THE HOLY SPIRIT

Does the Spirit intercede for us (Rom 8:26-27)? How did Christians “receive the Spirit” and what did it do for them (Gal 3:2-3; 4:6)? How are we strengthened through the Spirit (Eph 3:16,17)?

Ro. 8:26,27
Does capital “S” on “Spirit” prove the Holy Spirit is being spoken of?
It is questionable whether the Holy Spirit is being spoken of in these verses.
• “groanings too deep for words” - “too deep” for the Holy Spirit to find the right words? See v22,23 – same ones “groaning”?
• Does God search man’s hearts to know what the mind of the Holy Spirit is? (v27)
• “He intercedes” (v27) - Holy Spirit, or, Christ, v34, Heb. 7:25?
But, if He is, on whom is He exercising influence—man, or, God?
Once again, there is nothing in this passage that supports the idea that the Holy Spirit personally lives within the individual, granting him impulses and direct guidance in his life.

Gal. 3:2,3
Is there anything in the context about subjective experiences, inward impulses, or the power of Christians to speak in tongues?
What is the contrast in the book of Galatians? See e.g. 2:16; 3:5
Compare 2:16; 3:2; 3:14 …
justified by faith in Christ [i.e. gospel of, vv6-8; 1:6-9,11
……………….…… not by works of the Law
received Spirit by hearing of faith
…………................. [not] by works of the Law
receive the promise of the Spirit through faith

Five things are paralleled in Heb. 6:4-5 (all five are referring to the gospel of Christ) - what is the third one?
As “Christ” is often put by metonymy for the gospel concerning Him (e.g. 1Co. 1:23Ac. 8:5; 2 Co. 3:14,15; Eph. 4:20,21; Col. 2:2; Heb. 13:8), the Holy Spirit may be put for the gospel He promised and revealed. What is promised to people by “hearing with faith?” Jn. 3:16; Mk. 16:15,16; Rom. 5:1; etc.
Gal. 4:6
Is “spirit” here the Holy Spirit? Does the Holy Spirit call God, “Father”? “spirit” or disposition of Christ as Son, “Abba, Father” – Trust, love, confidence.
Eph. 3:16,17

What is the result of being strengthened by the Spirit in the inner man?
How does faith come? Rom. 10:17.
Compare Col. 1:9-11. What would cause one to be “strengthened with all power” according to this text?


Quick Quiz
Choose all correct answers in the following.
1. Since “Spirit” is capitalized in Rom. 8:26
a. We can know assuredly it refers to the Holy Spirit
b. It may refer to the Holy Spirit
c. It was capitalized in the ancient manuscripts
d. It reflects the translators views as to whether the Holy Spirit is being referred to