Knowing God Study - Lesson 7 Ý
Copyright 2004-5 by William Meisheid

Chapter 6: He Shall Testify

Today’s theme: Giving a proper place to the Third Person of the Holy Trinity, the Holy Spirit

Scriptural background: "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." Rev 2:7, 11, 17, 20; 3:6, 13, 22

Quote for the week

"The Holy Spirit makes a man a Christian, and if he is a Christian through the work of the Holy Spirit, that same Spirit draws him to other Christians in the church. An individual Christian is not Christian at all." John Rudolph Brokhoff, Author, seminary professor and pastor.

“When, God knows, I'm toss'd about
Either with despair or doubt;  
Yet before the glass be out,  
Sweet Spirit, comfort me!”
From Litany to the Holy Spirit, Robert Herrick. 1591–1674

Concern: The Holy Spirit will either be too important or not important enough

We err when either elevate too highly or reduce the stature and ministry of the Holy Spirit.

“We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son.” Nicene Creed

1   Why is a balanced view of the Godhead important? Have you maintained that balance in your own life? How or how not?

2   When did the Holy Spirit first become a dynamic part of the Godhead for you? What prompted this beginning?

Interacting With The Text

Goal: To learn about the Holy Spirit so that we can grasp His purpose and activity in the life of Christians.

1   What unique doctrine of God does Christianity rest upon? Why is this doctrine important to the church? Why is it important to you personally?

2   According to Jesus, when he promised the Holy Spirit to the disciples, he said the Spirit was not the comforter but another comforter. What is the importance of Jesus calling the Holy Spirit, "another comforter?" What does this description of the Holy Spirit mean to us?

3   Is it really necessary to see a distinction between the work of Jesus and the work of the Holy Spirit? Why or why not?

4   What is the significance of the Old Testament parallels between the word and breath of God? Think about hovering and falling upon (OT) and indwelling (NT). Why is this distinction about the activity of the Holy Spirit important?

5   How is the Holy Spirit related to the Lordship of Jesus Christ? e.g. see Lk 12:12, Jn 14:26, 16:7-8. What phrase in the Nicene Creed codifies this relationship? 

6   According to Packer, can you be a Christian without having the Holy Spirit? Why is his argument significant?

7   How do we honor or dishonor the Holy Spirit is our daily walk? How should we relate to the Holy Spirit?

8   Explain the Trinity in your own words. Why is it important to do this?

 What To Do Next

Review Section One: Know The Lord. Consider what God has revealed to you about Himself in your study of this section and how it might change your life going forward.

Goal: To always give the Holy Spirit His proper place in the Godhead.           

Remember, you did not first seek out God, He sought out you and the fact that you are graven on His palms should ever be part of your understanding of who you are and who He is.