Sun. 2/3/2014
Quarter’s Theme: THE HOLY SPIRIT
Unit 1 Theme: Experiential Encounter With The Holy Spirit (Lessons 1-3)
SOUL WINNERS CROWN COMPETITION MONTHS
2/3/2014 LESSON 1
KNOWING THE HOLY SPIRIT
Suggested Hymns: G.H.B. 193, 194
Devotional Reading: MATTHEW 3:10-17
Topic For Adults
ACCORD HIM DUE HONOUR
Topic For Youths
YOU NEED THE HOLY SPIRIT
Scripture Lesson
PS. 139:7-10; ACTS 2:3; 5:3-4; JN. 14:26; 16:7,13; 1:32; ISA. 44:3.
Memory Verse: But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. (Jn. 14:26) NKJV
DAILY BIBLE READING
He Is Divine
Acts 5:1-11
The Holy Spirit is God Himself. He possesses all the characteristics of God – He is Omnipotent, Omniscient and Omnipresent. He knows all things. He knows the thoughts, motives and actions of man, even before they are carried out. And also because He is the Spirit of truth, He hates lies and hypocrisy from those that belong to Him. Ananias and Sapphira were punished for their shortcomings so as to send a warning signal to the early Church and to those of us today that the Holy Spirit is divine and we must not use double standard in our relationship with Him. Don’t hide anything from Him, for He knows it already.
Point of Emphasis: Why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit?
Prayer Point: Holy Spirit, help me to be transparently honest in my dealing with You and with others as well.
BACKGROUND
When we talk about the Godhead, majority of Christians understand and can
explain explicitly the nature, names and mission of God the Father and God
the Son but may not be able to do the same for God the Holy Spirit. There seems to be lack of understanding about the Holy Spirit in the Church and this should not be so. This week’s lesson focuses on the deity, personality, names, titles and emblems of the Holy Spirit.
NOTES ON THE TEXT
I. THE HOLY SPIRIT IS GOD – PS. 139:7-10; ACTS 5:3-4.
There is the misconception in the heart of some people about the divinity of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is God Himself. He is the third person in the Godhead. The doctrine of the deity of the Holy Spirit is clearly taught in the Scripture. He is divine. He is co-equal with God. He has the same divine attributes that God the Father and God the Son have. These attributes include:
The Holy Spirit is Omnipresent: The Holy Spirit is universally present. The Bible says “where shall I go from Your spirit? Or where shall I flee from Your presence…?” (Ps. 139:7-10). This confirms that the Holy Spirit is present everywhere. No one can hide himself or herself from Him. He is right there with you whether you are in the cave, in the tunnel, in the sea, in the air, anywhere and everywhere.
The Holy Spirit is Omnipotent: He has unlimited power to do all things. The supernatural conception of Jesus by Mary was made possible by the power of the Holy Spirit (Lk. 1:35). Jesus was also empowered by the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:38).
The Holy Spirit is Omniscient: He knows all things. He searches and knows all things, even the deep things of God (1 Cor. 2:10-12). This is the reason why He can reveal to us things that are not yet done or known by anyone, if only we will depend on Him.
He is eternal: The Holy Spirit was with God during the creation of the world (Gen. 1:2). He is also the eternal Spirit that is without beginning and without end (Heb. 9:14). He has been, He is and He will continue to be forever and ever.
He is God: Peter, in the incidence of Ananias and Sapphira mentioned that the couple lied to the Holy Ghost whom He eventually called God (Acts 5:3-4).
The Holy Spirit shares equal oneness with God the Father and God the Son: There are many passages in the Bible where the three personalities of the Godhead are mentioned together. For instance at Jesus’ baptism (Matt. 3:16-17); in sharing grace in fellowship (2 Cor. 13:14); in the command of the Great Commission (Matt. 28:19-20); etc.
All the above attributes of the Holy Spirit which He shares with God the Father and God the Son, show that the Holy Spirit is God.
II. HOLY SPIRIT IS A PERSON – JN. 14:26; 16:7,13
Some people think that Holy Spirit is a feeling, an idea, an emotion and influence or even a force. This is a misconception about the personality of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is a person, as much as the Father and the Son are persons. He has the attributes of a person. For example, a person is identified by name. The Holy Spirit has so many names. He is called Comforter (Jn. 16:7); the Spirit of truth (Jn. 14:17; 15:26); the Spirit of God (1 Cor. 3:16); the Spirit of Christ (Rom. 8:9); the Spirit of grace (Heb. 10:29); the Spirit of life (Rev. 11:11); the Spirit of wisdom and revelation (Eph. 1:17); the Spirit of faith (2 Cor. 4:13); the Spirit of glory (1 Pet. 4:14); etc.
Apart from the names above, the Bible usually refers to the Holy Spirit in the personal pronoun “He” or “Him”. For instance “that He may abide with you forever” (Jn. 14:16); “for He dwells with you” (Jn. 14:17); “He shall teach you all things” (Jn. 14:26); “I will send Him” (Jn. 16:7); “He shall not speak of Himself” (Jn. 16:13).
In addition, personal characteristics are ascribed to him which human beings have. For example, He has knowledge (1 Cor. 2:11); He has a will (1 Cor. 12:11); He has a mind (Rom. 8:27); He is intelligent (Neh. 9:20); He loves (Rom. 15:30); He prays (Rom. 8:26); He speaks (Acts 8:29; 10:19; 13:2); He can be grieved (Eph. 4:30); He forbids (Acts 16:6,7); He teaches (Jn. 14:26) etc.
All the above attributes reveal that the Holy Spirit is a person. Having this understanding will assist a Christian in his or her relationship with the Holy Spirit.
III. THE SYMBOLS OR EMBLEMS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT – ISA. 44:3, JN. 1:32; ACTS 2:3
Some symbols or emblems have been used in the Bible in connection with the Holy Spirit so as to be able to understand the move, nature, works, operations and mission of the Holy Spirit. These symbols include:
Dove – (Jn. 1:32). The dove as a symbol describes the gentleness, tenderness, loveliness, innocence, mildness, peace, purity, patience and modesty of the Holy Spirit. Christians are to have all these virtues.
Fire – (Acts 2:3). On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit appeared unto them in form of cloven tongues like as of fire and it sat upon each of them. Fire indicates the presence, purging, purification, protec-tion, fiery boldness, zeal, approval, judgment and gift of God.
Water – (Isa. 44:3; Jn. 7:37-38). Holy Spirit is the fountain of living water. He floods believers’ souls to remove the stain, spot and dust of sin. He brings refreshment when we are wearied and quenches our thirst after righteousness and holiness.
Oil – (Heb. 1:9; Lk. 4:18; Acts 10:38). When a person is empowered by the Holy Spirit, it is often said that he or she is anointed. In this sense, oil is regarded as a symbol of the Holy Spirit. It indicates light, healing, anointing for service, usefulness, fruitfulness, gladness and comfort of the soul.
Wind – (Acts 2:1-2; Jn. 3:8). The wind indicates an unseen power of God as it penetrates, transform, gives life and purifies.
A seal – (Eph. 1:13; 2 Cor. 1:22). “Seal” as a symbol of the Holy Spirit indicates ownership. It shows that believers belong to God. Only those who have the seal of the Holy Spirit in their lives are really God’s property and people.
CONCLUSION
What has been your knowledge and assessment of the Holy Spirit before today? This lesson has really shown that the Holy Spirit is both divine and a person. He is not a force, a feeling or an influence. He is the third person of the Trinity. Also, know that we are in the dispensation of the Holy Spirit and this is why Christians must desire Him and form a solid relationship with the Holy Spirit.
QUESTIONS
1. Who is the Holy Spirit to you?
2. What is the relationship of the Holy Spirit to God?
3. Mention some attributes that show the Holy Spirit is a person
4. What are some of the symbols or emblems of the Holy Spirit?
5. Does a Christian need the Holy Spirit?
FRENCH
DIMANCHE 02/03/2014
IL EST DIVIN
ACTES 5 :1-11
Le Saint-Esprit est Dieu lui-même. Il possède toutes les caractéristiques de Dieu. Il est Omnipotent, Omniscient et Omniprésent. Il sait tout. Il connaît les pensées, les motifs et les faits et gestes de l’homme même avant qu’ils ne s’accomplissent. Et compte tenu du fait qu’il est l’Esprit de vérité, il abhorre le mensonge et l’hypocrisie de ceux qui se réclament de lui. Ananias et Saphira furent punis pour leurs défauts afin d’envoyer un signal d’avertissement à l’église primitive et à ceux de nous aujourd’hui, que le Saint-Esprit est divin et que nous ne devons pas faire usage de deux poids, deux mesures dans nos relations avec lui. Ne lui cache rien car il en a déjà connaissance.
Point essentiel : Pourquoi Satan a-t-il rempli ton cœur, au point que tu mentes à l’Esprit ?
Axe de prière : Saint-Esprit, aide-moi à être manifestement honnête dans mes rapports avec toi et aussi avec les autres.