In Gift and Giver, leading New Testament scholar Craig Keener takes a probing look at the various evangelical understandings of the role of the Holy Spirit in the church. It requires some hard thinking to get through to the truths being expressed. Leon Morris, Reflections on the Gospel of John (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1988), vol. 4 I say this so that no one will deceive you through arguments that sound reasonable. Perhaps so; it is difficult to be certain of the physical setting at this point. D. A. Carson, The Farewell Discourse and Final Prayer of Jesus: An Exposition of John 14-17 (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1980), p. 156. The Holy Spirit ministers through spiritual gifts, ministries and operations (workings). Jesus answered, "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him" (v. 23). What the Lord promised in Ezekiel 37:14 would come to pass: "I will put My Spirit within you and you will come to life.". We can think of this ministry under two major headings: salvation and gifting. And so He says to them (loosely paraphrased): I know you really dont understand, and the level of your present belief is far from impressive. No one seemed willing to address their questions to Jesus. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. ), and which draw mens focus away from Christ (1 Corinthians 1:22-31; 2 Peter 2:1; 1 John 2:18-25). Jesus added, "Because I live, you will live also" (v. 19). The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity and is responsible for the ministry of reconciliation. We are concerned about our Lords return, as He has described it as well, in His Word. Our joy is in the Lord, in His salvation, and His working in the lives of others (Acts 15:3; Romans 15:13; 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20; 1 John 1:4; 3 John 4). Over 25 years ago, Jeannette and I moved into our first home. Even with the Holy Spirits presence, our understanding of spiritual things is partial and imperfect: For now we see in a mirror indirectly, but then we will see face to face. He will judge the wicked and usher the righteous into His kingdom, a kingdom beyond our ability to fathom now (compare 1 Corinthians 2:9). He has to show us the errors of our ways and that we are all sinners in the eyes of God. The difference in the New Testament is that the Holy Spirit now operates through the body of Christ and not just through some selected people. 86 Our passage begins with an expression difficult to translate exactly. 162-163. 25 I have told you these things in obscure figures of speech;86 a time is coming when I will no longer speak to you in obscure figures, but will tell you plainly about the Father. The Spirits teaching comes from and glorifies the Lord Jesus (verses 3-4), just as our Lords teaching came from and glorified the Father (John 8:26, 40). The Ministry of the Holy Spirit (John 16:12-33) Introduction Over 25 years ago, Jeannette and I moved into our first home. ), but most of the teaching will be done by the Holy Spirit, after our Lords departure. Paraclete ( Greek: , romanized : Parkltos) is a Christian biblical term occurring five times in the Johannine texts of the New Testament. Most of Jesus' final discourse to His disciples consists not of commandments they were responsible to obey, but of promises He would fulfill on their behalf. At that time, they will ask in His name, and their petitions will be granted. Any teaching which claims to be divine revelation and does not exalt Christ is false teaching. We can understand what completely confused the disciples. All rights reserved. Related Topics: Pneumatology (The Holy Spirit), Robert L. (Bob)Deffinbaugh graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary with his Th.M. God is gracious, both in what He reveals, and in what He conceals. 24 And let us take thought of how to spur one another on to love and good works, 25 not abandoning our own meetings, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and even more so because you see the day drawing near (Hebrews 10:19-25). 20 You know that I did not hold back from proclaiming to you anything that would be helpful, and from teaching you publicly and from house to house, 21 testifying to both Jews and Greeks about repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus. The New Testament repeats that truth a number of times. Verse 27 speaks of the anointing that the believer "received"past tense. Throughout the Old Testament He is referred to as the Spirit of the Lord or Spirit of God. In Old Testament times, we see the Holy Spirit coming upon certain people for a specific service, and then departing after it was accomplished (cf. We have a supernatural Helper, not just with but in every one of us who believes. Allos is the word Jesus used to describe the Holy Spirit: "another [allos] Helper." Web473 pisodes. Through Him we are "heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ" (Romans 8:17). Because of this we believe that you have come from God., 31 Jesus replied, Do you now believe? Consider the inference of these words. He guards and guarantees the salvation of the ones He indwells ( Ephesians 1:13; 4:30 ). Webthe Holy Spirit works his will by filling believers. I am sure all the disciples were dumbfounded at that point. Those who were to be regarded as true apostles were accredited by the signs of a true apostle: 1 Therefore we must pay closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. Being filled with the Spirit and letting the Word dwell in you are synonymous because they produce the same results: a song in your heart, a thankful attitude, and loving relationships at home and at work (Ephesians 5:196:9; Colossians 3:164:1). Why does a Christian continue in Christ and not follow after cults and false doctrine? 4 Through these things he has bestowed on us his precious and most magnificent promises, so that by means of what was promised you may become partakers of the divine nature, after escaping the worldly corruption that is produced by evil desire (2 Peter 1:3-4). In the Old Testament, we see different aspects of the work of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit gives us the wisdom and discernment when we need it. At that time, He will tell them plainly about the Father. No wonder Paul is so emphatic about the sufficiency and centrality of Christ: 1 For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you, and for those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not met me face to face. It was not universal nor was it permanent. He helps us to understand Gods will and to put it into practice. After a little while the world will no longer see Me, but you will see Me; because I live, you will live also. 11 For if what was fading away came with glory, how much more has what remains come in glory. The Holy Spirit resides within every person who believes in Jesus Christ as God and Savior, the Bible way ( Jn. They understood what He had been teaching them. But they had learned that joy can be all-pervasive, so that it persists even in suffering (Rom. It is important for us to keep a firm hold on the truth that the definitive revelation has been given in Scripture. In that hour of turmoil, they feared being left alone. My wife and I, like many of you, have faced important decisions and major crossroads throughout our life together. We need only to trust in Him who is in control of the past, the present, and the future. Bible Verses and Scriptures About the Holy Spirit - Read what the Bible says about the Holy Spirit and discover popular scripture quotes about the Holy Spirit in the collection of Bible verses below. 25 And now I know that none of you among whom I went around proclaiming the kingdom will see me again. In addition, the Spirit revealed new truth to them. WebThe Holy Spirit's ministry in the Old Testament differs from his ministry in the New Testament not so much in kind as in degree. Just as Old Testament saints awaited the coming of the Messiah and the disciples looked forward to the departure of our Lord, so we wait for His final return and the consummation of all things. I would suggest it may be because we are looking for joy in all the wrong places. (v. 22). No wonder the veil was torn asunder when Jesus died on the cross (Matthew 27:51). It was not that the early Christians had it easy. In the New Testament He is also called that and the Spirit of Christ. First, they speak of blessings which are future for the disciples, but which are present for us. Jeannette and I now looked upon that discussion and our delay in an entirely different light. He possesses intellect (John 14:26), will (1 Corinthians 12:11) and emotions (Ephesians 4:30). How and when would they see Jesus after a little while? But what is clear to us in retrospect was not at all clear to the disciples in prospect. Notice that the Spirit is called "the Spirit of truth" in John 14:17. In the Bible, some of mans darkest moments were transformed into times of blessing. Judas (not Iscariot) said to Him, "Lord, what then has happened that You are going to disclose Yourself to us and not to the world?" If we abide in Him, what pleases Him pleases us; what grieves Him grieves us; what gives Him great joy becomes our joy as well. The Greek text suggests a permanent, uninterrupted residencesomething that never happened in Old Testament times. A. M. Hunter speaks of that radiant optimism which began with the coming of Christ and which fills the pages of the New Testament from the four Gospels to the Revelation of St. John the Divine. William G. Morrice has a book entitled Joy in the New Testament, in which he examines twenty-four words the New Testament writers used to convey this sense of joy, words that occur a total of 326 times. Jesus made a comment about the future, which His disciples found impossible to understand: In a little while you will see me no longer; again after a little while, you will see me (verse 16). 27 For the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. GDPR is the new European privacy regulation, which will replace the Data Protection Act 1998 in the UK and the equivalent legislation across the EU Member States. He was guaranteeing that He would rise from the dead. The Greek word translated "power" (dunamis) is the source of the English word dynamite. To deny the accuracy or the integrity of the Bible is to deny this crucial aspect of the Spirit's ministry. with His presence and power. But we know that whenever it is revealed we will be like him, because we will see him just as he is (1 John 3:2). In the Old Testament, we see different aspects of the work of the Holy Spirit. I tell you the solemn truth, whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you.80 24 Until now you have not asked81 for anything in my name. He reasoned that if he and the other disciples could see Jesus, everyone else should be able to as well. He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine, but the Father's who sent Me. 549-550. The Gifts of In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit was given selectively and temporarily to indwell certainly individuals for special ministries. He will never leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). It is the cross which makes Jesus teachings clear. In that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you. What did He mean by saying He was going to the Father?82, Jesus overheard His disciples (although He would have known through His omniscience), and graciously began to explain His words to them, although they still didnt understand. In my opinion, all the New Testament authors should be viewed as apostles, and in a distinct category from anyone else, from that time on. Jesus departure and subsequent return at the parousia have already been treated, as also has his return by the Spirit; but so far Jesus has said nothing unambiguous about the three-day departure into death. D. A. Carson, The Farewell Discourse and Final Prayer of Jesus, p. 158. No wonder our Lord could say, Blessed are the poor in spirit, because the kingdom of heaven belongs to them. Jesus had spoken only the Father's words, but thedisciples always had trouble understanding Him during His earthly ministry. Once having come to the cross by faith in Jesus Christ, we must always stay near the cross. This passage teaches us that those things which are most perplexing, and even most distressing, are often the things which God transforms into His richest blessings. In the New Testament, one of the most important works of the Holy Spirit is the w In the Old Testament, we see different aspects of the work of the Holy Spirit. You received the Spirit when you were saved, and He continues to abide in you. He wasn't sending just any helper, but One exactly like Himself with the same compassion, the same attributes of deity, and the same love for them. The Greek word translated "another" may provide a helpful clue in understanding Jesus' meaning in John 14. WebParaclete. People in the world don't want Christ. They were confused and greatly distraught by Jesus words. 10 Roles of the Holy Spirit in the Life of Christians. While Jesus will be physically absent, the Holy Spirit will be present among and within them. Think of all the people in the Gospels who suffered from blindness, demon-possession, being lame, and leprosy. Second Corinthians 3:17-18 refers to the Spirit as the Lord.. Paul describes it this way: 16 Therefore we do not despair, but even if our physical body is wearing away, our inner person is being renewed day by day. In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit was given selectively and temporarily to indwell certainly individuals for special ministries. It has been observed that Jesus does not tell His disciples that their sorrow will be replaced by joy, but rather that their sorrow will be turned into joy. 3, p. 554. We had no earthly idea what Howard Prier really had in mind. 9 For in him all the fullness of deity lives in bodily form 10 and you have been filled in him, who is the head over every ruler and authority. Jesus has much more to say to them, but this is not the time to do so. The events of the next few hours will prove this, for virtually every one of them will abandon Him. We know that He will sustain us through our times of trial and tribulation, just as we know that He will bring us to glory. First, the Holy Spirit does many things in the lives of believers. New Testament Christianity introduced something new into the world of religionthe note of real and deep joy. Nevertheless, while we are not apostles as these men were to become, we are His disciples, and thus this text applies to us as well. Because we dont want you to incur expenditure for which you are not prepared, could you please confirm whether you are willing to pay this charge, if necessary? The verb tell here is elsewhere (John 4:25) rendered explain by the NIV. We learn that Christ and the Holy Spirit are continually interceding on our behalf. We now can come to God directly, because of the Son: 19 Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus, 20 by the fresh and living way that he inaugurated for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a sincere heart in the full assurance that faith brings, because we have had our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed in pure water. He did not expect them to understand. Apparently he thought Jesus would physically manifest Himself and the Father. The fundamentals should be clear to us, but there are many other things which we will only know clearly and completely then. We should especially be wary of those who would seek to teach us, claiming they have a full and complete grasp of Gods truth. It is the cross which is the key to understanding all of the Bible, Old Testament or New. In verse 17 Jesus says to His disciples, "But you know Him." And Epicureanism, with its pursuit of pleasure, denied that the gods had any concern for mortals in their troubleswe are left to do the best we can for ourselves. So the disciples were not ignorant of the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Eternal life refers not just to quantityto life that goes on foreverbut more to quality. Nothing cantake the place of the Holy Spirit's work in the life of the believer. Penny Noyes Author. The Holy Spirit also helps Christians in their weakness and intercedes for them. In the New Testament He is also called that and the Spirit of Christ. WebParaclete. It was another manifestation of His grace not to tell them all they wanted to know. The King James Version translates it "Comforter," which is one of its meanings. 75 It is self-evident that more than the twelve were known as apostles in the New Testament. The Holy Spirit would, in fact, work miraculously within the apostles to produce the inspired writings of the New Testamentbrand new revelation providing instruction for this new church age. The essence of spiritual life is walking with God, sensing the Holy Spirit in your life, communing with Christ, and participating in the spiritual realm. As soon as the disciples received the Holy Spirit in Acts 2, they began to understand. Take away the cross of Calvary, and the Bible makes no sense at all. It was not universal nor was it permanent. Second, we know that the church will face many temptations and trials, and that our faithfulness will be tested and rewarded (see chapters 2 and 3, for example). But we can identify with the disciples in this sense: there are things yet future for us, which are declared in Scripture, but which we do not fully understand. If we know that He is in control, and that His plans are for our good, why should we worry? To convict is to reprove, or to show someones error. In John 16:15 Jesus says, "All things that the Father has are Mine; therefore I said that He takes of Mine and will disclose it to you." There is evidence of widespread dissatisfaction with life but no solution to the quest for better things. Leon Morris, Reflections on the Gospel of John (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1988), vol. Of reconciliation Gods will and to put it into practice will know none. Does a Christian continue in Christ and not follow after cults and doctrine. 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( Bob ) Deffinbaugh graduated Dallas. His word called `` the Spirit is the third person of the Holy Spirit works His by.
