HOLY SPIRIT

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Is a person

  • Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: “Today, if you will hear His voice Hebrews 3:7 NKJV

  • And while Peter was earnestly revolving the vision in his mind and meditating on it, the [Holy] Spirit said to him, Behold, three men are looking for you! Get up and go below and accompany them without any doubt [about its legality] or any discrimination or hesitation, for I have sent them. Acts 10:19-20 AMPC

Receiving the Holy Spirit

When?

When do you receive the Holy Spirit?
Normally soon after you become a believer.
Normal sequence: 

  1. Repentance 
  2. Baptism 
  3. Holy Spirit
  • Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38 NKJV
Examples & Exceptions

  • While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. Acts 10:44 NKJV
  • He asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed [in Jesus as the Christ]?” And they said, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” Acts 19:2 AMP
1st example: Believed but had not got baptised. Did get baptised immediately after though.
2nd example: Received Holy Spirit on laying on of hands.

Receiving Visible

Receiving the Holy Spirit visible

  • Then [the apostles] laid their hands on them one by one, and they received the Holy Spirit. However, when Simon saw that the [Holy] Spirit was imparted through the laying on of the apostles’ hands Acts 8:17-18 AMPC

  • While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all who were listening to the message. And the believers from among the circumcised [the Jews] who came with Peter were surprised and amazed, because the free gift of the Holy Spirit had been bestowed and poured out largely even on the Gentiles. For they heard them talking in [unknown] tongues (languages) and extolling and magnifying God. Then Peter asked, Can anyone forbid or refuse water for baptizing these people, seeing that they have received the Holy Spirit just as we have? Acts 10:44-47 AMPC

Read: TONGUES

How?

1. Prayer

  • If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” Luke 11:13 NKJV
Example
 
  • When all the people were baptized, it came to pass that Jesus also was baptized; and while He prayed, the heaven was opened. And
    the Holy Spirit descended in bodily form like a dove upon Him, and a
    voice came from heaven which said, “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.” Luke 3:21–22 NKJV
  • They came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit Acts 8:15 AMP

2. Laying on of Hands

  • Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. Acts 8:17 NKJV
  • Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands Acts 8:18 NKJV
  • And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied. Acts 19:6 NKJV

3. Hearing the Gospel

  • While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. Acts 10:44 NKJV
What words?

  • And when there had been much dispute, Peter rose up and said to them: “Men and brethren, you know that a good while ago God chose among us, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe. Acts 15:7 NKJV

Promise

  • “And it shall come to pass afterward
    That I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
    Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
    Your old men shall dream dreams,
    Your young men shall see visions.
    And also on My menservants and on My maidservants
    I will pour out My Spirit in those days.
    “And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth Joel 2:28-30 NKJV

Preceded by 
 
  • “Now, therefore,” says the Lord,
    “Turn to Me with all your heart,
    With fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.” Joel 2:12 NKJV
Other versions

  • “Even now,” says the Lord,
    “Turn and come to Me with all your heart [in genuine repentance],
    With fasting and weeping and mourning [until every barrier is removed and the broken fellowship is restored] Joel 2:12 AMP
Read: FASTING
Read: SUPPLICATION

Indwelling Holy Spirit

  • Do you not know that your body is the temple (the very sanctuary) of the Holy Spirit Who lives within you, Whom you have received [as a Gift] from God? 1 Corinthians 6:19 AMPC

Filled with the Holy Spirit

  • be filled with the [Holy] Spirit and constantly guided by Him. Ephesians 5:18 AMP
  • Never lag in zeal and in earnest endeavor; be aglow and burning with the Spirit, serving the Lord. Romans 12:11 AMPC

Examples

  • Jesus: Then Jesus, being filled1 with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness Luke 4:1 NKJV
  • John: “For he will be great in the sight of the Lord; and he will drink no wine or liquor, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit while yet in his mother’s womb. Luke 1:15 NASB

1. How to be filled with the Holy Spirit

1.1. Speaking/Singing/Thanksgiving:

  • do not get drunk with wine, in which there is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to yourselves2 in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your hearts to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to our God and Father Ephesians 5:18-20 NASB
The verse says “speaking to yourselves” i.e. in other words to yourself. See below:
 
  • Why are you in despair, my soul? And why are you restless within me? Wait for God, for I will again praise Him For the help of His presence, my God. Psalm 42:5 NASB
  • Why are you in despair, my soul? And why are you restless within me? Wait for God, for I will again praise Him For the help of His presence, my God. Psalm 43:5 NASB

1.2. Laying on of hands

  •  Ananias departed and entered the house, and after laying his hands on him said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road by which you were coming, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 9:17 NASB

1.3. Prayer

  • And when they had prayed, the place where they had gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness. Acts 4:31 NASB

1.4. Interacting with other Believers

  • When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, her baby leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and empowered by Him. Luke 1:41 AMP

2. Continually filled

  • the disciples were continually filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. Acts 13:52 NASB
  • Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business Acts 6:3 NKJV

Examples

  • Stephen: The suggestion pleased the whole congregation; and they selected Stephen, a man full of faith [in Christ Jesus], and [filled with and led by] the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas (Nikolaos), a proselyte (Gentile convert) from Antioch. Acts 6:5 AMP
  • Barnabas: The news about them reached the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas off to Antioch. Then when he arrived and witnessed the grace of God, he rejoiced and began to encourage them all with resolute heart to remain true to the Lord; for he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and faith. And considerable numbers were added to the Lord. Acts 11:22-24 NASB

3. Holy Spirit without limit

  • For the One whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit. John 3:34 BSB

What the Holy Spirit does for us

1. Communicates with us

  • The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship3 of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. 2 Corinthians 13:14 NASB

Fellowship = (to) communicate(-ation)

Things the Holy Spirit communicates with us

1.1 Guidance

  • Do not quench [subdue, or be unresponsive to the working and guidance of] the [Holy] Spirit. 1 Thessalonians 5:19 AMP
  • For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons and daughters of God. Romans 8:14 NASB
  • be filled with the [Holy] Spirit and constantly guided by Him. Ephesians 5:18 AMP
See examples
 
  • Now Jesus, full of [and in perfect communication with] the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by the devil. Luke 4:1-2 AMP
  • Then the Spirit said to Philip, “Go up and join this chariot.” Acts 8:29 NASB
  • While Peter was reflecting on the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are looking for you. But get up, go downstairs and accompany them without misgivings, for I have sent them Myself.” Acts 10:19-20 NASB

1.2 Revelation of Future

  • “I have many more things to say to you, but you cannot bear [to hear] them now. But when He, the Spirit of Truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth [full and complete truth]. For He will not speak on His own initiative, but He will speak whatever He hears [from the Father—the message regarding the Son], and He will disclose to you what is to come [in the future]. John 16:12-13 AMP 
Other versions
 
  • But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. John 16:13 NASB
See examples
 
  • I only know that in town after town the Holy Spirit warns me that chains and afflictions await me. Acts 20:23 BSB
  • And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. Luke 2:26 NKJV

1.3 Teaches/Reminds

  • But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. John 14:26 NKJV
  • For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” Luke 12:12 NKJV

2. Brings Transformation

  • He saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we have done, but because of His own compassion and mercy, by the cleansing of the new birth (spiritual transformation, regeneration) and renewing by the Holy Spirit Titus 3:5 AMP
  • Until the Spirit is poured upon us from on high, And the wilderness becomes a fruitful field, And the fruitful field is counted as a forest. Then justice will dwell in the wilderness, And righteousness remain in the fruitful field. The work of righteousness will be peace, And the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever. My people will dwell in a peaceful habitation, In secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places Isaiah 32:15-18 NKJV
Other versions 
 
  • renewal by the Holy Spirit. Titus 3:5 BSB
  • according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit Titus 3:5 NKJV

3. Gives us Gifts

  • All these things [the gifts, the achievements, the abilities, the empowering] are brought about by one and the same [Holy] Spirit, distributing to each one individually just as He chooses. 1 Corinthians 12:11 AMP
  • to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 1 Corinthians 12:7 NASB

4. Speak the word of GOD boldly

  • And when they had prayed, the place where they had gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness. Acts 4:31 NASB

5. Empowers us

  • When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, her baby leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and empowered by Him. Luke 1:41 AMP
  • Then Samson went down to Timnah with his father and mother and came to the vineyards of Timnah. Suddenly a young lion came roaring at him, and the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon him, and he tore the lion apart with his bare hands as one would tear a young goat. Judges 14:5-6 BSB
  • Then the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him, and he went down to Ashkelon, killed thirty of their men, took their apparel, and gave their clothes to those who had solved the riddle. Judges 14:19 BSB
  • When Samson arrived in Lehi, the Philistines came out shouting against him. And the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him. The ropes on his arms became like burnt flax, and the bonds broke loose from his hands. He found the fresh jawbone of a donkey, reached out his hand and took it, and struck down a thousand men. Judges 15:14-15 BSB

6. Enables us to Prophesy

  • Then his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied Luke 1:67 BSB
  • when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied. Acts 19:6 NKJV
  • Then the Spirit of the LORD will come upon you, and you will prophesy with them and be turned into another man. 1 Samuel 10:6 NKJV
  • “Men and brethren, this Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus Acts 1:16 NKJV
  • who by the Holy Spirit, through the mouth of our father David Your servant, said, ‘Why did the Gentiles rage, And the peoples devise futile things? Acts 4:25 NASB

7. Props us up

  • Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold4 me with thy free spirit. Psalm 51:12 KJV 
uphold = to prop

8. Gives Joy

9. Gives Righteous Anger

  • When Saul heard their words, the Spirit of God rushed upon him, and he burned with great anger. 1 Samuel 11:6 BSB

10. Enables us to see the unseen

  • But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked intently into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” Acts 7:55-56 BSB

11. Speak with holy boldness

  • But Saul, who was also known as Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, stared at him, and said, “You who are full of all deceit and fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not stop making crooked the straight ways of the Lord?  Now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you will be blind and not see the sun for a time.” And immediately a mist and a darkness fell upon him, and he went about seeking those who would lead him by the hand. Acts 13:9-11 NASB

12. Start speaking in Tongues

  • And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Acts 2:4 NKJV
When one is full of the Holy Spirit, they may start speaking in tongues. The converse may not necessarily be true i.e. subsequent speaking in tongues may not necessarily mean that a person is full of the Holy Spirit. 

13. Releases for Ministry

  • And He said to them, The harvest indeed is abundant [there is much ripe grain], but the farmhands are few. Pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest. Luke 10:2 AMPC

Example

  • While they were serving the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul (Paul) for the work to which I have called them.” Acts 13:2 AMP
  • Now they passed through the territory of Phrygia and Galatia, after being forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in [the west coast province of] Asia [Minor] Acts 16:6 AMP

14. Gives divine revelation

  • But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God Acts 7:55 NKJV 

Interacting with the Holy Spirit

  • Do not quench5 (suppress or subdue) the [Holy] Spirit 1 Thessalonians 5:19 AMPC
  • And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God [but seek to please Him], by whom you were sealed and marked [branded as God’s own] for the day of redemption [the final deliverance from the consequences of sin]. Ephesians 4:30 AMP
  • And John bore witness, saying, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and He remained6 upon Him. John 1:32 NKJV
Other versions

If the Holy Spirit like a dove were sitting on our shoulder, would we not walk and move carefully to avoid Him leaving us? See also

  • I will behave wisely in a perfect way. Oh, when will You come to me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. Psalm 101:2 NKJV
  • … do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Psalm 51:11 NKJV

Songs

Footnotes

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  1. 4134 πλήρης [PLH/RHS] {plḗrēs} \play'-race\ from 4130; replete, or covered over; by analogy, complete:--full.
  2. 1438 ἑαυτοῦ [E(AUTOU=] {heautoû} \heh-ow-too'\ from a reflexive pronoun otherwise obsolete and the genitive case (dative case or accusative case) of 846; him- (her-, it-, them-, also (in conjunction with the personal pronoun of the other persons) my-, thy-, our-, your-) self (selves), etc.:--alone, her (own, -self), (he) himself, his (own), itself, one (to) another, our (thine) own(-selves), + that she had, their (own, own selves), (of) them(-selves), they, thyself, you, your (own, own conceits, own selves, -selves).
  3. 2842 κοινωνία [KOINWNI/A] {koinōnía} \koy-nohn-ee'-ah\ from 2844; partnership, i.e. (literally) participation, or (social) intercourse, or (pecuniary) benefaction:--(to) communicate(-ation), communion, (contri-)distribution, fellowship.
  4. 5564 סמך
    [sâmak] \saw-mak'\ A primitive root; to prop (literally or figuratively); reflexively to lean upon or take hold of (in a favorable or unfavorable sense): - bear {up} {establish} (up-) {hold} {lay} {lean} lie {hard} {put} rest {self} set {self} stand {fast} stay ({self}) sustain.
  5. 4570 σβέννυμι [SBE/NNUMI] {sbénnymi} \sben'-noo-mee\ a prolonged form of an apparently primary verb; to extinguish (literally or figuratively):--go out, quench.
  6. 3306 μένω [ME/NW] {ménō} \men'-o\ a primary verb; to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy):--abide, continue, dwell, endure, be present, remain, stand, tarry (for), X thine own.