Text: 1 Peter 3:15
In our text, Peter explained that each Christian needs to be ready to give an answer for what we believe. Giving a defense for the HOPE within us requires an ability to articulate the basics of our faith. In this series, we are going to discuss some basic questions that may arise. This is to help reinforce our own faith and help prepare us to teach others as opportunities arise.
Who Is the Holy Spirit?
- The New Testament talks a lot about the Holy Spirit – but many don’t have a clear understanding of who/what the Holy Spirit is
- Yet it is important that we recognize WHO the Holy Spirit is and understand His work and purpose
The Holy Spirit Is Deity
- This means the Holy Spirit is one of the persons of God – a member of the “Godhead”; Peter identified the Holy Spirit this way when he confronted Ananias (Acts 5:3-4)
- The Holy Spirit is distinct from the Father and the Son (Matthew 3:16-17) – yet is referred to as “God”
The Holy Spirit Guided the Apostles
- The apostles were with Jesus daily, learned from Him directly, and would be commissioned to preach to the world – the Holy Spirit would be given to help them (John 14:26; 15:26-27; 16:13)
- Through the work of the Holy Spirit, they were able to teach the perfect and complete will of Christ
The Holy Spirit Inspired the Bible Writers
- The Scriptures contain the words of those who were “moved by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:20-21) – God revealed His will through the Spirit so that we have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:10, 16)
- “All Scripture is inspired by God” (2 Timothy 3:16) – this inspiration was the work of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit Is a “Gift”
- On Pentecost, Peter explained how to receive “the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38) – there’s a question about whether this “gift” was the Holy Spirit Himself or something we receive from the Spirit; but the Holy Spirit has been given to those who keep God’s commandments (1 John 3:24), like a gift
- Remember why salvation is necessary – our sins separated us from God (Isaiah 59:2); when we obey the gospel and our sins are forgiven, we can have fellowship with Him; this Spirit is given as a “pledge” (Ephesians 1:13-14), representing the fellowship we now enjoy with God; this is certainly a “gift”
Conclusion
- So who is the Holy Spirit? – He (not “it”) is deity; one of the persons of the Godhead
- He guided the apostles and inspired the Bible writers – He was given so that we could have fellowship with God
