The Holy Spirit is a Person

(#874, Hinkley, Big Bear 1948; Imperial, 1960)

Read John 14:15-26; 16:5-14.

The great need among Christians today is the need for more spiritual Christians.  This is evidenced by so much living in the flesh with it's evident lack of power, lack of conviction for sin, lack of fruit, and lack of glorifying Christ.

ƒ      The Holy Spirit is a person.  He is not just an influence.  There is a great deal of difference between having a friend close at hand and having his influence.  As the third person of the Godhead the Holy Spirit is as much a "person" as Christ.

    1.  Words are used of Him that are used of other persons (John 14:16,17,26; 16:7,8,13-15).

    2.  Men are said to act toward Him in ways impossible if He were not a person (Matt. 12:31; Eph. 4:30; Heb. 10:29).

    3.  He performs actions that only a person can perform (John 3:6; Acts 8:29; 13:2).

ƒ      The Holy Spirit must be recognized.  There are many spirits in the world but just one Holy Spirit.  "Try the spirits and see if they be of God" (1 John 4:1) we are told. We do this with the Word of God in hand.  He may be known by:

    1.  His godliness.

    2.  His Christ-likeness.

    3.  His glorifying Christ.

    4.  His truth.

    5.  His opposition to the world.

    6.  His agreement with God's Word.

ƒ      The importance of the Holy Spirit.  This is seen in the ministry He carries on.

w    The ministry of reproving, John 16:8-11.

    1.  He enlightens the unsaved in regard to the sin of unbelief.

    2.  He enlightens as to righteousness.

    3.  He illuminates concerning judgment: past, present, future.

w    The ministry of regenerating, John 3:6.

w    The ministry of indwelling the believer, 1Cor. 6:19-20; 12:13.

w    The ministry of baptizing (forming Christ's body), 1Co.12:13.

w    The ministry of sealing, Eph. 1:13; 4:30.  The seal signifies a finished transaction, ownership, and the guarantee of safe delivery.

Thank God for the Holy Spirit, our Helper in every situation.