Holy Spirit and Personalty

Holy Spirit

Personality

Matthew 3:16-17; 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14

Note: This series of lessons will not answer every question, but give a basic overview.

Opening Question — Get Us Thinking:

The Gospel of Mark left us reflecting on the resurrection and the signs given to the apostles. When it comes to understanding God, what questions do you have about the Holy Spirit you wish you had an answer?

After reading the scriptures above, what do we learn about God?

Reflect on what Jesus told his disciples about the “Comforter” in John to which chapters 14-16, what do we learn about man?

The Biblical Concept of God

Scripture begins with an emphasis upon God. "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth" (Genesis 1:1). Scripture ends with that same emphasis upon God (Revelation 22:16-18). Does the human mind have the capacity to understand the concept of God? I think yes. So in this study a diligent attempt will be made to explain the Biblical concept of God.

Attempts to Explain God

Three words occur in writings today that will help in the pursuit of understanding the concept of God. First, tritheism is the belief that three gods formed a union. The tritheist sees God the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit each as God. However, they are not seen as a unity (oneness) but as three separate beings who have voluntarily formed a union or team.

Second, monism is the belief that only one God exists but also only one personality exists. Sometimes that one personality is the Father, sometimes it is Jesus, and sometimes it is the Holy Spirit.

Monotheism is the belief that there is one God but three distinct personalities. The Bible states that God is one (Deuteronomy 6:4). This refers to His deity (who God is) and to His divinity (characteristics and attributes). Scripture also refers to each of the three personalities as God.

The Father is God (Romans 1:7).

Jesus is God (Colossians 2:9).

The Holy Spirit is God (Acts 5:3-4).

Thus, monotheism is the concept of God that is revealed in scripture. God is one, but three distinct personalities constitute that oneness. One of the better ways to see this is to examine passages where all three personalities are mentioned: Matthew 3:16-17; 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14 This work will focus attention upon the Holy Spirit, one of the personalities of the Godhead.

With these basic thoughts, lets do more research into the scriptures as “God breathed” words that help us know more about God.

Research Questions — “Dig Deeper” to find God’s Word & Will.

The Bible is our guide to understanding God, so what are some examples of references to the Spirit in Scripture?

The Spirit or Holy Spirit ("Holy Ghost" if you are reading from the King James Version) is referred to in scripture by the following designations:

· Spirit of God (Genesis 1:1; Matthew 3:16) Holy Spirit (Acts 5:3)

· Spirit of the Lord (Acts 5:9)

· Spirit of the Lord God (Isaiah 61:1)

· Spirit of Christ (Romans 8:9)

· Holy Spirit of God (Ephesians 4:30)

· The Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:19)

· Spirit of Truth (John 14:17)

The Biblical Concept of the Spirit

The original language the Spirit chose to use in Greek was pneuma is translated as spirit. This word, however, can refer to the human spirit (Acts 7:59), to angels as ministering spirits from God (Hebrews 1:14), to unclean spirits that existed during the earthly ministry of Jesus (Mark 5:13), to deceiving spirits that are under the control of Satan (1 Timothy 4:1), or to the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30). Paul says there is but one Spirit Ephesians 4:4). There is but one Holy Spirit, as there is but one Jesus and one God the Father. Many spirits exist, but only one Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit is described in scripture by the use of the masculine pronoun (John 14:16-17; Romans 8:26). The Spirit is not an "it," but a "He." Scripture further declares that the Spirit has all the attributes or characteristics that the Father and Jesus have. He is referred to as eternal (Hebrews 9-14) The Spirit has all knowledge (omniscient) (1 Corinthians 2:10). He is all powerful (omnipotent) (Psalms 104:30). He is present in all locales (omnipresent) (Psalms 139:7-10).

The Spirit is not referred to as the "third person" in the Godhead. Deity and divinity demand equality. There is purpose, order, and arrangement in the Godhead There is not inequality, The Holy Spirit is no less God than is the Father or Jesus. There are differences when considering purpose, order, arrangement, or areas of primary responsibility. But a complete equality exists in the Godhead as it relates to deity and divinity.

Does the Holy Spirit have personality? The Spirit is referred to in scripture by the masculine pronoun "He" (John 14:16-17; Romans 8:26) The Spirit is not an "it" but a person. He possesses all of the qualities of "person" or "personality." These qualities include life thought, volition, action, individuality, character, and influence. Because the Greek word for Spirit (pneuma) is neuter gender, some have concluded that the Spirit is a mere breath, force, or influence. This is not the case. The Spirit is a person. He is God (Acts 5:3-4). Whatever may be said of the Father or the Son in the area of personality, may also be said of the Spirit.

What are some of the characteristics of personality? We know that the Holy Spirit is a person because He has "marks of personality." He has a mind (Romans 8:2/) by which to make decisions after deliberation (1 Corinthians 12-11) The Spirit possesses knowledge and has a knowledge relative to both heaven and earth (1 Corinthians 2-11) The Spirit has a will which He exercises to the glory of God and to the benefit of man (1 Corinthians 12:11). The decisions relative to the performing of miracles were always made by the Spirit. It was His decision as to when miracles were to be performed, upon whom they were to be earned out and the scope of the miracle itself (how extensive was it to be manifested) (1 Corinthians 12:11). The Spirit speaks (1 Timothy 4:1). He speaks today through the Bible-the revealed word from God. The Spirit spoke during the Old Testament period through chosen men and women. He did the same during the time when the New Testament prophets and apostles were active in the ministry of revelation and inspiration (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21).

Does the Holy Spirit have any emotion? Emotion is also a characteristic of personality. The Spirit has the ability to love (Romans 15:30) which suggests affection and decision. Scripture states that God is love (1 John 4:8, 16). The Holy Spirit is God; therefore, the Holy Spirit loves as the Father and the Son love. We should begin to think of the term "God" more inclusive of the Godhead, not just a reference to the Father.

The Spirit also has the ability to feel grief (Ephesians 4:30; Isaiah 63:10). In the context of Ephesians 4:25-32, the sins of anger, slander, bitterness, laziness, malice, and stealing are actions which grieve the Holy Spirit. A parent suffers grief when a child misbehaves. The same is true of the Spirit. When one of the followers of Jesus does not behave in the way he or she is called to do, the Spirit grieves. Perhaps we should think of sin being more than breaking a law, but the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit’s being “Heartbroken.”

What are some of the works of the Spirit? We may also see that the Holy Spirit is a person through the works attributed to Him. He bears witness (testifies) concerning Jesus (John 15:26). Also, the Spirit teaches (John 14:26). Specifically, this passage refers to the Spirit's teaching of the apostles and prophets by means of inspiration. They were to speak the message and to write it down for others. Thus, the Spirit led these inspired individuals into all truth (John 16:13).

God's spirit makes intercession for His children (Romans 8:26). He takes our groanings, which we are unable to put into words, before the throne of God. We have assurance that in heights of joy or in depths of sorrow, God hears and understands, even though we may not be able to put feelings into words.

The Spirit also works in providence (Romans 8:28). This is one of the most comforting passages in scripture because it says that God is working in the present. He is taking things that may not be good in and of themselves and is working these out for our ultimate or eternal good. Paul declares that we can know how this is occurring!

Because the Spirit bears witness, inspires the apostles and prophets, makes intercession, and works providentially for our ultimate good, His works attest that He is a person. There is no change in emphasis, personality-wise, between Romans 8:26 and 28. The Holy Spirit is at work on behalf of the children of God.

What additional things do you see the Spirit doing that is mentioned in scripture? He may be resisted (Acts 7:51). This was the sin which Stephen pointed out to the Jews. The Spirit may be blasphemed (Matthew 12:32). This is the only sin mentioned in scripture that does not carry the possibility of forgiveness from God. Individuals may lie to the Spirit (Acts 5:3). Ananias and Sapphira were guilty of lying to the Spirit. Lying to the Spirit about their material gifts to God cost them at least their physical lives.

The Spirit also invites individuals to come to God for forgiveness of sins (Revelation 22:17). The invitation extended is to take of the "water of life without cost." The "without cost" is a reference to our not being able to earn or deserve it. It certainly came with cost-the death of Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:21). The Spirit also comforts or helps (John 14:16-18). This context states that Jesus, before going back to heaven, promised that He would ask the Father for another comforter or helper. The one He was asking the Father for would be one like Himself. This promised comforter would abide "with" them and would in time be "in" them (John 14:17; 7:38-39).

In summary, the Holy Spirit is a person, not an "it." He has all the qualities or marks of personality. His works mentioned in scripture indicate He is a person, not a mere force, breath, or influence. He is not the "third person" of the Godhead. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit are the three personalities that comprise the Godhead, The concept of "God" should always include all three personalities.

Reflective Questions for a Response — Live it today.

· Have you treated the Holy Spirit like an inanimate object or force? Hopefully you realize He has emotions too and will respond to Him.

· I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to you in this passage? How will you apply it to your life this week?

· How does this equip us to be better disciples and help empower us to “make disciples”?

· You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this?

“The principal work of the Spirit is loving faith & trust ... the principal exercise of faith is prayer.