THE HOLY SPIRIT

Scriptures say the Spirit will be “given” to believers—what does that mean? (Lk 11:13; Jn 7:38,39; Rom 5:5; 2Co 1:21-22; 5:5)

Lk 11:13
Read vv1-13 in order to understand the context.: Perseverance in prayer.
• What request initiated this conversation?
• What was Jesus’ encouraging by his illustration about a friend? (Note esp. v8-13)
• Why might one NOT do what Jesus is encouraging? Base your answer on vv11-13.
Read the parallel passage in Mt. 7:7-11. What occurs in the text there instead of “the Holy Spirit”?
Some questions for those who would make this refer to an expectation of the personal indwelling of the Holy Spirit Himself or miraculous gifts such as speaking in tongues.
WHEN would one expect to receive whatever this is?
? If at baptism (Ac 2:38), not this verse. This is response to prayer.
? If by laying on of apostles’ hands, not this scripture. This is to the apostles. Moreover, if this is the case, it would not mean spiritual gifts today, for all the apostles are dead. See Ac. 8:14-18.
WHAT would receiving the Holy Spirit do?
? Guide? Then...
• Why did Jesus and the apostles direct people to the WORD for guidance?
• Why did not all New Testament Christians agree?
? Tongues?
• Context??
• Some of the Corinthians did NOT have tongues? Should they conclude God is not good?

Jn. 7:38,39
Rule of interpretation: the interpretation of the figurative language must agree with literal accounts of the same thing.
Note: The “Spirit” had already been given (“Spirit” for his power) in some sense before Jesus was glorified, i.e., empowering the prophetsto prophesy (Lk 1:41,67) and miraculous powers (Mt 10:7-8) (“Spirit” for his power) that preceded the cross. Therefore, since whatever Jesus is speaking of would not happen until he was glorified (“the Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified”), it cannot refer to prophesy and miracles. We cannot assume the meaning based on theology. SoRather, we must ascertain by context and harmony in what sense Jesus meant “the Spirit was not yet given because Jesus was not yet glorified.”?
Q: What did believers receive after Jesus was glorified?
• Did all believers receive Holy Spirit baptism on Pentecost? How do you know?
• Did all believers speak in tongues on Pentecost? How many? Can you prove it?
• Did all believers receive miraculous powers on Pentecost? When is the first time you read of anyone else but apostles working miracles?
Suggestion: “Spirit” by metonymy for spiritual blessings of the gospel in Christ.
• Some make it refer to spiritual gifts through which others receive life (i.e., Spirit in apostles and prophets), but the text rather speaks of personal blessings to be received rather than what one will be giving. The recipient is the “thirsty” man, who receives an abundant satisfaction of his need.
• Parallel figure: John 4:10-14. The “well of water” springing up (Jn. 4) parallels the “rivers of living water” (Jn. 7) flowing out. The well of water of Jn. 4 springs up “to eternal life.”
• Compare John 6:35...40. The well of water in Jn. 4 will cause one to “never thirst”; the water of Jn. 7 is for those who are “thirsty”; in Jn 6, “he who believes in me shall never thirst” (v35) is parallel to “believes in Him may have eternal life” (v. 40).
• Is “Spirit” so used elsewhere? Yes - Heb. 6:4-5.
• This believers DID “receive” after Jesus was glorified!
• The Holy Spirit prophesied of these blessings in the Scriptures.
? Note “as the Scripture said...” No direct quote. However, consider Isa. 12:3 (see 11:1f).; 44:3, 55:1, 58:11.
? In Isa. 44:3, “My Spirit” is parallel with “My blessing” and paired with the imagery of “pouring out water … and streams...”

Rom. 5:5
What does the writer mean by “the love of God” based on the next three verses? (Note the “For” in the very next verse.)
How did YOU come to have this love of God within your heart? Compare 1Jn. 4:16.

2Co. 1:21-22
Mark the pronouns in vv17-24; note that there is an “us” and a “you.” To whom do the “I,” “us,” “our” and “we” pronouns refer to?
The first seven chapters of 2 Corinthians is Paul’s defense of his ministry against those trying to undermine it. In this section he is dealing with their charges that his word was not reliable (see vv12-18….23). This would affect their confidence in “the promises of God in Christ” that he preached. He reminds the Corinthians God had done four things (or three if “and” in v22 is explanatory) in reference to himself and the other men that worked with him in delivering the gospel to them that should give them assurance. What are they?
For Paul’s own comments on the surety of what he preached about Christ, see his statements in his first letter, 1Co. 2:1-5.

2Co. 5:5
Here we are still in the section of 2 Corinthians where Paul is defending his ministry (4:1…5:18). Note the pronouns, “we,” “our,” us” versus “you” in chapter four and again in 5:12f. Who are the “us” and “we”? He speaks of the hope that kept him going (4:16f) and in 5:5 again says God gave “us” the Spirit as a “pledge” of the this promise. What was the assurance he had, and thus that we have, that these promises of future glory for the people of God are true?

Quick Quiz
Choose all correct answers in the following.
1. When “Spirit” is capitalized in the Bible
a. It always refers to the Holy Spirit
b. It may refer to the Holy Spirit
c. It never refers to the Holy Spirit
d. It reflects the translators views as to whether the Holy Spirit is being referred to