Bible Study Notes 5/21/2024

Word Alive! Bible Study ©2024

Spring Series: Experiencing The Holy Spirit In & With Us © 2024

Concord Baptist Church of Boston in Milton

Conley Hughes, Jr., Senior Pastor

Tues., 21 May, 2024 - Lesson 2, Part 1 pp. 25-40

Quiet Time: H&M Blackaby, Experiencing the Holy Spirit

The Ever-Present Spirit – As we become increasingly knowledgeable of the Holy Spirit’s presence in us; we learn that His presence never leaves. The Spirit works in relationship with the Father and the Son; the three are inseparable.  Jesus spoke of the special relationship He had with the Father, which would continue when the Spirit was sent to indwell all believers. (Read, John 5:17; 19, NLT). as the father and Son works together, so has the Spirit ben sent to live in us, and to direct us into sharing in the work of God.  The ministry of the Spirit is crucial for a life of dedicated Christian service. In the book, Experiencing the Holy Spirit, Henry and Melvin Blackaby, says: “The Spirit is God’s agent on earth to communicate truth to the spirit within human beings. He opens His people’s eyes, gives us wisdom, empowers us for services, and stirs us into action.”  The Holy Spirit is not One who we merely mention in our prayers; but the Spirit is One with whom we engage for the work and ministry of Christ. Jesus promised us that through the Holy Spirit we would do “even greater works” that He. (Read, John 14:12, NLT). Jesus was not saying our work would be more efficacious his own. But the work we would be able to do, would be increasingly effective, in ways things did not happen during the time of His earthly ministry. Consider for example, how more people can be reached with the Gospel through digital technology and various platforms, than were even conceived in the first century of the time Jesus lived on earth.  Yet, we also must understand that it is still the Holy Spirit who alone, brings us into the knowledge of Christ’s teachings; and who helps us retain the memory of what we have been taught. (Read, John 14:23-26, NIV). The prophet Joel promised the permanence of the Spirit in the lives of all believers; regardless of race, language, gender or class distinction. It is the ministry of the “ever-present” Spirit to empower us with gifts to strengthen, nurture; and, encourage all believers. (Read. Joel 2:28-29, NLT). The Apostle Paul told the Christians in Corinth “Now to each one, the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.”  (I Corinthians 12:7, NIV). This was Paul’s way of saying the gifts of the Spirit were not given as “solo” gifts, alone. Each (and all) gift/s would be used for the benefit of all believers. Both Isaiah and Joel speak of the benefit of generation-gifting by the Spirit. The Spirit’s presence can be with successive generations, when those persons come to trust and believe in the living God, (Read, Psalm 44:2-3, NLT). The Holy Spirit remains with us, through our faith in Jesus Christ. In earlier times, before Jesus ascended back to heaven, the Spirit would empower God’s people for service at various times; and under certain circumstances. When David was anointed by Samuel to become the second king for Israel, the Spirit of the Lord came “powerfully” upon him. The Scripture says the Spirit was with David, from that day on. It is likely, the Spirit always came to David during those times of need. (Read, I Samuel 16:13b, NLT). When David was in great personal anguish, he prayed that the Spirit would not leave him. We should have no such fears today, as we develop intimacy with Father, Son and Spirit. (See, Psalm 51:11, NIV).

Key Idea:

What We Believe!

1. “The Holy Spirit is in you and accompanies you!”

Key Verses:

John 5:17; 19, NLT

“But Jesus replied, “My Father is always working, and so am I…So Jesus explained, “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by Himself. He does only what He sees the Father is doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son does.”

John 14:12, NLT

“I tell you the truth, anyone who believed in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.”

John 14:23-26, NIV

“Jesus said, “Anyone who loves me will keep my teachings. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me. All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send I my name, will teach you all things, and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”

Joel 2:28-29, NLT

“Then after doing all those things, I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your old men will dream dreams, and your young men will see visions. In those days I will pour out my Spirit even on servants – men and women alike.

Isaiah 44:2-3, NLT

“The Lord who made you and helps you says: Do not be afraid, O Jacob, my servant, O dear Israel, my chosen one. For I will pour out my Spirit on your descendants, and my blessing on your children.”

I Samuel 16:13b, NLT

“And the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David from that day on. Then Samuel returned to Ramah.”