The Holy Spirit in the Epistles
Day 44 — The Epistles Speak: More Functions of the Holy Spirit
1 Thessalonians—Titus
counted the word spoken as not from men, but from God.
18. The Holy Spirit teaches sanctification in sexuality. 4:3-8
19. The Holy Spirit can be quenched (like water on a fire) or stoked by: 5:11-22
STOKED QUENCHED
–encouraging and building each other up — taking revenge
–appreciating those who labor among us — despising prophetic utterances
–living in peace.
–admonishing the unruly –not doing the things on the stoked
–encouraging the fainthearted side.
–helping the weak
–being patient with everyone –Resisting His prompting in these things
–seeking the good for one another
–rejoicing always
–praying continually
–giving thanks in everything
–holding fast to the good
–abstaining from every form of evil
2 Thessalonians
20. The Spirit is heavily involved in our sanctification 2:13
1 Timothy
21. The Spirit vindicated (showed Him to be true) Jesus 3:16
22. The Spirit spoke of the later times 4:1
2 Timothy
23. Timothy instructed to guard the treasure inside “through the Holy Spirit” 1:14
24. Elders qualifications are very similar to the list of the fruits of the Spirit Titus 1:7-9
in Acts 6, 1Timothy 3, and Galatians 5
a. above reproach Acts 6:3, I Timothy 3:2,7
b. one wife I Timothy 3:2
c. believing children I Timothy 3:4,5
d. not accused of dissipation or rebellion Acts 6:3
e. not self-willed Galatians 5:22
f. not quick tempered I Timothy 3:3
g. not addicted to wine I Timothy 3:3
h. not pugnacious I Timothy 3:3
i. not fond of sordid gain I Timothy 3:3
j. hospitable I Timothy 3:4, Romans 12
k. loving what is good
l. sensible I Timothy 3:4
m. just (goodness) Galatians:22
n. devout Romans 12
o. self controlled Galatians 5:23
p. holding fast the faithful word
q. able to teach, exhort in sound doctrine Acts 6:8
r. refute those who contradict Acts 6:10
The Holy Spirit in the Epistles
So when Paul is telling Timothy and Titus the qualifications of leadership, the list is a manifestation of what the Holy Spirit does. When they were looking for men like Stephen in Acts 6, being full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom the search yielded a man who looked like this. Absent the presence of the Holy Spirit, no man can manifest this appearance for more than a brief while, and then the true source of power, joy and wisdom becomes manifest under fire.
See Titus 1:15, 16—To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure, but both their mind and their conscience are defiled. They
Profess to know God, but by their deeds they deny Him, being detestable and disobedient
and worthless for any good work.
25. The Holy Spirit renewed us according to His mercy Titus 3:3-8
a. We were once foolish, disobedient, enslaved, spending our lives in malice
b. In God’s kindness He saved us, not by our deeds, but his mercy
c. The washing of regeneration
d. The renewing of the Holy Spirit poured out on us richly through Christ
e. Justified by His grace with the hope of eternal life
f. Those who believe are to engage carefully in good works
Questions:
1. Much of today’s Scriptures talk about the process of perfecting us and setting us apart from
worldliness. Circle the words or verses that speak to this. Then ask the Holy Spirit if there are one
or two things He would like to have you focus on in the coming month.
2. Paul asked for the Ephesians to pray for him for boldness to speak the Word. Then he shares
with the Thessalonians how joyful it was that they responded to the Gospel.
– Who are you praying for that they will have this kind of effectiveness in the Gospel?
– Would you consider asking others to pray for you in this way?
3. What do you think the treasure that Timothy had inside was that he was supposed to guard?
Why would he have to guard that?
4. Have you longed to be used by the Lord in leadership?
Desiring to be an elder is a good thing according to 1 Timothy 3:1. There are leadership roles for women as well listed here and in 1 Timothy 3.
Would you consider letting your church leadership know that you have such a desire and review
with them the steps you are taking to let the Lord work on the qualifications listed above?
5. Titus 3:3-8 is a testimony of what the Holy Spirit does in the life of a follower of Jesus.
Rewrite the verses, inserting your name and the testimony of what He has done in your
life to give Him credit for your sanctification so far as in 25. a—f above.
The Holy Spirit in the Epistles
Day 45 The Epistles Speak: More Functions of the Holy Spirit Hebrews—Jude
Reflection, Notes and Prayer