit?
a) Spirit of truth – teach truth and aid Jesus’ followers to remember truth (vs. 26) – The truth about what things? All things about God and Jesus – what it means to be a follower of Jesus. He will do so by 1) helping the followers of Jesus remember His words (14:26) so that they can do what we discussed in Question 1. (See Luke 12:11-12) for an example of Holy Spirit helping the followers of Jesus to remember His words.) The Holy Spirit will teach truth by 2) testifying about Jesus to His followers (15:26.) What does testify mean? Greek word is Martureo – to bear witness that one has seen, heard, or experienced something/someone. Because of the unique nature of their relationship, the Holy Spirit knows Jesus thoroughly. One of his primary responsibilities is to make known this knowledge of Jesus to His followers. (4. Holy Spirit is a teacher.)
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