LESSONS ON THE HOLY SPIRIT
by Edward Fudge
LESSON 1 of 13
GOD’S SPIRIT IN THE WORLD BEFORE JESUS
The Holy Spirit in the Old Testament
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Spirit of God = God’s powerful active presence in the world.
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1. To create and to overpower chaos.
Genesis 1:1-2ff
2. To animate all living beings.
Genesis 6:1-3
Job 33:4
Psalms 104:27-30
3. To govern/care/direct.
a. history and the nations.
Isaiah 48:16 context (the world).
Zechariah 4:1-6 (Israel and others).
Isaiah 34:16-17 (Edom).
b. the faith-community.
Nehemiah 9:19-20, 29-31
Haggai 2:5
Zechariah 7:9-14
Isaiah 59:21
c. the believing individual.
Psalms 139
143:6-11
1 Samuel 10:1-13.4. To empower/capacitate and to motivate.
a. to work and to instruct in craftsmanship.
Exodus 31:1-11
Exodus 35:30 — 36:2
b. to lead and administer.
Numbers 11:16-17, 24-25 (the 70).
Numbers 27:15-23 (Joshua).
1 Samuel 10:1-13 (Saul).
c. to deliver an inspired word (prophecy).
(1) emphasis on sign (medium = message).
Numbers 11:24-29 (the 70).
1 Samuel 10:1-13 (Saul anointed).
1 Samuel 19:18-24 (Saul rebellious).
(2) emphasis on message (oracle: specific, occasional, noncanonical)
Numbers 24:1-4ff (Balaam/Israel).
1 Chronicles 12:16-18 (Amasai/David).
2 Chronicles 14:2 — 15:15 (Azariah/Asa).
Isaiah 59:21 (general/Israel).
(3) emphasis on form: ecstasy.
Ezekiel 2:1-3
Ezekiel 3:12-14
Ezekiel 3:22-24
Ezekiel 11:1, 24
LESSONS ON THE HOLY SPIRIT
by Edward Fudge
LESSON 2 of 13
THE SPIRIT OF GOD IN THE AGE OF MESSIAH
The Hebrew prophetic vision
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Spirit of God = God’s personal, powerful, active presence in the world.
__________________
1. Isaiah’s vision.
Isaiah 10:33 — 11:10
After judgment,
a root and branch will spring from stem and root of Jesse,
the Spirit of Yahweh will rest on him,
he will rule with justice in a peaceable kingdom,
and the nations will resort to him.
Isaiah 32:14-18
After desolation,
Spirit will be poured out from on high
and Yahweh renews earth and society in quietness and peace.
Isaiah 42:1-9
In time of hopeless distress,
Yahweh’s Servant is anointed with Yahweh’s Spirit
to bring justice to the nations
be a covenant to People
be a light to the nations
bringing sight and liberation.
Isaiah 43:25–44:5
After chastening,
Yahweh wipes out Israel’s sins for His own sake
pours out his Spirit on their descendants
who are renewed and spring up in blessing.
Isaiah 61:1-12
One is anointed with Spirit of Lord Yahweh to help the helpless,
who will rejoice in abundant blessing
to the worldwide glory of the Sovereign Lord Yahweh..
2. Joel’s vision.
Joel 2:20-32
After punishment by “locusts,”
Yahweh restores his People
pours out his Spirit on all “flesh” [strata]
who prophesy and see visions
Yahweh judges and blesses
and whoever calls on Him is saved.
3. Ezekiel’s vision.
Ezekiel 11:16-20
After exile,
Yahweh gathers his people
gives them a new Spirit and new heart
to obey him in their land.
Ezekiel 36:22-38 and
Ezekiel 39:21-29
After exile,
Yahweh gathers his people
puts his Spirit in them
to walk in his statutes
in a renewed and blessed land
that all the earth may know that Yahweh is God.
Ezekiel 37:11-14
After Israel’s “demise,”
Yahweh puts his Spirit in the People
who come to life.
.
4. Common themes/elements.
a. human brokenness and hopelessness.
b. sovereign divine intervention.
c. results: restoration, healing, life, peace.
d. Yahweh glorified in sight of all nations.
LESSONS ON THE HOLY SPIRIT
by Edward Fudge
LESSON 3 of 13
“THE SPIRIT OF YAHWEH IS UPON ME”
Jesus’ anointed ministry
__________________________________________________
Spirit of God = God’s personal, powerful, active presence in the world.
__________________
1. The Spirit and Jesus’ birth.
a. Mary’s conception in her womb.
Matthew 1:18-20
Luke 1:35 (“overshadow” = literally, Acts 5:15; Ex. 40:34; Matt. 17:5)
b. Preparation by forerunner John the Baptist.
Luke 1:15 (John filled with Holy Spirit from mother’s womb).
Luke 1:41-45 (Elizabeth filled with Holy Spirit; joy).
Luke 1:67-79 (Zacharias filled with Holy Spirit; salvation/peace).
c. Jesus’ welcome as infant.
Luke 2:25-32 (Simeon filled with Holy Spirit; salvation/light to Gentiles).
2. The Spirit and Jesus’ baptism/anointing.
Matthew 3:16-17 (Spirit descends and voice quotes Isaiah 42:1; Isa. 61:1)
Mark 1:9-11 (“torn” = Isa. 64:1; Mk. 15:38)
Luke 3:21-22 (praying; “the people”/Jesus = Second Adam)
John 1:32-35 (to manifest Lamb of God to Israel)
3. The Spirit and Jesus’ ministry.
a. The Spirit led Jesus.
Matthew 4:1
Mark 1:12 (expelled)
Luke 4:1 (“filled”, “led”)
b. The Spirit empowered Jesus.
Luke 4:14 (Jesus returned from Galilee in the power of the Spirit)
Matthew 12:15-21 (quoting Isaiah 42)
Matthew 12:28 (Spirit of God // kingdom of God)
Matthew 12:31-32 // Mk. 3:29; Lk. 12:10 (blasphemy)
c. Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit (Luke 10:21).
4. The Spirit and Jesus’ Resurrection.
Romans 1:4
Romans 8:11
5. The Spirit and Jesus’ followers.
a. For them, the Spirit of God is the very Spirit of Jesus himself.
John 14:16-21
John 16:16
2 Corinthians 3:17-18 (“the Lord is the Spirit;” “the Lord, the Spirit”).
b. They are regenerated from above (“anew”) by Spirit.
John 3:3-8 (compare Ezekiel 36:22-38; 39:21-29)
c. Jesus himself baptizes them in the Spirit.
Matthew 3:11 // Mk. 1:7-8; Lk. 3:16; John 1:33
Acts 1:4-5
(1 Corinthians 12:13)
d. They receive water baptism “in name of” Father, Son, Holy Spirit.
Matthew 28:19-20
e. They hear/receive Word by Spirit.
John 6:63
f. They are guided in truth by Spirit.
John 15:26
John 16:13
g. They are vitalized/refreshed by Spirit.
John 7:37-39 (compare Isaiah 32:14-18; 43:25–44:5).
h. They witness by the Spirit.
Mark 13:11
6. Jesus, Spirit and Prophecy.
a. Jesus acknowledged prophecy as from Spirit.
Matthew 12:36
Mark 12:36
b. The testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of Prophecy.
Rev. 19:10
c. The prophetic Spirit is the Spirit of Jesus.
1 Peter 1:10-12
LESSONS ON THE HOLY SPIRIT
by Edward Fudge
LESSON 4 of 13
“PROMISE – GIFT – BAPTISM”
Jesus the Baptizer in Holy Spirit
________________________________________
Spirit of God = God’s personal, powerful, active presence in the world.
__________________
1. John (who baptized in water) introduces Jesus as Baptizer in Holy Spirit.
Matthew 3:11
Jerusalemites, Judeans, Jordan dwellers (v. 5)
Pharisees and Sadducees (v. 7)
no apostles in story until six weeks later in Galilee (4:18)
Mark 1:7-8
Judeans and Jerusalemites (v. 5)
no apostles in story until six weeks later in Galilee (1:16)
Luke 3:16
multitudes (vs. 7, 10)
tax-gatherers (v. 12)
soldiers (v. 14)
the people (vs. 15, 18)
no apostles in story until six weeks later in Galilee (5:10)
John 1:33
(“this is the one who baptizes in the Holy Spirit”)
2. The risen Jesus tells apostles to wait for the baptism in Holy Spirit (Acts 1:1-8).
a. This is what the Father had promised, of which Jesus had spoken (v. 4).
b. This will empower recipients to witness to whole earth (v. 8).
.
3. Jewish believers are baptized in the Holy Spirit first, at Pentecost (Acts 2).
a. The recipients.
(1) the eleven apostles (1:13).
(2) the women and Jesus’ brothers (1:14).
(3) about 120 disciples in all (v. 15).
b. Phenomena marking the event.
(1) a sound like a violent, rushing wind (2:2).
(2) the “appearance” of tongues of fire which “distribute” and “rest” on each of those present (2:3).
(3) filled with the Holy Spirit, they all began to speak with “other tongues” as the Spirit gave utterance (2:4).
(a) a miracle also of understanding? (2:8-10).
(b) a sign to attract attention, not a means of communicating the gospel (2:11, 14ff).
c. Peter (and other apostles?) explain and bear witness of God’s mighty deeds in Jesus (2:14-40).
d. Those who repent and are baptized in Jesus’ name (and also those God will “call” later) are promised “the gift of the Holy Spirit” (2:38-39; see also 5:32).
e. Terminology.
(1) “baptized” in Holy Spirit (1:5).
(2) Holy Spirit “comes on” them (1:8).
(3) “filled” with Holy Spirit (2:4).
(4) God “pours forth” Holy Spirit as prophesied (2:17,33).
(5) “gift” of the Holy Spirit (2:38-39)..
4. Gentile believers are baptized in the Holy Spirit also, at Cornelius’ house (Acts 10-11).
a. The recipients.
(1) many (10:27) believing (10:44; 15:7-9) Gentiles (11:1, 3).
(2) consisting of an Italian centurion named Cornelius, his relatives and close friends (10:1, 24).
b. The message.
(1) Peter bears witness of God’s mighty deeds in Jesus (10:34-43).
(2) Peter summarizes by stating that all the prophets bear witness that through Jesus’ name everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins (10:43; Gal. 3:5).
c. The response.
(1) those gathered listen in belief (10:43-44).
(2) the Holy Spirit “fell upon” those who were “listening” (10:44).
(3) the Jews who were present were amazed because the “gift” of the Holy Spirit was “poured out” upon Gentiles also (10:45), as evidenced by their speaking with “tongues” (10:46).
(a) a miracle also of understanding? (10:46).
(b) a sign to attract attention, not a means of communicating the gospel (10:45-47).
d. Terminology.
(1) “baptized” in Holy Spirit (11:15-16).
(2) Holy Spirit “fell upon” them (10:44; 11:15).
(3) “received” Holy Spirit just as Peter had (10:47).
(4) God “poured out” Holy Spirit (10:45).
(5) “gift” of the Holy Spirit (10:45; 11:17)..
5. According to Paul, every Christian is baptized in the Holy Spirit into the one body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:13; compare 1 Cor. 10:1-4).
a. In one Spirit
b. We were all (Jews or Greeks, slaves or free)
c. Baptized [by Jesus, according to Gospels]
d. Into one body
e. and were all made to drink of one Spirit (see John 7:37-39).
f. but not all speak in tongues (vs. 10-11, 28, 30).
6. Conclusions.
a. Jesus baptizes every believer in the Holy Spirit.
(1) may be contemporaneous with water baptism when administered as faith-response to Gospel (Acts 2:38; Titus 3:5).
(2) associated with regeneration (Titus 3:3-7; Ezek. 36:22-27; John 3:3-6).
(3) associated with incorporation into body of Christ (12:13).
(4) associated with empowerment for witness and service (Acts 1:8; Mark 13:11; 1 Cor. 12:4-11).
(5) associated with intimate presence of God and Jesus (John 14:16-21; John 16:16; John 7:37-39 (compare Isaiah 32:14-18; 43:25–44:5).
LESSONS ON THE HOLY SPIRIT
by Edward Fudge
LESSON 5 of 13
ACTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
Jesus is still active, although absent in body
__________________________________________
Holy Spirit = the personal, powerful, active presence of
God and the Risen Christ in the world.
__________________
A. Jesus was anointed, empowered, and led by God’s Spirit (10:38; 1:2).
B. Jesus baptizes believers in the Spirit, whom God pours out as an empowering gift.
1. Jews at Pentecost. (God’s sovereign act; no human means; 120 speak in tongues.)
a. “baptized” in Spirit (1:5).
b. Spirit “comes on” them (1:8).
c. “filled” with Spirit (2:4).
d. God “pours forth” Spirit (2:17,33).
e. “gift” of the Spirit (2:38-39).
2. Samaritans. (Apostles prayed and laid hands on them.)
a. “received” Spirit (8:15,17).
b. Spirit “fallen upon” them (8:16).
c. Spirit “bestowed” (8:18).
d. “gift” of God (8:20).
3. Gentiles at Cornelius’ house. (God’s sovereign act; no human means; Gentiles speak in tongues.)
a. “baptized” in Spirit (11:15-16).
b. Spirit “fell upon” them (10:44; 11:15).
c. “received” Spirit just as Peter had (10:47).
d. God “poured out” Spirit (10:45).
e. “gift” of the Spirit (10:45; 11:17; 15:8).
4. Saul of Tarsus (9:17-19). Ananias lays hands on Saul, who is filled with Spirit, receives sight, and is baptized in water calling on name of the Lord (see 22:16).
5. John’s disciples at Ephesus (Paul laid hands on them; they spoke in tongues and prophesied).
a. “receive” Spirit (19:2).
b. “baptized” (implied) (19:3-5).
c. Spirit “came upon” them (19:6).
C. The Spirit recognized as speaking in Scripture (1:16; 28:25).
D. The Spirit speaks to someone to guide them in ministry.
1. Philip (8:29; “snatched away” 8:39).
2. Peter (10:19 // 11:12).
3. Antioch prophets and teachers (13:2-4).
E. The Spirit “speaks” by inner voice or conviction.
1. Apostles, elders and whole church (15:28).
2. Paul (16:6-7; 19:21).
F. The Spirit speaks to someone with a message for someone else (prophecy).
1. Agabus (11:28; 21:11).
2. Unnamed persons (21:4; see also 20:22-23).
G. The Spirit continually “fills” (empowers) God’s people.
1. Peter (4:8) — to speak.
2. The church (4:31) – to witness.
3. The Seven (6:3) – to serve.
4. Stephen (6:5,10; 7:55) – to serve, witness.
5. Barnabas (11:23-24) – encouraged others.
6. Paul (13:9) – to witness.
7. Disciples – to grow, be built up in peace (9:31), and live joyfully (13:52).
8. Elders (“filled” implied) – to pastor God’s flock (26:28).
H. The Spirit can be lied to, tested, resisted.
1. Ananias lied to Spirit (5:3).
2. Sapphira tested Spirit (5:9).
3. Jews resisted Spirit (7:51).
LESSONS ON THE HOLY SPIRIT
by Edward Fudge
LESSON 6 of 13
THE FRUITFUL CHRISTIAN LIFE
How God empowers us to become like Jesus
_______________________________________
Holy Spirit = the personal, powerful, active presence of
God and the Risen Christ in the world.
__________________
1. The metaphor in the Old Testament.
Psalm 80:8-19
Isaiah 5:1-7
Israel was Yahweh’s chosen Vine,
which he carefully planted, protected and tended,
and from which he expected good fruit
but was disappointed.
2. The metaphor in the teaching of Jesus.
John 15:1-8
Jesus is God’s “true” Vine,
through whom God is perfectly glorified.
The life of Jesus is faithfully reproduced
in those who by faith abide in union with him.
a. “Fruit” reveals one’s true character (Matthew 7:16-20; 12:33).
b. Fruit-bearing calls for singleminded reception of God’s word (Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23; Mark 4:3-20; Luke 8:4-15).
c. Fruit-bearing requires dying to the old self (John 12:24-25)..
3. The metaphor in the epistles.
Galatians 5:16-18, 22-25
It is the nature of things in God’s new order
that the character of Jesus is reproduced
in those who renounce their old nature
and draw life from the Spirit of the Risen Lord.
a. This new character is the fruit of light (Eph. 5:8-10).
b. This new character is the fruit of righteousness (Phil. 1:9- 11).
c. This new character is the fruit of wisdom (James 3:17-18).
4. Common themes/elements.
a. The source of the life that pleases God is God’s own power.
b. The goal of the life that pleases God is God’s own glory.
c. The way to the life that pleases God is to abide in Christ by faith and to die to sin and self.
d. The measure of the life that pleases God is its likeness to the life of Jesus himself.
LESSONS ON THE HOLY SPIRIT
by Edward Fudge
LESSON 7 of 13
THE FRUITFUL CHRISTIAN LIFE
Becoming like Jesus
________________________________________
Holy Spirit = the personal, powerful, active presence of
God and the Risen Christ in the world.
__________________
I. INTRODUCTORY COMMENT:
“Fruit-bearing is a natural and not a mechanical process, revealing the presence of an inner life; and the use of the singular (karpos, not karpoi) points to the unity of the character which the Spirit creates. But its unity is manifold, and the nine products enumerated correspond to three sides of the manifold Christian experience; some find their sphere in that inner life which is privy to God and the individual consciousness, some in the life of fellowship with men, and some again in the personal character which interprets itself in the words and deeds . . . . The Spirit . . . bears fruit in every region of human life. All in life that is worthy of the name of fruit — all that fulfils the end of life by bringing glory to God — is of the Spirit. By the Spirit the True Vine abides in the branches and the branches abide in the Vine, apart from which they can do nothing, in union with whom they bear `much fruit’. By the Spirit we live, i.e. receive and maintain our spiritual life, our very existence in the higher possibilities of our nature; by the Spirit we may also take step after step along the way of life.” Henry Barclay Swete, The Holy Spirit in the New Testament, 1910 (1964 reprint).
II. THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT:
A. Fruit needed to sustain one’s inner life.
1. Love (agape).
John 15:13; John 3:16.
2. Joy (chara).
John 16:19-22; Acts 13:50-52; Rom. 14:17; 15:13.
3. Peace (eirene).
John 14:25-27; 16:32; Rom. 14:17; 15:13.
B. Fruit needed for fellowship with others.
1. Patience, “long-temperedness” (makrothymia).
Rom. 5:3; James 1:3-4.
2. Kindness (chrestotes).
Matt. 11:30 (“easy”); Titus 3:1-7.
3. Goodness (agathosyne).
Acts 10:38; Rom. 2:4-5.
C. Fruit needed for (truly) successful life.
1. Faithfulness, dependability, trustworthiness (pistis).
noun-244; verb-248.
2. Gentleness (prautes).
Matt. 10:28-30 (“meek”/”gentle); Gal. 6:1.
3. Self-control (egkrateia).
1 Cor. 9:25; 1 Cor. 7:9.
III. COMMON THEMES AND ELEMENTS:
A. This fruit originates with God (divine life), is exemplified by Jesus, and flows through us by the Spirit (divine power). See also 2 Peter 1.
B. This fruit is contrary to the egocentric, self-seeking fallen nature, and it glorifies God in contrast to our natural selves.
C. This fruit is most apparent when circumstances and other people are most adverse to the one in whom it is to be borne.
D. This fruit is impossible in our own strength but is immediately supplied and released by penitent surrender of whole self to God.
E. This fruit-filled life exemplifies “love,” defines “spirituality,” constitutes “Christlikeness,” and fulfils “law” by demonstrating its goal and making it unnecessary.
LESSONS ON THE HOLY SPIRIT
by Edward Fudge
LESSON 8 of 13
GRACE-GIFTS: WHY AND TO WHOM?
How God empowers us to serve like Jesus.
________________________________________
Holy Spirit = the personal, powerful, active presence of
God and the Risen Christ in the world.
__________________
I. Relation of fruit and gifts:
Fruit Gifts
Christ-like character Christ-like ministry
involve our being involve our doing
developed received
prepare for eternity equip for this life
regulate use of gifts manifest fruit
II. Vocabulary: learning more about using God’s grace-gifts to bring joy.
1. Char = joy.
2. Charis = grace.
3. Charisma = gift.
4. Charismata = gifts (plural).
5. Charismatic = involving/concerning grace-gifts.
III. Major texts.
1. Romans 12:1-8.
2. 1 Corinthians 12-14.
3. Ephesians 4:1-16.
4. 1 Peter 4:10-11..
IV. Perspectives of various major texts.
1. Romans 12:1-8.
As recipients of God’s mercy, believers are to give themselves to him in gratitude, to be transformed into living showcases of God’s perfect will for their respective human lives. The form differs from person to person because we receive different gifts corresponding to God’s multifaceted grace.
2. 1 Corinthians 12.
Just as in our human bodies, Christ’s spiritual body has many different, interdependent members. There is unity in our diversity: one and the same Spirit, Lord and God, but varieties of gifts (abilities), ministries (functions) and effects (results). Although distributed to various individuals in great variety, the Spirit’s manifestations all are given for the common good. Remember: we all were baptized (by Jesus) in one Spirit into one body, and all drink of one (life-giving) Spirit.
3. Ephesians 4:1-16.
Like a victorious warrior-King, Christ has conquered his enemies and now distributes gifts to his own people (Eph. 48; Psa. 68:18). Believers must live together in a manner appropriate to their calling, exerting themselves to preserve in bonds of peace the unity which God’s Spirit gives (one body and Spirit, one hope, one Lord-faith-baptism, one God who is over-through-in all). Each one has received grace in keeping with the distribution of Christ’s gifts.
Christ gave apostles, prophets, evangelists, and pastors/teachers to equip all his people to perform their respective service, so his body will be built up to full maturity and resemble him in every way.
4. 1 Peter 4:10-11.
God distributes his grace in myriad ways, entrusting grace-gifts to his people to faithfully serve each other, whether in word or deed, to the glory of God.
LESSONS ON THE HOLY SPIRIT
by Edward Fudge
LESSON 9 of 13
GRACE-GIFTS: WHAT AND HOW?
The proper use of spiritual gifts
________________________________________
Holy Spirit = the personal, powerful, active presence of
God and the Risen Christ in the world.
__________________
I. Relation of fruit and grace-gifts:
Fruit/ Grace-gifts
Christ-like character/ Christ-like ministry
involve our being/ involve our doing
developed/ received
prepare for eternity/ equip for this life
regulate use of grace-gifts/ manifest fruit
II. Vocabulary: learning more about using God’s grace-gifts to bring joy.
1. Char = joy.
2. Charis = grace.
3. Charisma = gift.
4. Charismata = gifts (plural).
5. Charismatic = involving/concerning grace-gifts.
III. What are these grace-gifts?
1. Are these “natural” endowments sanctified, new abilities supernaturally bestowed, or both?
2. Old Testament background.
3. Example of Jesus himself shows both endowment (Acts 10:38) and also developed ability (Luke 2:52).
4. Rather than “miraculous” and “non-miraculous” or “supernatural” and “natural,” think in terms of “ordinary divine activity/endowment” and “extraordinary divine activity/endowment.”
5. The various NT lists are suggestive, not exhaustive.
Romans 12 1 Cor. 12 Eph. 4 1 Peter 4
prophesying word of wisdom apostles speaking
serving word of knowledge prophets serving
teaching faith evangelists
exhorting gifts of healing pastors/teachers
giving effecting of miracles
leading prophecy
showing mercy distinguishing spirits 1 Cor. 13
kinds of tongues tongues
interp. of tongues prophecy
understand
apostles knowledge
prophets miracle faith
teachers giving
helps martyrdom
administering
IV. How do you discern which grace-gifts God has entrusted to you, with which to bring joy to others and glory to God?
1. How do you instinctively react, respond to situations of need?
2. What do you sense is lacking in others that you can supply?
3. What do others expect from you based on past experience?
4. What do you do that blesses others?
5. What service do you perform for which others thank and praise God?
V. How are we to exercise God’s grace-gifts to accomplish their purpose?
1. In humility and acceptance of God’s sovereign will (1 Cor. 12).
2. In love, defined in very practical and concrete terms (1 Cor. 13). Unless it is exercised with love, no gift — however glamorous, mysterious or heroic — has any value. Remember, love (the Spirit’s fruit) will outlast all grace-gifts.
3. In self-control (1 Cor. 14). The loving use of grace-gifts involves self- control in view of their ultimate purpose — serving and building up others to God’s glory.
LESSONS ON THE HOLY SPIRIT
by Edward Fudge
LESSON 10 of 13
TWO EXTRAORDINARY GRACE-GIFTS
Taking the stress out of prophecy and tongues
________________________________________
Holy Spirit = the personal, powerful, active presence of
God and the Risen Christ in the world.
__________________
I. MAKING THE MOST OF “GOING TO CHURCH” (1 Corinthians 14).
Earnestly desire the greater gifts. And I show you a still more excellent way (12:31).
Gifts must be exercised in love or they are nothing (ch. 13).
Pursue love, yet desire earnestly the grace-gifts and especially to prophesy (14:1).
Tongues Prophecy
1. speaks to God (2). speaks to man (3).
2. no (human) understands (2). (people) understand.
3. in [S/s]pirit speaks mysteries (2). speaks for edification, consolation and comfort (3).
4. edifies self (4). edifies church (4).
5. I wish you all spoke in t. (5). I wish even more that you prophesied (5).
6. when interpreted, have public greater value than tongues which are not
value for revelation, know- interpreted (5).
ledge, prophecy or teaching (6).
when in public but not interpreted:
speaking into air (9),
like a “bar-bar” (11),
therefore the one who speaks in a
tongue should pray also to interpret
for public benefit (13).
7. w/o interp., my spirit prays,
but my mind is unfruitful (14).
I will pray and sing
with my spirit [tongues]
and with mind [interp.]
also (15-16).
w/o interp., you give thanks
well enough [in tongues] but
other person is not edified (17).
8. I thank God I speak in tongues more than you all (18),
yet in church, five words with mind
[tongue, with interp., or prophecy]
are preferable to 10,000 words in tongue
[w/o interpretation] (19).
9. If all speak in tongues [uninterp.], If all prophesy,
layman/countryman will think you crazy (23). layman/countryman will:
be convicted
have secrets revealed
fall on face (worship)
affirm God’s presence (24-25).
10. in church: In church:
2 or 3 at most 2 or 3
in turn in turn
with interpretation under control (29-33).
or
silently to God alone (27-28).
11. Do not forbid (39). Desire earnestly (39).
II. TYPES OF TONGUES.
1. Human languages (“tongues of men”)?
Unlearned by speaker, effective as a sign to indicate divine intervention; not a substitute for Berlitz! (Acts 2:3-14; Acts 10:44-46; Acts 19:6).
2. Non-human languages (“tongues of angels”)?
(a) Uninterpreted, for private prayer and personal edification.
(1 Cor. 14; possibly also Rom. 8:26-27; Eph. 6:18; Jude 20).
(b) Interpreted, equal to prophecy for public ministry (1 Cor. 14).
III. CRITERIA OF AUTHENTIC PROPHECY.
1. content is in harmony with Scripture.
2. focus is on Jesus Christ and godly, Christ-like living.
3. has a constructive result (edification, encouragement, comfort).
4. has a holy effect (creates sense of awe and reverence).
5. does not request money for prophet.
LESSONS ON THE HOLY SPIRIT
by Edward Fudge
LESSON 11 of 13
THE SPIRIT THAT MAKES US HOLY
The practical proof of the “Holy Spirit”
________________________________________
Holy Spirit = the personal, powerful, active presence of
God and the Risen Christ in the world.
__________________
I. A WORD FAMILY THAT STANDS APART.
A-S, Germ. root Latin root
holy – sanctified
holiness – sanctification
holy people – saints
holy place – sanctuary
Holy Spirit – Spiritus Sanctus
II. BACKGROUNDS IN HEBREW SCRIPTURES.
A. Israel was God’s own (“peculiar”, Lat. peculiaris = private property) people, and therefore “holy” to Yahweh.
Leviticus 20:26
see 2 Corinthians 6:16–7:1
see 1 Peter 2:4-12
B. This concept of entire dedication was symbolized in the Aaronic priesthood, a unique institution of set-apart people, places, objects and activities.
Exodus 28:36-38 (see “holy” throughout Leviticus)
see Zechariah 14:20-21
C. To belong entirely to God also obligates one to become like God, that is, “holy” (godly, morally pure) in character.
Leviticus 11:44-45
1 Peter 1:15-16
III. THE PROPHETS ENVISIONED GOD’S RENEWING, TRANSFORMING SPIRIT.
Ezekiel 11:16-20
Ezekiel 36:22-38
Ezekiel 39:21-29
IV. NT WRITERS SEE THIS ACCOMPLISHED THROUGH JESUS’ SELF- OFFERING, TO WHICH HOLINESS (LIVING AS IF WE BELONG ENTIRELY AND EXCLUSIVELY TO GOD) IS THE BELIEVER’S RESPONSE.
Hebrews 10:10, 14
1 Corinthians 1:30
Romans 12:1-2
V. GOD’S SPIRIT AND OUR HOLINESS.
1 Corinthians 6:15-19
Your body is the Holy Spirit’s temple; do not use it for uncleanness.
Galatians 5:16-25
The same Spirit which frees us from the Law’s demands and condemnation is also at war with our “flesh” to produce holy “fruit.”
Ephesians 1:4; 4:22-30
God chose us to be holy people in Christ before the world began. The new self must imitate Jesus; to do otherwise grieves the Holy Spirit by whom we are sealed for the day of redemption.
1 Thessalonians 4:2-8
God (who gives us the Holy Spirit) desires, commands and holds us accountable for holiness, especially in marital faithfulness.
Titus 2:11-14; 3:3-5
God’s grace saves us from the old way of life, entitles his claim of ownership and renews us by the Holy Spirit for the Age to Come.
VI. “PERFECTING HOLINESS IN THE FEAR OF GOD” (2 Cor. 7:1).
1. Think correctly about who, and whose, you are.
2. Decide that you will obey God and present yourself constantly to God.
3. Seek God’s power and infilling of the Holy Spirit.
4. Resist and flee temptation.
5. Strictly obey God and his Spirit will produce holiness.
LESSONS ON THE HOLY SPIRIT
by Edward Fudge
LESSON 12 of 13
LED BY THE SPIRIT – WALKING IN THE SPIRIT
The “parable” of the mistaken weathermen
________________________________________
Holy Spirit = the personal, powerful, active presence of
God and the Risen Christ in the world.
__________________
I. God’s Spirit leads his people, individually and collectively.
1. Certainly (Neh. 9:19-20, 30; Rom. 8:14; Gal. 5:16, 18, 25). 2. Mysteriously and unpredictably (John 3:6-8). 3. The heart of the person God’s Spirit leads (Psalm 143:10; see 1-12).
II. Various ways the Book of Acts shows God’s Spirit leading his people.
1. Scripture (Acts 1:16; see also 1 Cor. 14:37; 1 Thes. 4:8).
a. Not “bare” Scripture apart from life, but read with revelatory insight to see practical application.
b. We sometimes say, “God really spoke to me through that Scripture.”
2. Prayerful deliberation of spiritual leadership (Acts 15:28).
In Acts 15, this process involved debate, open evaluation of God’s ongoing activities in the world, review of Scripture and drafting a consensus report.
3. Prophecy (Acts 12:28; Acts 21:4, 11).
4. Speaking directly (Acts 8:28; 10:19; 11:12; 13:2).
Each of these texts involves specific guidance of persons actively engaged in ministry. We do not know if the Spirit spoke audibly or not.
5. Providentially, by circumstances (Acts 16:7).
However, Satan also has a hand in circumstances, so we cannot always know the manner by which God is guiding at the time (1 Thes. 2:17-18).
6. Spontaneously, by special “filling” (Acts 4:8, 31; 7:55; 13:9).
This seems to be “intuitive” and unselfconscious — the person immersed in God’s will and seeking his glory simply moves forward in faith and obedience, confident that God will enable and empower.
III. The living God is sovereign in such matters and we should state matters modestly and without dogmatism.
Acts 15:28
See 1 Cor. 7:6, 10, 12, 25, 26, 40
LESSONS ON THE HOLY SPIRIT
by Edward Fudge
LESSON 13 of 13
THE HOLY SPIRIT AND OUR FUTURE
When dry bones come to life
________________________________________
Holy Spirit = the personal, powerful, active presence of
God and the Risen Christ in the world.
__________________
I. God’s Spirit creates life out of nonlife.
1. In Creation.
Genesis 1:1ff
Psalms 104:29-30
2. With mankind.
Job 33:4
Isaiah 42:5
II. God’s Spirit even raises the dead.
1. The nation Israel.
Ezekiel 37:1-14
2. Jesus of Nazareth, the Messiah.
Romans 1:4
Romans 8:11
1 Timothy 3:16
3. Morally, in regeneration.
John 3:6
Romans 8:11-13
2 Corinthians 3:6
Ephesians 2:1-7
4. In the resurrection of immortality.
2 Corinthians 5:1-5
Galatians 6:8
Ephesians 1:13-14; 4:30
Philippians 3:20-21