Holy Spirit – Prayer, Providence, & God’s Will

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The Holy Spirit – Prayer, Providence, & God’s Will – Romans 8:31-39

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Last time we looked at how Christians are the temple of the Holy Spirit, but the question is, “what does He do?” The Bible speaks about the involvement in the Christian’s life.

Opening Question — Get Us Thinking:

After reading Romans 8, what do you learn about the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit? What do we learn about ourselves?

"The intent of this lesson is to examine three areas of Godhead's will. Special consideration will be given to prayer and to His providence as they relate to His will. As we examine these areas, keep in mind the role of the Spirit in all of the things discussed.

What are some areas of God’s will? God's will may be divided into at least three categories or areas of emphasis. God's planned or deliberate will refers to His selecting a specific goal or result and then working directly to bring about the result He wants. The permissive or circumstantial will refers to what God "allows" to happen within the natural order which He has established. The ultimate or eternal will refers to how things will be in the end-righteousness will be rewarded and sin punished. We will come back to this later in the study.

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

The main text we will look at is Romans 8 —What is the context of Romans 8? It has been called the "high water mark" of New Testament study. Paul begins the book of Romans by discussing sin; the sin of the Gentiles (1:18-32), the sin of the Jews (2:1-29), the sins of both Gentiles and Jews (3:1-23). He then reveals how God has chosen to make sinful people to be righteous — through the merit of Jesus (3:24-5:21). Those redeemed by the blood of Jesus are to grow into His likeness (chapters 6-7) the Spirit helped us with moral help. This means to grow more and more away from the world and more and more into the heart and lifestyle of Jesus. This process is known as sanctification, a process of growth in Jesus. After Paul discusses sin, righteousness, and sanctification, he discusses "life in the Spirit" (8:1-39). In Romans 8, Paul declares that those in Christ truly are victorious. We have victory over sin (8:1-3). Victory comes by the power of the indwelling Spirit (8:9). Victory is ours because we are heirs of God and joint-heirs with Jesus (8:15-17). Christians are victorious because of assisted prayer (8:26). God provides victory through His providence (8:28). Final victory is assured (8:37-39). It is in this context of victory that Paul discusses the Spirit's intercessory work (8:26-27).

In Romans 8:1-39 The Holy Spirit Helps Us...

• ... making us free from the law of sin and death, giving us victory (1-2)

The Holy Spirit does, because of no other spirit could it be said that such is the Spirit of life.

 

• ... when we are spiritually minded (3-7)

The Spirit empowers Christians for a faithful and full life. He promises life and peace. To be walking in obedience to the Spirit of Christ. This gives life to the soul, maintains a vital union with Christ, and brings peace, or conscious enjoyment of the grace of God.

 

• ... when He dwells in us, giving us victory (8-10)

Our spirit is made alive by union with Christ, and partaking of his righteousness.

• ... put to death the deeds of the body and giving us a victorious life (11-13)

The Spirit will raise the Christian’s body. The Holy Spirit in us is a pledge that God will raise us, even as Christ was raised from the tomb. Though the body be doomed to death "because of sin," it shall be "quickened" for those who have God's Spirit dwelling in them. Even our mortal bodies shall be raised, not in corruption, but in incorruptible (1 Corinthians 15:42-44).

 

• … by leading us (14)

We as the created, desire for the Creator to lead us in right paths. Interestingly, Jesus was led by the Spirit to be tempted. While there needs to be much study on that at another time, let us be reminded that the Holy Spirit leads the Christian to a deeper spiritual life just as He leads the sinner to salvation by the Word of God.

 

• ... when we receive the adoption of sons unto hope (15-25)

In deciding whether we are children of God, we have two witnesses: first, the Spirit himself, and second, our spirit. The Spirit testifies as to who is a child of God; our spirits testify as to what we are. If our spirits testify that we are the character which the Spirit says belongs to a child of God, then we have the testimony of the Spirit himself bearing witness with our spirits that we are children of God.

 

• ... pray by interceding from our suffering heart and giving victorious hope (26-27)

What does the Spirit do in worship and the prayer process? Paul begins these verses by saying that the "Spirit helps our weaknesses" An honest person realizes that he or she has weaknesses. God promises help. Paul goes on to say that "we do not know how to pray as we should." Not only do we have weaknesses, we have a lack of knowledge. We do not always know "how" to pray and "for what or whom" to pray. "But the Spirit intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words." The latter part of verse 26 clearly states that the Holy Spirit Himself intercedes on our behalf. The feelings that we may be unable to express, the Spirit understands, and takes these on our behalf before the throne of God. In heights of joy or in depths of sorrow, feelings come which cannot be verbalized. "He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God." What a tremendous promise! The Spirit helps our weaknesses, assists in our lack of knowledge, and expresses our deepest feelings before the throne of God. He does all of this "according to the will of God" (8:27).

Prayer to God involves all three personalities of the Godhead. Petitions are addressed to the Father (Matthew 6:9) through one mediator, Jesus (1 Timothy 2:5), and by the assistance of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:26).

The word mediator (mesites) means "a go-between." "For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus" (1 Timothy 2:5). There is only one who is qualified to "go between" deity and humanity—Jesus, who is both God and man (Colossians 2:9; Hebrews 4:15-16). He is also the one who is mediator of the New Testament covenant of grace (Hebrews 12:24).

Intercessor (enteuxis) means a "meeting with; a conversation; a petition" (1 Timothy 2:1; 4:5). The work of the Spirit in prayer is what I want to note especially. Prayer is a vital part of the will of God. Jesus is shown praying many times in scripture (John 17:1-26; Matthew 14:23; 26:39). Certainly the followers of Jesus must pray often. The Spirit assists the Christian in this relationship. One of the ways the Spirit assists is by teaching "how" we should pray. The Spirit then strengthens our inner being (Ephesians 3:16). He further intercedes personally for us (Romans 8:26). Prayer and God's will go together. The Spirit plays an important role in this relationship.

 

• ... with victorious assurance that nothing separates us from the love of God (28-39)

Providence, we will talk more about this later. How this comes about is usually a mystery, but it does occur. It doesn’t always work out as we wish, but it does serve us according to the Lord’s purpose — and that should be enough for the Christian.

Now come back to God’s will, what are some of the areas to consider? Many examples of God's planned / deliberate will are found in scripture. What are some examples of God’s planned will? The eternal purpose which God had to save mankind is one example (Ephesians 1:3-11). God selected the goal of saving mankind, and He worked directly to bring about that desired end: the blood sacrifice of His Son to redeem us all and the establishment of the New Testament church (Acts 20:28; Ephesians 3:10-11). Punishment for the people of God by means of captivity is another illustration of God's planned or deliberate will. Israel went into Assyrian captivity. Judah went to Babylon. Judgment upon nations other than Israel is God's will (Jeremiah 25:12). That God selected individuals such as Abraham, Moses, Joseph, David, Paul, and Jesus illustrates His having specific goals in mind and working to bring these about. Also, God's chastening of His children is another example of His will (Hebrews 12:6).

In all of these instances, the Holy Spirit was active. God is still active. However, we must be careful in making judgments as to whether or not events or circumstances happened by God's deliberate will.

God's permissive / circumstantial will, what He allows to happen within the natural order of things, covers a large area. What things fit into God’s permissive will? The question "Why do bad things happen to good people?" could be discussed here. God has placed man on earth under "natural law." Therefore, many things happen that are a part of that framework. Also, God has given us freedom of choice. Sometimes choices are made that bring about pain. This is not God's fault. In His original creation He did not intend for pain to happen. But after The Fall, pain and suffering became a part of the natural order of things. Thus, God allows a variety of trials to come to His children: "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials" (James 1:2). Scripture says that the trials work for good if we will allow them. God does not delight in the trial, but He does smile at the result. Some things happen by the power of the devil. Peter says, "Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8). Paul declares that the devil transforms himself as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14).

Natural law, human choice, trials, and influences from the devil are four illustrations of what God allows. Use these to answer the question "Why do bad things happen to good people?" We may not fully understand some things which happen, but if we will stay with God, all things will work out for our good (Romans 8:28). This leads us to the next area.

God's ultimate / eternal will refers to how things will turn out in the end — the result in eternity. Two principles promised by God throughout scripture are that righteousness will be rewarded and sin will be punished. Things do not always turn out the way we would like. They will, however, some day. Good people, at times, seem not to be blessed. They will be eternally. Evil people seem not to be punished. They will be some day. There will be "pay day, some day." God is paying attention to what is going on. The challenge is to leave to God the areas of responsibility which are rightfully His. This frees us to make sure that we personally are "walking in the light as He is in the light" (1 John 1:7-9).

What about the Godhead and providence? The Greek (pronoia) translates to "forethought." It is the word from which we get the words provide, provision. and providence. An extended meaning of "pronoia" is "to look forward; to look after, to make ready." A general meaning would be "God's abundant provisions for life in Him."

What is the relationship between the Spirit and providence? The Spirit has a direct relationship with God's provisions. All of the provisions fit within the framework of His will. The following relationships to the Spirit are revealed in scripture.

The Psalmist asks the following question: "Where can I go from your Spirit? Or where can I flee from thy presence?" (Psalms 139:7). The answer is that God's Spirit is everywhere. Answered prayer is connected with the Spirit in providence. "For I hope that through your prayers I shall be given to you" (Philemon 22). "And the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up" (James 5:15). The Spirit is connected with providence in "giving life to our mortal bodies." "But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who indwells you" (Romans 8:11). Paul urged the Ephesians, "Do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit" (Ephesians 5:18). "To be filled with" means "to be under the influence of the Spirit. God provides for living above the "dissipation" of the world through the influence of the Spirit. The fruit that comes as a result of the Spirit's influence in a believer is mentioned by Paul in the Galatian letter. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control" (Galatians 5:22-23). He admonishes them in regard to the Spirit: "If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another" (Galatians 5:25-26).

Are there additional areas of the Spirit's activity in providence? Yes — fellowship, sanctification, and invitation. God is at work in these areas today. The Spirit is an important part of that work. May we give Him due credit.

First, in regard to fellowship, Paul urges the Philippians to unity by writing, "If therefore there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind" (Philippians 2:1-2). Second, the process of growth in Christ known as sanctification is directly associated with the Spirit. "But if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live" (Romans 8:13). Peter addressed the aliens of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia by saying, "Who are chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, that you may obey Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 1:1-2). Finally, in the last chapter of the Bible, the Spirit invites us to come to Jesus: "And the Spirit and the bride say, 'Come'" (Revelation 22:17).

In Summary, Why do bad things happen to good people? We may never (in this life) be satisfied completely with answers to some specific situations. It will help tremendously if we understand the "three areas" of God's will. Observe caution when calling any current event an act of God's "deliberate" will.

How do prayer and providence fit into the will of God? The Holy Spirit is active today. He indwells the Christian. Prayer is a very significant part of God's will. The Spirit makes intercession for us continually. The Spirit is active in providence. May the following verse from the "Lord's Prayer" be our compass: "Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:10).

Reflective Questions for a Response — Live it today.

• The Holy Spirit is alive in you, transforming and sanctifying you. What does this mean to you?
• I will... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to you in this study? 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?

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The whole passage illustrates in even a startling manner the truth and reality of the ‘coming’ of the Holy Spirit to help us.

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Holy Spirit – In Christians and in the Church

The Holy Spirit – In Christians and in the Church – 1 Corinthians 3:1-22

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The Bible teaches that Christians are the temple of the Holy Spirit. He dwells with the Christian to help us live holy lives.

Opening Question — Get Us Thinking:

How would you describe the relationship between the Christian and the Holy Spirit? After reading the scripture above, what do we learn about God?

"For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ." (John 1:17). Much is stated by John in the above summary verse. There are some similarities but many differences between the concepts of Law and Grace. Under Law, the Spirit of God was "with" individuals. Under Grace, the Spirit is "with" God's people, but He is also "in" God's people. Discuss "the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ." Acts 19:1-7 describes the connection of immersion and the Holy Spirit in Christ’s baptism vs. John’s.

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

The Spirit is omnipresent but specifically dwells within the Christian — where in the scripture do we first find the promise of the Spirit being “within”? The Godhead chose to indwell and become our seal. We become the temple of the Holy Spirit as the church because He is within every Christian.

Spirit promised to live in believers, "Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, 'Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.'" Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified." (John 7:38-39). The promise is given by Jesus (verse 38). The explanation is given by John (verse 39). Is this the first scripture to mention the indwelling personally?

This is the first time in scripture that we find the promise of the Spirit being "within." The statement by Jesus would be difficult to understand if we did not have John's explanation. The explanation, however, makes it quite clear that sometime shortly after the earthly ministry of Jesus the Spirit would indwell His followers.

"And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you." (John 14:16-17). What is the meaning of "Helper" or "Comforter"? Jesus makes this promise to the apostles toward the end of His earthly ministry. He realizes that He will soon be taken from them, but He assures them that they would be given another Helper or comforter (parakletos). The word suggests "one called to the side of” or "called to one's aid." The Holy Spirit would be the one sent from God "to their side," the one who is sent to "aid" them. Additionally, the Spirit will be "in" us. This promise was not realized by those living under the Old Testament period. The faithful during the time of the earthly ministry of Jesus (this would include the apostles) did not receive the Spirit as indweller. When did the indwelling of the Holy Spirit begin? The first time the Spirit was given to indwell was on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:38). Peter tells those present that God required repentance and baptism for forgiveness of sins and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Two commands were given and two promises made. From Acts 2 onward in reading of the New Testament, the Spirit is promised to the obedient. (I assume that all who were in covenant relationship with God received the Spirit on Pentecost, including the apostles.)

What are some of the different views regarding the indwelling Spirit? There can be extremely differing views concerning the indwelling of the Spirit. Let’s touch on a few things in this section. Here are only three views.

One view that is held by several among our fellowship is that the Spirit dwells in the Christian "through the word only." This view sees New Testament scriptures which indicate an indwelling to be referring to the miraculous—that which no longer exists. A view that sees no distinction between the Spirit and the word which is "the sword of the Spirit" (Ephesians 6:17). How can the "word only" be both the Spirit and the sword of the Spirit? Some who hold this view feel that those who believe in a personal indwelling of the Spirit have accepted a conclusion that is "separate and apart from the word."

Another view is that the Spirit Himself indwells a person who obeys God's commands (Acts 2:38). Those who hold this view believe that the Spirit as indweller does things for them that the word does not do. Some who hold this view feel that God is still working miracles and that sometimes He is doing this in their lives. Others do not feel that He is doing miracles in their lives, but they are hesitant to say He is not working miracles. Most who hold this view see the indwelling to be a supernatural influence that enables individuals to do supernatural things.

A best view of the indwelling Spirit is that the Spirit Himself personally indwells the Christian as part of the covenant relationship that is shared. This is in addition to the revealed word, but not separate or in contradiction to the word. This is non-miraculous. Scriptural proof of the Spirit's indwelling will follow in this lesson.

Does all of the Godhead (Father, Son, and Spirit) dwell in the Christian? "No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us." (1 John 4:12). "For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, "I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people." (2 Corinthians 6:16). The above verses indicate that God dwells in Christians. The most common word for God in the New Testament is Theos. What does Theos mean? The majority of times this word refers to God the Father. It may at times, however, refer also to Jesus and to the Spirit.

"For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith--that you, being rooted and grounded in love." (Ephesians 3:14-17). Paul in this section of scripture affirms that both the Spirit and Jesus dwell in the Christian.

Some may feel strongly that the Holy Spirit is in them and other say I don’t feel anything, so what is the scriptural proof of the indwelling spirit?

Discuss “your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit.” "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Acts 2:38). "And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him." (Acts 5:32). "Hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” (Romans 5:5). "If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you." (Romans 8:11). “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own,” (1 Corinthians 6:19). "And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee." (2 Corinthians 1:21-22). "And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!" (Galatians 4:6).

The above verses by no means exhaust the list of references to the indwelling Spirit. These verses show sufficiently, however, that a major emphasis does exist in the New Testament on the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

What are some things which the Spirit is to the Christian? The Spirit is a gift from God which He gives when an individual surrenders to Jesus. Some misunderstand Acts 2:38 to be saying that the gift is from the Spirit. But to me the gift refers to the Spirit Himself. A parallel verse is Acts 5:32. A gift is never earned.

Paul declares that the Spirit is the sealed promise of God that guarantees that we belong to Him (Ephesians 1:13). Seal (sphragizo) refers to a stamp, an impress, which indicates ownership. Sometimes it may refer to designation. Paul says, "In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit" (Ephesians 1:13). This verse parallels what Peter told the multitude on Pentecost (Acts 2:38). The promised Holy Spirit is mentioned in each setting. Paul declares that the Spirit was given after they had heard and had believed.

Paul says that the Spirit "is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God's own possession, to the praise of His glory" (Ephesians 1:14). Pledge (arrhabon) means a surety, pledge, guarantee, or earnest. Originally, it referred to earnest money deposited by the purchaser and forfeited if the purchase were not completed. In the New Testament, it refers only to what God assured His believers. The Spirit given as a pledge is God's guarantee to us that every promise He has made He will fulfill—the ultimate promise being heaven. Paul assured the Corinthians of this promise as he had assured the Ephesians. God "sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge" (2 Corinthians 1:22). "Now He who prepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave to us the Spirit as a pledge" (2 Corinthians 5:5).

The Spirit is a motivation to purity. "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body." (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Paul declares several things in these verses relative to the Spirit and to the human body. He says that our bodies are a temple of the Spirit. The temple has always been a place where God dwells. Christians are told that they have been bought with a price. The price is the precious blood of Jesus (1 Peter 1:18-19). This means that Christians should realize that they have surrendered their will to the will of Jesus— they no longer belong to themselves. The acceptance of Jesus should be done foremost to the ultimate glory of God. The motivation to purity which should come from passages such as these is the strongest that can be found. If we cannot be motivated by this context, things such as fear, rules, threats, and the like will not be effective. These are externals. What Paul deals with are internals.

"And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, "Abba, Father." (Galatians 4:6). The Spirit is given as God's "stamp of approval." He says to us that He is glad to claim us as His own. "The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs--heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. " (Romans 8:16-17). We have been adopted into the family of God. We have "rights of inheritance" because of adoption. Jesus is a joint-heir with us. The Spirit is given to assure us that we are family, and that God is preparing a place where family can be together forever (John 14:2-3; 2 Corinthians 5:1).

How do the following passages relate in regard to strength? Ephesians 3:16; Ephesians 3:20; Philippians 4:13 . God's Spirit is our strength for the walk of faith. "That according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith--that you, being rooted and grounded in love" (Ephesians 3:16-17). The Spirit strengthens our inner self so that we may "walk by faith" (2 Corinthians 5:7). Paul in Ephesians states that the Father is at work in us: "Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us" (Ephesians 3:20). The Philippians are assured that Jesus would strengthen them as He had strengthened Paul. "I can do all things through him who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13). The promise of God in scripture is that strength from Him will enable us to walk in Him. The Spirit is a primary consideration in that strengthening process. The exact "how" God does this is not revealed.

In Summary, What is the major difference between the "Spirit under Law” and the “Spirit under Grace”? "The Law was given by Moses; but grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ" (John 1:17). One tremendous promise of grace is that God’s Spirit will indwell believers. It was promised during the ministry of Jesus (John 7:38-39; 14:16-17). The indwelling Spirit became a reality at Pentecost (Acts 2:38). Different interpretations exist among believers as to "how" the Spirit dwells in the Christian. I urge us to stay away from the extremes.

Many verses indicate the Holy Spirit indwells believers. May the promise of that gift, which indicates we belong to God, be sufficient motivation and strength for us to press on each day until the final inheritance-heaven!

Reflective Questions for a Response — Live it today.

• The Spirit of God is in you, making you God’s temple. What does this mean to you?
• I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to you in this study? 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?

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“Don't you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself.” — 1 Corinthians 6:19

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Past notes are on my blog at https://oaks-righteousness.blogspot.com/search/label/Holy%20Spirit

Checkout the video recordings from Sunday’s sermons at

https://www.youtube.com/c/edmondchurchofchrist

Holy Spirit and Jesus

The Holy Spirit – And Jesus – John 14:1-31

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The Bible teaches the eternal nature of the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Together they are the Godhead. This is more fully revealed in the New Testament but was there from the beginning.

Opening Question — Get Us Thinking:
How would you describe the relationship between Jesus and the Holy Spirit?
After reading the scripture above, what do we learn about God?

"In the beginning God (Elohim) created the heavens and the earth" (Genesis 1:1). The first reference to God in scripture is a reference to the Godhead. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit are eternal. Both deity (who God is) and divinity (His manifestation by characteristics and attributes) indicate that God is eternal. This means that the Holy Spirit and Jesus have always been. They have always had a relationship. I think it is important that we recognize this principle. Each existed in eternity before creation. Scripture indicates that each will be present from creation to the final judgment. Each will be in the final, eternal heaven.

Research Questions — “Dig Deeper” to find God’s Word & Will.
Jesus and the Spirit are eternal — they have always been. Discuss this concept. The Godhead chose the Spirit to help people learn about Jesus. How would you have chosen to tell the world about Jesus? The Spirit prophesied the coming of Jesus to fulfill God's eternal purpose. His purpose was to save all who would obey (Ephesians 1:3-11). Jesus was prophesied to be born of a woman (Genesis 3:15). Mary was chosen to fulfill this promise (Matthew 1:18). God chose Seth to be the "godly line" which replaced Abel (Genesis 4:25). Jesus descended through this line. The Spirit indicated that Jesus would be of the seed of Abraham (Genesis 12:3; 18:18; Galatians 3:16; 26-29). He would descend from Judah, the fourth son of Jacob (Genesis 49:10; Micah 5:2; Hebrews 7:14). Jesus was to come through the house of Jesse (Isaiah 11:1-2, 10). This seed line continued through David (Isaiah 9:7; Jeremiah 23:5). Matthew was inspired to say nine times that Jesus is the son of David (Matthew 9:27; 15:22; 20:31).
Jesus and the Holy Spirit’s relationship fulfilled Old Testament prophecy. How specific are the prophecies concerning Jesus? The Spirit was specific in prophesying the birth of Jesus. He was to be born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18-20; 22-23) with the Holy Spirit as the agent of conception (Matthew 1:18, 20). The angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would be the mother of Jesus (Luke 1:26-31). The birth of Jesus took place at Bethlehem in Judea (Luke 2:1-7). The only Old Testament prophet to specify the birthplace of Jesus was Micah (Micah 5:2). It should be noted that the conception of Jesus was miraculous, but His birth was a natural birth. In this He submitted to the will of the Father (Hebrews 5:5-10). He became what He had not experienced — flesh (John 1:1-3, 14). He was as we are, yet without sin (Hebrews 2:17-18; 4:15-16; Romans 8:;3-4).
Jesus became flesh through the Holy Spirit and the power of the Highest (Luke 1:35). Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit (Matthew 1:18). Jesus was born of the virgin (Luke 1:34).
Soon after the birth of Jesus, Joseph and Mary were warned not to return unto Herod but to take Jesus to Egypt to escape the decree of Herod. He had decreed that all children under the age of two were to be killed (Matthew 2:12-13). This agreed with the prophecy of Hosea concerning Jesus (Hosea 11:1). The killing of the young children was prophesied by Jeremiah (Jeremiah 31:15; Matthew 2:17-18).
The Spirit prophesied the coming Jesus. The prophets began with the announcement of birth by Isaiah and concluded with the statement of Jeremiah describing the stressful situation that resulted from Herod's decree to kill all of the young children.
The Spirit and Jesus carried out Ministry together. What does this unity say about who Jesus is? The earthly ministry of Jesus was characterized by a close relationship with the Spirit.
This relationship between Jesus and the Holy Spirit discussed earlier in the Old Testament is confirmed in the New Testament. “The Spirit of the Lord will rest upon Him” (Isaiah 11:1-4, cf. Romans 15:12). “I have put my Spirit upon Him” (Isaiah 42:1-4; cf. Matthew 12:14-21). “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me” Isaiah 61:1-2; cf. Luke 14-19).
The Spirit appeared in the form of a dove at the baptism of Jesus (John 1:32-33; Matthew 3:16). The primary message of the Old Testament is that the Messiah is coming. The event that marked the beginning of the Messiah's ministry on earth was His baptism by John in the river Jordan. The Spirit was present with Jesus during the "Temptation Scene." Matthew says that Jesus was "led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil" (Matthew 4:1). Mark states that "the Spirit impelled Him to go out into the wilderness" (Mark 1:12). Luke declares that Jesus was "led about by the Spirit in the wilderness"  (Luke 4:1). Luke further states that "Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit" (Luke 4:14). The teaching and preaching of Jesus during His earthly ministry is connected with the Spirit. The prophet Isaiah had predicted the ministry of Jesus was coming in the power of the Spirit (Isaiah 61:1-2). Luke records Isaiah's description of the earthly ministry of Jesus, spoken by Jesus during a synagogue service in His hometown of Nazareth:
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are downtrodden, to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord." (Luke 4:18-19)
This capsule of the ministry of Jesus is spoken by Jesus Himself. It was a fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy. Jesus began this presentation of truth in His hometown of Nazareth by saying that "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me." This relationship between the Spirit and Jesus continued throughout His ministry on earth.
Miracles were a part of the "evidence package" which God gave at the beginning of the New Testament period. What are the primary purposes of miracles? The primary purpose of miracles was confirmation and the Holy Spirit was an independent witness to the Messiah. They were to prove that Jesus was the Messiah, that the apostles and prophets were His spokesmen, and that His revealed word was true and authoritative (John 20:30-31; Hebrews 2:4; Mark 16:20). Jesus always gave credit for miracle working to the Holy Spirit (Matthew 12:28; John 5:30-39). The works Jesus did by the Spirit bore witness of Him (John 3:2; 5:36; 7:26-31; 10:25, 37-38).
He, the Holy Spirit, anointed Jesus. He anointed Jesus to preach (Deuteronomy 18:18; John 7:16; 8:;28; 12:49; 14:10, 24).
This anointing occurred at Jesus’ baptism (John 1:29-34; Acts 10:38). The Holy Spirit descended and remained upon Him (John 1:33). This descent of the Spirit identified Jesus as “the Messiah” (Matthew 3:16-17; Mark 1:9-12). From the time of His baptism forward it is indicated that Jesus operated with the power of the Holy Spirit (Luke 3:21-22; 4:1, 14, 18-21, 36; 5:17)
During His earthly ministry, Jesus made two tremendous promises to His followers relative to the Spirit. He promised them that the Spirit would be given to indwell them (John 7:38-39). This promise was fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:38). No one before had ever received the Spirit as an indweller. Another tremendous promise which Jesus made to His followers was that they would be blessed by the coming "Helper" or "Comforter" (John 14:16-18). The promised helper is the Holy Spirit. The Spirit will "teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you" (John 14:26). Jesus further promised, "But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth" (John 16:13). This promise applied directly to those individuals whom God selected to receive direct revelation from Him. We today share in both of these promises. The Spirit is given to indwell each person when the decision is made to put on Jesus through baptism (John 3:3-5). We also share in the promise that truth has been revealed and is knowable. That truth is revealed by the Holy Spirit in God's written word. It is to be our guide and final criteria for judgment.
Was the Holy Spirit with Jesus in His death, burial, and resurrection? Discuss the relationship of the Spirit with Jesus during His death and during His resurrection. The Spirit was with Jesus through the cross scene. The Holy Spirit raised Jesus from the dead. Jesus laid down His life and took it up again by the authority of the Father (John 10:17-19)
The Spirit continued to be present with Jesus when His earthly ministry was about to come to a close. "How much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God” (Hebrews 9:14). Jesus was raised by the Father through the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 1:1-5) He not only continued with Jesus through the physical death scene, but He was also the One given credit for raising Jesus from the dead: "For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, in order that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the Spirit" (1 Peter 3:18; Romans 1:4; 8:11). The Spirit was present with Jesus at death. It was the Spirit who raised Him from the dead and broke the "law of sin and death" (Romans 8:2). No passage says Jesus raised Himself from the dead, by His own will and power alone. This makes it possible for obedient individuals today not only to be free from the guilt and penalty of sin, but also to have the privilege of wearing the "righteousness of Jesus" (2 Corinthians 5:21; Romans 4:25; 1 Corinthians 1:30; Galatians 3:26-29).
Jesus Promised to Send the Spirit and that He would not leave His own as orphans (John 14:18). His promise was and is that the Spirit would come and abide "with" and "in" His people (John 14:17). This is a part of the promise that He gave relative to His glorification. The Spirit is bearing witness of Jesus (John 15:26). He is bringing honor and glory to Jesus and will continue to do so until Jesus comes again (John 16:14).
Things the Holy Spirit did not do for Jesus — The Holy Spirit did not give Jesus divinity (John 1:1-3). The Holy Spirit did not prevent Jesus from sinning (Matthew 4; Luke 4: Hebrews 2:10-18). The Holy Spirit did not take away the will of Jesus (1 Corinthians 14:26-32).
In summary, Scripture reveals that the Spirit and Jesus (the "Logos," the living Word) have had, and continue to have, a united relationship. The two personalities are a part of "Elohim" (Genesis 1:1). The relationship will continue as long as time exists. They continue the relationship eternally in heaven today. The tremendous thought is that obedient followers will share with them a personal relationship forever in that place “where there is no night” (Revelation 21:25).

Reflective Questions for a Response — Live it today.
· Jesus and the Holy Spirit are in complete unity. What does this mean to you?
· I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to you in this study? 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?

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God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.