The Holy Spirit in the Old Testament
Day 50 — Living Epistles: The Holy Spirit in Me
2 Corinthians 3:2
You are living Epistles. 2 Corinthians 3:2
These pages are yours and the Spirit’s to fill.
APPENDIX
Appendix 1 The Old Testament promises of the Spirit being available to all.
Joel 2: 27
“Thus you will know that I am in the midst of Israel,
And that I am the Lord your God,
And there is no other;
And My people will never be put to shame.
28 “It will come about after this
That I will pour out My Spirit on all mankind;
And your sons and daughters will prophesy,
Your old men will dream dreams,
Your young men will see visions.
29 “Even on the male and female servants
I will pour out My Spirit in those days.
Ezekiel 39:25 Therefore thus says the Lord God, “Now I will [[k](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezekiel%2039&version=NASB1995)]restore the fortunes of Jacob and have mercy on the whole house of Israel; and I will be jealous for My holy name. 26 They will [[l](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezekiel%2039&version=NASB1995)]forget their disgrace and all their treachery which they [[m](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezekiel%2039&version=NASB1995)]perpetrated against Me, when they live securely on their own* land with no one to make them* afraid. 27 When I bring them back from the peoples and gather them from the lands of their enemies, then I shall be sanctified [[n](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezekiel%2039&version=NASB1995)]through them in the sight of the many nations. 28 Then they will know that I am the Lord their God because I made them go into exile among the nations, and then gathered them again to their own land; and I will leave none of them there any longer. 29 I will not hide My face from them any longer, for I will have poured out My Spirit on the house of Israel,” declares the Lord God.
Isaiah 44:3-4
‘For I will pour out water on the thirsty land
And streams on the dry ground;
I will pour out My Spirit on your offspring
And My blessing on your descendants;
4 And they will spring up among the grass
Like poplars by streams of water.’
Ezekiel 11:
19 And I will give them one heart, and put a new spirit within them. And I will take the heart of stone out of their flesh and give them a heart of flesh, 20 that they may walk in My statutes and keep My ordinances and do them. Then they will be My people, and I shall be their God.
Paul understood these fantastic promises to the people who were led by priests and prophets who on occasion were filled with the Spirit and wrote about the fact that the day is here. Now all followers of Christ have the fulfilled hope of glory.
Colossians 1:25-27
I was made a minister according to the stewardship from God bestowed on me for your benefit, so that I might fully carry out the preaching of* the word of God, 26 that is, the mystery which has been hidden from the past ages and generations, but has now been manifested to His saints,27 to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
APPENDIX 2 The Holy Spirit in the Old TESTAMENT
Comprehensive Overview
1. Spirit involved in Creation Genesis 1:1
2. Spirit striving (din= judge (9) strive (1), dispute (1), quarrel (1), vindicate (2) Genesis 6:3
My Spirit will not din with man forever.
3. Pharoah recognized a different spirit in Joseph that appeared divine. Genesis 41:38
4. Bezalel, filled with Spirit of God in wisdom, understanding and knowledge as Exodus 31:3
craftsman for altar (35:31)
5. Everyone whose heart stirred him and everyone whose spirit moved him Exodus 35:21
came and brought the Lord’s contribution for the work.
6. Annointed the 70 elders to assist Moses in judging. God says that He would Numbers 11:16-29
put some of the Spirit on Moses on the elders as well.
When filled they prophesied, there were 2 back at the camp also prophesying.
Joshua told Moses about it to make them stop. Moses quips, “Would that all
the Lord’s people were prophets, that the Lord would put His Spirit on them!”
7. Balak tries to get Balaam to prophesy against Israel, but he is only able Numbers 24:2
to speak what the Spirit tells him to .
8. God tells Moses to anoint Joshua, a man in whom is the Spirit. Numbers 27:18
9. Othniel the first judge, the Spirit of the Lord came upon him. Judges 3:10
Land had rest for 40 years.
10. The Spirit of the Lord came on Gideon as he was told to gather 300 to Judges 6:34
conquer Midian.
11. The Spirit came upon Jephthah to go after the Ammonites. Then the very Judges 11:29
next thing is he makes a vow that costs his daughter her life.
12. The Spirit of the Lord began to stir Samson. Judges 13:25
a. Spirit helped him kill a lion. Judges 14:6
b. The Spirit came upon him mightily and he killed 30 in Ashkelon. Judges 14:19
c. The Spirit of the Lord came upon him mightily so that the ropes were Judges 15:14 weak and he killed 1000 with a jawbone of a donkey.
13. The Spirit of the Lord will come upon you (Saul) mightily 1 Samuel 9:27-10:12
a. Samuel proclaims the Word of God to Saul 9:27
b. Samuel anoints with oil, kisses 10:1
c. After going to the hill of God, meets with prophets prophesying 10:3-5
d. Spirit of God comes on Saul and he prophesizes, is changed like it said 10:6, 10
e. Saul instructed to do what seems good for God is with you. 10:7
f. Those around asked “Is Saul among the prophets?” 10:11, 12
14. The Spirit of the Lord came on Saul mightily and he became angry at the 1 Samuel 11:6
news that the Ammonites were sewing discord
15. “The Lord said…” [Raises the question of how and whether there is a difference 1 Samuel 16:1,2,7
between the Holy Spirit and the voice of the Lord.]
16. The Spirit of the Lord came mightily on David after Samuel anointed with oil in 1 Samuel 16:13
the midst of his brothers.
17. The Spirit rested on David from that day forward 1 Samuel 16:13
18. The Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, replaced by evil spirit [16:23] 1 Samuel 16:14
19. Evil spirit from the Lord came on Saul. 1 Samuel 18:10; 19:9
20. The Spirit of the Lord in Naioth: 1 Samuel 19:18-24
a. David fled to meet up with Samuel to run from Saul’s intended murder 1 Samuel 19:18
b. Saul hears David in Naioth and sends messengers to take David 1 Samuel 19:19-20
c. These messengers saw the prophets prophesying and the Sprit of the Lord 1 Sam 19:20
came upon them and they prophesied
d. Saul hears of this and sends more messengers, they too end up prophesying 1 Sam 19:21
e. Saul sends 3rd group and the same happens, they prophesy, not killing David 1 Samuel 19:21
Appendix 2 Old Testament Overview (cont)
f. Saul goes to Naioth himself and on the way “the Spirit of God came on him also” 1 Samuel19:22-24
i. continuously prophesying while traveling
ii. stripped and lay naked before Samuel all day and night
iii. people say, Saul was a prophet also [mockingly?]
21. David’s last song: “The Spirit of the Lord spoke by me, And His Word was on 2 Samuel 23:2
my tongue…The Rock of Israel spoke to me.”
22. Obadiah feared that the Spirit of the Lord would carry Elijah away from the 1 Kings 18:12
place where he was going to report to Ahab. Like in Acts 8:39
23. Speculation that the Spirit of the Lord translocated Elijah 2 Kings 2:16
24. When the various tribes were defecting to David, Amasai was met by David 1 Chronicles 12:18
and the Spirit came upon him and he declared his 30 men were David’s and
“indeed your God helps you.”
25. The Spirit of God came on Azariah the son of Obed 2 Chronicles 15:1-19
a. He tells Asa the Lord is with him. Seek Him and you will find Him 15:2
b. When Israel was without the true God, they turned and found Him 15:3, 4
c. When not seeking God caused turmoil and distress to drive them back 15:5, 6
d. Be strong and courageous, God will reward your work 15:7
e. When Asa heard this prophetic statement he:
1. took courage and removed idols 15:8
2. restored the altar of the Lord 15:8
3. assembled 5 tribes in Jerusalem and sacrificed 700 oxen and 7000 sheep 15:9-11
4. made covenant to seek the Lord, and kill those that didn’t 15:12, 13
5. They sought the Lord with whole heart, found Him and found rest 15:14, 15
6. Removed image of Maacah and burned it 15:16
7. no war for 35 years 15:19
26. The Lord sending a deceiving spirit to Ahab, confused as the Spirit of God 2 Chronicles 18:18-28
1 Kings 21:22
27. Jehoshaphat heard of Moabites and Ammonites coming for war against him 2 Chr 20:1-30
a. Jehoshaphat turns attention to seek the Lord 20:3
b. So Judah gathered to seek the Lord 20:4
c. Jehoshaphat’s prayer 20:6-13
d. Then in the midst of the assembly the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel 20:14
1. don’t be afraid—the battle is the Lord’s 20:15
2. you don’t need to fight. Stand and see the salvation of the Lord 20:17
3. They believed and worshipped 20:18
4. Jehosh led them in thanksgiving 20:20-21
5. As they sang, the Lord set up ambushes 20:22
6. Corpses everywhere, spoils 20:24, 25 7. Celebration, blessed the Lord 20:26, 27
8. the dread of God on all kingdoms when they heard of the Lord fighting 20:29, 30
Israel’s battle.
28. After the Temple repaired by Jehoida, the officials bowed to the new king 2 Chronicles 24:8-22
and abandoned the house of the Lord and served the Asherim and idols.
a. Then the Spirit of God came on [clothed] Zechariah and he stood and said: 24:20
“Why do you transgress the commandments of the Lord and do not
Prosper? Because you have forsaken the Lord, He has also forsaken
you.”
b. they conspired against him and at the command of the king stoned him 24:21, 22
to death in the court of the house of the Lord.
29. Nehemiah calls to confess and worship in Neh 9 and remembers God’s Nehemiah 9:20
instructions through the Spirit.
30. God admonished wayward Israel through His Spirit through the prophets Nehemiah 9:30
31. The Spirit of the Lord has made me Job 33:4
32. If God took back His Spirit and His breath, all flesh would perish Job 34:14
33. When David sinned, he begged God not to take away His Spirit Psalm 51:11
34. All creation made by His Spirit and is nourished and sustained by Him Psalm 104:30
35. In the desert the Israelites were rebellious against His Spirit. Psalm 106:33
36. Where can I go from Your Spirit? [nowhere] Psalm 139:7
37. Let Your good Spirit lead me on level ground. Psalm 143:10
38. The Spirit of God will rest on Messiah along with the spirit of Isaiah 11:1, 2
wisdom, understanding, counsel, strength, knowledge and fear of the Lord
39. Woe to those who execute a plan, but not of My Spirit Isaiah 30:1
40. Until the Spirit is poured out on us from on high: Isaiah 32:15
a. wilderness a fertile field
b. justice will dwell in the wilderness
c. righteousness in the fertile field, will yield peace
d. the service of righteousness will yield quietness and confidence forever
e. then My people will dwell in peaceful habitation
41. His Spirit will gather the creatures to fill the void of the judged land Isaiah 34:16
42. Who has directed the Spirit of the Lord? [He doesn’t need our help] Isaiah 40:13
43. God has put His Spirit on His Servant Who He upholds and brings justice Isaiah 42:1
to the nations and in Whom My soul delights
44. I will pour out My Spirit on your offspring Jacob and they will spring up like Isaiah 44:3
grass. This one will say I am the Lord’s, that one will call on the name of Jacob
Another will write on his hand, “belonging to the Lord.”
45. Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel. If you had listened Isaiah48:16, 17
these things would not have happened. Come near to Me, listen to this:
From the first I have not spoken in secret, from the time it took place, I was
There. And now the Lord God has sent Me [Jesus] and His Spirit.
46. “Behold the Lord’s hand is not so short the it cannot save; nor is His ear so Isaiah 59
dull that it cannot hear: but your iniquities have made a separation between 59:1
you and your God. And your sins have hidden His face from you so that He 59:2
does not hear.”
Therefore justice is far from us, and righteousness does not overtake us. 59:9
We hope for light, but behold darkness, for brightness, but behold gloom.
We grope along the wall like blind men, like those with no eyes; we stumble 59:10
at midday as in the twilight, among those who are vigorous, we are like
dead men.
a. We hope for justice, but there is none 59:11
b. We hope for salvation, but is far from us
c. Our sins testify against us, we know our iniquity 59:12
d. Denying and turning away from the Lord 59:13
e. Speaking oppression and revolt, uttering lying words from the heart
f. Truth is lacking 59:15
g. He who turns aside from evil makes himself a prey.
h. He will come like a rushing stream 59:19
i. A Redeemer will come to Zion, to those who turn from transgression 59:20
j. “As for Me, this is my covenant with them,” says the Lord: “My Spirit which 59:21
is upon you, and My words which I have put in your mouth, shall not depart
from your mouth, nor from the mouth of your offspring, nor from the mouth
of your offspring’s offspring, “ says the Lord, “from now and forever.
Appendix 2 Old Testament Overview (cont)
47. The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me. Isaiah 61:1-3
a. to bring good news to the afflicted
b. to bind up the brokenhearted
c. to proclaim liberty to captives and freedom to prisoners
d. to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord and the day of vengeance of God
e. to comfort all who mourn, oil of gladness instead
f. mantle of praise instead of spirit of fainting
g. they will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord that He may be glorified.
h. 4-7 speaks of correction of previous wrongs by the Spirit
48. They rebelled and grieved His Holy Spirit. Isaiah 63:10
a. He said surely they are my people, sons who will not deal falsely 63:8
So He became their Savior
b. In all their affliction, He became afflicted. In His mercy He saved them. 63:9
c. They rebelled, grieved His Holy Spirit. He turned to become their enemy 63:10
and fought them.
d. Then they remembered Him Who delivered them out of the sea and He 63:11
Who put His Holy Spirit in the midst of them.
e. As the cattle which go down into the valley, The Spirit of the Lord gave them 63:14
rest. So You led Your people, to make for Yourself a glorious name.
49. Ezekiel is commissioned by God to go to the rebellious Israelites. Ezekiel 2
a. God told him to stand that I may speak to you 2:1
b. The Spirit entered him as God spoke 2:2
c. The Spirit aided in his standing 2:2
d. After the Spirit entered he heard God 2:2
[He is sent to rebellious people 2:3, 4
He is told not to fear them or their words or their presence 2:5, 6
He is to speak God’s word, whether they listen or not] 2:7
50. Ezekiel is commissioned again to go to the rebellious Ezekiel 3:
a. The Spirit lifted me up and took me away and I was strong in the Lord 3:14
b. If you warn the righteous man and he took the message not to sin, then
he shall live because he took the warning 3:21
c. If you do not warn, his blood I will require at your hand 3:18
d. The hand of the Lord was on me there and He told me to get up, 3:22
go to the plain and He will speak to me there
e. He went to the plain and saw the glory of the Lord and fell on his face. 3:23
f. The Spirit entered me and made me stand on my feet and He spoke to me. 3:24
51. The Spirit caught me by a lock of hair and lifted me up between heaven and Ezekiel 8:3
earth and brought me in the visions of God to Jerusalem where the seat of
the idol of jealousy was located.
52. The Spirit again lifts Ezekiel up and brought him to the east gate in Jerusalem Ezekiel 11:1, 24
53. The Spirit of the Lord fell on Ezekiel and told him to say, “thus says the Lord…” Ezekiel 11:5
and declares their sin of killing and says they will fall by sword.
54. Woe to the prophets who are following their own spirit and have seen nothing. Ezekiel 13:3
55. Thus says the Lord Ezekiel 36
a. Israel profaned my name, but for My name’s sake I will act 36:22
b. I will show the nations Myself holy as I deal with Israel. 36:23
c. I will bring Israel from the nations and to your own land 36:24
d. I will cleanse Israel Ezekiel 36:25
e. I will remove your heart of stone and change to hearts of flesh 36:26
f. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes 36:27
g. You will be My people and I will be your God. 36:28
56. The Spirit of the Lord set me down in the middle of the valley; and it was full Ezekiel 37:1
of bones. The prophecy follows regarding dry ones coming to life.
57. Thus says the Lord, Ezekiel 37:12-14
a. I will open your graves, My people, and to the land of Israel 37:12
b. You will know that I am the Lord 37:13
c. I will put My Spirit within you and you will come to life 37:14
58. I will have poured out My Spirit on the house of Israel, declares the Lord Ezek 39:25-29
a. I will restore the fortunes of Jacob 39:25
b. I will have mercy on the whole house of Israel 39:25
c. They will forget their disgrace 39:26
d. I will bring them back from the peoples and gather them from their enemies 39:27
e. They know I the Lord sent them and brought them back 39:28
f. I will leave none of them there any longer 39:28
g. I will not hide My face and they will have My Spirit poured out on them. 39:29
59. The Spirit lifted Ezekiel up again into the inner court and the glory of the Lord Ezekiel 43:5
filled the house.
60. Nebuchadnezzar had a dream and recognized that Daniel had the Daniel 4:7-37
“s[S]pirit of the holy gods” and might interpret the dream of the tree
whereas his own sages could not. Ultimately he lost power, became insane,
recovered and praised, exalted and honored the King of Heaven. He is able
to humble those who walk in pride.
61. Belshazzar, Neb’s son, was told about the abilities that the Spirit had given to Daniel 5:11, 12
Daniel: illumination, insight, wisdom, interpretation of dreams,
Explanation of enigmas and solving of difficult problems found in him.
Daniel did not disappoint and through the Holy Spirit was able to interpret
The writing on the wall and apply it to Belshazzar with discernment of God’s
intention and reasons for ending his reign—pride.
62. Daniel had “an extraordinary spirit” and the king planned to put him over all Daniel 6:3
the kingdom. Commissioners and satraps sought to find ground of accusation.
63. After Israel is delivered to safety and restored, the Lord promises: “I will Joel 2:28,29
pour out My Spirit on all flesh. And your sons and daughters will prophesy
and your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.
Even on the male and female servants I will pour out My Spirit in those days.”
64. Is the Spirit of the Lord impatient? [rhetorical in context of many sinners] Micah 2:7
65. Micah is filled with the Spirit of the Lord Micah 3:2-12
A. Contrast of evil prophets
a. hate good and love evil 3:2
b. eat the flesh of my people 3:3
c. they have practiced evil deeds and God will not hear 3:4
d. prophets lead people astray 3:5
e. cry peace, but declare holy war against those who have no bread 3:5
f. there is darkness around them 3:6
g. seers ashamed and embarrassed, no answer from God 3:7
B. Micah on the other hand filled with the Spirit of the Lord
a. results in courage and justice 3:8
b. reveals Jacobs’ rebellious acts 3:8
c. reveals those who twist all that is straight 3:9
d. Speaks against building Zion with bloodshed and injustice 3:10-12
Appendix 2 Old Testament Overview (cont)
66. God’s Spirit [lit. Word] is in their midst—Fear not! Haggai 2:5
67. Angel told Zechariah, “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit” Zechariah 4:6
68. They made their hearts like flint so that they could not hear the law and the Zechariah 7:12
words which the Lord of hosts had sent by His Spirit through the former
prophets; therefore, great wrath came from the Lord of hosts.
69. A day is coming when the [s]Spirit of grace and of supplication will be poured Zechariah12:10,11
out on those in Jerusalem, so that they will look on Me who they have pierced
and they will mourn for Him, as one mourns for an only son, and they will
weep bitterly over Him… In that day there will be great mourning in Jerusalem
in the plain of Megiddo
70. They covered the altar with tears because God would not hear their prayers Malachi 2:14-16 due to poorly treating wives. No one with a remnant of the Spirit would deal
treacherously with his wife. God hates divorce.
Appendix 3 Jesus Teaches On the Holy Spirit—Last Supper
Last thoughts to share with disciples to prepare them at Last Supper John 14-16
– Jesus asks the Father and He gives the Helper 14:16
– Holy Spirit stays with us (be with you) forever 14:16
– He is the Spirit of truth 14:17
– World cannot receive the Holy Spirit 14:17
– not beholding Him
– not knowing Him
– We know Him 14:17
– He abides with us
– He is in us
6. I, Jesus, will come to you. When the Holy Sprit comes, He is Jesus coming 14:18
7. When Jesus is in the Father, He discloses Himself to us. 14:21
8. We will come to you and make Our abode with you. 14:23
9. Holy Spirit will be sent by the Father in Jesus’ name 14:26
10. He will teach us all things 14:26
11. He will bring Jesus’ words to our remembrance 14:26
12. The Spirit of truth will bear witness of Jesus 15:26
13. The Holy Spirit is of greater advantage than Jesus’ physical presence 16:7
14. Jesus also sends the Holy Spirit (see#1)
15. He convicts the world of sin, righteousness and judgment 16:8
16. He guides us into truth 16:13
17. He speaks from the Father, not own initiative 16:13
18. He discloses what is to come 16:13
19. The Holy Spirit glorifies Jesus 16:14
20. He discloses the things of Jesus to us. 16:14
Appendix 4 25 Things Jesus prayed in John 17 at end of His ministry.
1. Glorify Your Son, that the Son may glorify You.
2. You gave the Son authority over all flesh.
3. All You have given Him, He may give eternal life.
4. Eternal life is to know You, the Father and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.
5. Glorify Me with You with the glory which I had before the world was.
6. I manifested Your name to the men You gave Me out of the world
7. You gave them and they have kept your Word.
8. They have come to know everything You have given me is from You.
9. The words You gave Me they received and understood and believed You sent Me.
10. I am praying for these You’ve given me, for they are yours. Not the world.
11. We share all things and I have been glorified in these You’ve given Me.
12. I am no longer in the world, but they are, and so, Holy Father, keep them in Your name.
13. Keep them as one just as We are one.
14. I guarded them and only Judas perished.
15. I speak these things in the world that they may have My joy made full in themselves.
16. I have given them Your Word which is truth. Sanctify them in that truth.
17. The world hates them because they and I are not of the world.
18. I’ve sent them into the world like You sent Me.
19. I sanctified Myself for their sake, that they may be sanctified in the truth.
20. I’m praying for those who believe in Me because of their word—that they be one, just
like Us, so that the world may believe You sent Me.
21. The glory You gave Me, I gave them, that they be one, like we are one.
22. Perfected in unity, that the world may know You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me.
23. Father, I desire that they be with Me where I am, so that they may see My glory
You gave Me at the beginning.
24. Righteous Father, the world doesn’t know You, yet I know You and these know You sent Me.
25. May the love with which You loved Me be in them, and I in them.
Appendix 5 When change is afoot, it’s always good to get back to basics:
Genesis 3: After sin:
a. consequences laid out
b. reference to crushing Satan’s head by Eve’s seed
c. Cherubim guarding the entrance to Eden
Genesis 9: After flood, God
a. affirms His covenant
b. signifies with rainbow.
c. promises not to repeat flood
Genesis 17: God’s covenant with Abraham
a. I am God Almighty
b. Walk before Me, and be blameless
c. I will multiply you exceedingly
d. I will give you lands
e. Circumcision
Exodus 3: Burning bush
a. Moses commissioned to take the Hebrews out of captivity
b. Instructed on how to talk to Pharoah
c. Equipped for the task with Aaron and staff
Exodus 12-20: Leaving Egypt.
a. initiation of Passover reminder
b. provisions and wealth for the journey from the Epyptians
c. consecration of the firstborns
d. 10 Commandments
e. 20:20. “Do not be afraid; for God has come in order to test you, and in order that the fear of Him may remain with you, so that you may not sin.”
f. Leviticus establishes the next plan for redemption
Deuteronomy 31-33: Transition from wandering to conquering
a. God tells Moses and Joshua of the double-minded people
b. God commissions Moses to write a song as a witness to the wanderers
c. Historical review of God’s faithfulness in the Hebrews
d. Joshua commissioned to be strong and courageous
e. People are warned of acting corruptly in the end.
Joshua 23-24: Joshua at the end, when the land is conquered as promised
a. Joshua calls the elders and officials before the Lord in Shechem
b. Reviews God’s faithfulness
c. Charges them to fear the Lord and serve Him in sincerity and truth
d. People respond, “We will serve the Lord”
e. warnings if they don’t
Appendix 6 Appearances of Jesus between the tomb and Pentacost.
Matthew 28
1. Sunday morning, early dawn
2. Mary Magdalene & other Mary came to look
3. Severe earthquake
4. Angel rolled stone away and sat on it
5. Guards from fear like dead men.
6. Angel spoke to the women
a. Don’t be afraid
b. Jesus is not here, He is risen like He said.
c. Come see where he was laying
d. Tell the disciples He is risen
e. Tell disciples meet Him in Galilee
7. They left tomb quickly with fear and joy.
8. While running to tell disciples, Jesus greets them.
9. They held His feet and worshipped Him
10. Jesus tells them to meet in Galilee and fear not
11. Eleven disciples go to Galilee mountain
12. When they saw Jesus there, they worshipped
Some were doubtful.
13. Jesus came and spoke:
a. All authority given Me in heaven and on earth
b. Go make disciples of all nations
c. Baptize in name of Father, Son and Holy Spirit
d. Teach them to observe all I command
e. I am with you always, to the end.
Mark 16
1. After Sabbath they bought spices to anoint Him
2. Sunday, early dawn
3. Mary Magdalene, Mary mo of James, Salome
4. Wondered who will roll stone away.
5. Noted that the large stone had been rolled away
6. Going inside they saw angel sitting on the right
7. Angel said:
a. Don’t be amazed
b. Jesus is not here, He is risen
c. Here is the place they laid Him
d. Go tell disciples and Peter.
e. He will meet you in Galilee, like He said
8. They fled from the tomb
9. They said nothing to anyone from fear.
10. When He rose on Sunday, He 1st appeared to Mary Magdalene
11. She went and reported to the 11 while weeping
12. When they heard He was alive and was seen by her they refused to believe it
13. He appeared to 2 others in different form.
a. they reported to the others, they didn’t believe
b. (presumably Cleopas going to Emmaus.)
14. After He appeared to the 11 at table.
a. He reproached their unbelief and hard heart
b. Go in the world and preach gospel to all
c. He who believes and is baptized will be saved
d. Signs: exorcise, tongues, snakes, heal
15. Jesus ascended into heaven, sat at God’s right
16. They went and preached everywhere
17. Lord worked with them, confirmed with signs.] later manuscripts
Luke 24
1. Sunday morning, early dawn
2. Brought spices they had already prepared
3. They found the stone rolled away.
4. When they entered, they did not find the body.
5. 2 angels suddenly stood near them.
a. Why do you seek living among the dead
b. He is not here, He is risen
c. He told you before about rising on day 3
6. They remembered His words.
7. They are Mary Magdalene, Johanna, Mary mother
of James; also other women.
8. They went to tell the apostles.
9. It seemed to them as nonsense, didn’t believe.
10. But Peter ran to the tomb.
11. Peter saw linens and no body.
12 Peter went home marveling at what happened.
13. Road to Emmaus—7 miles
a. Cleopas and another talking about reports
b. Jesus unrecognized joins them, asks
c. We were hoping Jesus was the Messiah
d. Some women amazed us, empty tomb&angels
e. Some men confirmed it, no body
f. Jesus explains the Scriptures about Himself
g. Jesus breaks bread and they see Him as Him
h. Hearts burning with His explanations
i. Walked 7 miles back to Jerusalem to tell them
14. They say Lord is risen and appeared to Simon(?)
15. Cleopas relates seeing Jesus in the bread break
16. Jesus appears in their midst. Peace be with you
17. See My hands and feet, touch and see
18. Couldn’t believe, such joy and amazement.
19. Jesus ate fish
20. He opened their minds to the Scriptures
21. Christ had to die and rise on 3rd day
22. Repentance and forgiveness to be proclaimed
23. You are witnesses
24. Father’s promise coming, stay in city until
25. You will be clothed with power from on high
26. He ascends into heaven
27. They worship, go to temple continually praising
God
John 20
1. Mary Magdalene came while dark to tomb
2. The stone was already rolled away
3. She ran to Peter & John saying they’ve taken Him
4. “We don’t know where they laid Him.”
5. Peter and John race to the tomb
6. They saw the linens and empty tomb.
7. John believed.
8. They didn’t yet understand He must rise.
9. So they went to their own homes.
10. But Mary was outside weeping, then looked in
11. She now saw 2 angels, one at head, one at foot
12. They said they asked why are you weeping?
13. They’ve taken away my Lord, I don’t where
14. She turned and didn’t know Jesus behind her
15. He said:
a. “Mary,” she then recognized Him.
b. He said stop clinging, I haven’t ascended yet
c. Tell My brethren I ascend to My Father
16. Mary M told disciples, “I have seen the Lord”
and what He told her.
17. So Sunday PM the doors were shut, fear of Jews
18. Jesus stood in their midst, Peace
19. Jesus showed His hands and side.
20. Disciples rejoiced when they saw Him.
21. Jesus told them:
a. Peace be with you
b. As the Father sent Me, I send you.
c. Receive the Holy Spirit–breathed on them
d. Your forgiving sin means sins forgiven
22. Thomas D skeptical.
23. 8 days later, Jesus entered room, invited Thomas to touch His hands & side
24. Thomas: My Lord and my God!
25. Jesus did many miracles not written here
26. Written so that we believe that Jesus is the
Christ and have life in His name.
John 21
1. Again comes to the disciples at Sea of Tiberias
a. Peter, Thomas, Nathaniel, James, John + 2
b. They went fishing at night, caught nothing
c. They didn’t recognize Jesus on the beach
d. Then He tells to cast on the other side
e. John recognizes when the haul is great
f. Peter jumps in swims 100 yard.
g. Jesus had fire ready, asks for fish (153)
h. breaks bread.
i.. This was 3rd visit with the disciples.
j. Peter do you love Me X 3
k. Tend and feed My sheep and lambs
l. Follow Me
m. What about John? You follow Me
2. More could be written and fill the world
Acts 1
1. Jesus presented Himself alive after His suffering
2. He appeared to them over 40 with proofs
3. He commands them to wait in Jerusalem
4. Wait for what He had explained (HS)
5. You will be baptized with the Holy Spirit soon
6. Restoring the Kingdom? You can’t know
7. You will receive power when Holy Spirit comes upon you.
8. You will be My witnesses in Judea, Samaria, even to the remotest part of earth
9. Ascends into heaven
10. Angel tells them He’s returning the same way
11. Disciples stay in the upper room
12. Devoting to prayer and picking Judas’ replacement
I Corinthians 15:4-8
1. Raised on 3rd day according to Scriptures
2. Appeared to Cephus (Peter)
3. Then to the twelve
4. Then more than 500 at one time, some still alive
5. Then to James
6. Then to all the apostles
7. Then to me. (Paul) After Pentacost.
Appendix 7 Ascension and Commission
Matthew 28:16-20
1. the 11 go to Galilee mountain Jesus designated
2. They saw Him and worshipped Him there (some doubted)
3. Declaration: “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.”
4. Commission:
a. Go into all nations,
b. Baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit
c. teach them to do all I commanded you.
5. Assurance: “Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
(doesn’t mention ascension)
Mark 16:14-19
1. Appearance to the 11 at table
2. Reproaches disbelief in the testimony of the others who saw Him
3. Commission:
a. Go into all the world
b. Preach the gospel to all creation
c. Reality: Believers and baptized are saved, others not.
4. Accompanying signs for those who believe:
a. cast out demons in My name.
b. speak with new tongues.
c. pick up serpents
d. drink poison and survive
e. lay hands on sick and they will recover.
5. Ascension
a. Raised into heaven
b. Sat down at the right hand of God
6. Preached everywhere
a. The Lord worked with them
b. Confirmed their word by the signs that followed
Luke 24:44-53
1. He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures
a. The Law, Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled
b. The Christ would suffer and rise again from the dead on the third day.
c. Repentance for forgiveness of sin to be proclaimed in His name in all
nations beginning in Jerusalem.
2. “You are witnesses of these things
3. I’m sending the Holy Spirit, the promise of the Father upon you.
4. He led them as far as Bethany and lifted His hands and blessed them.
5. While blessing them, He parted, carried up into heaven
6. They worshipped Him
7. returned to Jerusalem with great joy
8. continually in the temple praising God.
John 21:15-25
1. The ascension is not spoken of by John, but rather John focuses in on Jesus’
calling on Peter to love Him and to tend His lambs, shepherd His sheep, and tend His lambs.
2. Peter’s concern about whether Jesus will do with John. Jesus tells Him to let Jesus
worry about John, “You, follow Me.”
Acts 1:2-14
1. Jesus gave orders to the apostles who He chose
2. He presented Himself alive after suffering
a. many convincing proofs
b. over 40 days
c. speaking of the things of the kingdom
3. Told them to wait for the promise of the Father (HS)
4. You will be baptized with the Holy Spirit, not just John’s water.
5. Restoring the Kingdom? You can’t know
6. You will receive power when Holy Spirit comes upon you.
7. You will be My witnesses in Judea, Samaria, even to the remotest part of earth
8. Ascends into heaven
9. Angel tells them He’s returning the same way
10. Disciples stay in the upper room
11. Devoting to prayer and picking Judas’ replacement
APPENDIX 8 The Jewish Roots of the Feast of Pentecost
Gleaned from article, April 27, 2021
by Rich Robinson
Jewsforjesus.org/learn/the-jewish-roots-of-the-feast-of-pentecost
Pentecost is a Jewish Holiday from the Hebrew Scriptures that Jewish people still celebrate. In Hebrew, it is called Shavuot, (shue-vote) meaning “weeks” –and so it is know as the Feast of Weeks. Pentecost comes from the Greek word for “fifty” since it occurs fifty days after the preceding holiday, Passover.
Shavuot was originally a harvest festival, the second of 2 first fruits occasions. In Leviticus 23:9-11;15-16, following the description of Passover, we read this:
And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, ’when you come into the land which I am going to give to you and reap its harvest, then you shall bring in the sheaf of the first fruits of your harvest to the priest. He shall wave the sheaf before the Lord for you to be accepted; on the day after the Sabbath the the priest shall wave it.’”… This is a barley offering the first of first fruits offered.
“You shall also count for yourselves from the day after the Sabbath, from the day when you brought in the sheaf of the wave offering;there shall be seven complete Sabbaths. You shall count 50 days to the day after the seventh Sabbath; then you shall present a new grain offering to the Lord.’” This is the wheat offering or the second first fruits offering.
Deuteronomy 26:1-11 describes the first fruits as a remembrance that the Lord “brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm and with great terror and with signs and wonders.” They offer thanks and worship God for His deliverance.
Pentecost/Shavuot: the Anniversay of the Giving of the Law
Though Shavuot continued to be oriented around agriculture and first fruits, it was felt that this was the only holiday without connection to Israel’s history. The ritual of Deuteronomy 26 made reference to that history, but most of that ritual was already in the holiday of Passover. And so over time, Shavuot took on a new character. The day God gave the Torah (Law of Moses) on Mt. Sinai was calculated as falling exactly on the day of Shavuot. By the time of Jesus, in addition to being the first fruits holiday, it had also becom the anniversary of the giving of the Law.
It was on this very holiday, when tens of thousands of pilgrims were bringing their first fruits, the the events of Acts 2 took place. According to the Mishnah (put in writing about 200AD), the procession to the holy city would be quite festive, and more than just wheat was brought as first fruits, as we see from this description:
Those who lived near brought fresh figs and grapes, but those from a distance brought dried figs and raisins. An ox with horns bedecked with gold and with an olive-crown led the way. The flute was played before them until they were nigh to Jerusalem; and when they arrived close to Jerusalem they sent messengers in advance, and ornamentally arrayed their bikkurim [first fruits].
(Mishnah Bikkurim 3:3)
This time, though, it turned out to be a very unusual Shavuot!
The Traditions Spring to Life
When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. And at this sound the multitude came together and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. And they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all those speaking Galileans?”
There was both an unusual aural phenomenon as well as a visual one in the upper room on this day. This was definitely not a typical Shavuot occurance! The disciples began to speak in languages they did not know and were understood by the other Jewish people in attendance no matter what their mother tongue was.
What was it all about? Going back to Exodus 19, when God first gave the Law at Mount Sinai, we see significant parallels:
“On the morning of the third day there were thunders and lightenings and a thick cloud on the mountain and a very loud trumpet blast, that that all the people in the camp trembled. Then Moses brought out the people of the camp to meet God, and they took their stand at the foot of the mountain. Now Mount Sinai was wrapped in smoke because the Lord had descended on it in fire. The smoke of it went up like the smoke of a kiln, and the whole mountain trembled greatly. And as the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses spoke, and God answered him in thunder. The Lord cam down on Mount Sinai, to the top of the mountain. And the Lord called Moses to the top of the mountain, and Moses went up.” Exodus 19:16-20
Now when all the people say the thunder and the flashes of lightening and the sound of the trumpet and the mountain smoking, the people were afraid and trembled, and they stood far off and said to Moses, “You speak to us, and we will listen; but do not let God speak to us, lest we die.” Moses said to the people, “Do not fear, for God has come to test you, that the fear of Him may be before you, that you may not sin.” The people stood far off, while Moses drew near to the thick darkness where God was.” Exodus 20:18-21
The loud sound and tongues of fire in Acts 2 would have brought Exodus 19-20 to mind for some in attendance—
especially since this was the anniversary of the giving of the Law, and Mt Sinai would have been on the minds of many. Could the phenomena of Act 2 be related to those of Exodus? Quite likely. Jewish tradition had elaborated on what took place in Exodus, and that tradition was an even closer parallel to Acts 2:
The Targums, paraphrases of the Hebrew Bible into the related language of Aramaic, had this to say: “When a word had issued from the mouth of the Holy One, blessed be His Name, in the form of sparks or thunderbolts or flames like torches of fire…then a flame on the right and a tongue of fire on the left would fly through the air and return and hover over the heads of the Israelites, and then return and incise itself into the tablets.
These ideas were certainly at the forefront of the minds of those present during the event of Acts 2. When many began to speak in other languages and were understood by the bystanders who came from a large number of surrounding nations, many were amazed, others were perplexed and all asked one another, “What does this mean?”
From the Mishnah: “On the stones of the altar on Mt Ebal (Deut 27) were inscribed all the words of the Torah in seventy tongues—i.e. all the languages of mankind.” Mishnah, Sotah 7:5
Though the Mishnah and especially the Talmud are from later than the first century, many traditions recorded in them go back much earlier. There is no doubt that on the day of Shavuot/Pentecost in Acts 2, the people present there were meant to understand that God was re-creating the events of Mount Sinai in a new way, and that the words of the disciples were meant to convey God’s own revelation to the people gathered. The loud sound, the tongues of fire and the declaration in the languages of all present were traditions sprung to life.
Peter’s explanation is that Acts 2 is a fulfillment of the prophet Joel, that I the last days God’s Spirit would be poured out, with one of the results being “prophecy,” or speaking forth God’s words. The events of Acts 2 are the result of God’s spirit at work.
The Meaning of Pentecost for Today
A new revelation was happening. This was not a negation and replacement of the Torah. It is rather a fulfillment of the hopes of the Torah and the Prophets, a fulfillment of the hopes of the Jewish people in the appearance of the Messiah, and this call for a new word from on high.
Further, there is a proclamation of God’s word to the entire world. It’s to all people. Isaiah 56:7, “My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.”
A beautiful picture of unity and reconciliation! Genesis 11 at the Tower of Babel, God confused the languages of the world so that people could no longer understand one another. In Acts 2 that confusion, at least for the moment, was undone. The promise of the gospel is that one day humanity will find reconciliation and unity through faith in the Messiah Jesus. Pentecost was a “down payment” or promise that that will eventually happen.
First Fruits and the Promise of the Future
Shavuot was the 2nd occasion of the Jewish calendar on which to bring first of the crops to God. When the first of the crop came in, it was a visual promise that the rest of the crop would follow. The metaphor for the first of anything that would follow in larger measure is abundant in the New Testament.
Resurrection of believers. “But now Christ has been
Raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep… each in order: Christ the first fruits; then, at His coming, those who belong to Him.”
1 Corinthians 15:20-23
Fullness of the Holy Spirit. “Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.” Romans 8:23.
As believers, God’s Spirit dwells in us individually and corporately.
Expansion of the Church. “Greet Epaenetus whom I love dearly, who was the first fruit in Asia for Messiah.” Rom 16:5. “…household of Stephanas, that is the first fruits of Achaia.” 1 Cor 16:15.
Completion of redemption. “He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first fruits of all he created.” James 1:18. James writes that believers are the first evidence that God will redeem the universe on a grand scale. With all our imperfections and failings, God tell us that we are the first of something much greater. We are the first fruits of redemption, God’s harbinger of the future.
APPENDIX 9
The Second Trial Before Priests Acts 5:17-42
1. High priest and Sadducees filled with jealousy.
2. Put apostles in public jail
3. Angel opens gate at night—tells them to go speak in the temple again
4. Entered the temple at daybreak
6. Council called together, Senate, called for the apostles to be brought
7. Couldn’t find them in the prison. Locked securely, guards at door, no one home.
8. Captain of the guard and chief priests perplexed
9. Reported they are in temple preaching, brought back to Council.
10. We told you not to preach in that name and bring His blood on us.
11. Peter:
a) “We must obey God rather than men”
b) God raised Jesus Who you put on the cross
c) God has exalted Him as a Prince and Savior for forgiveness to Israel
d) We are witnesses of these things and so is the Holy Spirit e) The Holy Spirit is given to those who obey Him.
12. Their consciences were smarting, wanted to kill them. [conviction]
13. Gamaliel reasons that they should leave them alone. It will fail if from man.
We might be fighting against God.
14. Council agreed, flogged and warned them again not to preach in Jesus’ name, released
15. Apostles rejoice that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name.
16. Kept preaching and teaching Jesus as Christ in the temple and house to house.
Appendix 10 How to resolve church conflicts Act 15 style
To do:
a. Identify the conflict; name it without prejudice.
b. Include wise counselors
c. Hear each other out respectfully
d. Find out what Scriptures come to bear
e. Seek becoming one mind rather than winning
f. Prayerfully let the Spirit lead
g. Seek grace in the situation
h. Communicate the decision clearly allowing wise messengers to relay information
Things to avoid
a. Quick decisions when it can marinate.
b. Isolated to a few deciders
c. Ignore Biblical input
d. Assuming bad motives on the other side.
e. Huddle up on opposing teams, ready for battle
f. Calling a preference a conviction.
APPENDIX 11 Angels, Visions, Trances, Dreams &Voices: Messages from God.
Jesus taught very clearly how the Holy Spirit was going to guide us into truth, live in us, remind us of all that Jesus said. He lived in relation to the Spirit and in the power of the Spirit. But it seems like there are other ways that God communicates in some situations that is related to the will of the Father. The receptivity of the observer seems to be an internal process by the Holy Spirit to either convict or convince of the truth of the messenger and in many situations the Holy Spirit is not named in the passage, but seemed to be present.
This section is going to deal with episodes in Acts where the Holy Spirit is not named, but other agents of the Lord reveal the Father’s will or intervene miraculously in the affairs of men. This workbook is not going to attempt to define or present an in-depth overview of the various messengers from God, but rather note that the Father has chosen many ways to make Himself known. These other messengers or ways may deserve their own study.
Acts 8:25-40
Philip was told by an angel of the Lord:
1. “Get up and go south to the road that descends from Jerusalem to Gaza.”
2. He saw the Ethiopian eunuch reading Isaiah.
3. Now, the Holy Spirit spoke, “Go up and join this chariot.”
4. After he believed and was baptized, the Holy Spirit snatched Philip away to Azotus.
Acts 9:3-9 Paul is confronted by a bright light from heaven flashing around him which spoke to him and identified Himself saying, “ I am Jesus whom you are persecuting.
Acts 9:10-16 Ananias has a vision where Jesus is having a conversation with him about Paul
Acts 10:1-22
1. Cornelius
A. Centurian of Italian cohort,
B. Devout man, feared God along with household
C. Gave alms to Jews
D. Prayed to God continually
E. Vision
i. Angel from God
ii. Came in and said, “Cornelius, your prayers and alms are seen by God
a. dispatch men to Joppa and get Simon who is Peter with the tanner
b. He sent 2 men to Joppa
2. Peter
A. On the roof, 6th hour to pray.
B. Became hungry, wanted to eat
C. Fell into a trance
i. Saw the sky opened up
ii. Object like a great sheet came down by 4 corners to the ground
iii. all kinds of 4 footed animals and crawling creatures and birds
iv. Voice came and said to kill and eat.
v. Peter says, “By no means, Lord, for I have never eaten anything unholy.”
vi. Voice: What God has cleansed is no longer considered unholy.
vii. This happened 3 times and the sheet was taken into the sky
D. Peter perplexed as to what this might be
3. Cornelias’ men show up and ask for Peter
A. While Peter was reflecting on the vision, the Holy Spirit said:
i. 3 men are looking for you
ii. Go downstairs and go with them without misgivings
iii. I have sent them Myself
Acts 12:1-19
Peter Arrested and Jailbreak by Angel:
1. Herod, pleased the Jews by killing James
2. He had Peter arrested, thinking to make them happy. Planned to kill Peter
3. While Peter in jail guarded by 16 men, the church of God prayed fervently.
4. The night of Herod’s planned execution, Peter slept
5. Peter awakened by angel
a. Struck him in the side
b. Cell lit up
c. “Get up quickly”
d. Chains fell off Peter’s hands
e. Get dressed—gird, sandals, cloak
f. Follow me.
6. Peter followed angel, confused if real or a vision.
7. They passed the 2 guards
8. The gate opened by itself
9. Once on the street, the angel departed
10. Peter came to himself and knew the Lord sent an angel and recued him
11. Peter goes to John Mark’s mother’s house where they were praying for Peter
12. Rhoda is told she is out of her mind that it couldn’t be Peter at the door
13. They were amazed that their prayers were answered.
14. Peter reported what happened, then he left.
Acts 12:18-23
Herod Struck by Angel
1. Herod had the guards of Peter executed, and was angry with Tyre and Sidon
2. The people came to placate him
3. As Herod spoke to them the people cried out, “The voice of a god and not a man!”
4. Immediately an angel struck Herod because he did not give God glory.
5. Eaten by worms and died.
Acts 16:9,10
Paul’s Vision for Macedonia
1. Vision appeared to Paul at night
2. Sees a man from Macedonia
a. Standing
b. Appealing
c. Come to Macedonia and help us.
3. Paul changes his plan concluding that God was calling them to preach the gospel there
4. Result was that Lydia was the first European convert in Philippi
Acts 18:9-11
Paul’s vision in Corinth
1. The Lord spoke to Paul in a vision
2. “Do not be afraid any longer, go on speaking and do not be silent”
a. “I am with you.”
b. “No man will attack you to harm you.”
c. “I have many people in this city.”
3. Results:
a. Paul stayed 18 months in Corinth
b. Jews try to take Paul to Gallio (Proconsul) for judgement
c. Gallio punishes the Jewish leader instead.
Acts 22:17-22 Paul in the temple in a trance hears from the Lord. Go to the Gentiles
But on the night immediately following, the Lord stood at his side and said, “Take courage, for as you have solemnly witnessed to My cause at Jerusalem, so you must witness at Rome also.”
Acts 27:23-25 For this very night an angel of the Lord to whom I belong and whom I serve stood before me, saying, “Do not be afraid Paul, you must stand before Caesar, and behold God has granted you all those who are sailing with you.”
Appendix 12 The Holy Spirit in Revelation
This study is raising some questions. Let’s stick to the Scriptures as they explain it. My prayer for the reader is that the Holy Spirit will bless you as you read through Revelation and heed the words of the prophecy in this book. (Revelation 22:6, 7)
1. John was “in the Spirit“
a. On Patmos 1:10
i. Heard loud voice like a trumpet. 1:10
ii. Told to write message on scroll to the seven churches. 1:11
b. Invited into heaven 4:1,2
i. Shown what must take place 4:1
ii. The Throne Room 4:2-6
iii. 4 Creatures and 24 elders, “Worthy are You…” 4:7-11
c. Carried away into the Wilderness 17:3
i. Woman on a scarlet beast 17:3
ii. 7 and 10 kings and horns 17:8-14
iii. Babylon fallen 18:1-8
c. Carried to a great and high mountain 21:10
i. To see the bride/church 21:9
ii. Jerusalem coming down out of heaven 21:10
iii. No temple, Lord God and the Lamb are the Temple 21:22
2. “The Seven Spirits” Who are before His throne
a. John extending greetings and grace from Eternal God, the 1:4
seven spirits, and from Jesus Christ.
i. Implies the seven spirits are the Holy Spirit
b. He who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars will 3:1, 5
confess his name before My Father..
i. He [Jesus] has the seven spirits implies Holy Spirit under
Jesus, like Jesus is subject to the Father 3:1
c. There were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which 4:5-10
are the seven spirits of God.
i. Seven spirits before the throne, not on the throne
ii. Creatures around the throne and in middle of the throne
iii. Elders before the throne
d. The Lamb stood between the Elders and the throne with seven 5:6
horns and seven eyes which are the seven spirits of God sent out
into all the earth.
i. Jesus brings the Spirit between the throne and the Elders
ii. Elders fall down and worship, “Worthy is the Lamb.” 5:12-14
iii. Every created thing fell down to worship, not mentioning 5:13
the seven spirits
e. The Branch from Jesse will have fruits resting on him including:
i. The Spirit of the Lord
ii. The Spirit of wisdom
iii. The Spirit of understanding
iv. The Spirit of counsel
v. The Spirit of strength
vi. The Spirit of knowledge
vii. The Spirit of the fear of the Lord Isaiah 11:2
3. The messages (Revelation 2-3) to the seven churches followed the same pattern of :
a. “To the angel of the church of ____________ ,”
b. Jesus [by seven differing names or descriptions] says:
c. The message:
d. The promise:
e. “Hear what the Spirit says to the Churches.”
(last 4 churches switch d & e order)
4. The Spirit agrees with a voice from heaven saying, 14:13
“Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.”
Seems like the Holy Spirit was perceived by John while in heaven.
5. The Holy Spirit is not mentioned in the declaration that there is no temple 21:22
in Jerusalem because “the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.
And the city has no need of the sun or of the moon to shine on it, for the glory of
the Lord has illuminated it, and its lamp is the Lamb.”
6. The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” 22:17
7. Multiple uses of angels and not the Holy Spirit in carrying out the judgments,
as well as communicating with John and others.
Questions that arise:
1. Was the John’s state simply “in the Spirit” like Romans 8:9-14 or Galatians 5:25 or was
it more like the “caught up into the third heaven” vision that Paul had in 2 Corinthians 12:1-4?
2. The Holy Spirit is eternal (“moving over the surface of the waters” of a dark, formless earth)
and manifest in the prophets in the Old Testament and in the believers in the New Testament.
Was He a separate being from us believers, both in us and omnipresent? (I believe yes)
Is it possible that His presence before the throne was indwelling the Elders causing them to
worship?
Or is the Holy Spirit before the throne separate from the believers because the believers are
now in Jesus’ presence and therefore they see Him as He is and the Holy Spirit no longer needs
to indwell them?
I don’t think the answer matters much since we are here learning about what is revealed for
here and now. I’m sure God will handle the question really well when we get there.
3. Revelation 7:4 says 144,000 “who were sealed” from every tribe of the sons of Israel. In the
preceding verse it talks of not harming the earth until the angels sealed the bond-servants of
our God on their foreheads.
Are these Jewish Christians?
Is it a different sealing than what Ephesians 1:13 & 4:30 are referring to?
4. Is the one reference to the Spirit in 14:13 meaning that the presence of the Holy Spirit is off the
earth? No mention otherwise between 4:1 and 22:17. Does this support pre-tribulation or is
the revelation to John about what’s going on in the heavenlies and not mentioning the presence
of the Holy Spirit in those Christians going through the tribulation?
Appendix 13 Author’s Responses to Daily Questions
I am providing these responses to the questions, not as an expert, but as another believer, asking for the leading of the Holy Spirit. Sometimes by having the response available it can clarify what the question was driving at. At other times it can stimulate discussion leading to new understanding. I would love to be a fly on the wall for those who are going through this study and having discussions on things that may not be as crystal clear as we thought, but by talking things through, new insights can be gained. This is by no means “the answer key.”
“No prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.” 2 Peter 1:20,21
-1-
1. a. The most precious—10. Father, Son and Holy Spirit abiding in the obedient believer
b. The most difficult to remember—5. The world hasn’t seen Him or known Him
c. The most important—13. The Holy Spirit reminds us of Jesus’ words
d. The most incredible—7. The Holy Spirit resides IN us.
2. “Thank You Holy Spirit.”
3. The disciples didn’t seem to have the leadership or initiative until called by Jesus and spending a few
years with Him. So, no, I don’t picture the fishermen organizing something outside their
synagogue.
Books are written on church planting. The key ingredient is understanding that God causes the growth at
His whim and timing. See 1 Corinthians 2 and 12. Cookbooks for church growth that are program oriented may have been written with the influence of the Holy Spirit, but without the Holy Spirit in its implementation, it’s counterfeit. Check boxes are no substitute for the Holy Spirit.
4. Trick question: John 14:23 says “We will come to him…” Jesus did come to them for 40 days, but after Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came to them plus Jesus and the Father.
5. 1. When you are used to a direction of ministry for a length of time, are you willing to let God alter the ministry, or your function or the way things are done? Hesitatingly, yes.
I react to preserve what I am used to. If something was working well, why change it?
“The enemy of good is better” as the surgeons say.
6. __10__ 1. I hate change.
__6___ 2. I want a clear path ahead.
__7___ 3. I seek being near the center of action and power.
__10__ 4. I love being with someone who loves and tells it straight.
__10__ 5. I want to do great things.
__3___ 6. I don’t like lack of resources.
__7___ 7. I need direction from people I trust.
__5___ 8. I don’t like being quit on, abandoned.
__3___ 9. I wrestle with expectations.
__6___ 10. I am open to God shifting the plan even if I don’t understand.
-2-
1. How is Jesus’ peace different than the peace given by the world?*
– The peace of Christ passes understanding (Phil 4). It comes when we recognize that the King is in control and loves us and has a purpose in suffering. It’s internal from Him. Its fruit of the Holy Spirit abiding in us.
– The world offers intellectual solutions, philosophical perspectives and politics. It doesn’t deal sometimes with the depravity of man or the schemes of Satan. It offers pictures of peace without substance.
2. Describe what it’s like when you are doing “all the stuff “ except for abiding in the vine.
Lots of work and stress. Sometimes feeding my ego to gain appreciation from men. Plants aim at the sun and grow naturally, but not without light.
3. How are you laying down your life for your brothers?
This is hard. I can always think of those who are striving more or less than me. I want to be more
responsive to the Holy Spirit’s prompting moment to moment than I am.
Is that even a thing in the US?
Up until now, there is relatively little threat to have to lay down our lives here as it is in Nigeria where I have seen Christian pastors run toward those fledgling churches being assaulted by Boko Haram to assist in bring to safety. Our level of laying down our lives seems to be whether we are able to give up our time off to help someone who is needing us to use our spiritual gifts.
4. If we were led by the Holy Spirit, would we (or should we) sell our stuff or quit our job or be
willing to move to help brothers who are in dire need?
That is the very question—if the Holy Spirit is leading, how could we not be willing to obey?
How far does this go?
What do we have that we didn’t receive?
5. In the last month, what do you see your mission being?
Serving my family, praying for people at work, living consistently with what I’ve learned re: Spirit
* How often have you consciously checked in with the Holy Spirit on this?
Thankfully, I have a home fellowship, a men’s Bible study and another men’s church midweek Bible study where I get prayer, fellowship and input from other believers. Those things are good and provide perspective and opportunity to allow the Holy Spirit to speak through others, but that is not the same as seeking the Lord’s wisdom through talking with Him over time in the Word.
Between that and my own study, I am frequently challenged to consider what the Holy Spirit is doing with me. Actually talking to the Lord with the Holy Spirit helping me to pray as I should, that would qualify as checking in.
6. How do you see the world? Lost, without Christ, drowning in fleshly death
Friendly nearby? Yes, safe in my community. The harvest is ripe.
Politics hostile? Nationally, yes. So far not much locally.
Persecution? Growing hostility against “Christian nationalists” who are desiring to bring
Christian principles into the public square.
Lost? Needing the Gospel
-3-
1. How does the world perceive the Holy Spirit?
The world hasn’t seen Him or known Him. (John 14:17)
They are convicted of sin, righteousness and judgment. (John 16:8-11)
2. What do we need to do to have the Holy Spirit disclose truth and what is to come?
* * We need to ask for wisdom, have access to the Holy Spirit through Christ, and then listen.
What He reveals will not conflict with the revealed Word of God.
He does have the right to withhold what we are not ready for.
3. Would the Holy Spirit like us to focus on the Holy Spirit?
He is wanting to glorify the Son, not Himself. He will assist us in knowing the Son and the truth about Himself, but it would seem that a “Spirit-filled” service should point to the author of life and the Redeemer primarily.
4. If you are walking in the Holy Spirit, and you are praised, how is Jesus glorified without false humility?
We are to let our light shine before men in such a way that they see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matt 5:16) “I am so glad that God has changed my heart from what it used to
be (serving myself) and now I try to emulate Him because He showed me His love and grace. “Thanks for appreciating that, I enjoyed experiencing the love of God once again.”
5. Can one learn truth apart from the Holy Spirit?
2+2=4, no matter who says it. So it depends on the type of truth we are talking about.
Spiritual truth is much trickier because the things of God are spiritually appraised. (1 Corinthians 2)
6. Can we pray without the Holy Spirit’s help?
It says He intercedes when we don’t know how to pray. I think we can pray and express our heart and mind to God without the Holy Spirit’s help. Praying is communication. He knows our thoughts from afar so He doesn’t even need to hear from us to know what we are thinking. But we need to know our thoughts and that He is listening and cares. But wouldn’t it be good to have the Holy Spirit’s input on how and what to pray?
It is an intimate relationship. When we see Him respond to our requests it gives us the kind of feedback we need to grow and be changed more into His likeness.
7. What is the day that Jesus is speaking of when these promises of prayer will come about?
. That day, Pentecost…at the end days? I believe that He meant in the time of the Holy Spirit’s coming.
8. 16:24 says they hadn’t asked in His name yet. What about their 2×2 mission to cast out demons and heal. Was that not in His name?
Mark 6:7-12 says “they preached that men should repent. And they were casting out many demons and were anointing with oil many sick people and healing them.”
Luke 9:1-6 says Jesus gave them authority over demons and sickness without saying to use His name.
The point here in John 16:24 is that the Father is listening to us asking in Jesus name and He will give it so that your joy may be full.
9. Why does God answer our prayers if He is omniscient and we are not?
I don’t know. If God is all loving and wise, who am I to twist His will to conform to mine? This idea could change our way of praying. Perhaps the real question is how do we know Him well enough to know His will. That kind of includes Romans 8 where the Holy Spirit is supposed to help us with praying. Again, the point is not a formula of prayer, but rather a relationship with God that grows and develops in mutual understanding.
-4-
1. How is it possible to know whether a desire to do something is from the Holy Spirit or just our own thinking?
I think this will be better understood as we study the Scriptures and how various people interacted with the Spirit and how conviction works. Some of my “best ideas ever” have fallen flat. That in retrospect can be
an indication that the Lord was not leading—though we do not measure success by results in all cases.
2. Have you ever had insight beyond yourself into a spiritual battle or issue that goes beyond the visible?
Yes. Example from last night: An 18 year old overweight girl with anxiety needed to hear that no matter what anyone has done to her, she is still precious in God’s sight, more precious than when her mom carried
her home from the hospital. Turns out she had been bullied and a family member touched inappropriately.
My wife and I had prayed for spiritual sensitivity before going to work.
3. Which 3 of the 15 statements on general application catches your interest for further prayer and study?
2,7,10
4. Is it necessary to ask for the Holy Spirit or does that just happen?
Luke 11:13 Says the Father gives the Holy Spirit to those who ask. John 3:34 Says He gives Spirit without measure. Ephesians 1:13-15 says, “In Him, you also, after listening to the message of the truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance…” We will see in Acts some believers in Jesus who didn’t have the Holy Spirit yet.
If you are not sure, ask. If you already know that you are sealed in Christ by the Holy Spirit, then its not wrong to ask to be filled even more
5. Is there such a thing as partially filled with the Holy Spirit?
This is discussible. On one hand, if one can quench the Spirit, it seems like it’s not extinguished, or gone.
James 3 asks if a fountain can send dirty and clean water from the same opening. Paul in Romans 7 is aware of his flesh tendencies and writes in Romans 8 that the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace and the mind set on the flesh is sin and death. My own experience is as Paul’s and I function at less than full too much of my life, but thanks be to God for His grace.
* Can the Holy Spirit be hindered?
I don’t think God’s foreknown will can be thwarted. When I fail to follow the prompting of the Spirit, I
believe God is big enough to foreknow that and give someone else the blessing of partaking in that aspect of
His plan. I may miss out, but “who can stop the Lord?” Isaiah 14:27
-5-
1. During the 50 days between the Resurrection and Pentecost, what did Jesus say about the Helper to come?* See Acts 1:2-8
a. The Father had promised Him
b. You will be baptized by the Holy Spirit soon
c. You will receive power from the Holy Spirit
d. You will be my witnesses to the end of the world.
2. Why did Jesus reappear so many times?
I believe the disciples needed reassurance. 50 days is a long time. While faith is the evidence of things not seen, He, by being seen helped Thomas and others realize it was not just an aberration.
3. If you were one of the 12, would you be confused about the role of the Helper when Jesus is clearly sticking around?
Jesus did say He would rise again on the third day. He also said he was going away. He taught about the
coming Helper, but from what we read in John, I can see if that was all the information, they might have
thought the ascension was a surprise.
4. The emotions of Cleopas and friend were reflecting how humans react to significant disappointment & grief.
* Which part of their emotional journey do you identify with the most?
a. Talking about the sad event, and a bit sarcastic towards the ignorant
b. Listening well to an explanation from a knowledgeable stranger.
c. Seeing the broad scope of Scripture and how Jesus fulfilled and having hearts burning
d. Realizing Jesus is actually alive and who He said He is and running back to tell others.
5. There seemed to be a lot of gathering together of more than the 11 disciples for prayer.
How do you think the modern church would react if there was clear indication of riotous economic collapse and the gathering of Chinese and Russian forces moving toward Israel?
I hope more than FaceBook, TicTok or X comments. I hope we’d gather for prayer and encouragement.
How would you personally respond to such cataclysmic news?
I would try to digest Matthew 25, Ezekiel 38 etc and make calls prayerfully
Which would be more impactful—crucifixion or tribulation?
Tribulation lasts 7 years. Crucifixion 3 days. I’d be traumatized by the perfect One dying unfairly.
I’ve been prepared for years for Pre-trib rapture, so it might be tough to handle!!
-6-
1. Who are the lambs and sheep that Jesus has entrusted to your care?
Wife, kids, grandkids, church family, Bible Study group, co-workers,
2. What are at least 5 priorities of shepherding these (from the above)?
a. Tend—means to me that you are around, paying attention to their patterns and needs
b. Shepherding—involves protection, provision, guidance
c. Discipling—means that I am drawing their attention to God’s ways of doing things
d. Teaching—giving observations on how things work
e. Jesus’ presence—He is with me in the process.
f. Scripture—essential to understand and live it
g. Witness—tell how the Lord is interacting with you in correction and joy.
h. Make sure the Holy Spirit is directing your path.
i. Worship Him—no greater purpose or message.
3. Why did Jesus start with “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth?
If that is true, then we don’t have to second guess whether we are to act when the most powerful
Person in the universe gives us instructions. Anyone else contradicting is not worth worrying about or following.
4. Without the Holy Spirit, what can be accomplished?
Temporary things. Not eternal or lasting. We can draw a crowd or impress some people.
We might be able to develop skills. But to battle spiritually in the flesh makes no sense. The
things that will last take the Spirit’s touch in other’s hearts.
5. Without the Scriptures and understanding, what will happen?
Philosophy and opinion. Might sound great. Might get 1,000 likes. But will it be truth, lasting,
blessed by God, or ultimately right?
6. Is there an area of growth in these 10 items that you sense the Holy Spirit nudging you to focus on or improve?
e & i
-7-
1. The sin of Babel was “let us make for ourselves a name.”
Pride. Build something that reaches heaven by man’s devices.
God’s solution—scramble the languages.
Is there anything about Pentecost that is reversing that?
The languages are understood.
2. Do you think there was any of this that the disciples would have imagined during the last 50 days?
I think the wind and fire and languages were all not foretold and a big surprise.
3. I was not able to find any references to other cultural mentions of hearing one’s own native tongue by a stranger except one reference to Islamic Mysticism (Sufism), some shamans of indigenous origins communicating with divine or with spirits, and a reference to Hindus.
This was truly a brand new concept in Jerusalem.
How would you have reacted if a Galilean fisherman was fluent in your native latin language?
I would assume that he spent time learning my language and inquire. When I saw 16 other
Languages being spoken, I would be more than curious about this as a miracle and listen.
The message was, “the mighty deeds of God.”
4. The disciples were told they would receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon them.
– Power for what?
I think to overcome the grip Satan has on the world and to live as holy witnesses
– What do you think that looks like in the 21st century?
The contrast of a life walking in the Spirit and one that is living in the flesh is stark. Hopefully as the modern believer is empowered to understand the Scriptures and the truth of the Gospel, their life, speech, attitude, love, actions will be different. We think the world has
changed in 2000 years, but the hearts of men haven’t and that is what the Lord is after.
-8-
1. Joel 2:28 I will pour out my Spirit on all mankind (literally “flesh”).”
Does “all mankind” mean all?
What about those not receiving Christ?
This was definitely a pouring out of the Spirit on mankind. It was a manifestation to all mankind. But clearly, not even the believers in Jesus in some parts didn’t receive the Holy Spirit until later.
The passage in Joel talks about early and late rains as well. I think the “great and awesome day of the Lord” which comes accompanied by signs in the sky is is yet to come and that perhaps Pentecost
was an early rain. It was spectacular, but so will the day of the Lord be.
2. What are some of the manifestations of the Holy Spirit listed by Joel 2:28-32?
Sons and daughters will prophesy. Old men will dream dreams. Young men will see vision
3. Is there a difference between the “last days” and “the great and glorious day of the Lord?”
Last Days
Hebrews 1:1-2–God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, 2 in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the [[c](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews%201&version=NASB1995)]world.
This sounds like the last days referring to the early church age.
2 Timothy 3:1-5–3 But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. 2 For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient
to parents, ungrateful, unholy
This sounds like he’s talking about a time to come, uncertain how long.
Hosea 3:5–Afterward the Israelites will return and seek the LORD their God and David their king. They will come trembling to the LORD and to his blessings in the last days.
Micah 4:1–In the last days the mountain of the LORD’s temple will be established as the highest
of the mountains; it will be exalted above the hills, and peoples will stream to it.
2 Peter 3:3–Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires.
Joel 2:17–“ ‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.
Day of the Lord (terrible, great, dreadful, glorious)
Acts 2:20 & Joel 2:31–The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord.
Joel 2:11–The LORD thunders at the head of his army; his forces are beyond number, and mighty is the army that obeys his command. The day of the LORD is great; it is dreadful. Who can endure it?
[Malachi 4:5](https://www.biblestudytools.com/malachi/4-5.html)– “See, I will send the prophet Elijah to you before that great and dreadful day of the LORD comes.
Last days vs those days vs latter days vs the great day of the Lord. What is the distinction?
The granting of the wonders in the sky and on the earth…sun into darkness and earthquakes happened at the crucifixion. There was an outpouring of His Spirit at that time, but was it the
same level (all people)?
Moon into blood before the great and glorious day of the Lord shall come—has not been mentioned
as having happened yet, though we in this decade have seen a few versions of that.
My overall take is that last days is the church age and the day of the Lord is the end at His second appearing.
4. How did David know the Holy One would not undergo decay?
I Samuel 16:13 says he had the Holy Spirit mightily from that day forth.
Psalm 16:7 says, “I will bless the Lord who has counseled me…and 3 verses later declared the Holy One’s resurrection to come.
5. Did David have the Holy Spirit all the time?
See Old Testament manifestations of Holy Spirit in Appendix 2 and days 46-48
He was the only one where the Holy Spirit is mentioned as “from that day forth.”
6. Could Peter have preached this sermon by the Spirit if he had not read Joel, Psalms and Isaiah?
* Why? Why not?
Lousy circular question. The Spirit brings Scripture to mind and in the Old Testament gave new
words from God through the prophets. Peter could have referred to the pouring out of the Spirit by the Spirit, but by quoting Joel, David and Isaiah he was reaching his Jewish audience more
effectively.
7. What did the Holy Spirit do to these people when they heard they participated in Messiah’s death?
Convicted them of sin, righteousness and judgment, just as Jesus said He would in John 16.
8. How could these who killed Jesus receive the Holy Spirit?
They did not blaspheme the Holy Spirit, they “only” murdered the Savior. They have access to the same forgiveness through the cross as Paul, Peter and us.
9. Have you experienced this type of conviction?
Yes. Not only at age 5 when my concrete self understood I had broken God’s laws, but at 15 when I realized that I was talking like a disciple but was double-minded, wanting worldly things.
10. Have you been assured that the Holy Spirit is operating in your life?
Yes, I know he has my heart, but at times, like Paul in Romans 7, I don’t do the things I (He) wants
and the conviction that I feel is the Holy Spirit correcting me, leading to repentance. If I don’t sense
that, then I would be spiritually dead or in a spiritual coma.
11. When you are with other people, do you ask the Holy Spirit to make you aware of situations or questions that would give rise to spiritual conversations?
Yes, I understand my role as an ambassador for the Kingdom and desire to see others given the same
Grace that I received.
-9- 1. Receive the Word 9. Togetherness 2. Baptized 10. Sharing with those in need 3. Devoted to apostle’s teaching 11. Single minded
4. Devoted to fellowship 12. Gladness 5. Devoted to breaking bread house to house 13. Sincerity
6. Devoted to prayer 14. Praising God 7. Sense of awe 15. Favor with the people 8. Wonders and signs through the apostles 16. Growing by salvation
Questions:
1. Which of the above 16 qualities can be manufactured by programs? 1, 2, 4, 5 ,7, 9, 10, 14, 15
Devoted to teaching implies a heart that is hungry. Wonders and signs not likely unless hiring a magician. One mind can be faked, but not truly without the Holy Spirit. Gladness likewise. The Sincerity campaign would be entertaining. Growing by salvation only if a program of training was in place that emphasized sharing the Word and personal testimonies. But without the Holy Spirit’s involvement, it doesn’t affect lasting change.
2. Contrast the difference between the way the Holy Spirit grows a church and the way a smart pastor without the Holy Spirit grows a church.*
A smart pastor without the Holy Spirit is a non-sequitur. The smart pastor embraces the power of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit moves the individuals from the inside where the pastor without the Holy Spirit crafts things in the wisdom of man and ends up at odds with the Spirit. See Romans 8—“the mind set on the flesh is hostile towards God.” The Spirit-less pastor is anxious and sometimes laboring too hard and not letting people develop from the Spirit. Pray more, plan less. This isn’t to say working hard and thinking is not a part of the job, but flesh doesn’t grow a stable church.
3. What keeps our churches from being described by these 16 qualities?
The list is long. Lack of devotion to Jesus. Flesh in all it’s forms. Misplaced priorities. Pride.
4. If 95% of your church was filled with believers walking in the Holy Spirit, what do you think would be different about your church? Excitement on a daily basis that God is doing great things in all. Surrender of time to a greater purpose. More people showing up to serve, teach… 3000 in one day type of Acts 2 experience.
5. Are you willing to spend time devoted to prayer, seeking God’s presence through the Holy Spirit in your church? See verse 42.* What would that look like?* Yes. More prayer individually and corporately.
6. All things in common, one mind, praising God, favor with the people and many added daily. Is this possible in the church in the US in the 21st Century?* Yes. God is the One who will accomplish this on an individual and therefore corporate level. All things are possible. *
-10-
1. Jesus made it clear that by the Holy Spirit’s power they would do great things (greater). Do you believe that that promise is made to just the disciples then or does it include us?
I believe this is continued to today. Not sure where the limitations are coming from though.
2. Have you ever stepped out in faith and claimed something that you believed was God’s plan in Jesus’ name? What happened?
Yes. Some healings per James 5. Some things that would convince no one but me that God answered.
3. Do you think there are parameters that limit this statement? In other words, do we have to pray more, believe better, have all sins confessed…?*
This is a question that would divide groups of Christians into those that believe God is sovereign and knows best and those that believe that the invitation to bind things on earth is a true invitation.
4. What would abuse of this promise look like?
People praying for fleshly desires and not consulting the Holy Spirit
5. If we grasp someone’s hand like Peter and the guy doesn’t strengthen and heal, what does that mean?
God is saying a) yes, later, b) no, c) waiting for other issues to be resolved. Faith is the conviction of things not seen. Faith may need to be patient or further information or growth needed.
-11-
1. What are 5 ways the Holy Spirit manifested in this exchange when Peter filled with the Spirit?
A. magnified Jesus’ name, B. gave boldness to the disciples C. Fingerprints of Jesus in them recognized, D. Amazed the critics, E. Silenced critics by the obvious, becoming obvious—lame is well, F. Confrontation of truth about listening to God G. God was glorified by all. H. Words given to them to speak when brought before authorities.
2. Thomas Sowell: “When you want to help people, you tell them the truth. When you want to help yourself, you tell them what they want to hear..”*
–In discussions with others who need to hear truth, how much do you soften the * information to avoid offense?
Perhaps, but mostly to gain additional opportunity to take the conversation further. –Where is the line between making knowledge acceptable (Proverbs 15:2) and watering down the * * truth?
When there is fear that they won’t listen that insults the Holy Spirit’s power. When there is no consulting with the Spirit, then that is presuming you know better and don’t need to inquire and be led by Him.
3. Have you ever had a moment where you have had to obey God, rather than man?
Usually it’s on cut and dry things like “can you help me abort my baby?” The harder areas are when asked to do something that is okay for you, but the person asking has a preconceived notion that you will be stumbling.
4. This same scenario played out again in Acts 5:17-42, including an angelic jail break and showing up back at the temple preaching. When confronted about the disobedience to the high priest Peter responded: * [See Appendix 9]*
a) “We must obey God rather than men”* * * b) God raised Jesus Who you put on the cross* * * * * c) God has exalted Him as a Prince and Savior for forgiveness to Israel* * * * * d) We are witnesses of these things and so is the Holy Spirit* * * e) The Holy Spirit is given to those who obey Him.
*
* The result was the priests who didn’t want Jesus blood on their hands was to want to kill Peter
–Have you ever had a situation where the truth of the gospel actually made people hostile?
More likely, they blocked me on social media. Its not cool in our culture to be openly intolerant in public. “That’s nice—-(for you). That’s your* truth”
5. Is obedience necessary to receive the Holy Spirit?
Trick question: Which of us has had full obedience before the Holy Spirit was present in our lives?
David had the Holy Spirit and sinned royally. At conversion, Ephesians teaches that the Holy Spirit
seals us, but it doesn’t say that we receive because we weren’t sinners (otherwise, why the cross?)
The second we were washed, there was no imputed sin, but then we go into Paul’s dilemma in
Romans 7 & 8.
-12-
1. Testimonies of fellow believers under fire and the manifestation of the Holy Spirit should lead to praise
* of God. As well, prayer for the Holy Spirit to empower all to be confidently speaking forth the Word and
* seeing Jesus’ name exalted even more should be a part of corporate worship.
* How can this be brought about in the current day church?
When a work of the Spirit of God is accomplished in the ordinary servant in the congregation, the servant is not to be exalted, but there definitely needs to be boasting in the Lord and rejoicing in His greatness. Could be weekly or monthly reports on God’s work through His people from the pulpit.
2. When was the last time you prayed for boldness from the Holy Spirit to be able to speak the Word
* with power?
Frequently when I go to work.
* –Should that be only a prayer for preachers and teachers? No, for any servant of Christ!
* –Can a mercy-gifted, service-gifted, giving-gifted believer pray this and expect opportunities to speak
* God’s Word confidently by the Holy Spirit? I would sure hope so.
* –What would that look like?
Colossians 3:17—Whatever you do in word or deed, do all to the glory of God.
3. Was the unity and mutual care for one another:
a. Emotional response to all that’s happening?
* * b. A direct work of the Holy Spirit?
* * c. Obedience to Jesus’ instructions? (which) John 17. By this all men will know that you follow
d. The elders new giving program functioning as designed?
4. Is the prayer for healing, signs and wonders in Jesus’ name outdated for our time?
Some teach that these were to establish authority of the apostles and their teaching canonized and that the “sign gifts” were ended with the New Testament written. Those people need to realize that there are people who are in deliverance ministries that are experiencing the Holy Spirit giving the gifts of healing and casting out of demons in Jesus’ name. The gifts are distributed as the Spirit determines and that applies to people on both sides of the discussion. 1 Corinthians 12
-13-
1. Is there temptation to be something you are not in your local church culture?
Growing in the Lord and knowledge of the Word is desirable. Comparing to others instead of
pursuing Christ would be not helpful
* If so, is it a matter of disobedience to Christ or just not sharing the cultural expectation?
Comparing to others is not focusing on obedience to Christ
* Where should one go when they feel pressure to conform and not ready to do so?
Please the Lord and not man. Conversation with church leadership on culture vs. calling and
obedience
2. Do you think the Holy Spirit was wrestling with Ananias’ heart before he gave just a portion? Yes
3. This (instant discipline) doesn’t seem to happen in churches very often anymore. Why would that be?
* Fear that the backlash would be negative impact on church morale. God’s mercy.
* There is high likelihood that there are things like this going on today.
* Putting on appearances of godliness or generosity when the opposite is true. Projecting an image
* What would happen if something like this happened in your church?
If there was confrontation of sin and a death, maybe a lawyer would become involved or all would fear.
4. What kind of fear are we talking about? Reverent? Anxious? Respect?
Hopefully respect for our Maker’s right to build or correct His church.
5. Double-mindedness is frowned upon. (James 1:5-8; Psalms 119:113) This was a case of wanting to look good to men and only half way obedience to God. Are there other types of double-mindedness that are happening in today’s church and would it be shocking to see instant severe consequences?
Actually this is a deflection question. Easier to talk about others than talk about our own double mindedness.
6. Why did some of the people not dare associate with them?
They knew their own hearts. Danger to come into account.
7. What does this story teach you about you and the Holy Spirit?
He is perceptive of thoughts of the heart. Holy
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1. How does your church make each member realize that they are all needed to make the body function?* Invitations to the body for church wide events. Appreciation expressed by leadership team for the working together. Teaching on 1 Corinthians 12. * 2. Have you ever seen servants commissioned for a task of service?* Regularly. When going on mission, congregation has chance to pray collectively for those going* 3. When should a pastor push a broom at a church work day?* Not if the message is not completed. Each plays a role. However, it’s possible that serving would be his best message.* 4. When there is conflict or division within the body, how does the Holy Spirit work?* If people stop and listen to Him, there would likely be a oneness of purpose. Leaders need to be listening to Him as well as the body. 5. Can a table server be a teacher? (hint: see tomorrow)
-15- 1. Was this an example of Jesus saying we would be given what to say before authorities? It didn’t work out for Stephen. Was he successful? * Stephen succeeded in the mission to follow Jesus and proclaim Him. The Holy Spirit filled him as was mentioned in his qualifications. Success is not measured by world’s standards. 2. What was annoying the priests so much about the apostles?* * Couldn’t cope with Stephan’s wisdom and the Spirit in him. As he spoke, their consciences are cut to the quick, gnashing their teeth at him. He tells them he saw the glory of God and Jesus at His right hand. 3. What caused them to be cut to the quick? * Stephen said they were stiff-necked, not listening to the Holy Spirit, killing prophets like their fathers. 4. Does the Holy Spirit bring love, joy, peace, patience, kindness into situations? Why not here? * He brought these things to Stephen, but not to those who resist the Holy Spirit. 5. What are 4 ways the Holy Spirit showed up in this interaction?* a. Holy Spirit was in Stephen b. He gave Stephen wisdom and signs and wonders that gave God attention. c. Perception and favor by others (like an angel) d. Gave Stephen recollection of the story of Israel. e. Conviction of the conscience in the listeners who hated the truth f. The gaze into heaven, seeing God the Father and Song. g. Forgiving like Jesus did
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Difficult Concepts:
1. The Samaritans believed when they saw signs and wonders. Why were they “simply” baptized into Jesus when Jesus had said to baptize them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit?
I don’t know if they were enamored with the signs and wonders, but not the person of Christ, or whether these were baptized into Jesus before the resurrection. See concept #2
2. Is it still possible to be baptized only into Jesus and not have the Holy Spirit?
It says in Ephesians 1:13: “In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise Who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory.
Ephesians 4:30: “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”
2 Corinthians 1:21: “Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and anointed us is God, who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge.”
3. What is the difference between being “sealed” and “baptized?”
A seal represents the owner and is burned onto a letter or animal to say this represents me or this is mine. A baptism is similarly an identification with the Master, signifying a belonging to the Master and a desire to be like the Master. Sealed things don’t ask for it. Baptized people desire it.
4. Why did the Spirit come upon them through laying on of hands, instead of flames on their heads, a great wind, just prayer from afar…?* God’s choice. I’m sure there are deeper reasons.
5. Angel tells Philip to go to the road to Gaza. Then the Spirit told him to go up to the chariot.
Why didn’t the Holy Spirit tell him instead of an angel?* Definitely one is external, one is internal.
Personal Application Questions:
1. Have you ever wondered if you indeed are filled with the Holy Spirit or if you ever were “sealed” with the Holy Spirit of promise?
Jesus in Luke 11:13: “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?”
Acts 2:37: “ What shall we do? Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
2. How can you know that the Holy Spirit is guiding you or you are just going on your own?
Did I stop and ask at all?
Does this bear the fruit of the Spirit or my flesh?
I think sometimes we don’t wait when we should.
Am I fearful?
3. * Romans 8:26-7 says that the Holy Spirit helps us pray when we don’t know how to pray.
Have you ever asked the Holy Spirit to fill in for you when you are only able to groan?
* Absolutely, and it comforts me to know that He does.
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Difficult questions:
1. What is the difference between a vision, an appearance, a dream, “the Lord said”, “the Spirit said?”
a. vision—See Rev 1:9-13. John was “in the Spirit” and saw things that are to come, but in the present tense
b. appearance—awake, frequently angels. See Judges 13:3; Luke 1:11; Luke 2:13
c. dream–asleep
2. The timeline is not for sure about how long in the desert and then back to Damascus?
Sounds like 3 years. Gal 1:17
3. There are dispensationalists who believe that the Holy Spirit manifestations in Acts were to establish the authority of the apostles and the Word they wrote and spoke. Joel says it will come about after this that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.” Joel 2:28 Is that scripture referring to the end times or possibly the 1st century?
Since there were visions and dreams in Acts, I’d say both.
Personal Application questions:
1. Have you experienced anything like Ananias where you were sure the Lord was saying to go into
* what you felt was danger and then He convinced you that He had a bigger plan and just do it?
Not yet, hope I’d be obedient to clear Spirit-led instructions
2. Why did it take the blinding light to open Saul’s eyes to his resistance to the Spirit of God?
He was used to having a by-the-book approach to valuing the Law and was assured of his being right.
3. Do you think this kind of revelation is happening in our generation? Why or why not?
Yes, we just think it to be strange when it happens in our culture. Randy at our church told story of being in the water in Maui on vacation this month with his family and a bearded stranger walked out from his car (wife waiting in the car) and said God told him to approach Randy and have him baptize him right then. There was enough conversation with him so that Randy and wife thought he was not just psychotic and the story behind his obedience to the Lord was not crazy and seemed genuine. And it is still difficult to know for certain, but case by case, we need to look for the Spirit working.
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Application Questions:
1. Peter was instructed to go against something that he was taught from his rabbis his whole life. Gentiles are not to be brought into your home, they are not to be sharing a meal and they are not to be considered worthy of being part of the family of God. It took the sheet coming down 3 times to get him to understand God’s heart toward the Gentiles.
Are there traditions in your Christian upbringing that you would have a difficult time accepting if the Holy Spirit was trying to convince you otherwise?
What would it take to get you to back off a tradition?
Obviously, we are not talking about adultery or murder or salvation by grace.
Samples from my observations:
a. Music– drums, instruments, hymns vs choruses…
b. Appearance—hair length, tattoos, modesty…
c. Social media—worldly chatter, arguing politics instead of presenting gospel…
d. Education—Christian vs secular.
e. Health—Vaccines, seeing doctors vs praying like James 5.
2. Peter and Cornelius both heard from the Lord in preparation for their encounter. Two culturally different people from 60 miles apart were given supernatural information that would change the church for all time. It started with prayer and seriously seeking God.
Is prayer a thing that is difficult for you to commit to doing? Yes*
Is there a difference between praying without ceasing and going to a rooftop to pray at the 6th hour?
Praying without ceasing is to me like having a close friend with me all the time and carrying on commentary on the things that are happening moment to moment with them. Going to the roof is like having a scheduled appointment with an important person who has control over everything and can give perspective on what they are doing.
* Have a conversation with the Lord about His desire for this area without the trap of feeling like you have to tell someone. Just please Him, not men.
3. How did Peter keep his cool when he was being questioned?
The Holy Spirit gave him the peace that passes understanding and the thoughts and words to say. He realized his life is in God’s hands.
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1. Have you felt persecuted and tempted to flee your circumstance?*
Not really persecuted in significant ways yet.
2. Was the result of salvation of many a designed persecution of Christians something that God foreknew
* and permitted or caused to happen, or is it a matter of bad people acted and God caused it to work
* together for the good? Yes
3. Barnabas sounds like the right guy for the situation.
Who are the Barnabas’s in your life?
Encourager, good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith. Rejoices, observes.
Would you like to take on what he did? Yes
How would you be more likely to be prepared to be that person?
Start with the next person you meet. Pray for discernment and encouragement.
Use the gifts He gives youl
4. If Agabus showed up at your church, declaring a disaster to come, how would you expect your
* church to respond?*
Gather the leadership and faithful ones to pray, seek and look for ways to be light in the darkness.
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1. What does “ministering to the Lord” mean?
In this context it is associated with fasting, presumably prayer. Probably worship.
Leitourgeo—to do service for the state or religious function. A servant. Used 3 times in NT.
Is the Spirit limited to speak only during times of spiritual activity?* Its all spiritual.
Is it possible that we are more apt to hear during these times?* * It helps to listen.
2. The term “called by the Holy Spirit for a work” is used frequently in modern contexts.*
How can we know when it’s a calling from the Spirit or just a good idea that I had?
Paul in Acts 21 heard from Agabus, a prophet, that he was in peril if he went to Jerusalem in very
clear terms, “This is what the Holy Spirit says.” Paul told them they were breaking his heart because that contradicted what he was ready to do in Jerusalem, live or die. They gave up and said, “The will of the Lord be done.” If they have a tough time, we might also. However, if we don’t check in with the Lord and listen and yield our will, then there’s a risk of being on our own.
(Think about Saul in 1 Samuel 16 and 28.)
Is it our job to sort out the difference?
Yes, but there are times we don’t have clarity. Regardless, we do have the mind of Christ.
3. “Filled with the Holy Spirit” can lead to:*
– specific changes of plans and location
– confrontation with opposition
– discerning motivations and outcomes
– belief
– joy in persecution
* How does one get filled with the Holy Spirit?
– Luke 11:13 Ask the Father
– Acts 5:32 Obedience
– John 14:28 The Father sends
– Galatians 3:5 By faith, not works of the Law
– Ephesians 1:13 Believe the Gospel
4. Are there things in your life that are hindering the filling with the Holy Spirit?
Romans 8 talks about how the flesh is at war with the Spirit
Have you asked the Holy Spirit to reveal those things?
Many times. John 16:8 says He convicts concerning righteousness. It may be that they are already revealed, but we might not be listening.
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1. Which of these actions would you like to see the Holy Spirit do more of in your life?
1-14. All, but if only one, bold speech leading to belief.
2. How are these disciples joyful when there seems to be conflict at every turn?
The stakes are high (more than a World Series struggle), full of conflict and much greater prize, salvation. Our knowledge that He has already won gives us peace.
3. John 16:7 It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not
* come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.
* Do you think the disciples are seeing what Jesus was talking about now?
Absolutely. It was wonderful when Jesus was leading them, but they are experiencing greater conflict with His Presence inside.
* The grief has been changed to joy and new purpose.
Jesus said He would be with them always, to the end of the age.
4. Are there times that you long to be in Jesus’ presence and close to Him?
At times I thought that the disciples had it made and I would never have doubted if Jesus was right near me like He was for them. However, I have never had that, but I have had something they never knew until Jesus left. I realize more and more, how the Comfortor and Lover of my soul are living inside me and doing things that the disciples had to wait for.
* Does this passage satisfy you? Yes
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1. What are some areas of potential conflict in the modern church that could require this type of
process to come to one accord?
Church governance—elder vs congregational leadership
Church discipline
2. Can you think of at least 3 things to avoid?
Gathering in tribes to win democratically in church
Prayerlessness
Talking over each other
Avoiding the issues
3. Are there things that you feel should be done differently in your church? If so, what do you think would be the best, godly steps to take to resolve this? See the outline
3. What do you find most remarkable about this resolution regarding circumcision?
That the Holy Spirit took 2 divergent cultures and brought them to unity.
4. How much is culture a factor in church conflict?
Probably more than we think. I thought tattoos were a no- brainer because of Leviticus 19:28 for most of my life. I still advise against it, but not for spiritual reasons and it doesn’t disqualify in my mind any more like it used to.
* How can you differentiate Kingdom culture vs. Tradition culture vs. Worldliness?
Listen to the Spirit and read the Word of God and have a soft, obedient heart.
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1. If the message from the Jerusalem counsel was that Gentiles did not have to be circumcised, why did Paul circumcise Timothy?
In order to have access to the Jewish people who wouldn’t listen otherwise. “All things to all people, that I might win some.” I know several people who accepted a vaccine that they thought was harmful in order to be able to continue on the mission God gave them.
* Is this not contrary to the grace given? Yes, but sacrifice is okay.
* Explain the difference between my freedom and consideration of others. See Romans 14:13-15:7
2. If you were Timothy, would you want this, knowing you are carrying a letter saying it wasn’t needed?
* Only if I knew there would be fruit on the other end of this.
* What does this say about Timothy’s commitment to the Lord?
* Major! Wasn’t there only alcohol for anesthesia?
3. How often do you feel that the Lord is stopping you from doing a very good work?
* Usually it is me stopping me. The few times He said to wait or no, I was able to see His wisdom in time.
* How do you resolve that internally?
* It is a matter of experience and trust in His purposes and faithfulness.
* How do you recognize that it is the Holy Spirit stopping you?
Asking this question a lot this week. Reviewing Galatians 4 & 5 helps sort it out at times.
4. How do you think the Holy Spirit blocked them? Words? Circumstances? Voice?
It doesn’t say. Just says “prevented.”
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* 3 Chapters sleuthing for the Holy Spirit’s actions
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1. If you have a believing friend, what are your goals in praying for them?
– That they walk close to Christ
– That they are empowered by the Holy Spirit
– That they are an effective witness
– That they use their gifts to His glory
2. If they are not a follower of Christ, what are your goals in praying for them?
– That the Holy Spirit would open the eyes of their heart
– That they would hear and receive the Gospel
– That I can be a fragrant aroma of Christ in their presence
3. Do you know when you first experienced the Holy Spirit filling you?
I remember conversations with the Lord at age 9 or 10. I was about 17 when I understood that He was part of the “Christ living in my heart” discussion and then learning to rely on Him to lead me when witnessing. I had double-mindedness at that age and was witnessing to my boss and shoplifting from him at the same time. The Holy Spirit convicted me to confess to his widow 2 years later and it was humbling and a joy when I was able to minister to her grief. She did say a customer told her she saw me not ring up a sale, but she told her I was a Christian and wouldn’t do that. The Holy Spirit prompted confession and in the process blessed me and her.
4. Is that an important question? Why/why not?
When the Holy Spirit first filled you (which should have been the seal at salvation) is not as important as the question of whether or not you are walking in the Spirit now. All those great things will mean nothing if Jesus says, “I never knew you.”
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1. What were the causes of the opposition in the synagogues?
* Paul spoke out boldly, reasoning with them, and persuading them about the Kingdom of God in the Synagogues.
2. Paul had invested 3 months in the synagogues and then withdrew with disciples for 2 years.
* Was this an effective plan? Why/why not?
The 3 months may speaking boldly hopefully allowed those hungering for God to hear the Gospel. The hard of heart would have to be won by God’s plan over time if at all. Spending time away with the new disciples for 2 years guaranteed disiples who were well taught and able to remain and withstand the battle.
3. The Holy Spirit is not mentioned here. How was He working?
– “You will be my witnesses when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.
– You will receive power.
– They spoke boldly
– Gave Paul the wisdom he needed to teach these young believers
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4. What was the problem with the Sons of Sceva?
They tried to use Jesus’ name magically without any connection to Him.
5. What happens when attempting to confront evil without the power of the Holy Spirit?
Big flop, or worse.
6. Have you ever tried to pray in Jesus name in confronting evil? How did it go? Did you see the Lord deliver someone, or did things stay the same?
This is part of the reason for studying the Holy Spirit. Jesus made promises in John 14-16 that we will do greater things than He. I can’t say I have done greater. But I have seen Him open doors to share the Gospel and have seen Him prepare a heart to receive. The few times that I confronted demonic activity in Jesus’ name were more effective if I called someone to join me to pray about this situation, rather than assuming that since it seems demonic, I should just go forward with the truth that Jesus is greater than the evil in this person. The fact that the disciples were perplexed at times and Jesus told them some only come out by prayer and fasting. I have spent time with a praying church in India who is much more successful than I, and I am sure they pray more and fast more. We have to have the connection to the Lord or we are hung out to dry and the devil laughs.
Do you ever wonder when is the right way and time to do so?
I’m convinced that there is not a formula that we say and it works. Many do say the same things, but warfare is won by the stronger—as long as the strength of the stronger is connected to the battle. Saying words or incantations without the power and presence of Jesus through the Holy Spirit is fighting the spiritual battle in the flesh.
Do you feel like the sons of Sceva did without the relationship, or like the Holy Spirit is in charge?
I am closer to Jesus and the Holy Spirit than they, so not like them. I need to listen to the Holy Spirit before engaging in battle. Saul didn’t consult God before battle and got in big trouble. David did and was successful. (See 1 Samuel 16-31)
-28- 7. What was the root problem with Demetrius?* Love of money. Used his trade in the pseudo-god and saw the true God as competition 8. Were they dealing with spiritual warfare, or just the greed of men?* The battle is almost always with a spiritual component. Satan would love for the message of the Gospel to be stopped whether by greed or any other force. 9. How did the city clerk solve the problem?* * * a. Identifies with them—“we all know…” b. Softens the accusation—“they are not robbers” c. Warns of bigger problems—“the Romans might hear of the disturbance”. 10. Did he actually solve the problem? * Just the immediate riot.
11. What is the difference in the outcomes between Demetrius and sons of Sceva?
The sons of Sceva were thrashed and the people feared and the Word spread. Demetrius
was corrected by a city official and fear of the state quieted them down, but there was no
likely transformation of the idolatry like there was with the magicians.
12. Were the people who were restraining Paul from going into the battle prompted by the Holy Spirit?
* Their own wisdom was operating to protect Paul. Not evil. Perhaps directed by the Holy Spirit. How would you know?
* Hard to know.
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1. When your intentions are blocked, or things are not going the way you thought they should, or people are throwing out rude comments, do you ever consider that these may be spiritual in nature?
Yes, it usually is, but I need to consider that it could be that my flesh was contributing to conflict.
2. How does this passage change your perspective on your current difficulties?
If I am not fighting against flesh and blood, but against principalities, then I had better do as this is saying and put on the equipment for battle.
3. When you are opposed by human conflict, does this change the way you will fight?
Pray more, depend on the weapons of our warfare, not just my mind and fleshly strength.
4. What is your strongest piece of armor?* The Word* Your weakest? Righteousness
How can these pieces be strengthed?
Faith comes by hearing the Word Romans 10:17
Way pure, but the Word in my heart Psalm 119:9-11
Does this motivate you to new activities to pursue?
More time in the Word attached to listening to Him.
5. Does this say that we have to understand our opposition and how it functions?
* He understands and will relay what we need. Not a bad thing to study the enemy’s ways, as long as one doesn’t attempt to go solo without the leading of the Spirit.
6. How do you see the Holy Spirit’s involvement in your conflicts in these areas?
Growing in seeing the battles in the heavenlies over my heart and the lives of those around. Discernment is needed and that is from the Lord, not my own wisdom.
7. How does being strong in the Lord’s might differ from being strong?
Dependency on Him. Besides, He actually is way stronger
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1. After Paul received the assurance from the Lord in Acts 18:9,10 that no harm would befall him in Corinth, he got a different message from the Holy Spirit here.
Do you think his trust was built by this revelation?* Yes, but the new info was sobering
What was his attitude at this point in his ministry?
All in, nothing to lose. Trusting God with outcome
2. When Paul heard from the Tyre disciples and Agabus that he would be bound and that the
Spirit was telling them he shouldn’t go, how do you reconcile that Paul did not heed
these exhortations that are labeled as “by the Spirit?”
* * Psalm 37:4 “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.”
I think Paul’s statement that he was ready to die in Jerusalem indicated the intensity of desire.
These prophets were not incorrect, but just because they said what would happen, doesn’t mean this meant Paul was disobeying the Spirit by going. We are not promised safety in this world, just the next.
3. Who appointed the elders—Paul or the Holy Spirit? Yes
4. How should an elder see his responsibilities?
Soberly and as a high calling and desirable. He is a servant of God first and His people.
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1. Was Paul wrong to ignore the warnings from the other believers? No
* Did he ignore them?
* No, in fact it broke his heart that they were worried or were trying to dissuade him.
2. What would it take for you to have a desire that you believed was from God and then reconsider
and not follow through after talking to other believers?
I might consider their opposition as from the Lord if I hadn’t already clearly heard the Lord directing me in the direction.
3. What was the motivation of the disciples and Agabus? Spare Paul’s suffering.
4. What was the motivation of Paul?
To be in Jerusalem at a crucial time
* Was there a moral imperative that he be in Jerusalem for Pentecost?
* No, unless the Lord told Him to go.
* Had he missed a few (3 years in Ephesus)? Yes
* Was this a want or a desire or the voice of the Lord? Psalm 37:4 Delight yourself in the Lord and He
* will give you the desires of your heart.
* Hard to say. I hope I can know this certainty from the Lord and not be hard headed in the process.
5. Is it possible that compassion can be against God’s will?
Yes. It is also a part of His character. And yet He determines who He will have compassion upon.
6. This gets at the root issue of how we listen to the Holy Spirit and trust His leading us.
One could say that Paul had counsel and ignored it. Or that he heard from the Lord and wasn’t dissuaded by fear.
7. List some passages that you know help you sort this out when you are in conflict with other believers about God’s will for you.
– My sheep hear my voice.
– In an abundance of counselors there is success.
– In all your ways acknowledge Him, Lean not on your own understanding
– He will remind you of all that I have said.
– Seek first His kingdom and righteousness
-32- 8 Chapters sleuthing for the Holy Spirit’s actions
Chapter 21 Paul seized in Jerusalem
2. Found a ship
4. Disciples kept telling Paul “in the Spirit” not to go to Jerusalem
5. Prayed on the beach
7. hospitality in Ptolemais
11. Agabus prophesied Paul to be bound
17. Hospitality
20. God glorified in the report of His doings
31. Report of Paul’s beating reached authorities
40. Great hush when Paul begins to speak
Chapter 22 Paul’s testimony to the Jews
1-21 Paul gives his testimony of His conversion and they are listening
29. Paul released
Chapter 23 Paul before the council; trying to kill Paul
5. Paul repents of speaking against the priest who had him struck
6. Paul realizes the rift between the Pharisees and Saducees
11. The Lord stood at his side and assured him of testifying in Rome
16. Paul’s nephew hears of the vows to kill him.
22. The commander believes the boy and acts to protect Paul.
Chapter 24 Paul before Felix
10. Paul given what to speak before the magistrate.
23. Paul allowed fellowship while in captivity
25. As Paul discussed righteousness and judgment Felix was fearful (convicted by Holy Spirit)
Chapter 25 Paul before Festus
7. Accusations by the Jews not proven
11. Paul appeals and he is to go to Caesar as the Lord promised
22. Agrippa wants to hear for himself
Chapter 26 Paul before Agrippa
1-23 Paul allowed to give testimony clearly before another magistrate
27. Paul makes an appeal to Agrippa about the prophets.
28. Agrippa acknowledges that Paul might persuade him in time.
32. They conclude he is not guilty of state crime, but decide he must see Caesar
Chapter 27 Sailing to Rome and Shipwreck
3. Paul given slack, though a prisoner.
6. Centurion found a ship
10. Paul correctly perceived the weather dangers in this season and warned them.
21-26 Paul assures them about their lives, but foretells the shipwreck
30. Sailors listened to Paul to keep all on the ship.
33-38 They break bread (the last of it) in communion
43. Centurion prevents the soldiers from killing Paul and the others
Chapter 28 Malta and on to Rome
1. Malta residents hospitable
3. Snake bites Paul and because he doesn’t die, the residents are witnessing the Lord’s mercy
8. Paul prays and Publius is healed
9. Others drawn to get healing.
14. They found Chrisitans in Puteoli, before reaching Rome
17-28 Paul again testifies to his conversion
30-31. Under house arrest he welcomed ald who came, preaching the kingdom with all openness,
unhindered.
Above are 40 instances of the Holy Spirit manifesting in the rest of Acts according to Jesus’ teaching and according to what He had been doing throughout Acts.
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1. Paul wrote half of the New Testament, yet he struggled with his flesh as outlined in Romans 7.
* Do you feel unworthy (“O wretched man that I am”) at times to be an instrument of God when you have
* been walking in the flesh?
* Especially if I willfully sin.
* How does Paul overcome that feeling?*
* He recognizes that setting his mind on the Spirit allows him to be obedient and also realizes that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ, because He fulfilled what we could not do.
2. What is the biggest obstacle to walking in the Spirit for you?
* Distractions of the world—politics, TV, sports. I do better while working because I see it as a sacred gift to me to serve Him that He gave me (Ephesians 2:10). But in my time off work, I succumb to the notion that it is my time to have recreation which is not bad except when all my time is His and Colossians 3:17 says WHATEVER we do, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.
3. How do we put to death the deeds of the body?
* By the Spirit, not by our strength or power
4. Where does the sense of belonging to God come from?
* The Spirit testifies that we belong to God
5. Looking back, can you remember your lowest low in suffering?
Did you cry out to God? * Yes
Did He answer?* Yes
Now that that is behind you (or is it?) how does that process of deepening you compare
to the retreat where there was great teaching and you gained new insights? He uses both.
6. Is the Holy Spirit’s “searching our hearts” a scary thing or a comforting thing or something else?
Why?
* I experience this in the light of grace as intellectually wonderful, unless I am resisting Him in some area of obedience. As I write this, how can I even think that I would want to be disobedient?
7. Is there a way you can remind yourself to be choosing to walk in the Spirit daily?
I have to consciously ask Him to remind me of His presence and ask Him to lead me in the day in light of Him being there. The Word definitely increases my ability to see Him by faith. We have the mind of Christ. Eliminating distractions helps.
* Be careful. This can become mechanical external behavior change rather than responding
to Him.
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1. It seems here that Paul is helping to reframe the disputes into a bigger picture where the
* heart of God is not in do’s and don’t on behavior, but rather righteousness and peace and
* joy in the Holy Spirit.
Do you see disputes in the modern church over things other than meat or which days to honor?
Politics, vaccinations, hymns vs choruses, casual dress, gifts of the Spirit, length of sermons, …
What tempers our opinions so that we can avoid criticizing the servant of another?
* Recognizing that the Lord is sovereign, can discipline wrongdoing, loves His people, wants us to love them too.
2. How can there be unity of believers when there is difference of opinion on so many issues?
The opinions on so many issues are frequently irrelevant in light of eternity. Each person needs to be listening to the Holy Spirit like they did in Acts 15 when they resolved issues around what is required of new Gentile believers.
3. Do you see yourself as “set aside” for a purpose by the Holy Spirit? Yes
If so, what? Available to be His hands and feet in the world
If not, is there a problem? Should you be asking the Lord for a purpose or wait for it?
4. Paul models humility in 2 ways: A. Gives credit to the Holy Spirit for successes.
* B. Asks for prayer from the body for him
Do you have or take opportunities to ask for people to pray for your service to God? Yes
How can you not “humble brag” when crediting the Holy Spirit with an outcome?
By asking for the Lord to lead and empower and not just thinking “I got this.”
-35-
1. Chapter 1 lists several qualities that God has provided and enriched in us. What are they?
Speech, knowledge of Christ, our testimony of Christ confirmed, not lacking in God’s giftedness,
blamelessness, unity
* How is that accomplished? (v 30) His doing
2. Paul said he was wanting to have the Spirit demonstrate God’s truth with power and not by conniving wisdom of man. What were his priorities in how he spoke and what he wanted them to see?
To only know Jesus Christ among them.
Demonstration of power of God not men.
Wisdom hidden in mystery from the ages past
Let the Spirit reveal truth.
3. What is the mystery that Paul is speaking of? Hint: (see Colossians 1:27) Expand upon the concept that
* the Spirit being in the believer is a mystery?
Christ in man is mysterious. Previously it was visits from the Spirit; He now resident in us.
4. Have you ever seen the light go on inside a non-believer who for the first time understands gospel?
* Or talked to a believer who started reading the Bible after years of confusion and inability to grasp the
* concepts suddenly have their eyes open?
* How does that happen?
Spiritual things are discerned by having spiritual eyes from the indwelling Holy Spirit
5. What does it mean that we have the mind of Christ?
The Holy Spirit inside us directs our listening minds, shaped by His Word.
* Do we actually think like Him?
Wouldn’t that be fantastic! That is the goal!
6. While Chapter 2 speaks of having the mind of Christ, chapter 3 speaks of how to be blinded in the eyes.
* What impairs our vision spiritually? Like it says in Romans 8, the mind set on the flesh is sin and death.
7. What does having your body be a temple of the Holy Spirit mean to you?
It means my body is His vehicle. When someone is going to be driving my car, I clean it up. What a privilege to be considered for being a part of His work in the world!
* This is both exciting and sobering, is it not?
-36-
1. When you read through the list in verses 5-13 and Paul is saying, “and such were some of you,”
* * did you feel a twinge of pain?*
Regret and rejoicing in His redemption.
Where does the twinge come from— Holy Spirit or from Satan?
Revelation 12:10 calls Satan the Accuser of the Brethren.
Jesus said the Holy Spirit would convict the world of sin. John 16:8
Look at the word “WERE” some of you. Then look at the fact that we were washed and sanctified
and justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God. Our deliverance * from the domain of darkness is to the praise of His glory, not ours. We are great sinners who have * found a great Savior!
2. If we are still caught up in double mindedness and the old sins, then the conviction of the Holy
Spirit would bring us to repentance and His grace, unless we are hardening our hearts.
* How can we tell if the prompting or conviction or “bad feelings” are from God or Satan?
God’s Spirit corrects His children. Satan desires condemnation. If I feel it’s useless, then it’s from Satan. If I am led to seek the Lord more and ask for His help, then we are responding to the Spirit.
3. Our body is a gift from the Lord to house the Holy Spirit. When friends come to visit our home
from far away, we spruce up the house to make them feel at home.
How can we spruce up our residence for the Spirit?
Give Him the keys to all the rooms and let Him have access and the process in place to finish the job.
4. Whose body is it anyway? I was purchased by Christ
How much did it cost? His life for mine
What was the alternative? Die in my sins
-37-
1. Are there any dangers of knowing what your spiritual gift(s) is/are?
Only if we assume they are given because we are deserving or use them to bring glory to ourselves.
2. Who decides what your spiritual gift is? The Holy Spirit
3. You might already be using your spiritual gift, but didn’t even know it.
* How would you go about finding out what it is if you don’t know?
Ask God. Ask friends. Read more about it. Realize that at any time, the Holy Spirit can gift us for any circumstance for His purposes in the world. We need to be open to Him at all times. I don’t think we can opt outof actions and claim, “that’s not my gift” when the Holy Spirit is empowering you for this task.
4. Who does the spiritual gift benefit?
* The body of Christ and the effectiveness of the mission of the church in the world.
5. Have you ever seen this concept abused? (What gift of God as not been counterfeited by Satan for the purpose of confusion or destruction? Marriage, leadership, government…?)
Yes, but sometimes the mercy gift in me thinks the prophet may be laying it on too thick, when
actually, the Lord is using the right person for the right correction.
-38-
1. If you figure out your gifts, its possible to cruise in that gift because it is probably according to
your natural bent. True or False. Why?
Tricky. I see my natural bent to be more mercy and exhortation as I look back on my mother’s style of compassion and reaching out to people. I really appreciate good teachers who can help groups of people grasp complex issues. I have had to grow in the area of teaching and my medical occupation gives me daily opportunity to teach/translate concepts one on one. Putting together this workbook has not been on cruise control as I believe the Lord is continuing to stretch me in the area of teaching. Is it my gift? I’m trusting God to fill in the gaps. From my usual giftedness of encouragement, I earnestly desire that all Christians have a joyful relationship with Christ, augmented by the Holy Spirit’s way of interacting in and through us.
2. If 1 Corinthians 12: 7-11 says that God is the One who distributes the gifts, why would He say
“desire the greater gifts?”
This seems to be a contradiction, unless the greatest of these gifts is love and we are to seek love above any other attribute.
3. Is there a reason for saying first apostles, second teachers…? (12:28)
Does God rank like men do?
4. Why does Paul launch from desiring greater gifts into the “love chapter?”
* So we won’t be clanging gongs
-39-
1. Paul’s use of the human body to describe the body of Christ has so many analogies.
* Besides the Brain as the controller of the body and the allegory of Christ as the head of *
* the Church, can you see other functions of the human body that have corresponding parts in the
* Church? Hands…heart…kidney…
Hands—Servants. Heart—Encouragement, providing energy. Kidney—prophet, cleaning out the filth. Intestine—nourishment, teaching.
Reproduction—evangelists. Eyes—discernment.
2. What is the overall attitude that the body should have toward one another?
We are here to contribute what God has given us to benefit others.
3. We talk about unity, but with such variety, how is that possible? Don’t the “birds of a feather” want to
* hang out together? Servants understand each other’s bent for behind the scenes service. Teachers might
* like to wax academic together. Mercy people visit people no one else will. So how do all these
* subgroups get unified in the big picture?
By recognizing the mission is to reach the lost in love and God has designed us to function best as one body made up of many parts, in harmony, loving each other and focus on Him.
4. There are several similar lists of “gifts”, “ministries” and “effects.”
* Do you see these lists as a comprehensive set of lists that cover all the gifts, or is there some other
* reason why Romans 12:6-8 and Ephesians 4:11, 12 are so similar and then the other lists are diverging
* from there?
We can make lists for the purpose of identifying the works of God. But He is not limited. And we are to continue listening to Him and respond to the Holy Spirit all the time.
5. Which of these gifts seem to mesh with where you seem to fit in the body?
* Same answer as 38-1 above
6. Have you ever had a discussion with anyone else about what they thought you were good at and visa
* versa? How did that go?
Frequently with my wife. Her administrative and prophetic gifting make these conversations lively as we see things so differently.
7. Is there a difference between aptitudes that you are born with (being created in God’s image) and * spiritual gifts? If so, what is the difference?
Tricky. This passage seems to make a distinction between the gifts of the Spirit and “natural man” gifts. It would seem that someone raised and functioning with certain bents would continue on in that and the Lord would just refine spiritually what He placed in him from the start. For the accountant and good business person, when there is new birth, there is new focus and purpose for making the money. They may develop more mercy and reach out to the hungry. They may see their
money as opportunity for supporting (giving to) missions. They may become gifted in teaching others how to support their family. The natural talent, plus God’s purposes and gifting can overlap or be completely different.
By the way, what was Jesus’ natural bent and what spiritual gift did he never display?
-40-
1. Jesus was the only one Who had the gift of Savior.
* Can you think of times when He exhibited the gifts a.-i. above?
* Do you think one person can have 2 gifts? Yes
* Do you think a servant can ever preach a sermon? Stephen
2. Do you have a desire to search out your gifts more?
-41-
1. This section is more about keeping the peace in the church services and not letting chaos reign since
* God is a God of order.
* Why would there need to be these guidelines if these are Holy Spirit led events?
Because not everyone is walking in the Spirit.
2. How would this look in your church?
It hopefully would be something that the overseers would agree upon and allow for freedom of worship within the guidelines
* Are there abuses of this gift? Can be*
* How would you know? Confusion
* Do you think this would be better to see more prophesy?
Speaking forth the Word of God clearly—absolutely!
3. Differing denominations have differing definitions of prophesying. In 1 Samuel 10:6-13 it describes
* Samuel telling Saul he will be a changed man and prophesy with the prophets and he did, but its not
* clear what that looked like. Some define it as speaking forth the Word of the Lord like when
* would say, “Thus saith the Lord.” In modern context they say we have the Holy Spirit and the cannon
* of Scripture, so expounding the Word by the Spirit is one interpretation of prophesying. What has been
* your understanding to date on what that looks like?
I hear lots of people on social media claiming to be prophets foretelling political events. They say that they had a vision or that God spoke and told them to tell us. I am a bit skeptical of that. When Paul says that he would rather have clear instruction of Scriptures, I’m for that. It requires lots of research to track down false prophets. If the gift of discernment is not active, then there can be lies inserted. And how do we gain trust in those who claim either prophecy or discernment. I think I will stick to the Holy Spirit speaking to me and trying to obey and pray about some of the other stuff.
Samuel in the above story foretold what God would do, but foretelling the future is not mainstream definition of prophesy. Is it being a mouthpiece for God? I think Yes.
4. I Corinthians 14:30 speaks of a revelation being made. Once the cannon of Scripture was complete and Revelation 22:18 says no more adding to the words of this prophecy.
How has your church dealt with these issues?
My church has a monthly prayer and worship night where the usual Sunday structure is gone and a more group participation is encouraged. We are asked if there is a word that the Lord has on our hearts to share. Tongues not discouraged or encouraged, just expect an interpretation. Scripture is
shared or a recent observation of God’s working in the community.
Or has it been an issue?
-42-
1. By creating these 2 lists, Paul has tempted us to fall into the very same trap that he so well described in Romans 7:7-8. “I would not have known about coveting if the Law had not said, “You shall not covet. But sin, taking opportunity through the commandment, produced in me coveting of every kind.”
Which list (“Works of the Flesh” or “Fruit of the Spirit” should we focus on?
Neither, they are diagnostic more than instructive.
2. How does walking in the Spirit keep us from sinning?
Letting the Spirit steer will seldom lead us into temptation. (James 1:13)
3. If these lists are not the focus, but a description of the results of walking in the flesh or walking in the Spirit, what is the point of making these lists? Diagnostic
4. When you are led by the Holy Spirit, list a few things that you can be sure of.
a. You are still at war with the flesh
b. The child of the flesh will persecute you
c. The Holy Spirit will help you to pray when you don’t know how
d. The Holy Spirit will give you the words at the right time
e. You are pleasing God
f. You may still have confusion in the circumstances, but confidence in God
g.
5. When people say or sing, “We invite you Holy Spirit into this place,” what would be another way of phrasing that to reflect God’s omnipresence?
Recognizing that we are always before You, Lord, and that without Your help, we can do nothing of significance, we confess our need and fleshly old nature. We are crucifying our flesh, wanting to have close communion with You through Your Spirit available and living in us.
-43-
1. What is your idea of what being “sealed by the Holy Spirit” is?
A sign of His ownership like a branding. (Or sealed like a jar against contamination—not until heaven.)
2. If the Spirit is given as a pledge, then for what?
Our sanctification and redemption.
3. How would the Holy Spirit strengthen your “inner man?”
Speak truth about Christ’s ability to transform us
4. If a body is not unified, is the Holy Spirit at work?
Of course He is, more than ever to bring about conviction, remind of Jesus’ words… Disunity is not a comment on the Holy Spirit’s work, but rather a revelation of deafness in some in the body.
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?
Heard Him Taught in Him Lay aside old self
Renewed in mind Put on new self Lay aside falsehood
Speak truth to neighbor Be angry without sin Settle disputes before night
Don’t steal Labor Share
Words of edification Give grace to hearers Lay aside malice, anger, bitterness
Be kind Be Tenderhearted Forgive each other
Imitate God Walk in love Lay aside filthy talk
Give thanks Learn what pleases Him Careful in how walking
Make most of time Understand His will Be filled with the Spirit
Be subject to one another Sing together Speak in Psalms
6. When will God be working on completing what is lacking in you and when will he stop?
He who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Christ Jesus. Phil 1:6
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?
He can work mightily, but it may not look like it.*
How important is it that we strive earnestly? We reap what we sow
Is it possible to strive earnestly without God’s power? * Yes*
What does that look like? Spinning wheels, fleshly outcomes.
-44-
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?
* * I need to be praying more for all those in my fellowship, not just the well-known evangelists
* Would you consider asking others to pray for you in this way?
Yes
3. What do you think the treasure that Timothy had inside was that he was supposed to guard?
Christ in Him. The Truth. The Holy Spirit. Salvation.
Why would he have to guard that?
The thief comes to steal. Doubt can create faintheartedness
4. Have you longed to be used by the Lord in leadership? Yes
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? * Yes
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.
3 For I __________ once was foolish myself, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending my life in malice and envy, hateful, others. 4 But when the kindness of God our Savior and His* love for mankind appeared, 5 He saved me ___________, not on the basis of deeds which ___________ has done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out upon __________ richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by His grace __________ is made an heir according to the hope of eternal life. 8 This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God will be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and profitable for men.
-45-
1. When Hebrews 6:4-5 says we have:
a. ”been enlightened and * God’s light shined on my darkness
b. have tasted of the heavenly gift and * I’ve experienced grace*
c. have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit, * Christ lives in me and the Helper opens my eyes
d. have tasted the good word of God and* Feeding on the Word of God is nourishing me
e. tasted the powers of the age to come.”* I’m engaged in an eternal process.
* What does each of these mean to you?
2. Are there any passages that you are seeing freshly for the first time? Circle them for future
reference.
3. If God jealously desires the Spirit He has made to dwell in us, it must be precious. How can we
* make sure there is no distraction from the Spirit and allow it to have comfortable residency in our
* hearts?
The question implies that the Spirit gets distracted by any impurity or double-mindedness and can’t be comfortable residing in our hearts. I think the Spirit may be offended or jealous, but not distracted. He is aware. I think it is our distractions that make us uncomfortable calling Him Lord and having other rivaling affections.
4. If you are cursed for the name of Jesus, what does that mean about the Spirit?
That would imply that the aroma of Christ has offended someone not belonging to Him.
Are you good with that? Jesus told us it would be like that. I’m good with that, even if not liking it.
5. When Jude talks about praying in the Holy Spirit, what does that look like?
This goes back to Ephesians 6 and the armor of God. Elements of praying in the Spirit include:
– Being strong in His might
– Standing firm against the devil, going to war
– Dealing in truth
– Acting in righteousness
– Walking in the Gospel of peace
– Active faith
– Salvation treasured
– The Word of God on offensive
– All prayer and petition at all times in the Spirit
– Alert and persevering
John was “in the Spirit” in Revelation 1:10 & 4:2.
David was in the Spirit saying “the Lord said to my Lord.” Matthew 22:43
-46-
1. What did the Spirit of God impart to Bezelel? Carpentry and administration
2. Is carpentry a spiritual gift? * * I don’t think so, definitely a skill God makes possible
3. Describe what is going on with the stirring of the heart.
I find it amazing that Moses did not state the case over and over and harang. He left it up to God to reach into people’s hearts through the Spirit to accomplish God’s desires. Building programs I have witnessed (thermometers and all) frequently get the vision lost in the sales job and appeals. If the Lord wants a 30,000 sq ft sanctuary, He can move the hearts of the people. If they can’t see the value in the Kingdom, then maybe it needs to wait or God has another plan, including reviewing the vision.
4. What was the difference between their building bricks in Egypt and the tabernacle here?
Permanence versus able to travel. Also, the people brought the abundance forward from when they left Egypt voluntarily as opposed to being slaves.
5. How does this approach compare with the last building project at your church?
Borrowed money and crippled the ministry when unable to replace staff.
6. What can be taken away from this and useful for the future?
Leadership needs to prayerfully develop a plan and be sure the Lord is the one initiating the plan.
Clearly lay out how the Lord is leading the leaders to bring this to the people. Let God stir hearts. Don’t hire $60,000 consultants to fund raise.
-47-
1. What do you think moved the heart of God to send His Spirit to speak through Jahaziel?
Jehoshaphat declared his need for God and seeking His way. He called the people of Judah to fast. He called them to join together and pray. He reminded God that they were His people and that He alone is mighty to save them. His past conquests for His people show His might.
2. What was special about Jahaziel?
His name appears 5 other places in the Old Testament on lists of people and genealogies, plus one reference to his blowing a trumpet, but there is no mention of him whatsoever in the lead up to Jehoshaphat and the fast being called. It lists his heritage briefly, but he was in the assembly, a no-name, and the Holy Spirit gave him
the word of the Lord that they needed to hear.
3. What actions did the Holy Spirit tell them to take to win this battle?
a. Don’t be afraid, the battle is the Lord’s.
b. Go down against them tomorrow.
c. Stand and do not fight
d. Watch the Lord win the fight.
e. Designated worshippers and singing
4. When a church is in crisis list the steps that can be taken to make room for God’s solution.
a. Leadership seek the Lord
b. Leadership encourage prayer and fasting
c. Assemble together to pray
d. Listen for the answer of the Lord
e. Obey and Trust.
5. Have you ever had the Holy Spirit impress upon you in a prayer meeting that you needed to share a word of
encouragement, but thought that it was not going to be received, or that you were too small a player?
If the Holy Spirit is leading you, why would you not share?
* Not wanting to be calling attention to self—that’s strange to have the Lord tap one on the shoulder with a message and not deliver it??
6. Jahaziel needed to truly be empowered by the Lord.
What if he was like the Ahab’s false prophets in 2 Chronicles 18 who just said things to Ahab to make him feel * good?
They were not empowered by the Holy Spirit, but by a deceiving spirit. (See 2 Chronicles 18:18-22)
Fortunately, Jahaziel was available to the Holy Spirit and the message got through to the people.
-48-
1. Can someone who is anointed and full of the Spirit from that day forward sin? * * Apparently yes.
How does that make sense?
Romans 7 & 8 describe that the flesh is at war with the Spirit and we don’t lose our flesh until death.
Where was the Holy Spirit when David was tempted with Bathsheba?
Quinched and grieved and poking his conscience hard. Planning a confrontation with Nathan.
2. David asked, “Who is this uncircumcised Philistine taunting the armies of the living God?”
Was he led by a) his faith in God, b) his sense of indignation that no one stepped forward,
c) the confidence that he has done hard things with wolves and bears, or d) the Holy Spirit * whispered in his ear?
I think all of the above.
How do you know the difference between self-confidence and faith in God?
Faith is a gift of God that He asks us to exercise like a muscle to get stronger. We feed our faith by the Word of God. Walking in the flesh can be easy to slip into when we are doing God’s work and are confident in the results because of who God is. But sometimes we start taking the credit for the success and believe that we’re pretty special. “ Maybe I don’t bother God with asking Him again.”
3. Saul had experiences with the Holy Spirit and then when he disobeyed, God allowed an evil spirit to
torment him. How was it that David was given full access to the Holy Spirit and Saul had it * revoked?
I think it had to do with rationalizing sin and trying for self-justification. David owned his
sin (see Psalm 51). Saul didn’t
* Wasn’t Saul’s offering a sacrifice to God before battle when Samuel was late less of an offense than
David’s sending Uriah off to the front lines and committing adultery with his wife?
Seems like it is. Perhaps usurping the priestly role is bigger than I thought.
4. Are there any other things about David’s actions that make you question whether he was walking in the
Spirit? Lots. Counting his soldiers, going to Gath and acting insane…
5. Read Psalm 73 and describe the his thoughts before and after he “came into the sanctuary of God?”
* * Was that transformation the Holy Spirit?
Before: I was embittered at the rich and wicked.
After: I perceived that they, like me, have to live a life before God who judges righteously.
Yes, the Holy Spirit corrected him.
6. The Holy Spirit gave David a broken and contrite heart (Ps 51). Is there an area of your life that
you have not yet faced and are resisting the Holy Spirit?
There is a Romans 7 Paul in all of us. Lord, keep us listening and growing.
-49-
1. The curiosity of Nehemiah to ask Hanani about the people back home resulted in a chain of events that ultimately led to the rebuilding of Jerusalem. At what point, and how did Nehemiah conceive of the desire to do something about it?* I believe Nehemiah asked Hanani when prompted by the Holy Spirit. Then when he got the answer the Holy Spirit moved and grieved his heart for the people of God. 2. List the evidence that the Holy Spirit was present in this grand scheme that had such a powerful * outcome.* a. The King’s response to his perception of sadness, b. Nehemiah’s grief, c. Confession of sin, d. the people weeping at the reading of the Law
3. When God wants you to be His agent in accomplishing a great (big or small) Kingdom thing, what are some of the things you can expect to happen along the way in light of this narrative?* a. God prompting curiosity in some area b. Finding out disturbing news c. God giving miraculous provision for the mission. d. Spiritual opposition to the mission e. Seeing your dependency on God. f. Seeing the faithfulness of God
4. Is there anything that has gripped your heart and has you sitting down and weeping and mourning for * * days?* A youth pastor’s sin followed by an associate pastor’s divisive comments in public causing a solid church to split
a. Are you fasting and praying, confessing the root of the problem?*
b. Are you ready to move when God opens the door?*
c. Are you able to see the needs of the people around you as you fulfill “the project.”
d. Are you willing to endure hostility and opposition?
e. Are you asking for discernment to see Satan’s schemes and sidetracking?
f. Are you going to give glory to God for His plan using you and the skills He has given you?
g. Will this lead to others having a greater understanding of God’s Word and faithfulness?
h. Are you ready to let God do it His way?
a-h are all needed.
Appendix 14 About the Author
Kevin Maxwell was raised in Southern California, the youngest of three boys in a home shaped by encouragement, hard work, and faith. His father, Glenn, was a naval officer during World War II and later an engineer in the space program. His mother, Joyce, nurtured her sons with steady affirmation and care.
Kevin’s earliest spiritual memory is sitting in a prayer circle at his grandfather’s church. He remembers going forward to receive Christ at about four years old and growing up in a Bible-centered community church where Scripture memory and weekly worship were a regular part of life. As a boy, he often talked with the Lord while walking to school—simple, unpolished conversations that quietly formed the foundation of a lifelong faith.
During junior high, his family moved, and Kevin became part of the Evangelical Free Church of Orange. As his faith matured, he began to understand the difference between merely wanting rescue from judgment and truly wanting a relationship with Jesus. It was there he became aware of the inconsistencies in his own life and the call not only to receive Christ as Savior, but to submit to Him as Lord.
While attending UC Davis, Kevin became involved at First Baptist Church, serving as a high school youth leader. Teaching Scripture to others became one of the primary ways God deepened his own understanding of the Word. A series on 1 Timothy 3 left a lasting mark, shaping his view of spiritual leadership and service. It was also there that he met Cissy, who joined the ministry team and later became his wife.
Medical school took them to UCLA, where they worshiped first at Bel Air Presbyterian Church and later at Grace Community Church, where home fellowships helped form meaningful community. After moving to Grass Valley, California, they spent 17 years at Combie Bible Church, six of them with Kevin serving as an elder. For a season they attended a Saddleback church plant, and for the past 17 years they have been part of Crossroads Church in Grass Valley, a Calvary Chapel–derived fellowship. For over 14 years, Kevin has helped lead a Tuesday morning men’s Bible study, steadily walking with others through the Word of God.
Kevin shares this background intentionally. The churches, teachers, and fellowships that shaped him have influenced how he understands Scripture and the work of the Holy Spirit. He wants readers to be aware of that, to filter what they read wisely, and above all to let the Holy Spirit speak for Himself through the Word of God.
Kevin married Cissy at 23, and together they raised five children—Kyle, Brett, Ryan, Myra, and Caely. After years in Southern California, they moved to Grass Valley seeking a more rural life for their family. Along the way Kevin coached youth baseball, soccer, and basketball, learning both the joy and the limits of divided time. Today, they enjoy being closer to their grandchildren and sharing life more frequently together. In recent years, pickleball has become both a shared hobby and an unexpected source of new friendships.
Professionally, Kevin’s path into medicine was marked by persistence and humility. He was rejected 28 times over three years before finally being accepted into medical school. What once felt like delay, he came to see as God’s way of establishing ownership over his future. After medical school at UCLA and residency in Northridge, he moved to Northern California and opened a small family practice that later became a UC Davis satellite clinic. After 19 years with UC Davis, he returned to small-town family medicine and has transitioned into emergency medicine, where he continues to serve. Throughout his medical career, Kevin has repeatedly seen the Holy Spirit open his eyes not only to physical illness, but to the spiritual struggles carried into exam rooms and emergency departments, deepening his desire to serve with both truth and compassion.
This workbook is Kevin’s first effort to put something in writing beyond church and small-group settings. It grew out of a burden he has carried for years—seeing many believers unsure of their spiritual gifts and uncertain of their place in the body of Christ. A conversation with his pastor three years ago stirred him to take a deeper dive into what Scripture teaches about the Holy Spirit’s leading, equipping, and work in the life of the believer. This workbook is the fruit of that journey.
Kevin does not offer this as a theologian, but as a fellow traveler—someone still learning, still dependent, and still convinced that God delights to equip His people through the Holy Spirit and the Word of God.
Appendix 15
Acknowledgments and Methodology
1. I am deeply grateful for the rich heritage of family members and spiritual leaders who have poured love and wisdom into my life—men and women who have shown me Christ’s love and lived with what Scripture calls “the aroma of Christ.”
2. I am especially thankful for the Tuesday morning men’s Bible study—Rob, Larry, Phil, Thomas, Tom, Dave, Mark, Gabor, Nick, Rich, Dan, Frank, Perris, Brian, and Paul—who for over a decade have demonstrated faithfulness to the Word and a genuine desire to seek the Lord. During the season when I was studying the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament, this group became a place of sharpening, encouragement, and shared pursuit.
3. I am grateful for Andrew West, pastor at Crossroads Church, who has been a steady encouragement and a wise sounding board throughout this process.
4. To my most loving and insightful critic, who knows me best: thank you, Cis, for giving me the time, space, and freedom to pursue this direction. Your input was valuable, even when I was slow to receive it.
5. The seed for this project was planted when I became aware of our church’s need for a deacon crew. Although administration and service are not my primary gifts, I volunteered to help organize a team within the Helps Ministry. In that process, I discovered that there was already a thoughtful and effective system quietly serving many in need. Diana, a gifted administrator, graciously welcomed me into that circle. As I watched the ministry serve widows, the elderly, and those needing practical help, I came to an important realization: I was not the solution. There was a real need, but the Lord is the One who builds His Church—not the good ideas of men.
6. I initially thought the answer might be a Spiritual Gifts seminar, imagining that if everyone understood their gifts, all the pieces would fall into place. That seminar did not materialize. Andrew encouraged patience, reminding me that his priority—and the Holy Spirit’s—was to lead the body first into knowing Jesus more deeply. Two years in the Gospel of Luke was a wise and fruitful investment.
7. While waiting, I felt prompted to deepen my own understanding of the Holy Spirit. On a flight to the East Coast, I opened a Holman’s Exhaustive Concordance of the New American Standard Bible and began tracing the roughly 564 references to “Spirit” and “spirit,” most of which point to the Holy Spirit.
8. I completed that study in the summer of 2025 and was struck by the power and clarity of Scripture’s witness. Zacharias, Mary, Peter, Stephen, and so many others spoke with remarkable eloquence when filled with the Holy Spirit. I was also moved by the account of Bezalel—the craftsman filled with the Spirit and commissioned to build the tabernacle in Exodus.
9. For several years I had been reflecting on the disciples’ sudden loss of their Master, followed by the fifty-day waiting period before the coming of the Spirit. The Last Supper increasingly felt like a moment heavy with preparation—Jesus readying them not to live as orphans, but as victorious representatives, with Christ dwelling in them through the Holy Spirit.
10. When someone eventually asked what I planned to do with all this study, I realized I had no plan beyond wanting to know for myself who the Holy Spirit truly is—apart from traditions, assumptions, and claims I had heard over the years. I wanted Him to teach me His role in my life. Over time, I sensed a growing desire that others might also encounter Scripture directly under the Holy Spirit’s guidance. The idea of a workbook formed—one that would walk through the Scriptures broadly, offering as little overlay of my own opinions as possible, and allowing the student to build a personal reference shaped by their own study. For the past six months, I have been writing with that aim: to create accessible, bite-sized portions that serve both as a workbook and a growing personal manual. Initially designed for a “50 days to Pentecost” study, I’m realizing that the depths of the Holy Spirit’s work isn’t usually rushed.
11. I am very thankful for Ruth Farinha, who came to my rescue in developing the holyspiritmyhelper.org/ website. After spending weeks trying to solve technical problems on my own, I realized I needed help. Ruth stepped in and the site is now ten chapters deep and continuing to grow.
12. This online workbook is being offered freely, and the printed version is priced as low as possible. I have received the greatest gift free of charge—salvation. It is my prayer that the Lord would bless you through this work, giving you a deeper knowledge of Jesus and a growing experience of the Holy Spirit.
Reflection, Notes and Prayer