The Holy Spirit in the Epistles
Day 43 — The Epistles Speak: More Functions of the Holy Spirit
Ephesians—Colossians
1. After listening to the message of truth, having believed, we are sealed with the 1:13
Holy Spirit of promise.
2. The Holy Spirit is given as a pledge of our inheritance, we are His possession 1:14
3. The Spirit builds the body of Christ Jesus Who is the cornerstone and 2:18-22
gives access the Father.
4. Holy Spirit revealed the mystery of Christ to apostles and prophets 3:5
5. Holy Spirit strengthens us with power in the inner man. 3:17
6. Holy Spirit unifies the body, we are to be diligent to preserve unity 4:3,4
7. The Spirit can be grieved by things that are “walking like Gentiles.” 4:17-5:14
8. Be filled with the Spirit: 5:18-21
a. speaking to one another in psalms, hymns
b. Singing, making melody in your heart to the Lord
c. Always giving thanks for all things in the Lord
d. Be subject to one another in the fear of Christ
9. Armor of God: (See day 29) 6:10-20
Philippians
10. He Who began a good work in you, will complete it 1:6
11. Fellowship of the Spiritselflessness 2:1-7
12. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me 4:13
Colossians
13. Christ in you is the hope of glory, previously hidden 1:26,27
14. Paul’s striving earnestly is by His power working mightily in him. 1:29
Observation: As mentioned in the introduction, looking at Colossians 3 & 4 it describes how walking in the Spirit works its way out in life individually and in the church. While Philippians and Colossians don’t mention the Holy Spirit by name in this changed life, it is apparent that the results of “Christ in you” is a changed life from “God’s power working mightily” within.
Questions:
1. What is your idea of what being “sealed by the Holy Spirit” is?
2. If the Spirit is given as a pledge, then for what?
3. How would the Holy Spirit strengthen your “inner man?”
4. If a body (church) is not unified, is the Holy Spirit at work?
5. There are at least 40 ways listed in Ephesians 4:17-5:15 to walk like a gentile. Can you
find 10 ways listed there on how to walk like someone controlled by the Spirit?
6. When will God be working on completing what is lacking in you and when will he stop?
7. When Paul says he is striving earnestly by God’s power working mightily in him, can
God work mightily in someone who is not striving earnestly?
How important is it that we strive earnestly?
Is it possible to strive earnestly without God’s power?
What does that look like?
The Holy Spirit in the Epistles
Day 44 The Epistles Speak: More Functions of the Holy Spirit I Thessalonians—Titus
Reflection, Notes and Prayer