Disciple's Guide to the Holy Spirit
Detailed Course Outline
- The Holy
Spirit in the Old Testament
Examines the Spirit in creation, the Spirit coming upon kings and prophets, and
promises of the Spirit coming upon the Messiah and all believers (1 Samuel
10, 16; Numbers 11:16-17, 25; Joel 2:28-32; etc.)
- The Holy
Spirit in Jesus' Ministry
Explores passages that indicate the Spirit is the source of Jesus power, since Jesus relies fully
on the Father (John 5:19). He ministers in the power of the Spirit and
serves as example to his disciples of the Spirit-filled Man. He
promises to send the Spirit upon his followers.
- The Holy
Spirit Paraclete (John 14-16)
Jesus promises "another Paraclete" (translated variously as Helper,
Counselor, Comforter) whom he will send after he goes to the Father. The
Spirit will replace Jesus'
role with his disciples and enable them to do "greater works" than
Jesus himself (John 14:12). Explores each of the Paraclete passages in John 14, 15, and
16.
- Born
of the Holy Spirit
Studies Jesus' teaching on the Spirit concerning streams of living water
(John 7:37-39; 4:14) and being born of the water and the Spirit (John
3:1-8). Concludes with a look at regeneration by the Spirit (Titus 3:5-7).
- The Holy
Spirit Within
Examines Paul's teaching on the indwelling Spirit, featuring metaphors of a
temple, a house, adoption, internal testimony, anointing, seal, and
down-payment (1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Romans 8:9-15; 2 Corinthians 1:21-22).
Paul tells of the Spirit searching the deep things of God, enabling
disciples to
have the "mind of Christ" (1 Corinthians 2:10-16). Concludes with 1 John
4:4: "Greater is he who is in you...."
- Baptized
with the Holy Spirit
Studies all the word analogies related to "baptism with the Holy Spirit"
in the Book of Acts -- word pictures such as being "being filled," "being clothed," "receiving,"
"giving," and "sending." In that light, examines contemporary doctrines of separateness,
subsequence, and "initial physical evidence" concerning the
baptism with the
Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues (Acts 1:4-5, 8; chapter 2; 8:15-19;
10:44-45; 19:1-6, and related passages).
- The Holy
Spirit versus the Flesh
Explores passages on the struggle between the sinful nature ("the flesh") and the Holy Spirit (Romans
7:18-25; 8:1-9; Isaiah 26:3; Galatians 5:16-18), and result of the Spirit's
transformation -- the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).
- Gifts
Empowered by the Holy Spirit (part 1)
Sees spiritual gifts as specialized Spirit-empowered abilities designed to build up the Church
and expand the Kingdom. Notes similarities to and distinctions between
God-given talents and spiritual gifts, and reviews Jesus' Parable of the
Talents (Matthew 25:14-30). Notes that gifts are given according to grace,
not merit, examines the purposes of the gifts (Ephesians 4:12-13; 1
Corinthians 12:7), and the debate between cessationism vs. continuationism. Then examines the
five gifts in Ephesians 4:11
-- apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, and teacher.
- Gifts
Empowered by the Holy Spirit (part 2)
Explores gift-lists in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10; 28-30; Romans 12:3-8; 1 Peter
4:10-11, and discusses spiritual gifts of words of wisdom and knowledge,
faith, healings, working of miracles, discerning of spirits, speaking in
tongues, interpretation of tongues, helps/service,
exhortation/encouragement, administration/leadership, stewardship, mercy,
etc.
- Listening for the Holy
Spirit's Voice
Sees familiarity with the Spirit's voice as vital to maturing as a disciple.
Explores God's voice in Jesus' ministry, differences between messages in
words vs. nudges or promptings (Mark 1:33-38; John 5:19; 1 Corinthians
2:11-12, 16; Acts 8:26-38). Concludes with heart preparation as a humble
servant -- "Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening" (1 Samuel 3:1-10).
- Living in the Holy
Spirit
Explores abiding in the vine (John 15:1-17), beholding the Lord (2
Corinthians 3:18), and corporate worship (Ephesians 5:18-20) as ways the
Spirit uses to transform us. Examines spiritual warfare weapons of the sword
of the Spirit and praying in the Spirit (Ephesians 6:10-18; Jude 20).
Concludes by describing the lifestyle that will help a disciple walk in
Spirit day by day.
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