May 19, 2024
Dave Stephens
Week 1: The Nature and Role of the Holy Spirit
Often perceived as the most mysterious member of the Trinity, however; the Holy Spirit plays a critical role in our faith and daily lives. We will see the Spirit’s purpose and presence through the scripture.
The Holy Spirit is often described as the “breath” of God, the divine presence that filled the void at creation and continues to animate all life. As part of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit works in perfect unity with the Father and the Son.
Genesis 1:1-2
- ”In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.”
- The Holy Spirit is not just a New Testament entity but has been active throughout the entire Biblical narrative.
The Holy Spirit is often described as the presence and power of God at work in the world, involved in creation, inspiration, guidance, and sanctification.
We can see throughout scripture that the Holy Spirit is very involved…but how do we know him?
He Has…
1. A
We see His relational nature in the Trinity: The Holy Spirit is God…co-equal and co-eternal with the Father and the Son. In the Holy Trinity, the Spirit is the person who manifests the relational love between the Father and the Son.
Scripture shows us the Holy Spirit is relational…your relationship with Him is personal…those who regularly converse with the Holy Spirit know how true this is. He speaks to you about things no one else knows…he brings comfort to you better than a close friend. The Spirit dwells within believers, creating an intimate connection with God.
Romans 8:15-16:
- ”The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’ The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.”
2. A
- Agent of Sanctification: He works to transform believers into the likeness of Christ.
This transformation process involves a deep inward change, as Paul describes in 2 Corinthians 3:18:
“And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”
”The transformation and renovation of our nature is the principal work of the Holy Spirit in our souls. He supernaturally moulds new the whole soul and all its faculties.”
He brings continual transformation…sanctification
3. An
Eternal and Unchanging: The Holy Spirit is without beginning or end. He is not a created being but, like the Father and the Son, exists outside the bounds of time and space.
Hebrews 9:14
- ”How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!”
The eternal nature of the Holy Spirit means He is always present and active.
Augustine of Hippo, an early church father, in his writing The Trinity, pointed out, “The Holy Spirit is the highest and greatest gift of God, being himself equal to God…the one who is everywhere present.”
Summary…the nature of the Holy Spirit is deeply relational, transformational, and eternal. He exists in perfect harmony with the Father and Son, fostering intimate relationships with believers that bring about profound transformation, and His eternal presence assures us of God’s ongoing commitment to us.
Understanding His involvement since the beginning invites us into a deeper relationship with God.
Question to Close: Are you receptive to the Holy Spirit’s dynamic and ever-present work in your life?