Who Is the Holy Spirit

Who Is the Holy Spirit? — Sermon Outline

Introduction

• The study is an introductory lesson on who the Holy Spirit is.
• Approach the topic with caution—avoiding speculation and opinions.
• Focus on what the Bible explicitly reveals about the Holy Spirit (Deuteronomy 29:29).

I. The Basis for Our Study

• The Bible reveals much about the Holy Spirit; we must focus solely on Scripture.
• Avoid unbiblical speculation or wild ideas.
• The importance of sticking to what the Bible teaches about the Holy Spirit.

II. The Nature of God and the Godhead

• The Holy Spirit is part of the Godhead, which is often called the Trinity.
• One essence of God (Deuteronomy 6:4) but comprising three persons.
• The Godhead includes the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—each a separate, distinct personality (Genesis 1:26; Matthew 28:19).

III. Biblical Evidence of the Three Personalities

• Genesis 1:26: “Let us make man in our image”—plural pronouns indicating multiple personalities.
• Matthew 28:19: Baptizing “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit”—three distinct persons in the Godhead.
• Matthew 3: At Jesus’ baptism, all three are present—God the Father speaks, the Spirit descends, and Jesus is baptized.

IV. The Divinity of Each Person

• Both the Father and the Son are called God (John 1:1; John 6:27).
• The Holy Spirit is also called God—e.g., Acts 5:3-4: lying to the Spirit is lying to God.
• All three operate in perfect unity for the divine purpose—redemption of mankind.

V. Characteristics of the Holy Spirit

• Eternal: Hebrews 9:14 calls Him the “eternal Spirit.”
• Omnipresent: Psalm 139:7-10 emphasizes His everywhere presence.
• All-knowing: Romans 8:27 and other verses confirm His understanding and knowledge.
• Has a mind and purpose: The Spirit reasons and makes decisions (Romans 8:27; John 16:13).

VI. The Holy Spirit’s Work in Scripture

• Inspired the writers of the Bible to record God’s Word accurately (John 14:26; 2 Timothy 3:16).
• Revealed divine truths and guided the apostles.
• Demonstrates love and goodness (Galatians 5:22-23).

VII. How Humans Can Respond to the Holy Spirit

• Lie to the Spirit: Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5 lied to the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:3-4).
• Resist the Spirit: The Jewish leaders in Acts 7 resisted God’s Spirit (Acts 7:51).
• Grieve the Spirit: Christians can grieve (hurt or offend) Him by disobedience and rebellion (Ephesians 4:30).
• Insulting the Spirit: Rejecting and rejecting His guidance and work is insult to God (Hebrews 10:29).

VIII. Conclusion

• The Holy Spirit is a divine person—eternal, omnipresent, and all-knowing.
• He is active in revealing truth, inspiring Scripture, and guiding believers.
• Proper response: obey His guidance, avoid resisting or grieving Him.
• Reflection and self-examination: Are we honoring or insulting the Holy Spirit?